Angie Brandel to Explore How Travel Opens the World of Education at Last Lecture

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Angie Brandel, EdD, retiring professor of teacher education at the University of Dubuque, will share travel stories that have colored her journey as a Spartan when she presents "Last Lecture: Opening the World Through Travel and Experiential Learning" at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Room 264, Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center on campus.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m.

During her lecture, Brandel will explore how innovative, experiential learning through travel can open a world of education. She will share unforgettable experiences from study abroad trips as a professor to Sri Lanka, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Cuba, Spain, Africa, and North Dakota. She will show how embracing diverse wonders can lead to a deepened appreciation for global heritage - fueling curiosity, respect, and adventure.

Sponsored by UD's Student Government Association, the Last Lecture is a time-honored tradition in which retiring faculty or staff share words of wisdom. Brandel, who is retiring after over 15 years of service to UD, will be honored for her accomplishments in teaching and service to the field of education.

Brandel joined UD in September 2010. She teaches introductory level courses in human relation skills, special education, and learning and teaching processes. As a qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, she has provided feedback to over 2,000 students to help improve cultural competence. Prior to her time at UD, Brandel taught K-12 general education for nearly 10 years.

Brandel received a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, and a maser of arts in elementary education and teaching from Loras College in Dubuque. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota. Brandel's master degree in effective teaching in elementary education focused on the lack of Native history and culture in the K-12 curriculum.