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Conversations Across Generations is an intergenerational event series created by WesleyLife Meals on Wheels in partnership with Drake University’s Office of Community Engaged Learning. Each session brings together Drake students, faculty, and community members of all ages to share a meal and take part in guided conversations tied to course-related topics. By exchanging perspectives across generations, the series strengthens understanding, builds relationships, and turns shared dialogue into lasting connection.

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Upcoming Conversation Topics

Conversations Across Generations continues to explore timely topics through guided discussions led by Drake professors and students, connecting classroom learning with lived experience across generations.

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In Their Own Words

Participants reflect on their experience and the conversations that stayed with them.

I learned, from the perspective of others much older than me, that, while it is important to live your life in the moment and experience things, life is extremely long for most people. I feel as if that isn't acknowledged enough. There is always time to heal, and there is always time for a new beginning.
Topic: Grief and Joy
Conversations on Living with Loss
I enjoyed watching a Baby Boomer and a Gen Zer connect over various topics. I learned more Des Moines history as well as contributions by members of my church to Des Moines history.
Topic: The Civil Rights Movement
National Struggles, Iowa Stories
I had a great time learning about how work culture has differed and stayed the same throughout the years. Being able to converse with others in my community was a wonderful experience both personally and professionally.
Topic: Leading Across Generations
Sharing Lessons on Work, Leadership, and Purpose
I thought the lunch went really well and I really enjoyed my time at the lunch. I appreciated getting to hear from different people who came from different backgrounds and had different stories. I felt like I came out of the experience as a better person and supporter.
Topic: Grief and Joy
Conversations on Living with Loss
I really loved being surrounded by other generations and hearing their perspectives. insightful experience to be a part of!
Topic: Seeing Ourselves
Representations of Aging in Art
Excellent way to spend time. We can change the world one person at a time.
Topic: The Civil Rights Movement
National Struggles, Iowa Stories
I wish there was more time to discuss we all had such good points and conversations.
Topic: Leading Across Generations
Sharing Lessons on Work, Leadership, and Purpose
Different generations bring varied perspectives to share when looking at the value of the same artwork.
Topic: Seeing Ourselves
Representations of Aging in Art
Young people are our future, and it is in good hands.
Topic: Leading Across Generations
Sharing Lessons on Work, Leadership, and Purpose

Highlights From the 2025 Series

What began in 2025 as Generations Over Lunch created space for connection across generations. The impact continues to resonate.

Generations Over Lunch 4

There is freedom and hope in knowing you can carry joy and grief together. Why? And what are the benefits and challenges of carrying complicated emotions? Drake Sociology Professor Nancy Berns and students from her Grief and Loss course engaged in conversations about the diverse ways people experience grief and learn to live with loss.

Generations Over Lunch 1

The civil rights movement isn’t just history — it’s lived experience. Dr. Megan Sibbel and Drake Public History students explored Iowa’s connections to the national movement. Together, participants shared memories, reflected on local and national struggles, and considered how the movement continues to shape lives today.

Generations Over Lunch 2

How does art engage with representations of aging? In this session, Drake Assistant Professor of Art Sascha Crasnow and students in her Art History course shared artwork that portrayed older adults and invited participants to reflect on how these images represent lived experiences, challenge popular conceptions of aging, and speak about topics that are not often brought out into the open. Together, attendees discussed the potential of art to open up conversations or potentially reinforce stereotypes that need to be pushed back against.

Generations Over Lunch 3

What does good leadership look like — and how has it changed? In this session, Drake Assistant Professor of Leadership, HR, and Organizational Behavior Molly Shepard and her students had attendees reflect on building trust, handling conflict, and finding purpose at work. Through shared stories and experiences, community members and students learn how advice to professionals has changed across generations and what leading a meaningful life – at work and at home – looks like for each of them.