A University of Iowa expert will explore the unprecedented financial crises affecting America’s middle class in a free public lecture presented by the UI Alumni Association (UIAA).

Part of the UIAA’s ongoing Lifelong Learning series, “Middle Class: How We Got Here and What the Future Holds” takes place at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center in Des Moines.

UI Professor Kevin Leicht, chair of the sociology department and director of the Iowa Social Science Research Center, will examine the clues to the 2008 economic downturn crisis and its implications for America’s middle class. How do falling real incomes, record levels of consumer debt, bankruptcies, home foreclosures, and the decline of steady jobs affect this substantial group of American workers?

Light refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by McGladrey.

The deadline to register is by noon, Thursday, April 19, at www.iowalum.com/lifelonglearning/middle.