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SEPTEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 18

Fall 2026

Table of Contents Class Locations and Contact Info...........................3 Announcements................................................................. 4 How to Register.....................................................................5 Membership Info and Policies....................................6 Classes by Start Date.....................................................10 Art and Design............................................................16 Cultural, Domestic, and Global Affairs...... 27 Health and Wellness...............................................41 History, Psychology, and Philosophy..........58 Literature and Communication.....................69 Music, Theatre, and Film.....................................78 Nature, Science, and Technology................85 Shared Interest Groups..............................................104 OLLI Member Bonus Lectures.................................106 Travel With OLLI................................................................ 107 Meet the Instructors.....................................................108 Honor Roll of Donors..................................................... 132 Give the Gift of Learning............................................ 133

Important Dates Aug. 27

Fall Open House, Drake Centre (802 W. Drake Rd), 2-4 p.m.

Sept. 1

Registration for Art & Design opens at 9 a.m.

Sept. 2

Full registration opens at 9 a.m.

Sept. 21

Fall 2026 classes begin

Nov. 23–27

CSU break – no OLLI classes

Fall 2026 Director’s Message Fall at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Colorado State University is a season where curiosity returns to the forefront and learning takes on renewed purpose. I’m so glad you’re here to be part of it. Whether you’re continuing your journey with us or joining for the first time, OLLI is a place shaped by the people in it—individuals who show up with open minds, thoughtful questions, and a genuine interest in connecting with others. That spirit is what transforms courses into conversations and programs into community. This year holds particular meaning for us as we celebrate 20 years since OLLI at CSU was officially endowed by the Bernard Osher Foundation on July 10, 2006. What began with a handful of classes and a dedicated group of learners, has grown into a dynamic and engaged community of more than 1,700 members each term. With the support of Colorado State University, OLLI remains grounded in a simple but powerful idea that learning is most meaningful when it is shared. Our fall offerings reflect that philosophy. From timely discussions to creative exploration to hands-on experiences, this term’s lineup is designed to meet you wherever your interests may lead. There’s no single path through OLLI—only opportunities to follow what sparks your curiosity and to discover something unexpected along the way. What makes this community exceptional isn’t just the breadth of programming, but the depth of engagement—from instructors who generously share their expertise, from members who bring insight and perspective, and from staff whose dedication behind the scenes helps create a welcoming, seamless, and enriching learning experience. As the season unfolds, I hope you find moments that challenge you, conversations that stay with you, and connections that enrich your experience well beyond the classroom. Warmly,

Meredith Naughton

OLLI at a Glance

200+ classes and lectures 100+ instructors 7

member bonus lectures

Diverse in-person and online program offerings:

• Art and Design • Cultural, Domestic, and Global Affairs

• Health and Wellness • History, Psychology,

N Overland Trail

2,000+ members

and Philosophy

• Literature and Communication • Music, Theatre, and Film • Nature, Science, and Technology S Overland Trail

“OLLI has high-quality instructors and a ton of varying classes to choose from.”

“Come for the subjects and stay for your new friends.”

What Our Members Say “Just sign up for OLLI and experience the program— you’ll be hooked!”

“OLLI courses help you create community, learn new things, and stay meaningfully engaged!” 2

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Class Locations 44

1 CSU Drake Hall

2545 Research Dr.

US US 287

287

NNTaft TaftHill HillRd Rd

Downtown Downtown FortCollins Collins Fort

VineDr Dr EEVine

2 Empire Grange

2306 W. Mulberry

3 The Cooking Studio 123 N. College Ave.

14 33 14

4 The Lyric Theatre

1209 N. College Ave.

5 Studio West Dance

WMulberry MulberrySt St W

Center 1640 Riverside Ave

Aztlan 6 Northside Community Center 112 E. Willow St.

ColoradoState State Colorado University University

US 287 287

WDrake DrakeRd Rd W

801 W. Laurel St.

SSTimberline TimberlineRd Rd

SSShields ShieldsStSt

SSTaft TaftHill HillRd Rd

WProspect ProspectRd Rd W

7 Corbett Hall

Contact Us OLLI Online Registration www.osher.colostate.edu Comments and Questions OLLI@colostate.edu Meredith Naughton, Director Meredith.Naughton@colostate.edu Julie Braswell, Senior Program Manager Julie.Braswell@colostate.edu Debbie Madden-Derdich, Program Manager Debra.Madden-Derdich@colostate.edu

Fall 2026 Announcements Your Choice: OLLI In-Person or Online

With 200+ multiweek courses, OLLI Talks, experiential tours, and OLLI member bonus activities, we think you’ll find there is something of interest for everyone. We are excited to continue offering 65% of the fall curriculum in-person at Drake Hall, with another 15% online, and 20% at offsite locations around Fort Collins.

Hybrid Courses

Seven hybrid courses are available in-person at Drake Hall OR online via Zoom this term. With a limited in-person classroom capacity, it is very important to register for your preferred format (online OR inperson) and to check your enrollment confirmations to ensure you are correctly registered. Unfortunately, it is not possible to register for the online section and then attend in-person. Once the in-person section is full, the online section will automatically become available for registration.

Online Registration Encouraged

We encourage members to continue using online registration and ask that you email OLLI@colostate.edu if you need help with this process. Members are welcome to register in-person at Drake Hall on September 1 and 2, but please note that NO on-site registration will be available at the Open House.

OLLI Monthly Email Newsletter

If you are not a member and want to receive the OLLI Monthly Newsletter, please complete the OLLI Newsletter Request Form, found on the OLLI website, or email OLLI@colostate.edu and request to be included in the email list to receive program highlights and learn about upcoming events.

Complimentary Member Bonus Courses

OLLI is pleased to continue offering the extremely popular series of complimentary bonus lectures for our members. This fall, members can enjoy seven presentations on a variety of topics. These bonus lectures are made possible thanks to your generous donations and are free to fall term OLLI members. Space is limited, however, and registration is required.

How to Zoom

Are you new to Zoom or would you like a Zoom refresher? Please contact the OLLI Team at OLLI@colostate.edu to set up a personal tutorial session with one of our helpful OLLI team members.

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

How to Register Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. Registration opens online for all Art & Design courses

Sept. 2 at 9 a.m. Registration opens for all courses

There are two ways to register online:

1 Go to www.osher.colostate.edu, select “Courses” at the top of the page, and browse the course list OR

2 Browse the interactive online catalog and select the “Click to Register” button next to the desired course.

To complete your registration: • Click the “Add to Cart” button on each course detail page. • After making all your course selections go to your cart and click the “Checkout” button.

• Login to your account with your email and password to

complete the transaction. If you do not have an OLLI account, you will be prompted to create one. You can also complete this step before searching courses.

• Your Zoom access link(s) for online classes will be sent to

you in your receipt confirmation email and emailed in a reminder the day before the class begins. This link will not change for multi-week courses.

If you have difficulty with the online registration process, you may contact our OLLI team by email at OLLI@colostate.edu, by phone at 970-491-7753, or in-person at Drake Hall beginning on September 1 (for art and design classes only) or September 2.

“OLLI courses help you create community, learn new things, and stay meaningfully engaged!”

Membership Info and Policies About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The San Francisco–based Bernard Osher Foundation was started in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessperson and community leader. The Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life by supporting higher education and the arts. In partnership with the Bernard Osher Foundation, over 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are located on the campuses of colleges and universities in every state. Each institute provides a diverse array of noncredit courses and activities specifically developed for intellectually curious adults of all ages, with special attention to “seasoned adults” ages 50 or better. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Colorado State University was established in July of 2006 through an endowment by the Bernard Osher Foundation. OLLI at CSU is a membership-based program committed to fostering lifelong learning and enriching lives. Join us today to take part in OLLI’s growing community of learners and wide educational opportunities.

Why Become a Member?

Indulge your curiosity! People who are active, engaged in their communities, and enjoy learning throughout their lives feel more productive and purposeful and are healthier and happier. At OLLI there are no admission requirements, no grades, no tests, and no pressure. Instead, OLLI offers the opportunity to constantly learn more about the world, spark new curiosities, and join a community of inquisitive minds.

Who Belongs to OLLI?

Our members are people like you from all professions, educational backgrounds, and places. We welcome adults of all ages – with special consideration of those fifty and better – with a desire to learn, engage, build new friendships, and actively discover more about the world around us.

Become a Reciprocal Member of OLLI at DU

Membership with OLLI at CSU also provides the opportunity to become a Reciprocal Member at the University of Denver (DU) OLLI for $20/ year. This reciprocal membership provides access to online webinars, fitness classes, and a joint OLLI travel program. Email OLLI@colostate.edu for more information.

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Why Membership Fees?

OLLI at CSU is a member-based, member-driven program. Each term, a current membership is required to participate in our many exciting multi-week courses, OLLI Talks lectures, and OLLI Experiences. OLLI non-refundable membership fees include complimentary member bonus lectures and are critical to our institute’s success and sustainability. Along with course tuition and donations, membership fees provide support for affordable, quality programming and the cultivation of an active lifelong learner community.

OLLI Membership • OLLI offers two membership terms each year:

Fall (August-December) and Spring (January-June).

• The $25 membership fee each term allows access to registration for all in-person and online courses and lectures.

• Enjoy complimentary member-only bonus activities included with your paid membership each term.

• If you are unsure of your membership status, visit the OLLI

homepage and go to “My Account” and select “My Profile.” Scroll to the bottom to find your membership information. If you do not have a current membership, one will automatically be added to your checkout cart when you register for classes.

Multi-Week Courses, OLLI Talk Lectures, and Special Program Fees • A paid membership is required to register for all courses, lectures, and special programs.

• Tuition for each course and special program varies based on the length of the course, as well as location and included supplies.

• Registration for each 2-hour OLLI Talks lecture is typically $10. • Registration for multiple courses is encouraged. • All courses, OLLI Talks lectures, and special programs enroll on a

first-come basis, subject to space availability. Waitlists are always available and highly encouraged.

• Registration continues throughout the term until the day a class or lecture begins.

Tuition Assistance

Thanks to the generosity of the Oltjenbruns Tuition Assistance Fund and the Cathy Stawarski Fund, scholarships are available to any new or returning member experiencing financial difficulty. If financial challenges prohibit you from enrolling in OLLI courses, you are invited and encouraged to apply for tuition assistance to help with course fees by filling out a simple Tuition Assistance Application, which can be found under the FAQs on the OLLI website.

Course Waitlists

If an online or in-person course reaches capacity, a waitlist will become available. If you register online, you will have the opportunity to directly add your name to the waitlist of any course at capacity. If a course does not show up in your search, the class and the waitlist are both full. If space in a waitlisted class becomes available, you will receive an email notification and will have 48 hours to accept the invitation to register for that class. If you do not register for the class within the 48-hour window, the automated system will offer the space to the next person on the waitlist.

Drop, Transfer, and Refund Appeal Policy

OLLI course and membership fees are critical to our institute’s sustainability and are non-refundable. If you need to drop a class, please visit the OLLI website to find a suitable transfer course that might better fit your schedule or needs. To arrange for a course transfer, email OLLI at OLLI@colostate.edu. A full or partial refund will only be considered on a case-by-case basis and for unusual extenuating circumstances. If you feel you have a unique situation requiring a refund, please complete a Refund Appeal Form, which can be found under the FAQs on the OLLI website. Members will be asked to provide written information detailing the reason for the refund request and will be notified once a determination is reached.

Unable to Attend

If you register for a class and cannot attend, please notify our office via email or phone. Do not offer your class seat to someone not registered for the class since we will reach out to members on the waitlist to fill the vacancy. Attendance is taken during each class session and unregistered visitors will not be allowed to remain in the class.

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Class Cancellations

If a course or lecture is canceled, OLLI staff will reach out to all affected class members by email or phone as soon as possible. Members will have a 48-hour window to request a transfer to another course. Please check the OLLI website for alternative class options. After 48 hours, a full refund will be processed. Credit card refunds require ten business days.

Inclement Weather Days

If Colorado State University announces a weather-related closure, OLLI classes are also canceled that day, including online classes. In the event of a snow day or emergency cancellation of a single class, OLLI staff will notify all class members as soon as possible and will coordinate with the instructor regarding a makeup date. To guarantee we can contact you in case of a cancellation, please ensure your contact information is current. Email OLLI@colostate.edu if you need help updating your personal information.

Participant Guidelines

The mission of education is to promote intellectual, personal and social development and to provide an environment that encourages reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, openness, and respect for the rights, opinions, and needs of all class participants without divisive, or polarizing comments. Thank you for keeping our virtual and in-person classrooms a positive learning space for all!

Support Your OLLI at CSU

Your tax-deductible contributions are essential to support and maintain a high-quality OLLI program, allowing us to keep membership and course fees low. As a self-supporting program, OLLI depends on your membership and tuition fees as well as contributions to sustain our program. Every dollar you give makes a difference. With your contributions, we can enhance and grow our engaging and thoughtful learning environment. Please consider making a valued donation by emailing giftplanning@colostate.edu or donate directly at give.colostate.edu/campaigns/44680.

Classes by Start Date Start Course Number, Title, Instructor Date

Format Pg.

9/21, 9/24 1047 CSU Trial Garden Plants -Shaw

Offsite

9/21

3405 The Nature of Connection: -Delene

Drake

9/21

6187 Colorado's RMNP -Jessen

Drake

9/21

4117 What Poetry Is & Is Not -Patterson

Drake

9/21

4118 Beginning Conversational Spanish -Sargent

Drake

9/21

6155 Larimer County in a Nutshell -Jessen

Drake

9/21

8116 Ecotourism -Cook

Drake

9/22

6175 An Agent’s Story: The FBI I Know -Carroll

Drake

9/22 5112 Policing in Post-Conflict Societies: -Czaja

Drake

9/22 3170 Finish Well Beyond 50 -Feller

Drake

9/22 3390 Travel Smarter with Digital Tools: Trip Planning -Vickery

Drake

9/22 8112 The New Frontier: AI & Me -Lovaas

Drake

9/22 3256 Exploring CSU's Casavant Organ -Bacon

UCA

9/22 7073 Beginner West African Drumming Class -Desnoyers

Grange

9/23 2099 Gaudi-Inspired Mosaic Color Adventure -Walkup

Drake

9/23 7060 Knowing the Score: A History of Film Music -Morrison

Drake

9/23 9004 Beginner Level ESSENTRICS® Aging Backwards -Nolan

SWDC

9/23 4127 British Classics Book Club -Wernsman

Drake

9/23 5108 Miscellaneous Books of the Hebrew Bible -Katzir

Drake

9/23 6182 La Sale Guerre: The First Indochina War (1945-1955) -Dewey Drake

9/23 8080 Foundations of Quantum Mechanics -Friedman

Online

9/23, 1046 Reset Retreat: From Chaos to Calm -O'Brien 9/30

Aztlan

9/23 1053 Monks & Beer: A Tasting Tour -Bacon

Zwei

9/24 1055 Mindful Birding: Fall into Birding -Patterson

Drake+

9/24 3401 Economic Update -Olienyk

Hybrid

9/24 7074 American Tango -Olivas/Baczek

Grange 43

9/24 3411 Storms in a Changing Climate -Franke

Drake

9/24 4119 Weathering the Storm: Conflict with Resilience -Clark

Drake

9/25, 1045 Natural History of Lory State Park -Pickett 9/28

Offsite

9/25 5510 Bread: Ukrainian Heritage, Resilience, & Revival -Sherman

Drake

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Start Course Number, Title, Instructor Date

Format Pg.

9/25 6039 White Gold - Great Western Sugar Company -Jessen

Drake+

9/25 9107 Aging Smarter: a Cognitive Upgrade -Robinson

Online

9/25 3369 The Constitutional Right of Privacy at 100: -Russi

Drake

9/25 3192 Reframing Retirement -Feller

Drake

9/25 4129 Encountering Naomi Shihab Nye -Leisure

Drake

9/28 3262 Learning from Life’s Transitions -Feller

Drake

9/28, 10/19, 9103 Qigong for Wellness -Ankeny 11/9

Online

9/29 4125 Writing Personal Essays about Natural World -Nelson Senie

Drake

9/29 7070 International Women Directors -Kozloff

Spur

9/29, 9043 Intermediate Level ESSENTRICS® Aging Backwards -Nolan 11/10

SWDC

9/29 1213 CSU Powerhouse Energy Campus Tour -Staff

Offsite

9/29, 7001 Cinema du Jour -Merriman 9/30

Lyric

9/29 3391 Travel Smarter with Digital Tools -Vickery

Drake

9/29 3400 The Federal Reserve -Olienyk

Hybrid

9/29 1059 Exploring Pathways Hospice -Hyatt

Offsite

9/30 8113 Artificial Intelligence: Uses, Future Possibilities -Waal

Drake

9/30 1044 Oktoberfest at Maxline Brewing -Sherman

Maxline

9/30 7079 Finding the Words: On Translation(s) & Truth(s) -Leisure

Drake

9/30 7081 On the Trail to the American Sound: Part 3 -Kenney

Drake

10/1

4036 Red Herring -Blair

Drake

10/1

6160 Thinking Is Not What You Think & Other Tricks -Reiter

Drake

10/1

2105 Lettering by H& Plus Design & Layout -Odbert

Drake

10/1

2097 Create Watercolor Greeting Cards -Dunnington

Drake

10/1

4068 Creative Writing Workshop -Wernsman

Drake

10/1

3360 Broadway Showstoppers -Rosenblum

Online

10/1

3419 Rockefeller Center -Zabel

Online

10/2, 10/9, 3245 Basic Smartphone Navigation & Accessibility -McDonagh 10/30

Drake

10/2

Drake

1222 Who You Are Matters! (Boardgame) -Feller

Start Course Number, Title, Instructor Date 10/2

Format Pg.

3321 How Can Your Home be a Lifelong Home?! -Dunbar/Sorrells Drake

10/5, 10/12 1274 Shin-rin Yoku: What is Forest Bathing? -Golinvaux

ELC

10/5 5072 Through the Lens of Chaos -Vanderkloot/Kirmmse

Drake

10/5 7042 Learn to Play Classical Guitar -Singer

Drake

10/5 5111 Open Door to ICE: Immigration, Economics & Power -Day

Online

10/6 2098 Travel Photography -Vega

Online

10/6 3396 The Erosion of Democracy in 1930s Germany -Farr

Drake

10/6 2106 Smartphone Photography & Videography Basics -Martin

Drake

10/6 1060 Flavors of the Mediterranean at the Cooking Studio -Staff

C Studio 47

10/7

4122 Processing Aging Through Poetry -Hillson Aiello

Drake

10/7

3415 Pundits, Polls & Politics! The 2026 Mid-term Election! -Stowell Online

10/7

1038 Italian Sourdough Focaccia & Grissini -Sherman

Corbett 32

10/8 6189 The Legacies of the American War in Vietnam -Crabtree

Drake

10/8 3422 Medicare 2027: Know Your ABCDs -Bernstein

Online

10/8 7069 Broadcasting Underground -Pagliasotti

Online

10/9 6180 The Most Decorated U.S. Army Unit in World War II -Hirai

Drake

10/9 4126 Linguistic Rivalry in Early Medieval England -Wernsman

Drake

10/9 1217 CSU Weather Station Tour -Newman

Weather Station

10/9 6176 The U.S. Constitution -Russi

Drake

10/12 3404 The Blue Trunk: Book Talk -Lowry

Drake

10/13 3393 Healing Insights from Nature -Schneider

Drake

10/14 2010 Perspective Drawing for Artists -Osmann

Drake

10/14 6143 100 Years of Surrealism -Osmann

Drake

10/15 1058 Returning to Stillness: A Retreat -Schneider

Primrose 48

10/15 3387 Detecting Deepfakes & Manipulated Images -Vickery

Hybrid

10/16 3191 Gardening for Insects - or Not! -Cranshaw

Drake

10/16 2104 The New York Art Scene -Sharkoffmadrid

Drake

10/19 3409 Navigating Today's Healthcare System -Lipscomb

Drake

10/19 1051 Lindenmeier: A Nature Hike Adventure -Atkinson

Drake+

10/19 9106 A Wine Tour of Oregon & Washington -Hensey

Drake

10/20 3379 The Meaning & Medicine of Fairy Tales -Martino

Drake

10/20 8109 The South Canyon Fire: Lessons from Tragedy -Czaja

Drake

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Start Course Number, Title, Instructor Date

Format Pg.

10/21, 9104 Fundamentals of Chair Yoga for Mindful Living -Denison 11/18

SWDC

10/21 6046 The History of Rock & Roll, Part III: The 90's & Beyond -Rogers Drake

10/21 3412 The Semester at Sea Experience -Nicholas

Hybrid

10/21 4131 Conversational French for the French Curious -Wall

Drake

10/22 1048 Acrylic Painting from Start to Finish: Fall Pumpkin -O'Brien

Drake

10/22 5074 Great Decisions 2026 Part 2 -Heckman/Dauth

Drake

10/22 6177 Lessons from The Great Depression -Linz

Online

10/22 3371 Osteopenia & Osteoporosis Explained -Eagan

Drake

10/22 7075 Introduction to Ballroom Dancing: Foxtrot -Olivas/Baczek

Grange

10/21, 9105 Mat Yoga for Aging: Balance, Mobility & Ease -Denison 11/18

10/22 9037 The Nuts & Bolts of Death & Dying -Rubin Scherling

Drake

10/23, 3247 Clipping Coupons with the King Soopers App -McDonagh 11/20

Drake

10/23 3403 Western Water Issues: Law, Management, Policy -Gimbel

Drake

10/26 3384 Natural History of New Zealand & Madagascar -Cranshaw

Drake

10/27 2103 Loosen Up: Expressive Watercolor Portraits -Ramsay

Drake

10/27 6179 Discovering the Collins Family Behind the City Name -Carroll Drake

10/27 3392 Travel Smarter with Digital Tools -Vickery

Drake

10/27 5107 The 2026 Congressional Midterm Elections -Caputo

Drake

10/27 3380 Foreign Aid: Altruism or a Racket -Dewey

Drake

10/27 1056 A Field Study of Lory State Park’s Geology -Saperstone

Lory SP

10/28 8062 A Bee Bit of Sweetness -Boesen

Drake

10/28 3406 Arc of the Moral Universe -Grenfell

Drake

10/29 3385 Theatre That Shocks, Sells, & Persuades -Hammond

Drake

10/29 5114 Ukraine: Past & Present -Olienyk

Drake

10/29 4120 Value of Touch in Human Connection -Clark

Drake

10/30 1054 Paint a Beautiful River Scene with Watercolor -Griggs

Drake

10/30 3373 Money Mysteries Explained -Blair

Hybrid

11/2

2020 More Drawing FUNdamentals -Marander

Drake

11/2

2107 America's Most Prominent Buildings & Their Designers -Rose Drake

11/2

6185 A History of the Islamic Republic from 1979 to Now -Day

Online

11/2

5113 Adventures in Making a History Museum -Farr

Drake

Start Course Number, Title, Instructor Date

Format Pg.

11/2

8115 Birds of Life: A Reading -Cook

Drake

11/2

4130 Poetics of Perspective -Leisure

Drake

11/3

2055 Why is THAT in the Art Museum?! -Purath

Drake

11/3

2089 ZenDoodling for Beginners -Pyrz

Aztlan

11/3

5109 Brie My Guest ~ Provence -Needham Wall

Drake

11/3

3417 How Other Nations Have Found Sustainable Peace -Timpson Drake

11/3

1061 A Taste of Greece at the Cooking Studio -Staff

C Studio 52

11/4

5116 Middle East Peace: Those Who Believe -Katzir

Drake

11/4

1062 Sourdough Table Bread for the Almost‑Beginners -Sherman Corbett

11/4

2102 Let it Flow: Exploring Abstract Watercolor -Pyrz

Aztlan

11/4

6184 German Genius: Jeans, Cars, Teddy Bears -Isaacs

Online

11/5

3382 Living Well with Hearing Loss -Whyman

Online

11/6

1057 An Acrylic Painting from Start to Finish -O'Brien

Drake

11/6

3273 Streaming with YouTube & Spotify Apps -McDonagh

Drake

11/6

8114 Life-listing: Motivation to Discover the Natural World -Cook

Drake

11/6

3413 OLLI 101: Past, Present, & Future -Naughton

Drake

11/10 3418 Exploring Sustainable Solutions -Timpson

Drake

11/10 1032 Backstage: University Center for the Arts Tour -Staff

UCA

11/11

6188 The Spirituality of Humor – The Irreverent Sacred -Reiter

Drake

11/12

2090 Beginning Foundational Watercolor -Watson-Lakamp

Drake

11/12

9108 Journey into Meditation, Breath & Inner Calm -Robinson

Online

11/12

3414 Sustainability at CSU – Hiding in Plain Sight -Baumgarn

Drake

11/12

4123 Storytelling: Cave Walls to Front Porches -Grenfell

Drake

11/12

3386 Spotting Fake News & Misinformation Online -Vickery

Hybrid

11/13

2075 The Un-Complicated Guide to Sketching -Watson-Lakamp Drake

11/13

6186 European Knowledge of the West in the 16th Century -Dennis Drake

11/13

3336 Tech Skills for Older Adults: Modern Mobility -McDonagh

Drake

11/16 9072 Becoming Your Best Self in Retirement -Angelopoulos

Drake

11/16 3374 Meaningful Obituaries for Family & Friends -Larson

Drake

11/17

7072 Unlocking the Play: Reading Between the Lines -Hammond

Drake

11/17

7077 Women in Music -Stewart

Online

11/17

3244 Introduction to Estate Planning -Blair

Drake

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Start Course Number, Title, Instructor Date

Format Pg.

11/18 1260 Finish Well Beyond 50 Retreat -Feller

Tamasag 54

11/18 4116 The Mad Monk & the Monarchy: Rasputin’s Russia -Hoffman Drake

11/19 5074 Great Decisions 2026 Part 2 -Waal

Drake

11/19 3394 Landscape Plants That Will Survive in Shade -Shaw O'Connor Drake

11/19 7076 Introduction to Ballroom Dancing: Swing -Olivas/Baczek

Grange 55

11/19 3416 Did Freud Play the Djembe? -Desnoyers

Drake

11/30 2101 The Joy of Pastels -Marander

Drake

12/1

4090 Anatomy of a Murder Trial -Odell

Drake

12/1

6103 Remarkable Stories – Wisdom from the Other Side -Rubin

Drake

12/1

4132 More Conversational French for the French Curious -Wall

Drake

12/2

5115 Birthright Citizenship: Foundational Citizenship Cases -Alper Drake

12/2

1039 Artisan Rye Sourdough with Seeds & Nuts -Sherman

Offsite

12/2

3190 Japanese Beetle & Emerald Ash Borer -Cranshaw

Drake

12/3

2100 Designing Contemporary Jewelry Mosaics -Walkup

Drake

12/3

7071 Music & the Holocaust: Tragedy, Hope & Legacy -Abramovits Online

12/3

8111 Geology & Dams -Kendrick

Drake

100

12/4

3275 Library Access with the Libby App -McDonagh

Drake

100

12/4

9100 Introduction to Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture -Monte

Drake

12/7

3267 1000 Paper Cranes—Learning to Fold -Golinvaux

Drake

12/9

3264 Gear Up For Gardening -Shaw

Drake

101

12/10 3378 How to Prepare for a Cruise -Martino

Drake

12/10 3388 Recognizing Conspiracies & Propaganda Online -Vickery

Drake

101

12/11

3248 Facebook Marketplace on the Facebook App -McDonagh

Drake

102

12/11

1049 An Acrylic Painting from Start to Finish -O'Brien

Drake

12/14 3377 Internet Security Basics -Lamp

Drake

102

12/16 3370 Maintaining Independence through Movement -Eagan

Drake

12/16 3375 Telling Family Stories: Genealogical Research -Larson

Drake

103

12/17 3395 Activate Wise Change: Play the MOVES game -Delene

Drake

12/17 3397 Japan’s Kumano Kodo & Yakushima Island -Golinvaux

Drake

12/17 3031 Middle East Update -Katzir

Drake

12/17 3389 Protecting Yourself from Online Deception -Vickery

Drake

103

Art and Design OSHR 2099 Wednesday & Thursday

Gaudi-inspired Mosaic Color Adventure

Date: 9/23 & 9/24 | Instructor: Renee Walkup | Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 15 | Cost: $55 Note: This class meets two consecutive days in the same week. Inspired by Antoni Gaudí's trencadís method of mosaic art, this class will focus on techniques used in Catalonia, Spain. Using bold-colored glass, tiles, and China pieces, participants will discover how Gaudí utilized local discards in his powerfully compelling designs. Level: Beginner/ Intermediate/ Advanced Supplies: Some supplies are included in your tuition, but participants are responsible for bringing some of their own supplies as well. A complete supply list is available on the course page at osher.colostate.edu.

OSHR 2105 Thursday

Lettering By Hand Plus Design and Layout

Date: 10/1-10/15 | Instructor: Diane Odbert | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $30 This class will explore how to expand existing penmanship into artistic fonts that can be applied to posters, special invitations, signs, art journals, and family heirloom-quality letters. While calligraphy often comes to mind with hand lettering, the focus here will be on developing natural penmanship and exploring the drawing of different fonts as a form of artistic expression. One class will specifically focus on design, layout, spacing, and guidelines for cards, posters, and signage. Time will be available to work on and/or finish writing projects. Whether you devote your writing to notes, journals, letters, or signage, this class is designed to inspire and encourage you to take pen, pencil, or brush to paper to creatively express yourself. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

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OSHR 2097 Thursday

Create Watercolor Greeting Cards for Fall and Holidays!

Date: 10/1-10/15 | Instructor: Glenna Dunnington | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $85 Looking for a fun, low‑stress way to explore watercolor? You don't need to be a skilled watercolorist, just come ready to have fun and surprise yourself. In each class, participants will paint two images and turn them into colorful greeting cards. Every lesson introduces a new technique— such as bokeh, masking, splattering, or lifting pigment—so participants steadily build their skills while having fun. Participants will use professional‑grade Daniel Smith watercolor on high‑quality watercolor paper, making it easy to feel proud of their creations. All supplies are included in the tuition—just show up, relax, and enjoy the creative process. Because creativity isn't just enjoyable, it's good for you! Level: Beginner/ Intermediate/ Advanced Supplies: All supplies are included with tuition

OSHR 2098 Online Tuesday

Travel Photography

Date: 10/6-10/27 | Instructor: Eli Vega | Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $40 Although many travelers use DSLR cameras, most topics in this course are also relevant to mobile devices. In this highly interactive online course, you will learn about planning and logistics, basic gear, photography fundamentals, composition, storytelling, street photography, and photographing local cultures, architecture, landscapes, iconic landmarks, and more.

Art and Design OSHR 2106 Tuesday

With continued advancements in technology, smartphone cameras have become far more than simple accessories—they are powerful tools for visual storytelling. In this course, participants will discover or renew their creative eye by learning how to make the most of the cameras we carry every day: our phones. Participants will explore the fundamentals of smartphone photography and videography, including camera settings, frame rates, composition techniques, and best practices for capturing both photos and videos. Whether documenting everyday moments, creative projects, or special occasions, learners will gain practical skills and confidence to create engaging visual content. All photography skill levels are welcome; a basic working knowledge of your smartphone is recommended.

OSHR 2010 Wednesday

Perspective Drawing for Artists

Date: 10/14-11/18 | Instructor: Joseph Osmann | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $145 Learn the principles of perspective by drawing three-dimensional views so believable that you will feel you can step into your own work. Whether you draw or paint a still life, landscape, or architectural form, a deeper understanding of one-, two-, and three-point perspective can take the guesswork out of the creative process. Perspective is also helpful when creating works of the human figure. By establishing a horizon line and vanishing point or points, figures and faces can be foreshortened without relying on trial and error. This class will provide brief demonstrations, followed by individual instruction as you complete a series of projects designed to help you develop the skills to turn two dimensions into three. Level: Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

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OSHR 6143 Wednesday

100 Years of Surrealism

Date: 10/14-11/18 | Instructor: Joseph Osmann | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 What began as a literary movement in 1924 has evolved into one of the most influential forms of expression in the visual arts, photography, film, and theater. Surrealism combines elements of dreams, the subconscious, and the irrational to explore a world beyond conventional reality. Inspired by Sigmund Freud's exploration of how the unconscious drives human behavior, poet André Breton promoted free association and automatic writing as methods for unblocking creativity. Visual artists Joan Miró, Max Ernst, Giorgio de Chirico, Jean Arp, and Pablo Picasso participated in the Surrealist movement. This course will explore the history and lasting influence of Surrealism.

OSHR 2104 Friday

The New York Art Scene: From an Armory to the Global Spotlight

Date: 10/16-11/20 | Instructor: Margaret Sharkoffmadrid Time: 1-3 p.m. | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 35 | Cost: $60 This course explores the evolution of art in New York City, focusing on the artists and patrons who shifted the center of the avant-garde from Europe to America. We will trace the trajectory from the radical 1913 Armory Show to the sprawling museums and gallery districts of today. Six weekly topics will include: The Explosion at the Armory, Visionary Patrons, the Birth of the New York School, Pop: Its Fans and Foes, and The Global Hub, 1980 to the Present. Travel Connection: OLLI is offering a week-long art tour to NYC in October 2027 with Margaret and this course may be of interest to those considering participating in that trip. However, everyone is welcome in the class, regardless of interest in the trip.

Art and Design OSHR 1048 OLLI Experience Thursday

An Acrylic Painting from Start to Finish: Fall Pumpkin Date: 10/22 | Instructor: Amy O'Brien | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $45

Using the elements of art, participants will be guided step by step to create a lovely pumpkin on a 6" × 6" × 1.5" canvas using acrylic paint. In a low-pressure environment, participants will learn to translate concepts into visual images while enjoying a social atmosphere. Not only will you have a blast—you will actually learn! Level: Beginner/ Intermediate/ Advanced Supplies: All supplies are included in the tuition.

OSHR 2103 Tuesday

Loosen Up: Expressive Watercolor Portraits

Date: 10/27-11/17 | Instructor: Karen Ramsay | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $100 Painting portraits in watercolor may seem a little intimidating, but this medium allows us to create exciting and expressive work. By combining the beauty of line and color with the interplay of light and shadow, we can bring portraits to life in a fresh, vibrant way. In this class, we'll explore techniques for capturing likeness, simplifying shapes, and using light and shadow to create depth and emotion. Whether you're aiming for an informal sketch or a more refined portrait, watercolor offers endless possibilities. Let's relax, experiment, and have some fun painting watercolor portraits together! Level: Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

“I have really enjoyed classes through OLLI and highly encourage others to check it out—my problem is there are too many classes I want to take and not enough time.” 20

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OSHR 1054 OLLI Experience Friday

The River Keeps Singing - Paint a Beautiful River Scene with Watercolor Date: 10/30 | Instructor: Steve Griggs | Time: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $125

Join Steve for this paint-along class, where he will create a beautiful river painting from start to finish while you follow along. He will guide you step by step, demonstrating how he moves through each stage to produce a loose, flowing, and evocative result. Plan to have fun, try new techniques, and discover what you can do when you paint in a loose watercolor style! Steve's unique painting style is appropriate for both intermediate and advanced watercolor artists. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

OSHR 2020 Monday

More Drawing Fundamentals –Bringing Out Your Inner Artist!

Date: 11/2-12/14 | Instructor: Carol Marander | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $145 "I sometimes think there is nothing so delightful as drawing." — Vincent van Gogh Take your drawing skills to the next level with this fun class. Participants will learn various drawing techniques using water-soluble graphite, graphite pencils, pen and ink, and other drawing implements. Learn how to draw what you see while enhancing your understanding of line, value, shape, pattern, and repetition. Gain skill in composition, perspective, and proportion. Examples of drawings through the ages will be presented. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

Art and Design

OSHR 2107 Monday

America Builds: A Brief History of the Country's Most Prominent Buildings and Their Designers Date: 11/2-11/9 | Instructor: Jim Rose | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20

As the U.S. celebrates its semi quincentennial, we will examine the architectural evolution that accompanies the nation's history. The thousands of noteworthy buildings constructed over the country's history, from the pre-colonial era to modern times, necessitate an abbreviated examination. The class will discuss examples that are representative of their time, as well as the factors that influenced their development and importance.

OSHR 2055 Tuesday

Why Is THAT in the Art Museum?!

Date: 11/3-12/15 | Instructor: Sally Purath | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 Ever wonder why certain images and objects are considered great art when it isn't always clear how they end up in a museum? Or perhaps you will be visiting a European or American art museum and want to make more sense of what you see? This course provides an overview of the major periods of Western art, from prehistoric to postmodern, without getting lost in the details. Participants will trace the development of Western art over time, viewing major examples and considering why artists created certain kinds of art and how it evolved. The class will focus especially on modern and nonrepresentational art to better understand what those artists were trying to do and why. Participants will receive a one-sheet guide to take to museums, as well as the slide notes from PowerPoint.

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OSHR 2089 Offsite Tuesday

Zendoodling for Beginners

Date: 11/3-11/10 | Instructor: Patty Pyrz | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Northside Aztlan Center | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $35 Are you looking for a soothing way to unwind? Want to improve your focus, quiet your mind, and relax? Then try ZenDoodling! Nurture your inner artist, unleash your imagination, and learn how to create engaging art from doodles. ZenDoodling is a form of artistic meditation using a specific drawing method that produces nonrepresentational images composed of simple shapes and patterns. ZenDoodling is for everyone—from those with no art experience to skilled artists. The goal is not to create a masterpiece, but to enjoy the process, be mindful, and create together. This introductory class is geared toward those who have never taken a ZenDoodle (Zentangle) class. Level: Beginner Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

OSHR 2102 Offsite Wednesday

Let It Flow: Exploring Abstract Watercolor

Date: 11/4-12/9 | Instructor: Patty Pyrz | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Northside Aztlan Center | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $65 Note: This class meets on 11/4, 11/11, 12/2, and 12/9 Join us for Let It Flow: Exploring Abstract Watercolor, a relaxing 2-hour class where you'll learn to embrace movement, color, and spontaneity. Learn playful techniques like wet-on-wet blending, color blooms, and intuitive mark making. We will draw inspiration from artists such as Ana Facelta, Carlin Blahnik, and Thaneeya McArdle. Create vibrant, one-ofa-kind abstract paintings—no drawing skills required. No pressure. No perfection- Just paint, water, and discovery. Come ready to experiment, unwind, and surprise yourself. This class is open to all levels; however, some prior experience with watercolors may be helpful. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

Art and Design OSHR 1057 OLLI Experience Friday

An Acrylic Painting from Start to Finish: Holiday Painting

Date: 11/6 | Instructor: Amy O'Brien | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $45 Using the elements of art, participants will be guided step-by-step to create a holiday painting using acrylics. The finished piece can be given as a gift, displayed in the home, or photographed and used to create a custom holiday card through a printing service. In a lowpressure, social environment, participants will learn to translate ideas into visual images while developing their creative skills. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: All supplies are included in the tuition.

OSHR 2090 Thursday

Beginning Foundational Watercolor

Date: 11/12-12/10 | Instructor: Paula Watson-Lakamp Time: 9 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $110 The goal of this four-week class is to help participants develop watercolor skills that will enable them to create paintings that are bold and loose, yet rooted in the traditional design elements of value, color, form, and space. This course is designed for beginners who want to start out strongly while advancing their skills. All supplies are included in the tuition. Participants will: Learn about types of brushes and paper and how to control water; Learn how to set up a limited palette and mix needed colors; Learn to work wet in wet, use layers, and apply other techniques; Learn how to create a strong focal point and say more with less paint; Gain the confidence to use paints and paper whenever the mood strikes. Level: Beginner Supplies: All supplies are included with tuition.

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OSHR 2075 Friday

The Un-Complicated Guide to Sketching

Date: 11/13-12/11 | Instructor: Paula Watson-Lakamp Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $90 Ready to ditch the blank-page jitters? Jump into this beginner sketching class and explore your creative side. This course provides a supportive introduction to fundamental drawing techniques, focusing on skill-building rather than intimidation. Participants will set aside complicated methods and concentrate on learning to capture the world around them. Confidence will grow as the class covers the basics, including creating dynamic lines, working with light and shadow, and understanding simple perspective. Participants will learn how to turn basic shapes into engaging compositions through a clear, encouraging approach that removes the mystery from sketching and puts the enjoyment back into drawing. Level: Beginner Supplies: All supplies are included with tuition.

OSHR 2101 Monday

The Joy of Pastels

Date: 11/30-12/14 | Instructor: Carol Marander | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $75 Explore the vibrant world of pastel painting. This three-week Joy of Pastels course is designed for all skill levels. In this fun class, participants will learn skills to create their own finished, colorful artwork with soft pastels. Foundational techniques such as layering, creating texture, and blending will be covered. Participants will gain confidence in selecting and mixing vibrant colors, and pastel materials and safety will be discussed. The theme will be landscapes, with an emphasis on skies, water, and land. Level: Beginner Supplies: Participants are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Complete supply list available on course page at osher.colostate.edu.

Art and Design OSHR 2100 Thursday & Friday

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Designing Contemporary Jewelry Mosaics

Date: 12/3 & 12/4 | Instructor: Renee Walkup | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $50 Please note: This class meets two consecutive days in the same week. Participants will discover the secrets of creating awe-inspiring classical mosaic jewelry with a modern twist. Led by artist and educator Renee Walkup, this program offers a rare opportunity to make three beautiful pieces of art jewelry using found and repurposed items, such as stained glass, china, glass tiles, and objects from nature. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: All supplies are included in the tuition. Participants are encouraged to bring small treasures from home to incorporate.

OSHR 3267 OLLI Talks Monday

1000 Paper Cranes—Learning to Fold for Peace and Hope Date: 12/7 | Instructor: Alyssa Golinvaux | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $15

Learn the steps of the contemplative practice of folding a paper crane. Using the book Senbazuru, participants will walk through the process step by step, with bite-size lessons in mindfulness accompanying each fold. The class will also explore the origins of origami and the significance of the paper crane as a symbol of global peace. In this workshop, origami paper will be provided for each participant to create two to three paper cranes. Supplies: All supplies are included in the tuition.

OSHR 1049 OLLI Experience Friday

An Acrylic Painting from Start to Finish: Holiday Ornaments Date: 12/11 | Instructor: Amy O'Brien | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $45 Using the elements of art, participants will be guided step by step to create two holiday ornaments. These pieces can also serve as thoughtful gifts. In a low-pressure, social environment, participants will learn to translate ideas into visual images while enjoying the creative process. Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Supplies: All supplies are included in the tuition.

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs

OSHR 5112 Tuesday

Policing in Post-Conflict Societies: Lessons from Northern Ireland

Date: 9/22-9/29 | Instructor: Michael Czaja | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20 In this course, participants will gain a foundational understanding of security sector reform in post-conflict societies. The first session introduces the course objectives, defines security sector reform, and examines key factors and strategies for effective implementation. The second session applies these concepts through a case study of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, focusing on processes used to build legitimacy, trust, and public confidence. Participants will explore topics including the rule of law, accountability, impartiality, representativeness, human rights, and community partnerships. Each session includes a question-and-answer period. By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with the core principles of security sector reform, with references and background readings provided for further exploration.

OSHR 5108 Wednesday

Miscellaneous Books of the Hebrew Bible: The Writings Date: 9/23-10/28 | Instructor: Hillel Katzir | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60

The Hebrew Bible includes the Torah and the Prophets, followed by a third section—the Writings—which includes poetry (Psalms, Song of Songs), Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), history (Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Chronicles), and more. The class will examine the origins, meanings, and Jewish liturgical uses of the books of the Writings.

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 3401 Hybrid OLLI Talks Thursday

Economic Update

Date: 9/24 | Instructor: John Olienyk | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. When asked about the main issues in the presidential campaign in 1992, James Carville, who was a strategist for Bill Clinton, famously said, "The economy, stupid!," and that phrase became the mantra for the successful Clinton campaign. With the approach of the midterm elections, economic issues have once again come to the fore. Although the economic expansion is in its seventh year, a growing number of Americans are expressing concern over inflationary pressure, the growing wealth and income gaps, trade uncertainty, labor market volatility, and other factors. These and other issues will be addressed in this course.

OSHR 5510 Friday

Bread: A Symbol of Ukrainian Heritage, Resilience, and Revival

Date: 9/25-10/2 | Instructor: Tetiana Sherman | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30 Chef Tetiana invites participants to join her on an exploration of 7,000 years of Ukrainian bread history. Learn about the first grains grown in fertile black Ukrainian soil, the sacred bread-making rituals of village ovens, the resilience of families who preserved these traditions through times of hardship, and the powerful revival of heritage bakeries in modern Ukraine. Participants will discover how bread in Ukraine is more than a source of nourishment—it is also identity, memory, community, and cultural connection. Over two engaging sessions, participants won't just learn about Ukrainian bread—they will experience it. They will see how three simple strands of dough are transformed into a meaningful cultural symbol and taste this centuries-old living tradition. Participants will leave with a recipe for Pletinka with poppy seeds, allowing them to recreate this bread at home and become part of a tradition that has linked Ukrainian families across generations.

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OSHR 3400 Hybrid OLLI Talks Tuesday

The Federal Reserve

Date: 9/29 | Instructor: John Olienyk | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. The Federal Reserve is one of our country's most powerful but least understood institutions. This course will trace the history and evolution of the Fed, focusing on its structure, operations, and the vital role it plays in maintaining price stability and full employment. Emphasis will be placed on the Fed's linkages with the banking system and the financial markets.

OSHR 1044 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Oktoberfest at Maxline Brewing: German Cuisine & Craft Beer Date: 9/30 | Instructor: Tetiana Sherman | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Maxline Brewing | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $80

Celebrate the flavors of Oktoberfest at Maxline Brewing with a hands-on culinary workshop that explores craft beer in three ways—as a beverage, a pairing partner, and a cooking ingredient. In this interactive class, participants will discover how traditional German dishes and local brews come together to create a flavorful experience. On the menu: Obatzda (Bavarian cheese dip) served with fresh vegetables and pretzel bites; beer-simmered bratwurst with apple-horseradish chutney and cucumber-dill salad; and apple crumble in classic German streusel style, featuring tender baked apples beneath a golden topping with crunchy almonds. Each course will be expertly paired with Maxline craft beers, and Chef Tetiana will share culinary techniques, pairing principles, and practical tips that participants can bring into their own kitchens. Join us for an afternoon of great beer, authentic and delectable German food, and a lively culinary journey you won't soon forget. Prost!

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 3419 OLLI Talks Online Thursday

Rockefeller Center

Date: 10/1 | Instructor: Craig Zabel | Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 This course will explore the history, architecture, and art of Rockefeller Center (1928-40) in New York City. This unique urban ensemble of Art Deco skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan was a lone optimistic voice of capitalism built during the depths of the Great Depression. Topics include: Raymond Hood & Associated Architects; the Rockefeller Family; RCA Building; NBC Studios; Rainbow Room; Observation Deck; Diego Rivera's ill-fated mural; roof gardens; ice skating rink; the Christmas Tree, Radio City Music Hall; Rockettes, Roxy Suite; and Ladies' Powder Rooms & Men's Smoking Lounges. This course is offered in exchange with OLLI at Penn State University.

OSHR 5072 Monday

Through the Lens of Chaos: A New Way to See Our World

Date: 10/5-10/26 | Instructor: Judy Kirmmse & Jo Vanderkloot Time: 10 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40 Chaos permeates all aspects of our lives, from the personal to the global, often taking the form of conflict and our inability to deal with it. This course will explore chaos and complexity and how to navigate them in our world, nation, communities, workplaces, and families. Participants will learn how: Patterns of threatening behavior are similar in all complex groups regardless of size; Nonlinear thinking can be used to deal with uncertainty; Our world is undergoing an intense but often hidden paradigm shift, causing confusion, misalignment, misinformation, and unintended consequences. The course focuses on patterns from the global level to the family, showing how to navigate messy situations in all settings. It will include both small and large group discussions.

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OSHR 5111 Online Monday

From Open Door to ICE: Immigration Policy, Economics and Power Date: 10/5-10/26 | Instructor: Jared Day | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40

In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act, the foundation of modern America's approach to legal and unauthorized immigration. It was described as opening the door to the world. Since then, unauthorized immigration has become a deeply controversial subject, prompting family separation, the militarization of borders, the creation of detention centers, the targeting of immigrant neighborhoods and workplaces, and the expansion of agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This series of online lectures will explore how and why these developments have occurred since 1965, with a focus on legal, economic, and demographic trends and their impacts in the 21st century.

OSHR 3396 OLLI Talks Tuesday

The Erosion of Democracy in 1930s Germany: A Visual History Date: 10/6 | Instructor: Raye Farr | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Democracy is receiving renewed attention. In the U.S., it has long been taken for granted. Now people are marching in its defense and questioning how many assaults it can withstand. Terms such as Nazi and fascist appear on signs at demonstrations and in daily media conversation. The talk will take a close look at conditions and events in Germany after the First World War and through the years when German democracy evolved into the Third Reich. The session will include a 38-minute video, The Path to Nazi Genocide, directed by Raye Farr for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and widely distributed for educational use by the museum and the United Nations. It focuses primarily on the prewar period in Germany and the changes that quickly followed Hitler's appointment as chancellor in 1933. Though it contains some disturbing images, it is intended for general classroom use to encourage broader discussion of these issues. Raye Farr will begin with a brief description of her path to documentary film and visual history, including her 23 years at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 3415 OLLI Talks Online Wednesday

Pundits, Polls & Politics! The 2026 Mid-term Election! Date: 10/7 | Instructor: Doug Stowell | Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

On November 3, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 in the Senate will be up for reelection. Hundreds of local and state offices and issues will also be decided. Turnout in presidential elections is around 60%; in midterms, it is barely 40%. This midterm may be more consequential than any recent election. In this course, participants will examine national issues and consider how they rank by party affiliation, generation, and region. The class will review some of the more reliable forecasts and conduct its own online, in-class polling of issues and outcomes. Participants will also forecast House and Senate results by party.

OSHR 1038 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Italian Sourdough Focaccia & Grissini: A Gentle Start to Fermentation for Beginners Date: 10/7 | Instructor: Tetiana Sherman | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Corbett Hall Kitchen | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $60

Join Chef Tetiana for a delightful sourdough journey that offers a relaxed and flavorful introduction to natural fermentation. In this hands-on workshop, participants will prepare Italian focaccia topped with olives, rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, along with crisp handmade grissini. This workshop focuses on the foundations of sourdough bread preparation without the complexity of shaping. Participants will learn how fermentation works, how to use sourdough discard, and how simple ingredients transform over time into aromatic, nourishing, mouth-watering bread. Participants will receive a live starter, printed recipes, a fermentation guide, and a tools list, and will make focaccia dough to bake at home. The workshop also includes a tasting of freshly baked focaccia paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This workshop is a perfect starting point for building a delicious bread-making tradition at home. Friends and family—not to mention your palate—will be grateful you began your sourdough journey.

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OSHR 3412 Hybrid OLLI Bonus Wednesday

Set Sail the Lifelong Learner Way! The Semester at Sea Experience Date: 10/21 | Instructor: Vera Nicholas | Time: 4-6 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully.

It's a voyage, not a cruise! Learn what it's like to sail with Semester at Sea and join a global learning community as a Lifelong Learner aboard the MV World Odyssey - a floating campus that sails to 10 or more countries and cities spanning 3-4 continents over the course of a single semester. Hear from presenters who have sailed as Lifelong Learners or voyage faculty. They'll help explain why Semester at Sea is often described as a life-changing and transformative experience at any age, whether you're sailing solo, or with a friend or partner. Lifelong Learners join a multi-generational, vibrant, and welcoming shipboard community, sailing alongside undergraduate students and world-class faculty, staff, and crew on a true journey of discovery. You'll hear about (and see!) what it's like to live on a ship, what a typical Lifelong Learner day at sea might look like, the academic experience, and the program's unique appeal of four-to-five-day port stays, when voyagers enjoy opportunities to explore each destination along the ship's itinerary. Ahoy!

OSHR 5074 Thursday

Great Decisions 2026 Part 2

Date: 10/22-11/12 or 11/19-12/17 Instructors: Jerry Dauth & Karen Heckman or Richard Waal Time: 10 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $70 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. Both sections of Great Decisions meet weekly this term. Great Decisions is America's most extensive discussion program on world affairs and is part of the Foreign Policy Association. This course introduces participants to critical foreign policy issues and fosters open, respectful discussion about our collective future in an interdependent world. During each session, participants will watch a video presentation focused on that session's topic: Ukraine and the Future of European Security; Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order; U.S. Engagement in Africa; The Future of Human Rights; and International Law in a Divided World. The class will then discuss the issue presented. Participants are encouraged to prepare by reading the assigned chapter from the Great Decisions 2026 Briefing Book. Supplies: Great Decisions 2026 Briefing Book, included with course tuition. REGISTER ONLINE AT OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 3380 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Foreign Aid: Altruism or a Racket

Date: 10/27 | Instructor: William Dewey | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 During the televised debates of the 2024 presidential election cycle, discussion of foreign aid was conspicuously absent. More recently, measures implemented by the current administration—including the dissolution of USAID and drastic reductions in aid budgets—have sparked controversy. This two‑hour lecture will examine the current state of U.S. foreign aid programs through an inquiry‑based process led by a practitioner with extensive experience delivering technical assistance in coordination with official and private foreign aid programs. Topics to be explored include: What do we do, and where do we do it? How much money is involved? How is the effectiveness of foreign assistance programs measured? Does aid improve quality of life in developing countries? Do American taxpayers get a return on their investment? Should that matter, or should the United States pursue these programs primarily for altruistic reasons? How might foreign aid be delivered differently?

OSHR 5107 Tuesday

The 2026 Congressional Midterm Elections - Past Comparisons and Implications for the Future Date: 10/27-11/10 | Instructor: David Caputo | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

This course provides a brief overview of prior midterm congressional elections and focuses on the 2026 elections as well as their impact on public policy and American democracy. Several Senate and House races will be analyzed, along with polling for the current election cycle. Additional topics include the role of money, presidential influence, and campaign strategies using artificial intelligence. Electoral reforms will also be discussed, along with the potential impact of the 2026 elections on the 2028 presidential race. The course is nonpartisan, and participants are encouraged to ask questions and present alternative perspectives.

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OSHR 5114 Thursday

Ukraine: Past and Present

Date: 10/29-11/5 | Instructor: John Olienyk | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20 During its long history, Ukraine has often been at the center of conflict between rival powers, and this is no less true today. After achieving independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the freedom of the Ukrainian people is once again under threat. Despite these challenges, Ukrainians have preserved and continued to develop their own unique cultural and ethnic identity. This course will trace the historical evolution of Ukraine, with an emphasis on the consequences of the 2022 Russian invasion.

OSHR 3373 Hybrid OLLI Talks Friday

Money Mysteries Explained: What All Those Accounts Really Do Date: 10/30 | Instructor: John Blair | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully.

Participants will discuss the best ways to use various financial accounts and common financial instruments. Come prepared to ask questions. Topics include: What does joint tenants with rights of survivorship mean? What are checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit, and which might be right for you? What is an individual retirement account (IRA)? What is a Roth IRA, and when can funds be withdrawn? I have a 401(k) plan—what should I do with it? What are stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs? How much should be allocated to stocks, bonds, and cash? Do I need a power of attorney?

“Continuing to learn, challenging ourselves, and engaging socially are important for healthy aging.”

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 5113 Monday

Adventures in Making a History Museum: Memory, Truth & Politics Date: 11/2-11/9 | Instructor: Raye Farr | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20

The creation of a national Holocaust museum on the Mall in Washington, DC, posed enormous challenges and dilemmas. As the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) was established in the early 1990s, some members of the press questioned whether it might become a Jewish museum or a house of horrors. This twosession course will outline its development, detailing controversial issues and artifacts, as well as the struggle to remain true to the experiences of survivors. Today, the history, artifacts, and language used at the Smithsonian Institution and in our National Parks are being strongly challenged. Raye Farr, a documentary filmmaker who led the United States Holocaust Museum on the Mall (USHMM) exhibition team in preparation for its 1993 opening, will illustrate the museum's evolution and share her perspective, including memorable encounters with Elie Wiesel, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, and Christopher Reeve.

OSHR 5109 Tuesday

Brie My Guest ~ Provence

Date: 11/3-11/17 | Instructors: Lee Needham & Randy Wall Time: 1-3 p.m. | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $80 What if a trip to Provence started at the table? In this lively, hands-on class, participants will gather around the table and explore Provence through its most irresistible pleasures: food, art, and everyday life. Taste tapenade, olive oil, aioli, vinaigrette, cheeses, and pastries while learning what makes these flavors distinctly Provençal. The course will journey back to Roman times, uncover how sunlight and landscape shaped the region's art and architecture, and step into the buzz of market day—where locals shop, socialize, and celebrate. This is more than a class—it's a shared experience filled with conversation, laughter, and discovery. Pull up a chair and savor Provence together.

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OSHR 5116 Wednesday

Middle East Peace: Those Who Believe

Date: 11/4-12/16 | Instructor: Hillel Katzir | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 Thousands of Palestinians and Israelis believe that peace is possible and work together toward it every day. This course focuses on the Alliance for Middle East Peace and several of its constituent organizations, exploring why their members do this work, the work they do, and their hopes for a better future for all residents of the region, as well as how Americans can support these efforts. Participants are invited to identify a Middle East peace organization they would like the class to explore further.

OSHR 1062 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Find the Loaf of Your Life: Sourdough Table Bread for the Almost‑beginners Date: 11/4 | Instructor: Tetiana Sherman | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Corbett Hall Kitchen | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $60

Continue your sourdough journey and step into the heart of artisan bread baking. In this hands-on workshop, participants will experience the rhythm of fermentation while learning essential techniques such as stretch-and-fold, shaping, scoring, and baking in a Dutch oven. Participants will discover how time, temperature, and gentle handling transform simple ingredients into bread with structure, flavor, and character. This class goes beyond baking to focus on creating something meaningful by hand. Participants will receive a live starter, printed recipes, a fermentation guide, a tools list, and a ready-to-bake loaf to finish at home. The class includes a tasting of fresh sourdough with homemade butter and herb salt. Join us to begin building a warm, lasting bread tradition to share with family and friends. Participants should bring a 3–4-quart mixing bowl. Level: Beginner+, Intermediate Supplies: Please bring a 3-4 quart mixing bowl

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 3244 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Introduction to Estate Planning

Date: 11/17 | Instructor: John Blair | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 During this session, John Blair will discuss the why and how of estate planning. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to learn and ask questions in this interactive session. Topics include: Why is estate planning important? How does property pass at death? What issues should be considered when preparing a will? What role do trusts play? How are taxes involved in estate planning? What are the considerations for charitable giving? How should assets be allocated?

OSHR 4090 Tuesday

Anatomy of a Murder Trial

Date: 12/1-12/15 | Instructor: Devin Odell | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30 Learn how trials really work! This course provides an in-depth look at the criminal jury trial, with illustrations from Scott Turow's classic Presumed Innocent (and the 1990 film based on the novel). Participants will examine the roles of the prosecutor, defense lawyer, judge, jury, and defendant, as well as the stages of a trial, including jury selection; direct and cross-examinations; opening and closing arguments; and jury instructions and deliberations. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions, consider the pros and cons of jury trials, and compare how trials actually take place with how they are depicted in television shows, movies, and novels. The class may also feature guests from the district attorney's office and the public defender's office.

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OSHR 5115 Wednesday

Birthright Citizenship: Foundational Citizenship Cases and Trump V. Barbara (2025) Date: 12/2-12/16 | Instructor: Richard Alper | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 40 | Cost: $30

In April of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in a birthright citizenship case, Trump v. Barbara. The case involves birthing tourism, the soil and flag rule, the common law origins of birthright citizenship, the Fourteenth Amendment, Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship, the 1952 Immigration and Naturalization Act, and court cases involving Native Americans, runaway slaves, and Chinese immigrants. Regardless of how the Court rules, this course will examine the meaning and scope of birthright citizenship in relation to immigration. There will be ample time for inquiry and discussion.

OSHR 1039 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Artisan Rye Sourdough with Seeds & Nuts: Depth of Flavor for Intermediate Bakers Date: 12/2 | Instructor: Tetiana Sherman | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Corbett Hall Kitchen | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $60

Complete your sourdough journey by learning the techniques and nuances of working with rye—a grain deeply rooted in European bread heritage. In this workshop, participants will explore advanced fermentation, learn how to balance acidity, and understand how rye dough behaves differently from wheat. Participants will prepare a rich, European-style rye sourdough bread with seeds and nuts, baked on a stone to create a deep crust and complex flavor. This class brings together everything learned, connecting technique, patience, and intuition. Participants will receive a refreshed starter, printed recipes, advanced fermentation notes, and a tools list, along with a loaf of artisan rye bread to bake at home. The workshop includes a tasting of rye breads. This course represents a final step into bread as tradition— something to enjoy, share, and pass on. Participants should bring a 3–4-quart mixing bowl. Level: Intermediate, Advanced Supplies: Please bring a 3-4 quart mixing bowl

Cultural, Domestic & Global Affairs OSHR 3397 OLLI Talks Thursday

Pilgrimage: A Walk Along Japan's Kumano Kodo and Yakushima Island Date: 12/17 | Instructor: Alyssa Golinvaux | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Many travelers have heard of the Camino de Santiago in Spain but may not realize that a sister UNESCO World Heritage trail exists in Japan. In this class, participants will journey through mist, moss, and cedar forests while learning about the rich cultural experience that awaits those who embark on this path. The course also includes a virtual visit to Yakushima Island, where ancient, sacred cedar trees watch over the island's inhabitants.

OSHR 3031 OLLI Talks Thursday

Middle East Update

Date: 12/17 | Instructor: Hillel Katzir | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 An election is scheduled in Israel for no later than October 26, 2026. The results of that election will be greatly influenced by conditions in the region at that time, and those results will have a major impact on prospects for peace in the long-running Israeli Palestinian conflict. The class will examine the election results, factors that influenced voters, and the possible impact of the results on the conflict.

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Health & Wellness OSHR 3405 OLLI Bonus Monday

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The Nature of Connection: How to Move as One Date: 9/21 | Instructor: Julie Delene | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

Feeling stuck, scattered, or ready for a reset? In this immersive experience, participants will engage in a blend of guided conversation, movement, and reflection designed to foster connection—with themselves, others, and the broader rhythms of daily life. Participants will explore how patterns of disconnection develop and consider alternative ways of engaging with change and uncertainty. What participants will experience: The Nature of Connection by reflecting on ways to reconnect with a deeper sense of rhythm and alignment in everyday life; The MOVES Method in Action by engaging in a structured, interactive conversation designed to support insight, decision-making, and next steps; Embodied Awareness by using simple movement and presence-based practices to shift from overthinking to greater clarity and focus; Meaningful Connection by practicing new approaches to communication through listening, shared movement, and authentic interaction. Participants will gain greater clarity on current priorities and an increased confidence in identifying next steps.

OSHR 3170 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Finish Well Beyond 50: Designing the Good Life with Purpose Date: 9/22 | Instructor: Rich Feller | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $15

Aging well involves defining the good life, identifying one's purpose, practicing tiny habits, making connections, and embracing life as a challenge in search of joy. Age does not determine how we live, and we continue to learn more about intentional life design. This session introduces the Finish Well Beyond 50 Framework and explores the HEROICgps mindset (hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism, intentional exploration, clarity/curiosity, growth, purpose, and support), along with the 3I's UA Formula. By drawing on research and lived experience and exploring key questions, participants will be encouraged to focus on what's next possibilities. Uplifting mini lectures, video clips, and short experiential activities will highlight how much we all matter.

Health & Wellness OSHR 9004 Offsite Wednesday

Beginner Level ESSENTRICS® Aging Backwards

Date: 9/23-10/14 | Instructor: Terry Nolan | Time: 10-11 a.m. Location: Studio West Dance Center | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $35 This class is for those who are new to ESSENTRICS® or who would like to revisit the basics. Participants will experience an easy-to-follow workout that improves flexibility, balance, and energy while helping to relieve pain and stimulate the brain. Based on the dynamic full-body stretch and strengthening program created by Miranda Esmonde-White, author of the New York Times bestseller Aging Backwards, each class begins with a 10-minute discussion of the science behind ESSENTRICS®, followed by a 45-minute workout set to music that supports the benefits of movement. Level: Beginner Recommended Materials: yoga mat

OSHR 1046 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Reset Retreat: From Chaos to Calm

Date: 9/23 or 9/30 | Instructor: Dr. Christine O'Brien | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Northside Aztlan Center | Class Size: 30 | Cost: $35 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. In this course, participants will integrate movement, meditation, and nervous system reset practices, including crystal bowl sound healing, as tools for self-care. This experiential workshop introduces ways to layer these practices to increase awareness of breath, movement, and sound and to support lasting health and well-being. This course builds on a previous class taught by Dr. O'Brien but is open to new participants as well.

“At OLLI, you’ll find so much you didn’t realize you were looking for!”

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OSHR 7074 Offsite Thursday

Introduction to Ballroom Dancing: American Tango Date: 9/24-10/15 | Instructors: Frank Baczek & Lenina Olivas Time: 11 a.m.-Noon | Location: Empire Grange Class Size: 26 | Cost: $40

This course explores American Tango; a dynamic and theatrical style commonly performed in ballroom settings. Rooted in Argentine tango but adapted for a more structured approach, American tango is known for its dramatic movements, sharp footwork, and elegant frame. Participants will learn fundamental steps, musicality, partner connection, and styling techniques for both social and competitive dance. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Demonstrate proper posture, frame, and footwork; Perform fundamental patterns such as the basic step, promenade, corte, and fan; Apply musicality and timing to their dance; Develop connection and communication skills for partnered movement. Weeks 1–2: Introduction to tango and basic walking patterns Weeks 3–4: Key figures, including promenade, rock steps, and corte Level: No prior dance experience is required. This course is ideal for beginners as well as those seeking to refine foundational ballroom skills. Recommended Attire: Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and smooth-soled shoes suitable for dancing.

OSHR 9107 Online Friday

Aging Smarter: Refresh & Strengthen Your Brain with a Cognitive Upgrade Date: 9/25-10/23 | Instructor: Katherine Robinson Time: 10 a.m.-Noon | Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $50

The brain has an incredible ability to change, adapt, and grow at any age. In this engaging course, we'll explore practical, research-based ways to support memory, focus, and overall cognitive health, blending Western neuroscience with simple Eastern practices. Each session includes discussion, gentle brain exercises, and brief meditation to support attention, calm the nervous system, and enhance mental clarity. This online class is designed to be stimulating, social, and enjoyable—no pressure, just opportunities to learn, connect, and keep your mind engaged. Come stay curious, centered, and mentally strong.

Health & Wellness OSHR 3192 OLLI Talks Friday

Reframing Retirement: Identity Shifting, Time Trading & Building Community Date: 9/25 | Instructor: Rich Feller | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $15

Defining what retirement means, exploring new possibilities, and finding joy are key opportunities as people navigate the transition into and through retirement. Many find that after leaving their primary work role, relaxation, flexibility, and travel are not enough. This session offers guided discussions to explore the relationship among (1) navigating role and identity transitions, (2) time use and enjoyable activities, and (3) meaningful community engagement. Participants will complete the Leisure/Retirement Card Sort and consider how personality tendencies can help identify motivating and intentional approaches to daily living.

OSHR 3262 OLLI Talks Monday

Learning From Life's Transitions: Finding Wisdom, Gratitude, and Forgiveness Date: 9/28 | Instructor: Rich Feller | Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $15

Thanks to experience and longevity, self-awareness and wisdom are among the rewards of aging. The clarity and confidence gained from navigating a lifetime of role transitions can offer insight into new possibilities, as well as opportunities to express gratitude, practice forgiveness, communicate with kindness, and live with greater intention. In this session, participants will respond to structured questions, practice deep listening, and experience being heard (without advice) in small groups. Participants will also reflect on and find meaning in life's transitions as they prepare for those ahead.

“OLLI has enriched my life in so many ways, and the variety of classes is phenomenal.”

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

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OSHR 9103 Online Monday

Qigong for Wellness

Date: 9/28-10/12, 10/19-11/2, or 11/9-11/30 | Instructor: Ivan Ankeny Time: 10-11:15 a.m. | Location: Online | Class Size: 25 | Cost: $20 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. In this course, participants will practice an integrated approach to several Qigong styles, with a primary emphasis on Five Element Qigong. Each session is unique, and all experience levels are welcome. Sessions include breathwork, activation exercises, stretching, and slow-flow movements designed to support grounding and nervous system regulation. Each online session concludes with a brief meditation centered on the theme of the day.

OSHR 9043 Offsite Tuesday and Thursday

Intermediate Level ESSENTRICS® Aging Backwards Date: 9/29-10/22 or 11/10-12/10 | Instructor: Terry Nolan Time: 10-11 a.m. | Location: Studio West Dance Center Class Size: 20 | Cost: $70 Note: This course meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 4 weeks. Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully.

This class is designed for active OLLI members with prior experience in ESSENTRICS®. Participants will enjoy a workout that increases range of motion and flexibility, relieves pain, boosts energy, and stimulates the brain. Based on the dynamic stretch and strengthening program created by Miranda Esmonde-White, author of the New York Times bestseller Aging Backwards, each class begins with a 10-minute discussion of ESSENTRICS® techniques and specific movements, followed by a 45-minute workout set to music that supports the benefits of movement. Level: Intermediate Recommended Materials: yoga mat

Health & Wellness OSHR 1059 OLLI Bonus Offsite Tuesday

Exploring Pathways Hospice, Palliative and Bereavement Care Date: 9/29 | Instructor: Evan Hyatt | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Pathways Hospice | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

Pathways will provide information about hospice, palliative, and bereavement care available through the Medicare hospice benefit. Additional topics include volunteer opportunities, advance directives, and medical aid in dying. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the Pathways Inpatient Care Center.

OSHR 3321 OLLI Talks Friday

How Can Your Home Be a Lifelong Home?!

Date: 10/2 | Instructors: Brian Dunbar & Drew Sorrells | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Recent research indicates that more than 80% of older adults wish to remain in their homes and neighborhoods as they age, staying close to family, friends, and familiar resources such as retail and recreation. Yet fewer than 10% of homes are designed or built to support health and well-being as people age or encounter physical limitations. CSU's Institute for the Built Environment (IBE) has created a program to help homeowners and builders design Lifelong Homes. These homes incorporate features such as ease of mobility, supportive furnishings, circadian lighting, sleep-friendly environments, energy-efficient systems, and other elements that promote health, safety, and comfort for all abilities. This introductory class highlights the many elements that can transform a new or existing home into a Lifelong Home. Drew and Brian will present exemplary homes and help participants consider how to apply these concepts in their own living spaces.

“Sign up for OLLI to stretch your brain and meet new people!”

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OSHR 1222 OLLI Experience Friday

Who You Are Matters! Conversation Experience (Boardgame) Date: 10/2 | Instructor: Rich Feller | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 25 | Cost: $5 Experience seven structured and engaging conversations with three to five peers, focused on personal qualities, strengths, interests, and future possibilities. This conversation-based experience, presented as a board game, helps participants get to know one another through deep listening, being heard (without advice), and shared moments of empathy and laughter. Using a talking stick, participants share brief stories, receive affirmative feedback, and create a Clarification Statement about future possibilities. Used in 19 countries and by more than 1,000 organizations, this approach has been shown to support curiosity, exploration, hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism, and organized thinking. Many find it to be an engaging introduction to the OLLI community and the Finish Well Beyond 50 Framework. The experience is led by the program's co-creator. View video clip: onelifetools.com/pages/who-you-are-matters

OSHR 1060 OLLI Experience Offsite Tuesday

Flavors of the Mediterranean at the Cooking Studio Date: 10/6 | Instructor: Cooking Studio Chefs | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: The Cooking Studio | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $100

Are you ready to cook a delicious meal with professional chefs guiding you? Come in and learn cooking skills as you prepare a delicious meal. After you eat, someone else will do the dishes! The menu includes saganaki with fig jam, pinenut couscous, chicken tagine with preserved lemon and baklava.

OSHR 3422 OLLI Bonus Online Thursday

New! Medicare 2027: Know Your ABCDs

Date: 10/8 | Instructor: Daphne Bernstein | Time: 1–3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

Enrollment for 2027 Medicare plans begins on October 15, so mark your calendar for this timely seminar. Then join Daphne for answers about all things Medicare. She’ll cover eligibility, special enrollment periods, dates, and deadlines; the various pieces and parts (A, B, D); Medicare Advantage (part C); common misconceptions; errors to avoid; and important new benefits you won’t want to miss. We’ll also talk about those omnipresent TV ads and phone calls, cut through the hype, and get to the facts. Best of all, you’ll be talking with a gerontologist and experienced Medicare insurance professional who has spent her career serving the needs and interests of older adults. REGISTER ONLINE AT OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

Health & Wellness OSHR 3393 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Healing Insights from Nature: Lessons for Living with Balance and Resilience Date: 10/13 | Instructor: Sue Schneider | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $15

This workshop explores what the natural world can teach us about living with balance, resilience, and equanimity in a complex world. Drawing on health science, anthropology, psychology, and contemplative traditions, the course examines how human well-being is closely connected to the living systems around us. Through experiential practices inspired by forest bathing and mindfulness meditation, participants will explore how attention, nervous system regulation, and embodied awareness can be supported through connection with nature. The course is designed to foster curiosity, self-awareness, and practical ways to engage with nature as a source of steadiness, clarity, and renewal.

OSHR 1058 OLLI Experience Offsite Thursday

Returning to Stillness: A Retreat for Rest and Reflection Date: 10/15 | Instructor: Sue Schneider | Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Primrose Studio | Class Size: 30 | Cost: $125

In the midst of busy lives, it can be easy to lose touch with the quiet presence always available within us. This daylong retreat offers an opportunity to slow down, quiet the mind, and reconnect with a sense of stillness and ease. Through guided mindfulness practices—including sitting and walking meditation, compassion practices, and silent reflection— participants will explore simple ways to calm the mind and connect with the wisdom of the heart. No prior meditation experience is required; all who are interested in cultivating greater presence, clarity, and inner calm are welcome. This retreat is offered in collaboration with Day Away Retreats, an organization dedicated to making the benefits of retreat practice accessible through thoughtfully guided daylong experiences.

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OSHR 3409 OLLI Talks Monday

Navigating Today's Healthcare System

Date: 10/19 | Instructor: Kathleen Lipscomb | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Today's healthcare system can be confusing and overwhelming for both patients and their families. In this presentation, participants will explore key topics, including: medical insurance history, options, and terminology; local and national resources for navigating the healthcare system; and practical strategies for preparing for medical situations that arise for individuals and their loved ones.

OSHR 9106 OLLI Experience Monday

A Wine Tour of Oregon and Washington

Date: 10/19-11/16 | Instructor: Christopher Hensey | Time: 4-6 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $170 Wine enthusiasts are invited to join sommelier Chris Hensey for a fiveweek survey of the wines of Oregon and Washington. Bottles from the Willamette Valley, Eola-Amity Hills, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, and other regions will be sampled as participants explore and discuss their unique characteristics in an informal atmosphere. Cheese and crackers will be provided. One class will be dedicated to a structured, step-by-step analysis of wine. Supplies: Please bring four wine glasses to each class.

Health & Wellness OSHR 9104 Offsite Wednesday

Fundamentals of Chair Yoga for Mindful Living Date: 10/21-11/11 or 11/18-12/16 | Instructor: Caroline Denison Time: 9-10:30 a.m. | Location: Studio West Dance Center Class Size: 20 | Cost: $60

In this course, participants are invited to explore the foundations of yoga in a way that is accessible, supportive, and nourishing for every body. Rooted in tradition, this class weaves together simple teachings from yogic philosophy with practical tools for everyday life. Each session includes guided meditation and breathwork to calm the nervous system, support mental clarity, and cultivate presence. The physical practice focuses on gentle, functional movement, with all postures done from a chair— helping build strength, improve mobility, and move with greater ease and confidence. This course is not about perfect poses, but about learning to listen to your body and develop a mindful, sustainable relationship with yourself. Whether you are new to yoga or returning in a new season of life, this is a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. Level: Beginner/Intermediate Recommended Materials: yoga strap, pillow, and yoga blanket

OSHR 9105 Offsite Wednesday

Mat Yoga for Healthy Aging: Balance, Mobility & Ease Date: 10/21-11/11 or 11/18-12/16 | Instructor: Caroline Denison Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Location: Studio West Dance Center Class Size: 25 | Cost: $60

In this course, participants are invited to explore the foundations of yoga through a mat-based practice that is accessible while also offering a deeper exploration of movement. Rooted in tradition, the class weaves together yogic philosophy with practical tools to support mindful, everyday living. Each session includes guided breathwork and meditation to cultivate awareness, support nervous system regulation, and encourage a sense of calm presence. The physical practice builds on gentle, functional movement, incorporating a range of postures to support balance, mobility, and coordination. Variations and modifications are offered throughout, allowing participants to move at a pace that feels appropriate and sustainable. This course is not about achieving advanced poses, but about developing a thoughtful relationship with the body as it evolves. It offers space to move with intention, breathe deeply, and consider what it means to age with awareness, confidence, and ease. Level: Beginner/Intermediate Recommended Supplies: yoga blocks, yoga mat, yoga strap, blanket

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OSHR 3371 OLLI Talks Thursday

How to Maintain Good Strong Bones: Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Explained Date: 10/22 | Instructor: Margaret Eagan | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Join Dr. Margaret Eagan, a board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in academic and private practice, for an engaging discussion on bone health, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Dr. Eagan's patient-centered approach emphasizes education and collaboration, helping individuals feel empowered to take control of their bone health and long-term well-being. In this session, she will cover: what osteopenia and osteoporosis are and how they are diagnosed; key lifestyle changes that can help prevent bone loss and support stronger bones; an overview of medical treatments used to prevent fractures and slow disease progression; and how to monitor bone health over time and when follow-up testing is needed.

OSHR 7075 Offsite Thursday

Introduction to Ballroom Dancing: Foxtrot

Date: 10/22-11/12 | Instructors: Frank Baczek & Lenina Olivas Time: 11 a.m.-Noon | Location: Empire Grange Class Size: 26 | Cost: $40 This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of the foxtrot, a classic ballroom dance known for its smooth, flowing movement and timeless elegance. Often danced to big-band and jazz music, foxtrot emphasizes continuous motion, control, and an effortless glide across the floor. Participants will learn foundational techniques, including posture, frame, timing, and partner connection, while exploring basic patterns and progressive figures. Through guided instruction and practice, participants will develop an understanding of rhythm (slowslow, quick-quick), musical interpretation, and floorcraft. The course fosters confidence in both social and performance settings, encouraging expressive movement and strong communication between partners. Level: No prior dance experience is required. This course is ideal for beginners as well as those seeking to refine foundational ballroom skills. Recommended attire: Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and smooth-soled shoes suitable for dancing.

Health & Wellness OSHR 9037 Thursday

The Nuts and Bolts of Death and Dying: What You Need to Know Before You Need to Know It Date: 10/22-11/5 | Instructors: Nina Rubin & Ren Scherling Time: 1-3 p.m. | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

We are told that all that is guaranteed in life are death and taxes. Sadly, despite the inevitable fact of death, most people remain woefully unprepared when the time comes, leaving their surviving loved ones to make decisions under the worst possible conditions. This class will address your questions and concerns and help prepare you with the information you need to make informed decisions in advance. The course will cover end-of-life concerns, advanced directives, options for final disposition, costs, and laws and consumer protections in place.

OSHR 8062 Wednesday

A Bee Bit of Sweetness

Date: 10/28-11/4 | Instructor: Lisa Boesen | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 25 | Cost: $30 Did you know there are more than 350 backyard beekeepers, numerous foraging microclimates, and diverse flavor profiles in Northern Colorado? Or that a single bee produces about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime? Even terroir, as with wine, influences flavor. In this class, participants will: Learn about the local annual honeybee management cycle—what bees do throughout the year Identify a range of honey flavor categories and profiles; Taste local honey and gain tips for using it as a garnish and flavor enhancer; Explore ways to support pollinators throughout the region's short growing season.

OSHR 1061 OLLI Experience Offsite Tuesday

A Taste of Greece at the Cooking Studio

Date: 11/3 | Instructor: Cooking Studio Chefs | Time: 1-4 p.m. Location: The Cooking Studio | Class Size: 16 | Cost: $100 Are you ready to cook a delicious meal with professional chefs guiding you? Come in and learn cooking skills as you prepare a delicious meal. After you eat, someone else will do the dishes! The menu includes Greek meatballs (souvlaki), quinoa tabbouleh salad, tzatziki, falafel, and baklava.

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OSHR 3382 OLLI Talks Online Thursday

Living Well with Hearing Loss

Date: 11/5 | Instructor: Wynne Whyman | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 If you are over 50, there is a good likelihood of experiencing some degree of hearing loss. How can it be managed to support better hearing at home and in public settings? This practical online webinar will cover the basics of hearing loss, including nontechnical strategies such as communication techniques and environmental adjustments, as well as technology options such as captions, hearing aids, personal amplifiers, and public assistive listening systems. The session will conclude with an overview of rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and considerations for self-advocacy.

OSHR 9108 Online Thursday

Sit Happens: A Journey Into Meditation, Breath & Inner Calm Date: 11/12-12/17 | Instructor: Katherine Robinson | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $50 Each session of this course introduces simple, accessible practices participants can use in daily life, including guided meditation, breathwork, gentle qigong movement, and tapping (EFT). Participants will learn how to work with a busy mind (rather than fight it), regulate the nervous system, and build a steadier sense of focus and ease. This online course is not about clearing the mind or doing things perfectly. Instead, it emphasizes learning to sit with what is present with greater awareness, patience, and compassion.

Health & Wellness OSHR 9072 Monday

Becoming Your Best Self in Retirement Through Discovering Core Strengths

Date: 11/16-12/7 | Instructor: George Angelopoulos Time: 10 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30* Retirement can feel daunting to some and liberating to others. In this three-session series, participants will explore what matters most, identify core strengths, and learn how to apply them to make this next chapter as fulfilling as possible. Session 1 focuses on the challenges and opportunities of retirement and defining what is most important. Session 2 examines how core strengths contribute to success in retirement. Before the first session, participants should complete the CliftonStrengths® online assessment to identify their top 5 talents. The Top 5 assessment is $25 and can be purchased at www.gallup. com/cliftonstrengths. During the second session, a certified strengths specialist will provide insights into participants' natural talents and how to leverage them in retirement. Session three focuses on identifying key priorities and creating a personalized roadmap for the future. *Additional Cost: $25 CliftonStrengths® assessment

OSHR 1260 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Finish Well Beyond 50 Retreat: Finding Meaning, Awe, & Mischief Date: 11/18 | Instructor: Rich Feller | Time: 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Location: Tamasag Retreat Center | Class Size: 35 | Cost: $65

When we're young, we're often asked, What do you want to be? Beyond 50, reflecting on Who do I want to be? can be liberating, motivating, and creative—and, some would argue, necessary. Moving beyond an achievement-based identity centered on status and accomplishments, many choose to adopt a more exploratory and generative way of living. In this daylong experience at Tamasag's in-nature setting, participants will engage in structured reflection activities, short video and music clips, and an awe walk in nature. Participants will experience deep listening, build a sense of community, and explore new possibilities by: Defining a personal vision of the good life and success; Identifying and savoring moments of awe; Clarifying intentions by creating a purpose and life-design statement; Reflecting on five Ultimate Finish Well questions about living and dying with grace, dignity, and mischief; Evaluating Finish Well Beyond 50 habits to support next steps.

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OSHR 7076 Offsite Thursday

Introduction to Ballroom Dancing: Smooth Swing Date: 11/19-12/17 | Instructors: Frank Baczek & Lenina Olivas Time: 11 a.m.-Noon | Location: Empire Grange Class Size: 25 | Cost: $40

This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Smooth Swing, a lively and versatile partner dance. Known for its smooth turns, dynamic patterns, and upbeat energy, Smooth Swing is danced to a wide range of music, including disco, pop, and contemporary hits. Participants will learn essential techniques such as timing, footwork, spins, and partner connection, with an emphasis on fluidity and precision. Through guided instruction and practice, participants will develop coordination, musicality, and confidence on the dance floor. The course highlights lead-and-follow communication, turn technique, and styling, making it suitable for both social dancing and performance settings. Level: No prior dance experience is required. This course is ideal for beginners as well as those seeking to refine foundational ballroom skills. Recommended attire: Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and smooth-soled shoes suitable for dancing.

OSHR 3416 OLLI Talks Thursday

Did Freud Play the Djembe?

Date: 11/19 | Instructor: Dee Desnoyers | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Psychoanalysis and communal West African drumming may appear unrelated at first glance, yet both are fundamentally experiential processes that foster learning, reflection, and transformation through relationship and embodied participation. In psychodynamic therapies, meaningful change emerges not only through intellectual insight but also through emotional experience within a relational context. Individuals begin to recognize recurring patterns in how they respond to uncertainty, vulnerability, conflict, and connection. Through reflection and language, implicit experiences become explicit, creating opportunities for new understanding and behavioral flexibility. Similarly, traditional communal West African drumming—particularly djembe and dunun traditions rooted in the legacy of the Mali Empire—creates an embodied, relational environment in which participants encounter themselves and others in real time. Within the musical experience, patterns emerge: individuals may lead, withdraw, overcompensate, listen, adapt, or struggle with disruption. This presentation explores the parallels between psychoanalytic ideas and West African drumming as practices.

Health & Wellness OSHR 9100 Friday

Introduction to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Date: 12/4-12/11 | Instructor: Terrence Monte | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20

This course introduces participants to the fundamental concepts of Chinese medicine and how to apply this knowledge in everyday life. Core topics include an overview of Qi dynamics, Five Phase Theory, Yin-Yang theory, diagnostic principles, and nutrition. Particular attention will be given to demystifying these concepts and translating them into practical, real-world applications. The course focuses on approaches that support improved health and well-being, emphasizing concepts with direct and meaningful relevance.

OSHR 3378 OLLI Talks Thursday

From Planning to Port: How to Prepare for a Cruise Date: 12/10 | Instructor: Paige Martino | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

So, you think you want to cruise? Have you considered taking a cruise? Have you cruised in the past, and if so, did you enjoy it? Are you put off by negative press about cruising? This class explores how to plan and enjoy a cruise vacation. Participants will learn the basics, along with practical tips to make their next cruise their best. Topics covered will include: choosing the right cruise line; understanding cruise costs; including what is included in the fare and what incurs additional charges; selecting destinations; determining ideal cruise length; managing seasickness; enjoying a cruise without alcohol; and packing tips. Participants will also learn how to plan and book a cruise that fits their interests and preferences.

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OSHR 3370 OLLI Talks Wednesday

Maintaining Independence Through Movement Date: 12/16 | Instructor: Margaret Eagan | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Core, balance, flexibility, aerobic, anaerobic, high intensity, low intensity—the list of fitness terms can feel overwhelming. What, then, are the most important things to focus on as we age? Join Dr. Margaret Eagan, a board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in academic and private practice, for an engaging discussion on maintaining independence through movement. Dr. Eagan's patient-centered approach emphasizes education and collaboration, helping individuals feel empowered to take control of their health. In this session, she will focus on core strength, balance, and flexibility—why they matter for maintaining independence and simple ways to improve them.

OSHR 3395 OLLI Talks Thursday

Activate Wise Change: Play the MOVES Game Date: 12/17 | Instructor: Julie Delene | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Feeling stuck, scattered, or ready for a reset? Join Julie Delene for an interactive MOVES Game experience designed to help participants develop clarity, confidence, and direction. Through guided questions, mindful movement, and facilitated dialogue, participants will reflect on their current priorities and identify meaningful next steps. This session offers an embodied, experiential approach to personal insight and growth. Participants will: Identify what matters most; Gain clarity in decision-making; Move from overwhelm toward grounded action; Strengthen awareness of the connection among body, mind, and breath. Through the 5 Mindful MOVES™, participants will explore ways to navigate change with greater awareness and move forward with clarity and intention.

History, Psychology & Philosophy OSHR 6155 Monday

Larimer County in a Nutshell

Date: 9/21-10/12 | Instructor: Kenneth Jessen | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40 This four-part course introduces the history of Larimer County, beginning with the arrival of the first humans some 11,400 years ago, followed by French trappers. It examines how the county was formed, how Colorado was divided into present-day counties, and the founding of its towns. Access to the region began with primitive trails and was later formalized by the Overland Trail. Contemporary maps illustrate how travel developed between towns. Pioneer roads into the canyons opened new territory, and early industries were dominated by agriculture, including wheat, sugar beets, cherries, and peas. Without water, the region's development would have stalled. Early irrigation began with modest ditches bringing Colorado River water to the Front Range and eventually expanded into a complex system of tunnels and canals. Some historic structures have been lost, while others have been preserved. The series concludes with a look at key books on the county's history.

OSHR 6175 Tuesday

An Agent's Story: The FBI I Know—From Dillinger to Oklahoma City Date: 9/22-10/20 | Instructor: Brian Carroll | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $50

Curious about what the FBI was really like—from the era of J. Edgar Hoover to the leadership of Robert Mueller? This course offers an inside look at the Bureau's organization, culture, and people through the perspective of retired FBI agent and OLLI instructor Brian Carroll. The gangster era of the early 20th century drew Brian's father into the FBI, and his father's career, in turn, inspired Brian to follow in his footsteps. Drawing on this personal legacy, he provides a rich historical perspective on the FBI's origins, evolution, and enduring foundations— insights that remain relevant today.

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OSHR 6182 Wednesday

La Sale Guerre: The First Indochina War (1945-1955) Date: 9/23-10/7 | Instructor: William Dewey | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

The course provides a comprehensive analysis of the First Indochina War, a conflict famously dubbed La Sale Guerre (The Dirty War) by the French public. The class will trace the transition of French Indochina from a colonial imperial jewel to a fractured Cold War battleground. The class begins with an examination of the roots of Vietnamese nationalism, grounded in village life, ancestor worship, and the revolutionary symbolism of the I Ching. From there, learners will investigate the geopolitical shifts following World War II, including the Third Republic's attempts to reestablish a colonial presence; emerging geopolitical theories such as the domino theory; the rise of Ho Chi Minh; and the strategic turning point at Dien Bien Phu and the subsequent Geneva Accords, which partitioned the nation into two distinct Vietnams. Finally, the class will evaluate how this decade of conflict fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape, setting the stage for subsequent American intervention and the Second Indochina War.

OSHR 1053 OLLI Experience Offsite Wednesday

Monks and Beer: A Tasting Tour of Spirituality and Tradition Date: 9/23 | Instructor: Joel Bacon | Time: 3-5 p.m. Location: Zwei Brewing | Class Size: 25 | Cost: $20

This guided beer tasting introduces participants to the fascinating history and spirituality of monastic brewing traditions. Why are some of the world's finest beers brewed by monks? What connections exist between craft beer in Fort Collins and centuries-old monasteries in Europe? How have brewing and beer consumption been understood as spiritual practices? Over the course of several small tastings, participants will sample and explore both local brewing traditions and the rich history of monastic beer. Samples of beer will be provided by Zwei Brewing staff.

History, Psychology & Philosophy OSHR 6039 OLLI Experience Friday

White Gold: History of the Great Western Sugar Company Date: 9/25-10/16 | Instructor: Kenneth Jessen | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall + Loveland Museum | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $45

Sugar beets were once the leading industry in Northern Colorado, producing refined white sugar and employing thousands in the fields, factories, and transportation networks. The Colorado Agricultural College—now Colorado State University—played a pivotal role in launching this industry through early experimental plots. This course begins with planting and cultivating sugar beets, followed by an overview of processing methods, including images of the region's many factories. Germans from Russia were central to the industry, beginning as field laborers and eventually becoming landowners. Rail transportation was essential for moving beets to processing facilities, and labor-intensive harvesting methods have since evolved into highly mechanized systems. Much of this legacy remains today, including several communities originally established for workers. Class concludes with a tour of the Loveland Museum's exhibit on the sugar beet industry (admission fee included in tuition).

OSHR 3369 OLLI Bonus Friday

The Constitutional Right of Privacy at 100: A Century of Debating the Shadows of Fundamental Liberty Date: 9/25 | Instructor: Greg Russi | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

The right to privacy is guaranteed to every American by the U.S. Constitution, yet the word privacy does not appear anywhere in the document. What began as a dispute over what languages a child could learn in Midwestern schools grew into a sweeping debate over the rights of individuals to conduct their personal affairs, shaping many aspects of private life. Rights to privacy encompass marriage and reproductive decision-making, the confidentiality of conversations, and the expectation of security beyond the home. This two-hour lecture traces the development of privacy rights from their roots in constitutional interpretation, through debates over implied rights in the Bill of Rights and Reconstruction amendments, to contemporary cultural conflicts that reflect tensions between individual liberty and collective authority. The course also examines the rise and reversal of Roe v. Wade, the current status of abortion rights, and the landmark Obergefell decision on marriage equality.

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OSHR 6189 Thursday

The Tragic Legacies of the American War in Vietnam Date: 10/8-10/15 | Instructor: Loren Crabtree | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20

This course explores the enduring consequences of the American War in Vietnam (1960–1975) and examines why the conflict remains important to Americans today. It raises a series of key questions: Why did the world's most powerful military fail to defeat an impoverished country smaller than Tennessee after more than eight years of intense combat? Did the war alter the trajectory of history, and in what ways? How did the war contribute to the rise of the imperial presidency? Did it help set the stage for subsequent conflicts in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran? Did the American defeat in Vietnam prompt a reckoning—a reappraisal of national values—that challenged the notion of American exceptionalism? Did it create space for China's rise as a global power? Did the outcome reveal fundamental strategic weaknesses in U.S. policy and decision-making?

OSHR 6180 Friday

The Most Decorated U.S. Army Unit in World War II Date: 10/9-10/23 | Instructor: L Stuart Hirai | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

This course examines the history of a segregated unit of Japanese Americans whose constitutional rights were stripped away after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and who went into combat knowing that family members and friends were incarcerated in camps in the United States because they were perceived as the enemy. The course explores how the Buddha-heads from the Territory of Hawaii and the Kotonks on the mainland confronted their own biases to form a cohesive combat team. It highlights how this Purple Heart Battalion helped inspire the Go for Broke spirit, leading the unit—over time and relative to its size—to become the most decorated in U.S. military history. Participants will also learn how courage and compassion shaped the lives of those liberated in Italy, France, and Germany, and how this legacy continues to resonate today.

History, Psychology & Philosophy OSHR 6176 Friday

The U.S. Constitution for Lifelong Learners: Part One Date: 10/9-10/23 | Instructor: Greg Russi | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 40 | Cost: $30

The Constitution is not just for judges and lawyers. You own a piece of the U.S. Constitution. This course invites participants to explore the history of the Constitution, the rights and relationships defined by the document, and how it affects daily life as citizens and residents of the U.S. This three‑week course explores (1) the history of the Constitution, including the events and philosophies that shaped it; (2) the First Amendment's guarantees of speech, protest, and religious independence; and (3) the Fourteenth Amendment's wide reach into American life through due process and equal protection. The class is non‑biased and apolitical. Learners will come away with a deeper awareness of the structure and meaning of the Constitution, which they can then apply to their own arguments and pursuits. Part Two, covering other sections of the Constitution, will be offered in the Spring 2027 semester.

OSHR 3379 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Not Just for Kids: The Meaning and Medicine of Fairy Tales Date: 10/20 | Instructor: David Martino | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Have you ever read a fairy tale, had one read to you, or seen a film based on one? Because these familiar stories have shaped us in lasting ways, it is worth understanding their deeper messages. In childhood—whether through the dark and twisty Grimm tales or the more familiar Disney versions—fairy tales helped us process fears, navigate conflicting emotions, and bring a sense of order to a chaotic world. In many ways, they were a form of medicine made of words. As adults, participants will examine how and why these stories have such a powerful effect. The class will explore how different versions of the same tale can have markedly different impacts and will consider how fairy tales have been adapted and modernized, for better or worse. This course explores everything that comes between Once upon a time and Happily ever after.

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OSHR 6177 Online Thursday

Lessons From the Great Depression

Date: 10/22-10/29 | Instructor: Ed Linz | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20 This online course explores events of the 1920s leading up to the Great Depression, including notable parallels between the 1920s and the 2020s. Ed Linz suggests that the Depression did not begin with the stock market crash of 1929, but that its roots can be traced to the end of World War I and subsequent developments throughout the decade. Political and economic conditions of the 1930s and the early years of World War II are examined through the lives of a diverse group of Americans who provided firsthand accounts of their experiences during this turbulent period. Participants will also learn about influential figures such as Sister Aimee and Mother Cabrini. The course concludes with a discussion of lessons learned, along with time for questions and comments.

OSHR 6179 Tuesday

A Family Affair: Discovering the Collins Family Behind the City Name

Date: 10/27-12/8 | Instructor: Brian Carroll | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 Fort Collins, Colorado, is named for Lt. Col. William O. Collins, who served during the Civil War as military commander of Fort Laramie, Wyoming, with the 11th Ohio Cavalry. He volunteered shortly after the bombardment of Fort Sumter in April 1861 and was assigned to protect travelers along the Oregon and Overland Trails while engaging in conflicts with Native American tribes. Accompanying him was his son, Caspar Collins, who initially served as his father's scribe and was later commissioned as an officer. In July 1865, Caspar was killed at the Battle of Platte Bridge. The nearby settlement of Casper, Wyoming, was later named in his honor. Caspar's mother, Catherine Collins, also joined her husband and son at Fort Laramie, offering a valuable civilian perspective on frontier military life. Drawing on family background and personal letters, this course brings to life the experiences of William, Caspar, and Catherine Collins, highlighting the courage, loss, and resilience that shaped frontier military life and westward expansion.

History, Psychology & Philosophy OSHR 3406 OLLI Talks Wednesday

Arc of the Moral Universe: Rhetoric or a Call to Action Date: 10/28 | Instructor: Dale Mary Grenfell | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $10 "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." —Martin Luther King Jr. What is the arc of the moral universe? Is it inevitable, rhetorical, or a call to action? What does history suggest, and what do social scientists say? Do individuals and communities have agency in shaping its direction? In this discussion-based class, participants will meet in a circle to reflect on this complex concept from multiple perspectives. Together, the group will explore ideas that some view as hopeful and others as overly idealistic, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and shared inquiry.

OSHR 6185 Online Monday

What Next Iran? A History of the Islamic Republic From 1979 to Now Date: 11/2-11/30 | Instructor: Jared Day | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40

This online course explores the history of the modern Islamic Republic of Iran. It traces the country's trajectory from the overthrow of the Shah in 1979 through decades of political upheaval, revolutionary ideology, war, and internal dissent, culminating in the wave of mass protests that began in 2009 and the conflict with the United States that emerged in 2026. The course also examines the long and often tense relationship between Iran and the United States. Particular attention is given to Iran's nuclear ambitions, its support for militant proxy groups across the Middle East, and its role in international terrorism. Participants will also explore the influence of pivotal figures such as Ruhollah Khomeini, Ali Khamenei, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Finally, the course considers Iran's uncertain future, including pressures for reform, the durability of the revolutionary system, and the prospects for political and social change.

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OSHR 3417 OLLI Talks Tuesday

From Conflict to Creative Inspiration: How Other Nations Have Found Sustainable Peace Date: 11/3 | Instructor: William Timpson | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10

This course examines how individuals and societies can transform conflict into opportunities for learning and lasting change. Drawing on global case studies, participants will examine what victims of violence, and their families can teach us, how ordinary people contribute to extraordinary peacebuilding, and how nations rethink priorities like military spending and education. The course also connects lessons from international conflicts to challenges within our own communities. Grounded in Timpson's research and publications, the class highlights the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and "mutual interdependence" in resolving conflict. Participants will explore the roles of emotional intelligence, moral development, and creative problem-solving in building sustainable peace. Through real-world examples—from post-conflict societies to classroom practices— this course offers practical strategies and inspiration for fostering resilience, reducing violence, and imagining new possibilities for a more peaceful future.

OSHR 6184 Online Wednesday

German Genius: The Stories Behind Jeans, Cars, Teddy Bears & Porcelain Date: 11/4-12/2 | Instructor: Anette Isaacs | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40

Discover the surprising German roots of some of the world's most beloved innovations: blue jeans, teddy bears, fine porcelain, and the automobile. In this lively online course, German historian Anette Isaacs introduces the visionaries behind these iconic creations, including Levi Strauss, Margarete Steiff, the alchemists of Meissen's white gold, and Bertha Benz, the daring pioneer who completed the first long-distance automobile journey—demonstrating that innovation is fueled by both courage and creativity. Join Anette for a fascinating exploration of history, ingenuity, and the remarkable German minds whose ideas shaped fashion, childhood, luxury, and transportation.

History, Psychology & Philosophy OSHR 3413 Hybrid OLLI Bonus Friday

OLLI 101: Past, Present, and Future

Date: 11/6 | Instructor: Meredith Naughton | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. OLLI 101 offers a welcoming introduction to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Colorado State University—perfect for both new and longtime members. As OLLI celebrates its 20th anniversary, participants will explore its beginnings and its connection to a vibrant national network of more than 120 OLLI programs supported by the National Resource Center for Osher Institutes (NRC). Participants will gain an inside look at how OLLI operates today—from presenting more than 200 classes each term to serving a growing community of over 2,000 members annually. The course also examines how OLLI is funded, illustrating how membership, fundraising, and philanthropy work together to support programs and sustain a thriving lifelong learning community. Discover how OLLI works—and where it's headed next.

OSHR 3418 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Exploring Sustainable Solutions: A Case-Based Approach Date: 11/10 | Instructor: William Timpson | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10 This course examines sustainability through the lens of the "triple bottom line," connecting human well-being, society, the economy, and the natural environment. Using a holistic and interconnected framework, the course explores how communities and nations respond to complex challenges through cooperation, creativity, and long-term thinking. Through international case studies, participants will consider how countries like Costa Rica have pursued national sustainability commitments, how societies such as South Korea have rebuilt after civil conflict, and how regions in Central America continue working toward peace after centuries of violence. Additional discussions focus on the power of ordinary people to inspire extraordinary change, the role of education in shaping sustainable futures, and how to shift thinking in moments of pessimism or resistance to change.

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OSHR 6188 Wednesday

The Spirituality of Humor – The Irreverent Sacred Date: 11/11-12/9 | Instructor: Kate Lyn Reiter | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40

Spirituality, as this course approaches it, is not a dogma but a process of transformation. What role does humor play in that process? Humor shifts perspective, turning things upside down, challenging illusions, and inviting us to see the world from a different angle. This openness can foster innovation, creativity, adaptability, and connection with others. The course will draw on the Zen approach to the arts as a primary spiritual reference. Questions explored include: What are the psychological benefits of humor? What is the spiritual role of trickster figures in mythology? What can be learned from the Native American sacred clown? Can contrarian perspectives offer wisdom, and what is meant by the irreverent sacred? Participants will take a thoughtful look at humor— without taking it too seriously—and may discover new ways to approach their own lives with greater lightness and insight.

OSHR 6186 Friday

Armchair Travel to the New World: European Knowledge of Western Lands in the 16th Century Date: 11/13-12/4 | Instructor: Bryan Dennis | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $30

I will go bounding over all the seas, more secure aboard my maps than aboard ships. (Ludovico Ariosto, 1513) The seemingly endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean occupied the minds of Europeans from ancient times. This course examines the Western Lands through maps and explorer accounts available to 16th-century Europeans. Beginning with a review of ancient and medieval understandings of the ocean—drawing on sources such as Plato, Lucian, St. Brendan, and the Norse sagas—the course then focuses on the New World discoveries of Columbus and Vespucci as documented in published letters and early maps. The final session explores selections from New World travel accounts compiled by Peter Martyr d'Anghiera (1530), Giovanni Battista Ramusio (1556), and Richard Hakluyt (1600), which introduced Europeans to the diversity and complexity of the Americas.

History, Psychology & Philosophy OSHR 3374 OLLI Talks Monday

Researching and Writing Meaningful Obituaries for Family and Friends Date: 11/16 | Instructor: Robert Larson | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Many people find it challenging to search for or write obituaries for loved ones during times of loss. This presentation introduces the basic elements of writing and locating obituaries for newspapers, funeral homes, and genealogy websites. The instructor will also demonstrate where to search for or submit obituaries and how to include photos on several popular genealogy platforms. The cost of publishing obituaries with photos in newspapers has increased significantly, often depending on length. Alternatives such as funeral homes and genealogy websites can be more affordable while still allowing families to share meaningful information about their loved ones.

OSHR 6103 Tuesday

Remarkable Stories – Wisdom from the Other Side Date: 12/1-12/15 | Instructor: Nina Rubin | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $30

When a life ends, everyone has stories—those who are mourning and those who have lost loved ones in the past all carry unique experiences. These stories are often difficult to share, yet they can serve as a source of wisdom in our lives. This class will explore the meaning, healing, and growth that can emerge from eliciting, modeling, and sharing these experiences. Learning to embrace and express these stories can support the process of moving through grief. Common themes and shared experiences will also be explored.

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Literature & Communication

OSHR 4117 Monday

What Poetry Is and Is Not: How Poetry Develops!

Date: 9/21-10/26 | Instructor: Veronica Patterson | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $65 This course will be taught using poetry by Melissa Huff "To Speak to Each Day in Its Own Language" and Silas House "All These Ghosts". House is also a novelist and a writer for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and other publications, and has served as Poet Laureate of Kentucky. Course readings will also include essays by Margaret Renkl, including "Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss" and "Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache from the American South."

OSHR 4118 Monday

Conversational Spanish for Absolute Beginners Date: 9/21-10/26 | Instructor: Cindy Sargent | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $70

¡Hola! Are you looking for a Spanish class focused on conjugating verbs and memorizing vocabulary? If so, this is not the course for you. If you have no prior experience with Spanish and are looking for a fun, engaging way to begin, you are warmly invited to join. Participants will get their language toes wet with beginning conversational Spanish in a hands-on, interactive setting designed to encourage communication in Español. This is not a lecture-based class, but an active learning experience. Please bring a spiral notebook.

Literature & Communication OSHR 4127 Wednesday

British Classics Book Club: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and Beyond

Date: 9/23-12/16 | Instructor: Abigayil Wernsman | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $40 This course explores the life, imagination, and legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of one of literature's most beloved detectives, Sherlock Holmes. With a focus on the historical context in which Doyle wrote—a period marked by rapid scientific discovery, urban crime anxieties, and a fascination with rational detection—participants will examine his career as a physician-turned-writer and the cultural forces that made Sherlock Holmes one of the most recognizable literary figures in the world. Participants will read and discuss three of Doyle's most engaging works, beginning with A Study in Scarlet (1887), which introduces Holmes and Dr. Watson; followed by The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902), a celebrated blend of detective fiction and Gothic atmosphere; and concluding with The Lost World (1912), a thrilling adventure that highlights Doyle's imaginative reach beyond Holmes. Participants will experience the wit, suspense, and creativity that established Doyle as a literary icon. Note: This course meets once per month. Assigned reading/dates: • 10/21 - A Study in Scarlet (1887) • 11/18 - The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) • 12/16 - The Lost World (1912)

OSHR 4119 Thursday

Weathering the Storm: How Older Adults Navigate Conflict with Resilience Date: 9/24-10/8 | Instructor: Marlin Clark | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

As social beings, interpersonal conflict is inevitable. As older adults bring diverse experiences and viewpoints, differences between individuals can sometimes lead to conflict. In this course, participants will explore the nature of interpersonal conflict, how it affects relationships, and practical strategies for managing it effectively. Join Dr. Marlin Clark for an engaging exploration of how communication can help navigate these challenges and support stronger, more constructive relationships.

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OSHR 4129 Friday

What We Have to Do: Encountering Naomi Shihab Nye Date: 9/25-10/23* | Instructor: Chloé Leisure | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $60 *Note: No class held on 10/2

"Anyone who says, ‘Here's my address, write me a poem,' deserves something in reply. So I'll tell a secret instead: poems hide. In the bottoms of our shoes, they are sleeping. They are the shadows drifting across our ceilings the moment before we wake up. What we have to do is live in a way that lets us find them". —Naomi Shihab Nye, from Valentine for Ernest Mann. In this class, participants will explore the poetry and insights of Naomi Shihab Nye. Through generative writing practices, they will experiment with approaches that encourage unexpected connections in memory, imagination, and imagery. New writers are welcome.

OSHR 4125 Tuesday

World of Wonders: Writing Personal Essays About the Natural World

Date: 9/29-10/20 | Instructor: Cherie Nelson Senie Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $40 In World of Wonders, Aimee Nezhukumatathil tells her personal story through an unlikely medium: her sense of wonder in the natural world. By focusing each chapter on an element of nature—a catalpa tree, the vampire squid, a cara cara orange—she explores connections to her life, including her relationship with her parents, her experience growing up as a brown girl in the United States, and her evolving sense of identity. In this class, participants will use World of Wonders as a mentor text for their own writing. Through readings, writing exercises, and discussion, the course will examine what makes a compelling essay and use experiences of the natural world as an entry point for personal writing. Whether through walking a dog, gardening, or childhood memories of climbing a favorite tree, participants will uncover new connections and perspectives. New writers are welcome.

Literature & Communication OSHR 7079 Wednesday

Finding the Words: On Translation(s) and Truth(s) Date: 9/30-11/4 | Instructor: Chloé Leisure | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $90

"The mountain air is fine at sunset; flying birds go back in flocks. In this there is a truth: I wish to tell you, but lose the words." —from Drinking Wine #5 by Tao Qian (Translated by Arthur Sze). In this class, participants will read and discuss selections from Transient Worlds: On Translating Poetry by Arthur Sze, the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate. Sze invites readers to explore poetic translation regardless of experience or knowledge of another language. Translating poetry, he suggests, can slow our thinking, deepen attention, and build meaningful connections across cultures. Participants will explore elements such as word choice, syntax, imagery, and metaphor while experimenting with translation as a creative practice. The course also considers how translation can enrich participants' own writing. New writers are welcome.

OSHR 4036 Thursday

Red Herring Book Club

Date: 10/1-12/3 | Instructor: John Blair | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30 Crime fiction enthusiasts are invited to discuss three assigned mystery novels by a range of authors. The class meets once a month for two hours. Two weeks before each session, participants will receive five discussion questions related to the month's selection. The novels include Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers, The Briar Club by Kate Quinn, and The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. Assigned reading/dates: • 10/1 – Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers • 11/5 - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn • 12/3 - The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

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OSHR 6160 Thursday

Thinking Is Not What You Think and Other Tricks Our Minds Play: Based on Kahneman's Book, Thinking Fast and Slow Date: 10/1-10/15 | Instructor: Kate Lyn Reiter | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

From optical illusions to confirmation bias, our brains are constantly fooling us. How can holding a warm cup of coffee influence your impression of someone? Can wearing a white lab coat improve performance on a test? Why does the brain resist self-doubt and foster overconfidence? Using Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman's groundbreaking book Thinking, Fast and Slow as a guide, this course explores how we make decisions and how cognitive biases shape our thinking. Participants will examine common mental shortcuts, uncover the many games the brain plays, and gain insight into why we think the way we do—approaching these discoveries with greater understanding and a sense of humor.

OSHR 4068 Thursday

Creative Writing Workshop

Date: 10/1-11/5 | Instructor: Abigayil Wernsman | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $60 This workshop explores both fiction and nonfiction while focusing on the craft of writing through lecture and group peer review. With an emphasis on essential techniques such as showing versus telling, writing natural dialogue, and developing conflict, the course helps each participant develop a distinctive narrative voice. Topics include worldbuilding and character development (important in nonfiction as well as fiction), along with revision and editing. Classes incorporate in-class writing prompts and lectures designed to strengthen participants' understanding of craft, as well as opportunities to share work in large and small groups and receive constructive feedback. Whether new to writing or seeking to refine existing skills, participants will leave with a toolkit of key concepts and the confidence to bring creative ideas from inspiration to the page.

Literature & Communication OSHR 4122 Wednesday

Processing the Pain and Pleasures of Aging Through Poetry

Date: 10/7-10/14 | Instructor: Jane Hillson Aiello | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $25 This class offers a two-week poetic exploration of the exhilaration and challenges of growing older. In these sessions, participants will read and discuss poetry—both serious and humorous—on themes such as aches, ailments, and aging. This lighthearted approach to writing encourages honesty and reflection about the complexities of life as an older adult. Participants will have opportunities to share their work, though sharing is always optional, and others will simply witness each piece without comment or critique. Writing in any voice or genre is welcome. The instructor has lived with autoimmune diseases for 18 years and is a Stage 1 lung cancer survivor. While this workshop offers a therapeutic writing experience, it is not a substitute for therapy or counseling. The goal is to release burdens and reduce shame through creative expression, leaving participants feeling uplifted and supported by a sense of community.

OSHR 4126 Friday

Speech As Combat: Insults, Boasts, and Linguistic Rivalry in Early Medieval England

Date: 10/9-11/6 | Instructor: Abigayil Wernsman | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $50 In early medieval England (c. 600–1000 CE), words were not merely decorative; they were powerful social tools capable of shaping reputation, provoking conflict, and preserving memory. In a culture deeply invested in honor and public standing, speech itself functioned as a weapon. Boasts established heroic identity, insults could damage social standing, and verbal performances such as riddles created arenas for intellectual competition. This course explores the culture of linguistic rivalry in early medieval England through a wide range of manuscripts. Laws and church ordinances sought to regulate speech and imposed penalties on those who violated social norms, while historians crafted narratives that shaped reputations—both heroic and villainous. By examining boasts, insults, rhetorical contests, and verbal wit, the course reveals a lively dimension of early English culture—one in which reputation could be forged or undone through carefully chosen words.

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OSHR 3404 OLLI Talks Monday

The Blue Trunk: Book Talk

Date: 10/12 | Instructor: Ann Lowry | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 The Blue Trunk is not a typical work of historical fiction. Ann E. Lowry's 2024 debut weaves together themes of insane asylums, politics, gangsters, gender identity, and family dynamics into a narrative that is both gripping and deeply human, inspired by her own life and that of her great-great-aunt. In this book talk, Ann will share the personal journey behind the novel, including how a mysterious ancestor sparked her imagination, the research that shaped the narrative, and the challenges and rewards of bringing women's fiction to life. This event is well suited for readers interested in history, aspiring writers, and anyone who enjoys an engaging and meaningful story.

OSHR 4131

Cancelled

Conversational French for the French Curious Date: 10/21-11/4 | Instructor: Randy Wall | Time: 4-6 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $40

In this course, participants will learn the essentials of everyday French through active practice and engagement. The class is appropriate for all levels, including those with no prior experience. The instructor will create a welcoming and interactive environment that encourages participants to practice speaking French with one another. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a basic level of conversational skill in French.

OSHR 4120 Thursday

More Than a Gesture: Understanding the Value of Touch in Human Connection Date: 10/29-11/12 | Instructor: Marlin Clark | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

Scientific research suggests that touch communication has been significantly undervalued and misunderstood across medical, technological, and social domains. According to Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, physical touch expresses love through physical closeness. As older adults navigate the aging process and experience relational losses, the need for physical touch can vary widely from person to person. This session will explore how touch is more than a gesture, offering participants a deeper understanding of its value in human connection. REGISTER ONLINE AT OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

Literature & Communication OSHR 8115 Monday

Birds of Life: A Reading

Date: 11/2-12/14 | Instructor: Kevin Cook | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 I was peering into a shrub, trying to identify a bird I had never seen before, when a friend threw a ball into the bushes and a large dog lunged in after it. The bird vanished before I could see it. My friend laughed and said, "It's just a bird!" That moment sparked a months-long journey through bird memories, which later became the book Birds of Life. Each chapter reflects on a bird encounter that contributed to the author's development as a naturalist. This class will include readings from the book, along with discussion of how personal experiences connect us to the wonder of the natural world—and how remembering and sharing those stories can be both meaningful and rewarding.

OSHR 4130 Monday

Looking At, Looking Through, Looking From: Poetics of Perspective Date: 11/2-12/14 | Instructor: Chloé Leisure | Time: 1-3:30 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 22 | Cost: $90

"While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see." —Dorothea Lange. "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." —Marcel Proust. In this class, participants will read and discuss poems that explore and challenge the notion of perspective, a word rooted in the medieval Latin for the science of optics. The course considers themes such as earth and space, peace and war, and human and animal experience. Through writing their own poems, participants will experiment with ways of seeing—looking at, looking through, and looking from multiple perspectives. New writers are welcome.

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OSHR 4123 Thursday

Storytelling: Everyday Mythology From Cave Walls to Front Porches and Last Night's Dreams Date: 11/12-12/10 | Instructor: Dale Mary Grenfell | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $40

"We understand everything in human life", wrote Jean-Paul Sartre, "through story." From images etched onto ancient cave walls to the dreams we had last night, storytelling is deeply embedded in human experience, and recent research suggests we are hardwired for it. Storytelling was—and remains in many Indigenous communities around the world—the first teaching method and an early form of healing practice. Throughout history, stories have both sustained and shaped societies. Participants will explore how we consciously and unconsciously seek out stories, and why paying attention to the stories we tell—and the ones we absorb—is especially important in the present moment.

OSHR 4116 Wednesday

The Mad Monk and the Monarchy: Rasputin's Russia Date: 11/18-12/16 | Instructor: Sara Hoffman | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $40

Grigori Rasputin was a Siberian peasant whose rise to influence at the court of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra coincided with the fall of the Romanov dynasty in 1917. Was he a scapegoat, or did he play a role in the government's eventual collapse and the rise of communism? Charismatic and controversial, Rasputin was believed by the empress to have the ability to ease the suffering of her hemophiliac son. In this course, participants will use Antony Beevor's newly published Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs as a guide to explore the many questions surrounding this enigmatic figure and his role in Russian history.

OSHR 4132

Cancelled

More Conversational French for the French Curious Date: 12/1-12/15 | Instructor: Randy Wall | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $40

More Conversational French for the French Curious builds on the foundation of the first course while remaining welcoming to learners of all levels—no prior enrollment required. Whether continuing or just beginning, participants will actively engage with the essentials of everyday French in a supportive, low-pressure setting. Each session emphasizes practical conversation, with ample opportunities to practice speaking with classmates. REGISTER ONLINE AT OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

Music, Theatre & Film OSHR 3256 OLLI Experience Offsite Tuesday

Behind the Pipes: Exploring CSU's Casavant Organ Date: 9/22 | Instructor: Joel Bacon | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts Class Size: 35 | Cost: $10

Colorado State University's organ is well known to music lovers in Fort Collins and is respected by organists nationwide. Built in 1968 by Casavant Frères under the tonal direction of Lawrence Phelps, it set new standards in American organ building. This course explains the history and significance of the CSU organ, as well as the process of relocating it to its current home in the University Center for the Arts. Musical selections will demonstrate how different parts of the instrument function, helping participants gain a deeper appreciation for this complex and majestic organ.

OSHR 7073 Offsite Tuesday

Beginner West African Drumming Class

Date: 9/22-10/27 | Instructor: Dee Desnoyers | Time: 3-4:30 p.m. Location: Empire Grange | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $75 In this high-energy class, participants will experience the joy of traditional West African drumming. The course explores the components of rhythm, and by the end, participants will have a basic understanding of hand and stick drum techniques, along with an appreciation for this rich musical tradition. Level: No musical experience is necessary. Supplies: Supplies are included, and participants may bring their own djembe or dunun if preferred.

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OSHR 7060 Wednesday

Knowing the Score: A History of Film Music from King Kong to Casablanca Date: 9/23-10/21 | Instructor: Michael Morrison | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $50

"Film and music are inseparable. They always were and always will be." (Martin Scorsese) As much as direction, cinematography, and editing, music is an essential element of film. It conveys what dialogue, images, and sound effects cannot, shaping how audiences feel—whether excited, anxious, sad, or joyous—and fundamentally influencing the viewing experience. In this course, participants will explore the evolution of film music from the birth of sound films to the present. This first of two independent parts focuses on movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood, from the 1930s through the 1960s. In addition to listening to musical excerpts, participants will view film clips that illustrate the powerful relationship between music and image. Through interviews, the course also examines how composers, directors, and producers have grappled with—and often debated—the artistic and commercial forces that have shaped the role of music in cinema.

OSHR 7070 Offsite Tuesday

International Women Directors

Date: 9/29-11/3 | Instructor: Sarah Kozloff | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: CSU Spur - Denver | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 This class explores the richness of international cinema through women directors' portrayals of women's lives. The course begins with pivotal works by two major figures: My Brilliant Career (Australia, Gillian Armstrong, 1979) and Diary for My Children (Hungary, Márta Mészáros, 1984). It continues with Chaos (France, Coline Serreau, 2001), followed by A Simple Life (Hong Kong, Ann Hui, 2011) and Mustang (Turkey, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, 2015). The course concludes—out of chronological order—with Antonia's Line (The Netherlands, Marleen Gorris, 1995), selected as an inclusive and resonant work. Each week, participants will view the assigned film in advance (some titles are available through Kanopy or local libraries), allowing class time to focus on discussion, historical context, and selected clips.

Music, Theatre & Film OSHR 7001 Offsite Tuesday or Wednesday

Cinema Du Jour

Date: 9/29-11/3 or 9/30-11/4 | Instructor: Joannah Merriman Time: Noon-3 p.m. | Location: The Lyric Cinema Cafe Class Size: 30 | Cost: $125 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. Enjoy a series of six films and post-film discussions in the comfort of the Lyric Cinema Cafe, 1209 N. College Avenue. We will gather to watch a selection of movies with unique storylines and observe filmmaking techniques that often vary from standard studio fare; however, this is not intended to be a filmmaking course. After each cinematic adventure, we will discuss these thought-provoking films together. Movies may be subtitled and carry various ratings. Your theater ticket and a small popcorn are included in the course cost. Note: In some semesters, one class will be four hours so we can view a particular three-hour film. Notice will be provided. However, the film lineup is generally unavailable until the course begins, based on Lyric's schedule of available films at the time of the course each semester. Returning participants, as well as first-time viewers, are welcome.

OSHR 7081 Wednesday

On the Trail to the American Sound: Part 3

Date: 9/30, 10/28, 11/4, & 12/9 | Instructor: Wes Kenney | Time: 4-6 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40 To conclude the 250th anniversary of the United States, Part 3 of this course focuses on composers from the late 20th century to the present, as well as those who have influenced contemporary music. Many have drawn on aspects of American culture in their work, including Michael Daugherty's Metropolis Symphony, inspired by the Superman legend, and Kevin Puts's Symphony No. 2, a reflection on America before and after 9/11. The course also examines symphonic composers who have made significant contributions to film music, including John Williams, Danny Elfman, and Randy Newman. The creativity of these composers, along with others, highlights the rich and varied landscape of American music.

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OSHR 3360 OLLI Talks Online Thursday

Broadway Showstoppers with Glenn Rosenblum Date: 10/1 | Instructor: Glenn Rosenblum | Time: 5-6:30 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

In Glenn's upbringing, the world was changing and art was changing with it. Glenn will dissect some of the musicals from the '60s and '70s that took major leaps from classic, musical theatre into tougher subject matter. We learn that, by breaking the normative barriers of Broadway, we were given some of the best show-stopping numbers of our time. This course is offered in an exchange with OLLI at Penn State University.

OSHR 7042 Monday

Learn to Play Classical Guitar

Date: 10/5-11/9 | Instructor: Deborah Singer | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 15 | Cost: $100 This hands-on class introduces the fundamentals of classical guitar. Participants will learn to read treble clef notation and explore key concepts of music theory. Techniques such as walking fingers, free stroke and rest stroke, and arpeggiation will be introduced and practiced. The course text (see required materials, below) includes music by early Spanish and Italian masters, as well as excerpts from Bach, Beethoven, and others. Each week, participants will also listen to recordings of leading classical guitarists performing iconic works from the repertoire. Level: All levels are welcome Supplies: A six-string acoustic guitar is required and The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1 (available for $15 on Amazon). A music stand and footrest are recommended but not required.

Music, Theatre & Film OSHR 7069 Online Thursday

Broadcasting Underground: Rock Music and the FM Radio Revolution Date: 10/8-11/5 | Instructor: James Pagliasotti | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $50

The advent of radio broadcasting in 1920 transformed the relationship between traditional media and the audience. Immediate communication with local communities—and a reach that soon became national—was now possible. For three decades, radio served as the dominant source of news, weather, and entertainment. Then television emerged, and radio's audience declined. What was to be done with all that empty airspace? Enter rock 'n' roll. This online course traces how radio reinvented itself, recaptured a listening audience, shaped a generation, and helped launch the Classic Era of rock music. The course features a lecture and slide presentation with audio examples, including segments of old-time radio shows; early rhythm and blues stations and Black deejays; Top 40 rock stations and personalities; underground and freeform radio; live concert broadcasts; station identifications; celebrity endorsements; and more.

OSHR 6046 Wednesday

The History of Rock & Roll, Part III: the 90's & Beyond Date: 10/14-10/28 | Instructor: Jack Rogers | Time: 4-6 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

This class will offer an examination of, and a facilitated conversation about, the history of rock and roll and the various other popular music forms that dominated the 1990s and the last thirty years. The class will examine the artists, personalities, technologies, and trends that created a fertile period in popular music.

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OSHR 3385 OLLI Bonus Thursday

Wait… This Was Real? Theatre That Shocks, Sells, and Persuades

Date: 10/29 | Instructor: Hannah Hammond | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0 Corporate musicals. Shock-based performance. Political pageantry presented as polite social events. These forms of theatre may seem unusual—even surprising—at first glance. Yet they have been remarkably effective. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how performance has been used to communicate ideas, provoke reactions, and influence public opinion. Through clips, discussion, and creative exercises, the course examines the strategies behind these unconventional theatrical forms and what they reveal about the cultures that produced them. Participants are invited to reconsider what counts as theatre and to see familiar ideas from new perspectives.

OSHR 1032 OLLI Experience Offsite Tuesday

Backstage: University Center for the Arts Tour

Date: 11/10 | Instructor: UCA Staff | Time: 1-2 p.m. Location: CSU University Center for the Arts | Class Size: 25 | Cost: $10 Go backstage at CSU's world-class University Center for the Arts with a behind-the-scenes look at our music, theatre, and dance programs by touring performance spaces and production shops. Located in the former Fort Collins High School, the UCA is also home to two museums: the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art and the Avenir Museum of Design & Merchandising.

“OLLI is a great program—well run, offering widely diverse topics and great instructors.”

Music, Theatre & Film OSHR 7072 Tuesday

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Unlocking the Play: Reading Between the Lines

Date: 11/17-12/8 | Instructor: Hannah Hammond | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $30 Plays are not meant to be read the same way as novels—yet many of us approach them that way, often leading to confusion or boredom. In this interactive three-week class, participants will learn how to read a play by focusing on what is happening, rather than simply what is being said. Using simple tools inspired by Backwards & Forwards by David Ball, we will explore how action, structure, and character choices shape meaning on stage. Each session will involve reading short excerpts together and uncovering the underlying dynamics of the scene through guided discussion and collaborative analysis. No preparation or prior theatre experience is required.

OSHR 7077 Online Tuesday

Women in Music

Date: 11/17-12/15 | Instructor: Leslie Stewart | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Online | Class Size: 30 | Cost: $40 Women have participated in the field of classical music since the Middle Ages, although their contributions were often undocumented until relatively recently. This online course examines women who have shaped the music world as composers, conductors, patrons, and muses from around the globe, tracing their evolving roles to the present day.

OSHR 7071 Online Thursday

Music and the Holocaust: Tragedy, Hope and Legacy Date: 12/3-12/17 | Instructor: Emanuel Abramovits | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30

Music was present in many ghettos, concentration camps, and partisan outposts throughout Nazi-controlled Europe. For many victims of the Holocaust, it served as a vital means of preserving identity and asserting their humanity. This online course explores the role music played in sustaining hope and resilience during one of history's darkest periods. Through audiovisual materials and personal accounts, participants will learn about artists who perished in the Holocaust, those who survived, the fate of instruments that have since been restored, and the lasting impact of World War II and the Holocaust on the musical world.

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Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 1047 OLLI Experience Offsite Mon. or Tues.

Petal to the Metal: Race to the Top for the CSU Trial Garden Plants Date: 9/21 or 9/22 | Instructor: Bev Shaw | Time: 9-11 a.m. Location: CSU Trial Gardens | Class Size: 25 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully.

Tour the CSU Trial Gardens with Bev Shaw, a member of the Trial Garden Advisory Committee who also volunteers weekly during the growing season. Participants will explore the Annual Trial Garden, Perennial Trial Garden, Perennial Demonstration Garden, and Plant Select Demonstration Garden. The course will cover how and why plant trials are conducted, how the work is carried out, and which varieties are most likely to thrive in home landscapes. Participants should be able to stand and walk for two hours or plan to bring a chair to sit as needed. Suggested Supplies: Bring a water bottle, lawn chair, and sunscreen.

OSHR 6187 Monday

Colorado's Most Visited National Park - RMNP

Date: 9/21-10/5 | Instructor: Kenneth Jessen | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $30 The story of Rocky Mountain National Park begins with Joel Estes's discovery of a previously unknown valley at the base of towering mountains. When newspaper editor William Newton Byers visited and stayed with the Estes family, he gave the area its name—Estes Park. Interest in the region grew as Irish nobleman Lord Dunraven established a first-class hotel and promoted its beauty. The town of Estes Park soon developed as a gateway to the mountains, and inventor Freelan Stanley later added to its appeal by building a hotel that drew increasing numbers of visitors. As development expanded, however, the natural landscape began to suffer. Logging and ranching took their toll, and elk populations were hunted to near extinction. In response, naturalist Enos Mills led a determined campaign to preserve the area, ultimately helping to establish Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915. With the park's creation came greater access, including the construction of roads such as Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved highway in the United States. Over time, lodges and rental cabins appeared throughout the park, each adding to the region's rich and evolving history.

Nature, Science & Technology

OSHR 8116 Monday

Ecotourism: Wildlife As a Destination

Date: 9/21-10/26 | Instructor: Kevin Cook | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 During the 1900s, fishing and hunting became widely recognized for their influence on local commerce and, ultimately, on statewide economies. In the latter half of the century, interest in birdwatching expanded rapidly, followed by a broader interest in wildlife. As the economic impact of wildlife observation became more apparent, studies highlighted the importance of what is now known as ecotourism. Wildlife watching is now a widely enjoyed activity. This class will explore a variety of wildlife festivals and other aspects of ecotourism in Colorado, while offering practical ways for participants to pursue their personal interests in observing and engaging with wildlife.

OSHR 3390 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Travel Smarter with Digital Tools: Trip Planning Date: 9/22 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $10

The best travel experiences often go beyond the first page of search results. In this session, participants will explore digital tools for more personalized trip planning, helping them discover local perspectives, sustainable experiences, and lesser-known destinations before departure. Participants will learn how to build custom maps using Google My Maps, organize points of interest, connect with local social media accounts and online communities, and identify guides and tours that offer alternatives to standard itineraries. The course also covers ways to compare transportation options between destinations. Each participant will leave with a custom map for a current or planned trip. Required Supplies: A fully charged laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

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OSHR 8112 Tuesday

The New Frontier: AI and Me

Date: 9/22-10/20 (no class 9/29) | Instructor: Steven Lovaas Time: 1-3 p.m. | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $40 In this course, participants will explore the implications of the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussions led by CSU's Chief Information Security Officer will focus on what lifelong learners need to understand about how AI is reshaping technology and everyday life. Topics and activities include the history of AI, writing effective prompts, evaluating the accuracy of AI-generated results in web searches, assessing the safety of AI tools, and examining the social and environmental impacts of AI.

OSHR 8080 Online Wednesday

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Date: 9/23-10/28 | Instructor: Edward Friedman | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60 Quantum mechanics is arguably one of the most important achievements of the human mind. Advances in computing, communications, medicine, navigation, and energy production all rely on principles derived from quantum science. Yet many mysteries remain. Experiments suggest that the quantum world behaves in ways that challenge intuition, and scientists continue to debate how to interpret its seemingly illogical predictions, even as the theory reliably explains the behavior of atoms and their components. This online course presents the history of quantum science, its key figures, and a nontechnical explanation of its central ideas. Participants will explore major concepts and interpretive questions, including Bell's theorem, quantum entanglement, the Schrödinger equation (without mathematics), the Bohr–Einstein debate over the completeness of the theory, and modern experiments demonstrating what Einstein famously called spooky action at a distance.

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 1055 OLLI Experience Thursday & Friday

Mindful Birding: Fall Into Birding

Date: 9/24 & 9/25 | Instructor: Barbara Patterson | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall & Rolland Moore Park | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $20 Birding in the fall can feel like a scavenger hunt. Instead of birds announcing themselves with colorful plumage and bright songs, participants learn to slow down and quietly observe movements and behaviors to identify subtle clues. Mindful birding blends bird observation with mindfulness, encouraging participants to slow down, heighten awareness, and use birds as guides. This deeper connection with nature can support personal well-being while fostering a greater sense of stewardship and conservation. The first session will be held indoors, weather permitting, and the second session will take place at Rolland Moore Park.

OSHR 3411 OLLI Talks Emerging Scholar Thursday

Storms in a Changing Climate: How Thunderstorms Form, Evolve, and Impact Us Date: 9/24 | Instructor: Megan Franke | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

This course examines the processes involved in thunderstorms and their associated hazards, with attention to both current conditions and future climates. It explores how storms may change as a result of climate change, as well as how natural processes within the Earth system influence their development. The course focuses primarily on storms occurring over land in mid-latitudes, while also touching on those in tropical regions. Participants will be introduced to basic tools used by weather and climate scientists and will gain an understanding of the foundational concepts needed to interpret these phenomena. This course is made possible through the Peg Chandler and Christopher Hensey Emerging Scholar Award Endowment.

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OSHR 1045 OLLI Experience Offsite Fri. or Mon.

Natural History of Lory State Park

Date: 9/25 or 9/28 | Instructor: Rob Pickett | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Lory State Park - Well Gulch trail | Class Size: 15 | Cost: $25* Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. Hike Details: Rated easy to moderate, 1.5 miles, ~500’ elevation gain, vault toilet available at the parking lot. *Additional Fee: $10 entry fee or annual pass required After a summer of growth and reproduction, fall in the natural world becomes a time of preparation for the coming season of cold and limited food. Animals rely on strategies such as migration, hibernation, or adaptation to survive, while plants have evolved their own ways to endure winter conditions. On this guided hike, participants will explore the unique adaptations of Front Range plants and animals and discover the characteristics that make this region's ecosystems so distinctive.

OSHR 1213 OLLI Experience Offsite Tuesday

CSU Powerhouse Energy Campus Tour

Date: 9/29 | Instructor: Powerhouse Staff | Time: 10-11 a.m. Location: Powerhouse Energy Campus | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $10 The Powerhouse Energy Campus welcomes members to a guided tour of its state-of-the-art facilities and the innovative research conducted there. Led by Energy Institute Student Ambassadors, this experience offers an opportunity to see science and energy solutions in action.

OSHR 3391 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Travel Smarter with Digital Tools: Navigating a Destination Date: 9/29 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $10

Most travelers use only a small portion of the digital tools available once they arrive at a destination and sometimes discover too late that they lack a signal or cannot interpret local information. This session explores tools that simplify navigation and support independent exploration. Participants will learn how to download maps for offline use, use Google Translate beyond basic text—including camera and conversation features—and access offline language packs. The course also introduces apps for self-guided tours, currency conversion, local transportation, and setting up an eSIM for mobile data abroad. Emerging technologies, such as live translation glasses, will also be discussed. . Required Supplies: Please bring a fully charged smartphone or tablet. REGISTER ONLINE AT OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 8113 Wednesday

Artificial Intelligence: Uses, Future Possibilities and Discussion on its Societal Effects Date: 9/30-10/7 | Instructor: Richard Waal | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20

This two-part class, designed for a non-technical audience, offers a clear and accessible introduction to artificial intelligence. Participants will explore core concepts, real-world applications, and the rapidly expanding impact of AI across industries and society. The sessions will also include ample time for open discussion, with particular attention to the ethical and societal questions that arise as we adapt to this evolving technology.

OSHR 3245 OLLI Talks Friday

Tech Skills for Older Adults: Basic Smartphone Navigation and Accessibility

Date: 10/2, 10/9, or 10/30 | Instructor: Amy McDonagh Time: 10 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. There are many ways to make your smartphone feel comfortable and tailored to your needs. This course introduces the functions of key features, including the power and volume buttons, ringer, SIM card slot, home screen, lock screen, notification center, and control center. It also explains the appearance and purpose of common icons used in apps and on websites, such as download, menu, and share icons. This course is designed for older adults seeking a foundation in smartphone and tablet use. The first half hour features a presentation, followed by small-group assistance from volunteer instructors as participants practice new skills. Recommended Supplies: Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets.

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OSHR 1274 OLLI Experience Offsite Monday

Shin-rin Yoku: What Is Forest Bathing?

Date: 10/5 or 10/12 | Instructor: Alyssa Golinvaux | Time: 9 a.m.-Noon Location: Environmental Learning Center | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $25 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. In this class, participants will learn about Shin-rin Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, or spending intentional time in nature. During a guided walk through a natural area, participants will explore both the traditions and scientific foundations of this practice and have opportunities to experience it firsthand. Participants will cultivate mindfulness by slowing down and engaging their senses, fostering a renewed sense of awe and connection to the natural world. The health benefits of shin-rin Yoku extend beyond a sense of well-being, supporting both mental and physical wellness. This trail involves a gentle, easy walk on natural surfaces.

OSHR 1217 OLLI Experience Offsite Friday

CSU Weather Station Tour

Date: 10/9 | Instructor: Noah Newman | Time: 10-10:45 a.m. Location: CSU Weather Station | Class Size: 30 | Cost: $10 The Climate Center is designated by the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) as a recognized State Climate Office. Its mission is to collect and analyze data to monitor climate conditions, place individual weather events in historical context, and provide climate expertise to support decision-making. The Climate Center is also dedicated to developing tools and methods to communicate Colorado's climatology and climate variability more effectively to scientists, educators, stakeholders, the media, and the public. To better understand how Colorado's climate is changing, staff regularly conduct and collaborate on research projects. In this session, participants will learn how the Climate Center monitors and interprets climate data in Colorado, and how this work informs public understanding and decision-making.

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 3387 Hybrid OLLI Talks Thursday

Scroll Smarter: Detecting Deepfakes and Manipulated Images

Date: 10/15 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. Most people grew up trusting photographs and video as reliable evidence—if you saw it, it happened. Advances in artificial intelligence have changed that expectation, and platforms designed for rapid sharing make manipulated media difficult to contain once it spreads. This session explores how digital platforms accelerate the spread of synthetic media, how deepfakes and other AI-generated images and videos are created, and the visual and contextual clues that can help identify them. By the end of the session, participants will be able to use reverse image search tools, trace images and videos to their original sources, recognize common signs of AI-generated media, and apply a consistent set of questions before trusting visual information encountered online. No technical background is required.

OSHR 3191 OLLI Talks Friday

Gardening for Insects - or Not!

Date: 10/16 | Instructor: Whitney Cranshaw | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 The benefits of improving habitat for beneficial insects are increasingly recognized. While general principles—such as those for supporting butterflies and certain bees—are widely understood, successfully applying them requires attention to local conditions. In this program, participants will learn how to support a diverse range of helpful insects found in the region, including butterflies, hummingbird moths, native bees, and natural enemies of common garden pests. The course will also address strategies for managing less desirable species, such as miller moths.

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OSHR 1051 OLLI Experience Monday+

Exploring the Deep Time Landscape of Lindenmeier: A Nature Hike Adventure Date: 10/19+ | Instructor: Susan Atkinson | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 15 | Cost: $60 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. All sections share the same lecture date of Monday, 10/19.

Hike Location: Soapstone Prairie | Hike Time: 9 a.m.–Noon • Section 001 Hike Date: Tuesday, 10/20 • Section 002 Hike Date: Wednesday, 10/21 • Section 003 Hike Date: Thursday, 10/22 Hike Details: Rated easy to moderate, 3 miles, ~400’ elevation gain. What did Northern Colorado look like 11,000 years ago? As massive ice sheets retreated, the edge of Soapstone Prairie was more than grassland—it was home to the Folsom people, among North America's earliest inhabitants. This course begins with a two-hour introduction to regional geology, cultural history, and native ecosystems, followed by an immersive three-hour field experience. Led by interpretive naturalist Susan Atkinson, participants will walk in the footsteps of Paleoindians who once hunted Bison antiquus in this landscape. The three-mile, leisurely hike offers expansive views of the prairie–foothills transition and one of North America's most significant archaeological sites. Along the way, participants will explore plant communities, observe wildlife, and examine terrain shaped during the waning Ice Age. The group will pause at key points—including a field scope observation on the prairie— to interpret the landscape and consider how early peoples adapted to it. Designed for curious explorers, this experience offers insight into the relationships among land, life, and deep time.

“OLLI is a great way to keep my mind sharp and feed my need for continuous learning— it’s also a great way to meet new people.”

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 8109 Tuesday & Thursday

The South Canyon Fire: Lessons Learned from Tragedy Date: 10/20-10/22 | Instructor: Michael Czaja | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20 Note: This course meets on Tuesday and Thursday of the same week.

This course examines how failures in communication, situational awareness, and firefighter safety during the 1994 South Canyon Fire led to significant improvements in wildland fire management. It draws on John N. Maclean's Fire on the Mountain: The True Story of the South Canyon Fire, which documents the events near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The course consists of two, two-hour sessions held one week apart. The first session includes an introduction, course objectives, discussion of the book, and identification of additional references. The second session focuses on lessons learned, framed within National Interagency Fire Center and National Wildfire Coordinating Group policies and guidance. Each session includes time for questions and discussion. At the end of the course, participants will understand how the South Canyon Fire contributed to lasting improvements in wildland fire management. References and background readings will be provided for further exploration.

OSHR 3247 OLLI Talks Friday

Tech Skills for Older Adults: Clipping Coupons with the King Soopers App

Date: 10/23 or 11/20 | Instructor: Amy McDonagh | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. Learn how to use the King Soopers app to shop in-store or order groceries for pickup and delivery. Participants will also discover how to apply digital coupons to maximize savings at King Soopers and other Kroger-affiliated stores, such as City Market, Smith's, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Fry's, and QFC. Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation, followed by small-group support from student instructors to help participants practice new skills for the remainder of the class. All experience levels are welcome. Recommended Supplies: Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets.

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OSHR 3403 OLLI Talks Friday

Western Water Issues: Law, Management, Policy Date: 10/23 | Instructor: Jennifer Gimbel | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

This course explores the history and development of water law, including the management of water resources by state and federal governments. Participants will examine how policies have evolved in response to shifting social values, as well as the growing challenges associated with aridification and climate change. The course will also provide an overview of recent developments affecting the Colorado River, highlighting the complex legal, environmental, and political issues shaping its future.

OSHR 3384 OLLI Talks Monday

The Natural History of New Zealand and Madagascar: Views of Alternative Ways of Evolution Date: 10/26 | Instructor: Whitney Cranshaw | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

From a natural history and evolutionary perspective, two particularly interesting regions are New Zealand and Madagascar, both of which separated from other landmasses millions of years ago. New Zealand, for example, broke away more than 70 million years ago and remained highly isolated. Madagascar separated about 30 million years ago but remained closer to Africa and Asia, allowing for some later arrival of additional species. In both regions, long periods of geographic isolation led to plants and animals that evolved in markedly different ways from those found elsewhere on Earth. This course will explore these unique ecosystems and examine how isolation shapes the evolution of species.

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 3392 OLLI Talks Tuesday

Travel Smarter with Digital Tools: Documenting Your Journey with Polarsteps Date: 10/27 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 20 | Cost: $10

Most travelers return home with hundreds of photos, good intentions, and a camera roll they never quite organize. In this session, participants will explore Polarsteps, an app that automatically tracks travel by GPS and creates a visual journal of a trip as it unfolds—without requiring constant attention during travel. Participants will learn how to set up a trip before departure, understand automatic GPS tracking, add photos and notes during or after the trip, and share their journey with others. The course also covers creating joint trips with travel companions, revisiting past travels using timeline and map features, and turning completed trips into printed photobooks. Participants will leave with a Polarsteps account and a practice trip ready to build on. Required Supplies: Please bring a fully charged smartphone or tablet.

OSHR 1056 OLLI Experience Offsite Tuesday

Uncovering Ancient Landscapes: A Field Study of Lory State Park's Geology Date: 10/27 or 11/3 | Instructor: Herb Saperstone Time: 1-4 p.m. or 9 a.m.–noon | Location: Lory State Park Visitor Center Class Size: 15 | Cost: $25

Join this exploration of Lory State Park's geologic history, with a focus on its sweeping valley and ridge landscapes. This half-day course begins with a one-hour lecture at the visitor center, introducing the park's complex geologic evolution and its role in ancient uplifts, shifting supercontinents, and extinction events driven by changes in paleoclimate. Following the lecture, participants will embark on a twohour guided hike toward the reservoir to examine sedimentary rock formations up close. Along the way, participants will explore evidence of ancient environments such as braided rivers, saline lakes, and expansive sand dunes, including insights from recent research into the region's deep-time history. Whether a rockhound or simply curious about Front Range landscapes, this session offers a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the region's distinctive foothills and valleys. Required Supplies: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for the field portion. State park pass (daily or annual) required for each vehicle.

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OSHR 3273 OLLI Talks Friday

Tech Skills for Older Adults: Streaming with YouTube and Spotify Apps Date: 11/6 | Instructor: Amy McDonagh | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10

This class introduces participants to using the YouTube app for watching videos and the Spotify app for streaming music and podcasts. Participants will learn how to access and enjoy content such as cooking demonstrations, product reviews, religious services, and more. The course is designed for older adults interested in learning the basics of smartphone and tablet apps. Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation, followed by small-group support from volunteer instructors, allowing participants to practice new skills with guidance. Recommended Supplies: Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets.

OSHR 8114 Friday

Life-listing: Motivation to Learn and Discover the Natural World Date: 11/6-12/18 | Instructor: Kevin Cook | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $60

Birders often keep a life list, a personal record of all the birds they have identified in the wild. This concept can be meaningful for nature enthusiasts more broadly. Participants can create life-lists for butterflies and dragonflies; reptiles such as lizards and snakes; mammals like squirrels and weasels; or trees and wildflowers they have identified. Life-listing can be adapted across different geographic scales—such as states, counties, or individual parks—and over varying time periods, from a single day to many years. In this class, participants will explore the many benefits of life-listing as a way to deepen observation skills, enhance enjoyment of the outdoors, and engage more fully with the natural world.

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 3414 OLLI Talks Thursday

Sustainability at CSU – Hiding in Plain Sight

Date: 11/12 | Instructor: Stacey Baumgarn | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Join Stacey, the CSU Sustainability & Energy Management Program Manager, for an exploration of a few of the elements that enable and support sustainability action and practices at CSU. CSU has received significant recognition in the area of sustainability. We'll explore and discuss both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts that help CSU achieve its sustainability goals, as well as the roles that students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends play. Sustainability at CSU (and in the world) is a team effort, and everyone makes a difference. Sustainability at CSU— Hiding in Plain Sight will offer a glimpse into what we do, how we do it, and who is involved. Participants will be invited to share suggestions and questions: What should CSU do to advance sustainability? Why do we—or don't we—take certain actions? We'll close with reflections on how everyone contributes to this critical effort and its success.

OSHR 3386 Hybrid OLLI Talks Thursday

Scroll Smarter: Spotting Fake News and Misinformation Online

Date: 11/12 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Note: This class has multiple sections, please register carefully. Most people have shared something online that later turned out to be false—not out of carelessness, but because digital platforms often prioritize engagement over accuracy. Misleading and false information is frequently designed to take advantage of this environment. This session examines how social media amplifies misinformation, how disinformation is created and targeted, and why it spreads so effectively across feeds, email, and group messages. By the end of the session, participants will be able to distinguish among misinformation, disinformation, and misleading framing; recognize the need for increased scrutiny of emotionally charged content; apply the SIFT method to evaluate online claims; use lateral reading to investigate sources; and identify platform features that make misinformation difficult to avoid. No technical background is required.

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OSHR 3336 OLLI Talks Friday

Tech Skills for Older Adults: Modern Mobility

Date: 11/13 | Instructor: Amy McDonagh | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10 Discover how to use Uber and Lyft to get around town. Participants will learn how to request rides, set pickup locations, and understand fare estimates. The class will also introduce the ParkMobile app, which allows users to pay for parking directly from their phones. Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation, followed by small-group support from volunteer instructors to help participants practice new skills. Recommended Supplies: Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets.

OSHR 3394 OLLI Talks Thursday

Shady Characters: Landscape Plants That Will Survive in Shade

Date: 11/19 | Instructors: Alison O'Connor & Bev Shaw Time: 10 a.m.-Noon | Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 Many Colorado gardeners are seeking plants that thrive- or at least survive- in the shade. Since we live on the high plains, most of our plant choices are adapted to plenty of sunshine so our shady options are few. Alison and Bev will dig deep to unearth your choices for shaded garden areas, explain the different kinds of shade, and the challenges plants face when growing in the root systems of trees.

OSHR 3190 OLLI Talks Wednesday

What You Need to Know About Japanese Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer Date: 12/2 | Instructor: Whitney Cranshaw | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

In recent years, two invasive insects with the potential to cause serious damage to landscapes and gardens—the emerald ash borer and the Japanese beetle—have become established in Colorado. Both species are spreading within the state and are now of increasing concern in the Fort Collins area. In this course, participants will learn how to identify these pests, understand the types of damage they cause, and explore their life cycles. The session will also cover practical strategies for managing and reducing their impact on home landscapes and gardens.

Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 8111 Thursday

Geology and Dams

Date: 12/3-12/10 | Instructor: Mike Kendrick | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $20 Human-engineered dams and irrigation systems helped enable the rise of civilization more than 7,000 years ago. Their importance has only grown over time, and in the western United States, dams have played a central role in supporting settlement and development. However, disrupting natural stream processes has also led to significant ecological and environmental consequences. This course explores a range of topics related to dams, with a focus on the major rivers of the West. Participants will examine the benefits of these structures alongside their impacts, including ecological changes, geologic risks, notable failures, and current approaches to dam management.

OSHR 3275 OLLI Talks Friday

Tech Skills for Older Adults: Library Access with the Libby App Date: 12/4 | Instructor: Amy McDonagh | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10

Poudre Libraries and other libraries across Colorado offer free access to a wide range of digital resources. This session provides an overview of the Libby app and how to use it to access your local library's eBook and audiobook collections. A valid library card is required. Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation, followed by small-group support from volunteer instructors to help participants practice new skills. Recommended Supplies: Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets.

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OSHR 3264 OLLI Talks Wednesday

Gear Up for Gardening

Date: 12/9 | Instructor: Bev Shaw | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 From hand tools to hoses, and from farm store hacks to thrift store finds—which tools truly help in the garden, and which do not? In this class, participants will explore garden tools and equipment and learn how to make thoughtful, cost-effective choices. Bev will bring a variety of items to class, allowing participants to see how they feel in hand, compare tools such as trowels, understand why some are less effective, and examine common practices such as the use of landscape fabric. With the holidays approaching, participants may also discover gift ideas for the gardener in their lives, perhaps even a scuffle hoe.

OSHR 3388 OLLI Talks Thursday

Scroll Smarter: Recognizing Conspiracy Theories and Propaganda Online Date: 12/10 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Do you know how to distinguish a genuine grassroots movement from a coordinated online influence campaign? These campaigns are often designed to appear authentic, and platform algorithms tend to amplify emotionally charged, identity-affirming content—the same qualities that make propaganda and conspiracy theories effective. This session examines how the attention economy creates conditions for manipulation, how conspiracy theories are structured, and how propaganda techniques have adapted to social media environments. By the end of the session, participants will be able to explain how echo chambers form, recognize how bot networks create the appearance of widespread agreement, and understand how identity influences critical evaluation. They will also learn to identify coordinated inauthentic behavior, compare coverage of a story across multiple sources using free tools, and apply effective questioning strategies when evaluating emotionally charged or highly certain claims. No prior experience is required.

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Nature, Science & Technology OSHR 3248 OLLI Talks Friday

Tech Skills for Older Adults: Facebook Marketplace on the Facebook App Date: 12/11 | Instructor: Amy McDonagh | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 10 | Cost: $10

This class focuses on the Facebook Marketplace feature within the Facebook app, where users can buy and sell a wide range of items, including furniture, clothing, craft supplies, and exercise equipment. Participants will learn how to set up a Facebook account, create listings, and communicate effectively with potential buyers. The course also addresses common scams and strategies for staying safe while using Marketplace. Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation, followed by small-group support from volunteer instructors, allowing participants to practice new skills with guidance. Recommended Supplies: Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets.

OSHR 3377 OLLI Talks Monday

Internet Security Basics

Date: 12/14 | Instructor: Rick Lamp | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10 This course introduces the essential tools and practices needed to protect online accounts and personal information. Participants will learn why strong passwords (more than 20 characters) are important, how to use two-factor authentication, and why authenticator apps provide greater security. The course also covers how to use a password manager, along with manual alternatives, and explains passkeys and their emerging role in online security. Additional topics include strategies for reducing online tracking and exposure, as well as practical steps for maintaining device security. Participants will receive guidance on scanning a personal computer for viruses and malware. The instructor will also share real-world examples, including a sophisticated malware scam and how it was detected, along with a discussion of antivirus tools such as Windows Defender. The course concludes with an overview of the instructor's experience building and using a Linux-based computer, highlighting the advantages and limitations compared to Microsoft and Apple operating systems.

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OSHR 3375 OLLI Talks Wednesday

Telling Family Stories: Genealogical Research Using Ancestry's Website Date: 12/16 | Instructor: Robert Larson | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Ancestry.com can help users create rich family histories by combining family tree information with historical records from its databases. Using these tools, it is possible to generate narrative biographies of individual ancestors and enhance them with personal stories and memories. In this class, the instructor will demonstrate how to build and use Ancestry's Family Tree and StoryScout® features to develop engaging family narratives. Participants will learn how to incorporate meaningful details and personal history to bring their ancestors' stories to life.

OSHR 3389 OLLI Talks Thursday

Scroll Smarter: Protecting Yourself from Social Engineering and Online Deception Date: 12/17 | Instructor: Jacqueline Vickery | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $10

Advances in artificial intelligence have made online deception more sophisticated and more difficult to recognize. Many digital platforms and communication tools were not designed with protection from manipulation as a primary goal. Scammers can now clone voices, impersonate trusted institutions, and generate highly personalized messages at scale. This session examines how both platform design and human psychology are exploited, and highlights warning signs across email, text messages, social media, and everyday digital interactions. By the end of the session, participants will be able to recognize how urgency and fear are used to influence decisions, identify impersonation of trusted institutions, understand the use of AI-generated voices in scams, evaluate email addresses and links for authenticity, verify unexpected messages through independent channels, and apply strategies to help others avoid online deception. No technical background is required.

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Shared Interest Groups OLLI SIGs are a great way to meet other lifelong learners who share similar passions. They are volunteer-led and meet at various times throughout the term. A small fee is required to join each SIG, which provides support for fresh coffee and use of the space. SIGs cater to your intellectual curiosity and foster meaningful connections within our vibrant OLLI community. Please Note: SIGs are member/volunteer-led, and SIG fees are nonrefundable and inclusive of the entire term. All SIGs meet in Drake Hall.

OSHR 0005

Artist Shared Interest Group (SIG)

Dates: 9/22, 10/2, 11/4 & 12/2 | Time: 9 a.m.-noon Location: Drake Hall OLLI Community Room | Cost: $40 The Artist SIG is an awesome way to meet new people, share common interests, learn from others, and have fun. This SIG is open to any form of artistic expression that is generally suitable for an indoor classroom setting. If the group desires, we can also schedule activities offsite, such as visiting museums, plein air sessions, etc. Typically, this SIG meets once per month for 2.5 to 3 hours in the OLLI Community Room. Each artist is responsible for bringing supplies, determining their projects, and cleaning up afterward. Our goals include: creating an encouraging, constructive, and safe environment for artistic expression; creating a welcoming environment for new artists; providing an incentive to keep creating; building friendships based on shared interests; and providing a community to continue your artistic pursuits beyond the classroom.

“OLLI is a great way to get out of the house, challenge your mind, and meet new people— it really is a win-win!”

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OSHR 0007

Current Affairs Shared Interest Group (SIG) Dates: Fridays, 9/25-12/18 | Time: 8:30-10 a.m. Location: Drake Hall | Cost: $10

The Current Affairs SIG is a great way to join a lively discussion of regional, national, and international events! This SIG meets to discuss pre-determined current affairs and issues. Diversity of viewpoints is welcome as members seek to learn insights and perspectives from one another. The Current Affairs SIG meets every Friday morning from 8:30-10 a.m. in a Drake Hall conference room.

OSHR 0004

Meditation Shared Interest Group (SIG)

Dates: Tuesdays, 9/22, 10/13, 10/27, 11/10, 12/8 | Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Location: Drake Hall OLLI Community Room | Cost: $10 OLLI members are invited to join this group, which will meditate together on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the OLLI Community Room. This group does not offer formal meditation instruction, but beginners are welcome. The group will begin with a short ten-minute sitting meditation, followed by gentle movement and conversation about meditation practice. The hour will close with a 20-minute sitting meditation.

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OLLI Member Bonus Lectures OSHR 3405 OLLI Bonus

Monday

The Nature of Connection: How to Move as One

Date: 9/21 | Instructor: Julie Delene | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

OSHR 3369 OLLI Bonus

Friday

OSHR 1059 OLLI Bonus Offsite Tuesday

Exploring Pathways Hospice, Palliative and Bereavement Care

Date: 9/29 | Instructor: Evan Hyatt | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Pathways Hospice | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

OSHR 3422 Online

OLLI Bonus

Thursday

New! Medicare 2027: Know Your ABCDs

Date: 10/8 | Instructor: Daphne Bernstein | Time: 1–3 p.m. Location: Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

OSHR 3412 Hybrid

OLLI Bonus

Wednesday

Set Sail the Lifelong Learner Way! The Semester at Sea Experience Date: 10/21 | Instructor: Vera Nicholas | Time: 4-6 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

OSHR 3385 OLLI Bonus

Thursday

Wait… This Was Real? Theatre That Shocks, Sells, and Persuades

Date: 10/29 | Instructor: Hannah Hammond | Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Location: Drake Hall | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

OSHR 3413 Hybrid

OLLI Bonus

Friday

OLLI 101: Past, Present, and Future

Date: 11/6 | Instructor: Meredith Naughton | Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Drake Hall or Online | Class Size: 50 | Cost: $0

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Travel with OLLI at CSU OLLI invites members to participate in multiple exciting travel opportunities in 2027. Join us as we extend learning and social connections beyond the classroom. OLLI trips give members the chance to bring learning to life in places around the world. Travelers must be a current OLLI at CSU member at the time of travel, although prior term membership is encouraged to participate in associated social events, lectures, and other gatherings. More information, including pricing and enrollment details for these and other trips offered through OLLI and our travel partners, can be found on the OLLI website at www.osher.colostate.edu/osher/travel.jsp.

A Wine Tour of France

with instructor Chris Hensey April 15-29, 2027

Hiking the Italian Dolomites with instructor Susan Atkinson June 15-24, 2027

Art Experience in NYC

with instructor Margaret Sharkoffmadrid October 2-8, 2027

Oceania Greece and Turkey Cruise with Go Next October 14-21, 2027

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Meet the Instructors Emanuel Abramovits is a mechanical engineer with an MBA and has been a concert promoter since 2000, directly involved in many events by international artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Gustavo Dudamel, Sarah Brightman, Roger Hodgson, ASIA, Journey, Kenny G, and many more. He has designed and staged many original orchestral events, including an Event of the Year winner and several world premieres. He served as Cultural Director at Unión Israelita de Caracas from 2008 to 2019, releasing books and organizing film cycles, concerts, and art exhibits. He has been consistently teaching online and in person across the United States and internationally for prestigious institutions since 2020. Richard Alper is a graduate of Georgetown Law School. He practiced commercial transactions and environmental law for county and state government and private clients for almost 40 years. He has taught land use and constitutional law for several decades. George Angelopoulos spent 30 years in healthcare business development and senior management, spanning acute care, acute rehabilitation, and postacute care. He was heavily influenced in his career by the Sisters of Mercy's compassionate care and devotion to helping others. For four decades, George has assisted individuals with career planning and life transitions. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Ivan Forest Ankeny has been teaching certified Qigong in Fort Collins since January 2023. He discovered the Qigong path while seeking relief from chronic back pain and digestive issues during the pandemic. After finding relief, he became a certified Qigong teacher to bring it to the community. He is currently teaching at Morning Star Senior Living Center, the Bee Free Healing Center, Source Point Community Acupuncture, and through seasonal outdoor classes. Susan Atkinson is an award-winning architect and former professor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University. Her architectural practice is at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and culture. Susan brings her expertise in culturally and environmentally responsive design to the classroom. She is an avid trail runner and backcountry first responder who has backpacked worldwide studying landscapes, culture, and design. Susan began leading nature tours to share her passion for the rocky trails of Colorado and Montana. Each summer, Susan is a glacier guide, conservation educator, and group leader with Road Scholar in Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks. Joel Bacon is the Stewart and Sheron Golden Chair of Organ and Liturgical Studies and the Fr. Don Willette Chair of Catholic Studies at Colorado State University. In 2026, he was named a University Distinguished Professor. As a concert organist, he has been heard throughout Europe and North America, with recent projects focusing on music by J. S. Bach, W. A. Mozart, and Herman Berlinski, including the world premiere in 2019 of Berlinski's organ concerto, The Tetragrammaton. He has performed with celebrated orchestras and chamber groups, including the Borromeo String Quartet and the Canadian Brass. In addition to organ performance, his research and teaching interests include topics related to Catholicism and the creative arts, especially Gregorian chant. From 2008 to 2020, he conducted the St. John XXIII Schola Cantorum, a choir specializing in Gregorian chant. Since 2021, he has served as organist and artist in residence at First United Methodist Church, Fort Collins.

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See the course page on the website for full bios Frank Baczek has been dancing for 20 years, transitioning from a highly competitive all-sports background into dance. He has studied with many top-level instructors, primarily from the Chicago area, New York, California, Texas, and Colorado, and dances ballroom, swing, Latin, and country. Frank has appeared in two films, Broken and Beautiful (2012) and Johnny (2014). He has participated in numerous flash mobs, including a Chicago Bulls 2011 halftime show, and danced in international West Coast Swing rallies in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025. He performed with the 2024 Boulder Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Discovery Concert Series and in multiple Goodtimes Dance Club Hustle Spotlight shows. Frank has taught dance at Micah Place in Loveland, Club Tico in Fort Collins, Goodtimes Dance Club, Aims Community College, and CSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He loves seeing dancers learn, progress, and create meaningful connections—even for just a three-minute dance.

*Stacey Baumgarn is the Program Manager for Sustainability & Energy

Management for Colorado State University. Stacey is responsible for energy, water, and resource conservation education and outreach. Stacey works with university stakeholders, employees, and students on most sustainability-related projects under the Facilities Management umbrella, including energy efficiency initiatives, solar electricity development on campus, the CSU Green Labs program, building energy benchmarking reporting, the annual GHG inventory, climate action planning, and STARS reporting. Stacey has worked in energy conservation since 2009 and joined CSU in 2012. Stacey earned both a bachelor's degree in philosophy and sociology and a Master of Science in Business Administration through the College of Business, Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise (GSSE) at Colorado State University.

*Daphne Bernstein holds an advanced degree in gerontology and brings

more than 30 years of executive experience in the senior healthcare and care continuum sectors. She is currently a consultant to those industries and is also a licensed insurance agent for Medicare plans in the states of Colorado and Texas.

John Blair earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University and the Certified Financial Services Counselor designation from the ABA National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. A native Coloradoan, he managed trust departments for several Front Range banks in Denver, Colorado Springs, and northern Colorado. His work over the past 40 years provided multiple opportunities to discuss estate planning with people in need of information and sound, common-sense advice. Lisa Boesen is a retired beekeeper and former President of the Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association who still lights up when the conversation turns to pollinators. Though she has stepped away from the hive, she continues to mentor new beekeepers and explore the fascinating world of the tiny workers who keep our plates colorful. As the culinary mind behind The Silver Sprout, Lisa brings that same curiosity into the kitchen, treating honey as a flavor map—floral, earthy, herbal, and full of surprises. She loves guiding guests through tastings that reveal how each spoonful reflects place, plants, and the bees who make it all possible. Warm, welcoming, and a little bit mischievous, Lisa invites you to slow down, savor, and discover the stories tucked inside every drop.

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Meet the Instructors David Caputo has taught regularly at CSU since 2018. He received his Ph.D. from Yale University in political science and has taught at CSU, Yale, Purdue University, Hunter College, and Pace University. He has taught classes on elections for more than 50 years, along with extensive work in election reporting and forecasting. Please feel free to contact him at cd30@aol.com if you have any questions. Brian Carroll uses his background as a Special Agent with the FBI to uncover many of the lost or forgotten stories of Fort Collins. Following a 27-year career, he retired in 1996 and moved to Fort Collins, where he has resided since. In retirement, he continued to consult with the FBI and the U.S. State Department and helped establish the Security Management Program at the University of Denver's University College. Brian has a keen interest in the stories of characters who were part of the founding events of Fort Collins, and his courses follow that theme. Dr. Marlin R. Clark has extensive experience in the communication field. His work has taken him from the Air Force to teaching at various colleges, to being named Assistant Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Salt Lake Community College. In 2021, Marlin was named Adjunct Instructor of the Year at Utah Valley University. Marlin is an avid basketball and football fan and lives in Greeley with his wife. Kevin Cook moved from Iowa to Colorado in 1974 and earned his B.A. in biology from Western State College in Gunnison, followed by his M.S. in wildlife biology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He worked five seasons as an interpretive naturalist with the National Park Service, including four seasons at Curecanti National Recreation Area and one at Everglades National Park. He also worked one summer as a wildlife technician for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Since 1981, he has worked full time as a writer-naturalist, a career that has included writing, editing, speaking, consulting, teaching, and guiding—all involving Colorado's landscapes and wildlife. Loren W. Crabtree is an Emeritus Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Tennessee, where he served as Chancellor from 2001 to 2009, and an Emeritus Provost at CSU. He was trained as a historian of modern China at the University of Minnesota (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.) and served as President and CEO of the Institute of Shipboard Education (Semester at Sea). He has taught some 20 courses, including Modern China, Modern Japan, and American–East Asian Relations, as well as graduate seminars on Wars in the Pacific and the Vietnam Conflict. He and his spouse, Monica Christen, live in Fort Collins. Whitney Cranshaw is an Emeritus Professor of Entomology at Colorado State University, where he worked from 1983 until his retirement in July 2020. During this time, he conducted a wide-ranging Extension research and teaching program with a primary focus on improving the understanding and effective management of insects affecting horticultural crops, including vegetables and fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs, turfgrass, and hemp. Although he retired from CSU, he has not retired from bugs and continues to write, speak with diverse audiences, support websites and listserv discussion groups, and conduct research on projects of interest.

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See the course page on the website for full bios Michael R. Czaja, Ph.D., is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army with an interest in emergency management and public safety. His professional experience includes classroom and web-based instruction, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, law enforcement, and emergency and wildland fire management. On active duty, Mike served in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. He received the U.S. Department of State's Meritorious Honor Award for outstanding support to the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program. Since military retirement, he has been active in the northern Colorado wildland fire community. Mike served as a volunteer wildland firefighter and fire prevention specialist. He also completed a 2022 Fulbright Specialist project in Portugal, working in landscape-level fire management planning. In 2025, Mike earned certification in Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices. That same year, he began consulting work teaching about law enforcement's role in countering violent extremism to U.S. Government international security partners. Jerry Dauth was an international financial manager for projects worldwide. Jared Day, Ph.D., taught American history at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh for sixteen years. His areas of specialization are U.S. and European political, urban, and cultural history, as well as world history, Pittsburgh history, and African American history from the 15th century to the present. He is the author or co-author of several books, including (with Joe Trotter) Race and Renaissance: African Americans in Pittsburgh since World War II. He lectures regularly on a broad range of historical and contemporary topics at his own online site, Day Academy. He currently lives in Windham, Connecticut.

*Julie Delene is the founder of Move as One, the author of Moved to Create, and

the creator of the MOVES game. She has taught numerous groups, individuals, and couples how to use nature's wisdom and mindful movement to increase personal fulfillment and move forward toward a flourishing future. As a wholesystem consultant, Julie empowers people to co-create from the inside out and reach their highest visions. Synthesizing more than three decades of management consulting with extensive studies in Eastern practices and professional ballroom dance, Julie has created experiential programs that align insight and purpose while co-creating a new dance of interconnection.

Caroline Denison is a yoga instructor specializing in accessible yoga and mindful movement practices. Her classes integrate breathwork, meditation, and foundational yogic philosophy to support physical mobility, mental clarity, and overall well-being. She is passionate about helping students build sustainable practices that evolve with the body over time, with an emphasis on safety, adaptability, and ease. Bryan Dennis earned a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, specializing in the ethnohistory and sociopolitical organization of New World cultures. His primary interests now are ancient, medieval, and Renaissance literature and natural philosophy. Bryan is a retired business and strategy consultant for nonprofits and small businesses.

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Meet the Instructors *Dee Desnoyers is a mid-career psychotherapist and has studied traditional

West African drumming for more than 20 years. With a background in cultural anthropology, ethnomusicology, counseling, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, Dee brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to teaching drumming, fostering community, and helping students grow toward their potential. A recent month-long trip to Guinea—immersing in village and urban musical life, relationships, and cultural traditions—further deepened Dee's understanding of the social and communal foundations of West African drumming and its role in connection, learning, and resilience. Through Sewa Beats, Dee also integrates these diverse disciplines to provide experiential training for organizations and corporations, using music as a metaphor for professional success, leadership, collaboration, communication, and team effectiveness. In addition to maintaining a clinical practice and teaching drumming, Dee serves on the faculty of the Cincinnati Psychoanalytic Institute and performs drum set for musical theatre productions. William Dewey, a Vietnam-era veteran, retired after a 40-year career in international banking and management consulting. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in history, and following his naval service, he earned a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Born in Chicago, William was raised in Colorado from the age of three. During his business career, he lived in seven countries. He is married with three daughters, all of whom joined him during his various overseas assignments. A Fort Collins resident, his interests include travel, sports, and international affairs. When possible, he participates actively in the lives of his six grandsons. Brian Dunbar, Professor Emeritus and Director of CSU's Institute for the Built Environment, has taught Interior Architecture Construction courses. Brian cocreated the Lifelong Homes & Communities program, guiding designers, builders, and homeowners to create places that support healthy, active lives. Brian has guided projects for the National Park Service, housing authorities, and school districts. Brian's teaching and research have been honored by the Colorado Governor, communities, and the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognized Brian with the LEED Fellow distinction and the National Leadership Award.

Glenna Dunnington, a retired RN, discovered watercolor in 2021 when a badly broken foot immobilized her during the pandemic. A lifelong woodworker and gardener, she sought a less physical creative outlet and quickly became captivated by watercolor—first on YouTube, then in Zoom courses, and later with guidance from a local artist. Since 2024, Glenna has been teaching watercolor in Fort Collins and Timnath. Although her formal education is in the sciences, she has always turned to the arts to find balance, whether quilting, embroidery, woodworking, or painting. Glenna has built a local following of loyal watercolor students who appreciate her enthusiastic, encouraging teaching style. Her greatest joy is watching students' surprise at what they can create.

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See the course page on the website for full bios

Dr. Margaret Eagan, a board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine practitioner with over 30 years of experience, has a passion for teaching and building relationships. She has a talent for putting people at ease by creating an environment that feels as if you are talking to your closest friend. She is excellent at translating complex medical jargon into everyday language and removing the embarrassment factor from bodily questions. She approaches life and medicine with a sense of humor. Prepare to laugh while learning and connecting.

*Raye Farr is a retired documentary filmmaker and former Exhibition Director

at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. She went on to direct the museum's Steven Spielberg Film & Video Archive and created videos for the museum, including The Path to Nazi Genocide. She was a co-producer of HBO's One Survivor Remembers (Academy & Emmy Awards). With an Oberlin College B.A. in German, she lived twelve years in England and Europe, nine of them working on documentaries focused on World War II. In 1990, Raye was chosen to direct the core exhibition of the national Holocaust museum, which opened in 1993. Initially an archival film researcher, her work on major television series includes The World at War (26 hours, Academy Award), Vietnam: A Television History, and The Struggles for Poland, for which she produced one episode, A Different World: Poland's Jews 1919–1943. She loves languages and new horizons and is happy to be exploring life out west, close to her son and daughter. Rich Feller, Ph.D., L.P.C., JCTC, researches how to age and finish well. As a professor of Counseling & Career Development and one of twelve University Distinguished Teaching Scholars (emeritus) at Colorado State University, he served as President of the National Career Development Association. His consulting work includes NASA, the UN, the NFL, AARP, and Modern Elder Academy. He is a co-founder of Onelifetools.com, a co-author of the Career Decision Making System, a senior advisor to YouScience.com, and the Executive Director of Careerdevelopmentnetwork.org. His consultations encompass projects in all 50 states as well as Sudan, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, India, Egypt, Canada, Europe, and Semester at Sea. See richfeller.com.

*Megan Franke is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the Atmospheric Science

Department at CSU, studying how different types of thunderstorms will change in future, warmer climates. Her research interests span atmospheric scales, from very small-scale processes to large-scale planetary waves in the atmosphere. Megan received her M.S. degree in Atmospheric Science at CSU and a bachelor's degree in meteorology with a minor in mathematics from Metropolitan State University of Denver. During her time at CSU, she has been involved in various research projects focusing on both models and observations and has also gained experience working as a teaching assistant and delivering numerous lectures in different courses.

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Meet the Instructors Dr. Ed Friedman holds a Ph.D. in physics and is an active lecturer on topics in physics and cosmology. He worked at for-profit and nonprofit science organizations focused on astrophysics and space science, consulted with NASA and the National Academy of Sciences, and authored four books on optical engineering and 79 professional journal articles. He successfully guided the work of two aerospace engineering Ph.D. candidates. He lectures on science to adult education students at two universities, on cruise ships, and to community groups. He has extensive experience with the Osher program, including frequent teaching of cosmology at Colorado State University and the University of Denver. Jennifer Gimbel is the senior water policy scholar for the Colorado Water Center, based at CSU. In this position, she teaches graduate and undergraduate students interested in water policy issues and develops published articles on the Colorado River and water issues facing Colorado. She served as the principal deputy assistant secretary for water and science in the Department of the Interior and was deputy commissioner for external and intergovernmental affairs for the Bureau of Reclamation. From 2008 to 2013, Gimbel was the director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources that works to protect and develop the state's water resources. As a water lawyer, she worked for the Attorney General's Offices in WY and CO. Alyssa Golinvaux has spent her life engaging in ways to help others. Her highest hope is for others to live their ideal life. In her roles as massage therapist, registered nurse, yoga teacher, KonMari® consultant, and Forest Therapy Guide, she has worked to guide others toward their goals physically, mentally, and sometimes, even spiritually. She primarily works as a registered nurse in critical care. She has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as certifications as a Registered Yoga Teacher, KonMari® consultant, and ANFT Forest Therapy Guide. Dale Mary Grenfell is a writer, mediator, and professional storyteller who has had careers in education, publishing, community theater, and nonprofit work. She holds a B.A. in sociology from Regis University and has served as a guest speaker at conferences and on radio shows, discussing the principles of restorative justice and the power of storytelling. Steve Griggs is a Denver-based watercolor artist who has signature membership with the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Society and the Colorado Watercolor Society. He is a member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the American Impressionists Society. Steve frequently displays and sells work in local, state, regional, and national exhibitions and galleries. He consistently wins awards in national and regional exhibits, and his work is held in collections worldwide. His work has been featured in publications such as Southwest Art, Watercolor Artist, and The Artist magazines. Steve is a sought-after workshop instructor with students from around the globe.

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See the course page on the website for full bios

*Hannah Hammond grew up on a farm in New Hampshire. She is an actor,

teacher, director, labyrinth facilitator, and longtime journaler with an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's degree in musical theatre performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. While in the UK, Hannah worked with leading theatre artists, including Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Tony Award winner Martin Lowe, and Tony nominee Grant Olding. In the United States, she has toured as a vocalist with Cirque Dreams and performed at regional theatres across the country, including playing Paulette in Legally Blonde at Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins a decade ago. Hannah has taught at Berry College, Elmira College, and Vermont State University at Castleton, where she specialized in acting and performance. She brings a dynamic, engaging approach to her teaching, blending theatre, storytelling, and reflective practices to create meaningful learning experiences. Karen Heckman, M.Ed., has been involved in adult education for many years and has enjoyed facilitating many Great Decisions discussions. Christopher Hensey has offered classes at Miami University and Colorado State University since 2003. He owned and operated Main Street Gourmet, a wine shop in Oxford, Ohio, for 20 years. He passed the Introductory Exam of the Court of Master Sommeliers and serves as a judge for the Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Chris has consulted on wine lists for a dozen restaurants and is the lead sommelier for Chimney Park Restaurant in Windsor. He has been a passionate wine professional for more than 35 years.

Jane Hillson Aiello is a lifelong poet who taps into her intuition and surroundings for inspiration. In late 2023, rib pain sent her on a mysterious health quest, and she utilized a blog to process her emotions and document the journey from a Stage 1 lung cancer diagnosis to NED (remission). This proved to be a cathartic and uplifting experience. Many have told Jane that reading her story was inspirational in their own battles with difficult medical news and mobility issues. Jane has had poetry published in numerous anthologies. She is an ardent believer that poetry is cheaper than therapy, though she regularly engages in both. Stuart Hirai is an independent researcher of Japanese Americans. He has led small group study tours to the battle sites where the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought in Italy, France, and Germany. Stu is an associate member of several historical and veteran organizations and has made many presentations at incarceration camp pilgrimages and World War II seminars about the Nisei Soldiers who served in the Pacific and Europe. He was a consultant for the BBC's Purple Heart Warriors, a UK podcast, co-wrote and wrote articles for the A&E/History Channel, and continues working on a book about his Nisei mentors. Last July, he was a presenter for the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research in Atlanta, Georgia. Stu's father, uncles, and many family friends served in the Military Intelligence Service and the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II. Sara Hoffman has taught journalism and writing for more than 40 years, including nearly 10 years at OLLI. She has been a history buff, with a particular interest in Rasputin since a high school class on Russian history. Many thanks to her teacher, Mrs. Fox, who made the topic so fascinating to a know-it-all 11th grader.

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Meet the Instructors *Evan Hyatt has over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership,

administration, operations, marketing and communications, and fundraising and development communications. He is the President of Pathways and has worked in hospice care for nearly 19 years. Hyatt previously served as CEO/ President of Pathways from 2008 through 2016 and rejoined the organization following a role as Vice President of Marketing and Development at Care Synergy, Pathways' supporting organization. Hyatt began his career with Pathways as its marketing manager in 2001, when the organization was known as Hospice of Larimer County. At the end of 2016, he left Pathways to become Executive Director of Operations for Kaiser Permanente in Northern Colorado. Following a brief stint with Banner Hospice, Hyatt joined Care Synergy in 2019. Altogether, he has more than 19 years of experience in hospice and palliative care at Pathways and Care Synergy. In the role of President, Hyatt is responsible for day-to-day operations of Pathways and collaborates with its board of directors to guide the mission, strategic objectives, and growth of the organization.

Anette Isaacs, German-born and raised, is a historian and public educator who has presented hundreds of programs on more than 50 different topics pertaining to her native country's history, politics, and culture throughout the United States. She holds master's degrees in American studies, political science, and history and is currently serving as the Director of OLLI at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida. Kenneth Jessen has been writing and teaching Colorado's history for five decades. His articles have appeared in several magazines and newspapers, producing over 2,300 highly illustrated published stories. In addition, Jessen has written 23 books on Colorado ghost towns, railroads, Loveland, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, gunfights, and Georgetown. Now in his eleventhyear teaching at Colorado State University's Osher program, his classes have covered mining history, railroads, Indigenous people, Colorado gunfights, and other topics. New to his courses is Northern Exposure – Frontier Alaska. In addition to teaching, Jessen lectures throughout Northern Colorado. Jessen is also a member and contributor to several historical societies, including History Colorado, Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, and Historic Larimer County, and is a life member of the Colorado Railroad Museum. Rabbi Hillel Katzir has been offering classes at OLLI-CSU for over ten years on Judaism, the Bible, religion, and the Middle East. His passion is bringing people together across perceived lines of separation, including supporting the work of Israelis and Palestinians who have suffered from the conflict and yet work together for peace. Mike Kendrick worked as a professional oil & gas geoscientist for 33 years and retired to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2018. Mike loves teaching geology in the field, where he has led hikes for the Geologic Society of America, Northern Colorado Geologists, Colorado Mountain Club, Loveland Mountain Club, Colorado State University Geology Club, and the Fort Collins Natural Areas department. In September 2022, he published a geologic guidebook, Our Geologic Heritage in Colorado's Northern Front Range Foothills—A Guide to Larimer County Natural Areas. Since 2024, he has been leading the informal group Northern Colorado Geologists.

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See the course page on the website for full bios Wes Kenney begins his 24th season this fall as Music Director of the Fort Collins (Colorado) Symphony. From 2003 to 2023, he was Director of Orchestras and chair of conducting studies at Colorado State University. In 2022, he was named a University Distinguished Professor—the highest honor the university can award—and has also been given the title of Professor Emeritus. His awards include the 2007 Grand Prize at the Varna (Bulgaria) International Conducting Competition, a 2020 Honored Artist award from the American Prize, the 2020 American Prize for programming, the Ernst Bacon Memorial Prize for excellence in the performance of American music, and the 2020 American Prize for best orchestral performance in the Professional Orchestra Division. He has guest conducted around the globe, including with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Lviv (Ukraine) Philharmonic, Alabama Symphony, Vidin (Bulgaria) Philharmonic, Vietnam National Orchestra, and the Changwon Philharmonic.

*Judy Kirmmse co-founded the Chaos Institute with Jo Vanderkloot. She has

bachelor's and master's degrees with a focus on English language and literature, the latter from the University of Chicago, and currently writes for the Chaos Institute website and helps to manage it. She and Jo collaborate with all the work of their Institute. She resides in New London, CT, and is retired after 28 years as the affirmative action officer at Connecticut College. During her last four years at the College, she was also the institution's Title IX coordinator.

Professor Sarah Kozloff received her Ph.D. from Stanford University and her B.A. from Dartmouth College. For more than thirty years, she taught film history at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she was awarded an endowed chair. She specialized in American film, especially classic Hollywood. Her publications—scholarly and imaginative—are listed at sarahkozloff.com. Although she lived on the East Coast for 45 years, upon retirement she moved home to Colorado. Finding that she missed sharing her movies with others, she has happily moved into teaching lifelong learners. Rick Lamp completed his master's degree in computer information systems in 2013 from CSU. He then worked in the IT field as an IT manager, as well as performing hands-on work in system administration, enterprise resource planning administration, custom database report creation, and coding in a multitude of languages. His earlier education included an engineering degree from Purdue University and a master's degree in business administration from CSU. His earlier work experience included product and supply chain design, development, and manufacturing, as well as international project management. Robert Larson is the Education Chair, a certified instructor, technology study group leader, library volunteer, past Family Tree Maker software instructor, past president of the Larimer County Genealogical Society, and a past speaker at societies across Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. He also teaches genealogy classes at CSU/Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Fort Collins. Bob is also the Webinar Chair and past president of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies in Denver. He has been researching genealogy for over 25 years. Robert holds degrees in electronics engineering, marketing, and an executive MBA, along with computer programming certificates. He published his first family history book, the 210-page The Coffin-Pierson Legacy, in 2007, documenting six generations with the help of 30 cousins. REGISTER ONLINE AT OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

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Meet the Instructors Chloé Leisure is a poet and a community creative writing teacher. Born and raised in Marquette, Michigan, she lives in Fort Collins, with her family. She has been teaching writing and poetry for over 20 years in college classrooms, elementary schools, and libraries. She's taught poetry on a riverbank, fourth graders in a freak blizzard on the Western Slope, and graduate students in the grass. She has been teaching at the OLLI for 10 years. She earned her MA in Creative Writing at Northern Arizona University and her MFA in Poetry at CSU. Leisure was the 2014 Fort Collins Poet Laureate and is the author of the chapbook, The End of the World Again (Finishing Line Press). Her poetry has appeared in publications including The Blue Mountain Review, Colorado Review, Matter, The Night Heron Barks, [PANK], Second Coming, and Ross Gay & Shayla Lawson's The Tenderness Project.

*Ed Linz grew up on a farm in Kentucky prior to attending the U.S. Naval Academy. Following graduation in 1965, he served on four nuclear submarines and was Commanding Officer of USS Kamehameha (SSBN‑642). During his retirement from the Navy, he taught high school physics in public schools in Northern Virginia and coached track and cross country. Ed is the author of nine books, including works on the Great Depression and the Vietnam War. Recently, he completed three children's books and ghosted another. He holds advanced degrees from Oxford University and George Mason University and lives in Maine and Virginia. He received a heart transplant in 1994.

*Kathleen Lipscomb, M.B.A., spent her healthcare management career in diverse

patient care settings, as well as serving as a healthcare advocacy consultant to patients and families navigating the complicated healthcare system. Kathy was responsible for patient billing and audits of an 1,100-bed medical center pharmacy department. She spent 14 years, 5 as CEO, managing a Medicarecertified home health agency covering 6 of 9 counties in Metro Chicago. She served seven years on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Home Care Council, serving as Chairman of the Task Force on Fraud and Abuse, the Legislative Affairs Committee, and the Medicaid Task Force. She has served as spokesperson to federal and state legislators and consumers regarding patient medical services coverage and reimbursement issues. Kathy has been responsible for several corporate benefit coordination programs, including negotiating employee medical benefit plans, workers' compensation claims, and disability programs. Steve Lovaas started using a computer in the 1980s. He did not switch from singing opera to securing IT until returning home to Colorado in the 1990s. Steve was a student in the inaugural classes of one of the first security master's programs (Norwich University) and the first Ph.D. cohort in Public Communication & Technology (CSU). Along the way, his studies in music, philosophy, languages, marine science, chemistry, and computer networking reflected his curiosity and love of learning, which he continues to exercise as CSU's Chief Information Security Officer. Steve's publications and presentations have taken him across oceans and national borders, but he is most fascinated by the borders we continue to erect trying to feel safe. He hopes that a deep and mindful attention to security and privacy, as we continue to innovate, will help us remember why we build these borders—and what they are not good for.

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See the course page on the website for full bios Ann Lowry, Ph.D., is the author of the award-winning novel The Blue Trunk. Her debut novel was inspired by the discovery of a family heirloom—a travel trunk from Norway. Ann's writing dives deep into the complexities of relationships, conflict, and the human condition, and reviewers have noted her sharp social commentary. She has made significant contributions to academic journals, authored insightful opinion pieces, and crafted content for various platforms, including Writer's Digest, Women's Writers/Women's Fiction, and Girl Talk HQ. She has also appeared on several podcasts and has been interviewed on television and radio, discussing genealogy research and the treatment of mentally ill patients in the early 1900s. When not writing, Ann enjoys hiking, skiing, swimming, golfing, and baking. She treasures time with her therapy dog, Loki, and cherishes moments with her family. She is always eager to explore new adventures in life and storytelling. Ann lives in Timnath, Colorado. Carol Marander is an artist living and working in Fort Collins, Colorado. She graduated with honors from Colorado State University, where she majored in sculpture and painting. She worked as a graphic designer for many years at Colorado State University while pursuing her fine art. Carol's award-winning drawings and paintings have appeared in numerous juried exhibitions locally and nationally. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and the Colorado Watercolor Society. Carol is excited about sharing her love of drawing and pastel painting with her students.

*Avery Martin is a Colorado-born-and-raised strategic multimedia

communications professional with more than ten years of experience in visual and digital storytelling, including writing, podcasting, photography, videography, and design. A self-described jack of all trades and eventual master of some, Avery is a lifelong learner who enjoys helping others build creative confidence. A proud Colorado State University alumnus (B.A., '20), Avery serves as the Assistant Director of Communications for CSU's College of Health and Human Sciences, where he tells the stories of people and programs making an impact across Colorado and beyond. Outside of work, Avery spends time loving life with his wife and family, golfing, staying active, cooking (mainly eating), listening to vinyl, and deepening in his faith. David Martino has a Ph.D. in clinical-developmental psychology and has worked as a clinical psychologist, teacher, husband, and dad (the last two jobs by far the most difficult and rewarding). He has been an invited pundit and guest expert in newspapers and on radio and television. He has published children's books, song lyrics, and an article in the sadly defunct Journal of Polymorphous Perversity. Two of his original full-length plays and some of his shorter theater pieces have been produced and performed in regional theaters. For over twenty years, he has written sketch comedy and monologues for an ongoing live variety show, which he describes as Like SNL, but funny. He is currently working on writing his own obituary. If you see him on the bike trails of Fort Collins (his natural habitat), offer him some water and a snack.

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Meet the Instructors *Paige Martino is a seasoned cruiser with over 180 days at sea. She began her

extensive international travel experience as a regulatory program manager for Rockwell Collins in the late 1990s. Her travels have taken her to more than 40 countries and counting. Paige's work-life journey took her from in-house counsel to international trade program management, to customer service program management, to procurement, and to managing the operations of United Airlines' global network of premium clubs and lounges. COVID may have ended her work journey, but certainly not her wanderlust. Her parents introduced her to cruising in 2015, and she has been a frequent floater ever since. Along the way, she and her husband, David, raised two sons who have accompanied them on many adventures. She currently resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.

*Amy McDonagh is joining us as a CSU senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She is a volunteer with Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center and has worked as an intern at AgeWise Colorado helping to connect community members with a network of trusted local and statewide supports. Amy plans to earn a master's degree in public policy and is interested in pursuing a career in gerontological services. She is greatly looking forward to getting to know our wonderful members during her first semester with OLLI.

Joannah Merriman, M.A., is a writer, community educator, and retired psychotherapist. Her lifelong fascination with books, music, and film continues to feed her curiosity for adventures with words, sounds, and images. She has been an OLLI instructor, teaching writing workshops, and book-and-film exploration for over 20 years. Travel, extensive reading, and attendance at occasional film festivals enhance her ability to facilitate both reflective writing and film discussion courses. When she is not traveling, she lives quietly in Fort Collins with her partner, Neil Petrie, a rescue English Cream Golden Retriever named Rio, and two cats, Sappho and Keaton the Kitten.

*Terrence Monte benefits from an unusually diverse breadth of education: a

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Fine Arts, and a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. He has taught yoga and meditation for the last two decades. He ran a successful acupuncture practice in Manhattan before moving to Fort Collins in 2023. He continues to practice acupuncture in Fort Collins and hopes to continue practicing until the day he dies (many, many years in the future). He has completed a year-long mentorship in herbal studies with Dr. Heiner Fruehauf and takes particular interest in the treatment of OB/GYN disorders and sleep disorders.

Michael Morrison was the David Ross Boyd Professor of Physics and General Education at the University of Oklahoma (OU) until his retirement in 2010. He carried out and directed physics research and indulged in his first love, teaching. During his 40 years in the Physics Department, he taught courses on physics, literature, and film; created a workshop on writing for scientists and engineers; and developed a curriculum on Science in Contemporary Culture, for which he was awarded the 1997 Medal for Excellence in Teaching. After retirement, he concentrated on his passions: cinema, literature, writing, and film music. In addition to two physics texts, he has written countless book reviews, many essays, and two books on the literature of the fantastic—the topic of a series of courses he offered in the OU OLLI program. He moved in 2017 to Fort Collins, where he resides with his husband, Gordon, and the world's most adorable cat.

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OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

* = New to OLLI for Fall 2026

See the course page on the website for full bios

Meredith Naughton, Ph.D. has been the Director of OLLI at CSU since September 2022. She has spent her career in education—as a high school teacher, professor, and program leader—focused on helping people find pathways into learning and connection. Meredith holds a Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum from the University of Missouri, an MA in Education from Stanford University, and a BA in History from Truman State University. When she's not at OLLI, she enjoys exploring northern Colorado with her family.

*Lee Needham brings a lifelong passion for learning, culture, and exploration

to his Osher class on Provence, France. After a rewarding 30-year career as a social sciences instructor with the Poudre School District, Lee continues to inspire curiosity and connection through engaging, experience-rich learning. An enthusiastic traveler and lifelong learner, Lee has a particular love for discovering new cultures through their food, traditions, and daily life. His appreciation for global cuisines and regional specialties adds a flavorful dimension to his teaching, especially when exploring the rich culinary heritage of Provence. Lee is also the co-owner of Let's Explore!, a cycling and walking tour company he runs with his friend Randy. Through this work, he has guided travelers on immersive journeys that combine active exploration with cultural discovery—an approach that carries directly into his classroom. Cherie Nelson Senie is a writer, editor, and educator from Kansas. She earned her M.A. in literature and MFA in creative writing from Colorado State University, where she taught in the English Department for six years. She served as editor of the literary magazine Ruminate, and her essays have been selected as a finalist for Best of the Net 2020 and as a winner of Prairie Schooner's Glenna Luschei Award. Her debut essay collection, God Stars, is forthcoming from Orison Books. As a teacher, she has taught writing and literature to learners of all ages, from pre-K students to adults. She currently works as the librarian and gifted and talented teacher at Beattie Elementary School, where she created and manages the student-run literary journal, Beattie Uncovered. Noah Newman is a Research Coordinator for the Colorado Climate Center and the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network (https://www.cocorahs.org/). A third-generation native of Colorado, Noah loves water no matter where it is. In the winter, he has been a skier since he was 5, and in the summertime, he was a white-water rafting guide during his college years. Noah received his bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in 1997 and began his career teaching informal science education in 2002. With experience teaching science - from astronomy to zoology with magnets and rocketry in-between - he currently enjoys teaching how to measure precipitation accurately to people of all ages and backgrounds. Noah has led professional development training sessions for teachers and class presentations for K-12 students since 2005. He has been interviewed multiple times on live TV and twice presented on-stage to 15,000 students at Coors Field's annual Weather and Science Day. He continues to lead presentations, classes, and webinars across Colorado and the nation.

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Meet the Instructors *Vera Nicholas is a former 30+ year career diplomat who first sailed as a Lifelong Learner on the Fall 2022 voyage. This was supposed to be her retirement gift to herself, but instead, she loved the experience so much that she joined the Semester at Sea Lifelong Learning Program soon after disembarking.

Terry Nolan has been teaching ESSENTRICS® since 2013. Impressed by its intelligence and benefits, she completed the program's highest level of certification and currently participates in advanced training focused on optimizing the therapeutic benefits that music adds to exercise. Her teaching style is mindful and fun as she leads participants through a full rebalancing of their muscles and joints. OLLI members who do so much to keep their minds active will love this fitness program that so brilliantly does the same for their bodies.

*Amy O'Brien lives by the motto Live Creatively, a characteristic that accurately

describes her life. Amy has always been a creative soul. Her career has spanned hotel management, event planning, and restaurant ownership, as well as working as a cosmetologist and salon owner. She thrives on new creative outlets and has experimented with oil and acrylic painting, charcoal and pastels, sculpture, furniture making, printmaking, woodcarving, and interior design. She received her Bachelor of Arts from California State University Long Beach in Art & Interior Design. While living in Des Moines, she had an art studio at Mainframe Studios—the largest nonprofit creative workspace in the nation—where she provided art classes, a practice she continues in Fort Collins, Colorado. Amy's artwork is described as diverse. She creates portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and abstract art, and is always working with new materials, mediums, and ideas. Christine O'Brien, M.D., founded Total Being Reset LLC in 2023 to teach the daily integration of reset and co-regulation practices that enhance resilience, compassion, and human connection within ourselves and with others. As a physician, yoga instructor, acupuncturist, centering prayer, and mindfulnessbased stress reduction meditation teacher, and HeartMath trainer, she is passionate about understanding these deep connections. Her years of experience—from private practice, to running the WellBeing Center for Mind Body Health in the 1990s, to 15 years at the Cheyenne, Wyoming Veterans Hospital, including five years as Director of Whole Health—were shaped by the teachings of the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Thomas Keating. Christine believes in our innate healing potential and that goodness unfolds through kindness and compassion. She teaches from her book Total Being Reset: A Wellbeing Workbook—Cultivating the Heart–Mind–Body Connection for Self-Kindness, which she authored.

Alison O'Connor is the Colorado State University Extension horticulture specialist in Larimer County. She's been with Extension for over 20 years. Alison coordinates the Larimer County Master Gardener program and assists homeowners and industry with horticultural questions.

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OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

* = New to OLLI for Fall 2026

See the course page on the website for full bios

Diane Odbert is a retired math, science, and literature middle school teacher. With over 22 years of experience at the whiteboard, as well as specific instruction in notetaking, Diane has inspired hundreds of students to enhance their notetaking skills by adding time, energy, color, and lettering. Diane began this journey during her own middle school days, when her engineering father taught her block lettering. Consequently, she was the first girl to sign up for the drafting class in her middle school in 1973. Working in schools, someone once told her, let the computer do it. Diane has rebelled ever since, taking pen and brush to paper, poster board, walls, and letters to express her own style. Devin Odell is a retired state court judge who regularly presided over criminal jury trials in Fort Collins. He is currently working on his own novel featuring a murder trial. John Olienyk earned his Ph.D. in economics at Colorado State University and served for 37 years as a faculty member in the Department of Finance and Real Estate there, focusing on financial markets and international finance. He has served as a consultant for multinational corporations and as an expert witness in cases involving financial matters. John taught finance and economics in MBA programs in France, China, and Russia and served as a trainer and mentor for young business and economics professors at universities primarily in Ukraine, but also in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, over a period of twelve years. Lenina Olivas has been dancing her way through life for over 10 years, from belly dance to classic waltz and everything in between. Her training spans several local institutions, including Slapstep Studio, Aims Community College, and OLLI through CSU Extended Studies. Lenina firmly believes that everyone can learn how to dance—even those with two left feet. With a little practice, patience, and persistence, dance becomes a joyful way to stay in shape, meet new friends, and express yourself. In her world, dancing isn't about perfection—it's about showing up, moving your body, and having fun along the way. Joseph Osmann is a retired college professor and artist who has studied and taught studio art and art history for forty years. He is an active painter whose approach emphasizes the creative process from idea development to finished artwork. Having taught perspective drawing for many years, his step-by-step instruction demystifies the art of representing three dimensions on a twodimensional surface. Joseph Osmann's surrealistic paintings are on exhibition at the Aurelia Gallery on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico. James Pagliasotti, at age 23, became the first rock music critic and columnist for The Denver Post, where he produced a twice-weekly column and regular articles about music and the counterculture from 1968 to 1974. His work appeared in Rolling Stone magazine and various other publications. He also hosted shows as a deejay at KRNW-FM radio in Boulder and at KFML AM & FM in Denver. He is the author of three books, a bi-monthly newsletter and blog at jamespagliasotti. substack.com, and is the creator of Radical Radio: FREEFORM Radio Archive (www. radicalradio.media).

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Meet the Instructors Dr. Barbara Patterson has over thirty years of experience teaching forestry, wildlife, and ornithology with the field program at Front Range Community College. She is passionate about sharing mindful birding practices that weave together Western science, Eastern philosophy, and Indigenous knowledge. Active in the community, Barb offers programs that engage people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing physical and mental health challenges. She serves as an on-call instructor with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and is the author of Mindful Birding: A Journey. Veronica Patterson was Loveland's first Poet Laureate and the author of several books of poetry: How to Make a Terrarium, Swan, What Shores?, Thresh & Hold, & it had rained, and several chapbooks. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Cornell University and the University of Michigan, holds an EdD from the University of Northern Colorado, and earned an MFA from Warren Wilson College. Rob Pickett spent ten years writing Environmental Impact Statements for the EPA before spending twenty years as supervisor of the gardeners and greenhouses at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He has spent his adult life leading natural history hikes for various organizations in the Washington, DC area, including the Virginia and Maryland Native Plant Societies, the Audubon Naturalist Society, and Shenandoah National Park. After moving to Fort Collins in 2019, he now leads hikes for the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, Larimer County, and the Northern Chapter of the Colorado Native Plant Society. Sally Purath earned a B.A. in Social Sciences and an M.Ed. from Colorado State University. She taught history, English, religions, and humanities to 12th graders for 26 years, specializing in the humanities of Europe, the United States, India, China, Japan, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. She also taught World, U.S., and Russian history and philosophy in the International Baccalaureate program. Sally has been teaching courses annually for OLLI since 2009 at Colorado State University and later Zoom at California State University Channel Islands and Duke University. Patty Pyrz has been an artist since childhood and has more than 25 years of teaching experience working with students ages 6 to 80 years old. She has previously taught for OLLI through the University of Illinois. While there, she also taught art workshops and classes for the Springer Cultural Center, Parkland Community College, Clark Lindsey Retirement Community, and UIUC's Campus Wellbeing Services. She is a current member of the CAEA (Colorado Art Education Association) and the CBCA (Colorado Business Committee for the Arts). Ms. Pyrz holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and a master's degree in exercise physiology/wellness from the University of Central Florida.

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OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

* = New to OLLI for Fall 2026

See the course page on the website for full bios Karen Ramsay, a celebrated Colorado watercolor artist, devotes her time to capturing the beautiful landscapes and urban scenes around her, along with teaching students the techniques and joys of her favorite medium. Karen is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art. From an early age, Karen enjoyed a love for drawing and painting. Encouragement to pursue this passion came from her parents and artists in her family. She has been featured in the Big Sky Journal as an "Artist of the West." Other accolades include: Paint The Poudre: People's Choice Award; Wild About Colorado: Best of Show; Colorado Watercolor Society: Member Show Award. Karen is very passionate about teaching and sharing her love for sketching and watercolor. Her classes and workshops are held locally, in the Rocky Mountain region, across the US, and internationally. Kate Reiter is an MFA graduate of the Yale School of Drama. She has written and performed award-winning character comedy and stand-up comedy in the New York City area for several years and has been a comedy speaker at various health and wellness events. An award-winning public speaker, she brings a light-hearted touch to every class. She has taught English composition and literature and theatre at Centenary College and Warren County Community College in New Jersey. She continues to give engaging keynotes to local groups on Bringing Humor to Life and teaches comedy workshops focused on turning adversity into an asset. In her spare time, she can be seen acting at Bas Bleu Theatre in Fort Collins or participating in agility sports with her Golden Retriever, Poppins. (Allergy alert: the Golden Retriever, Poppins, attends classes.) Jack Rogers has worked in the performing arts for over 25 years. During that time, he has been an artist and advocate, a tour manager, a festival producer, a venue director, and has worn countless other hats. Jack received his BFA in Acting, with a minor in dance and a concentration in music, from Long Island University at CW Post, as well as multiple awards for his performance work both professionally and academically. He received his MPA in Nonprofit Management from Georgia State University. Jack's interests include multidisciplinary collaboration, improvisational performance, advocacy, and performing arts programming. Dr. Jim Rose is a retired architect and former professor and college administrator. He taught courses in architectural engineering, architectural history, and architectural design. He directed and taught in a graduate program in historic preservation. He conducted research in architectural conservation and completed a sabbatical in Rome as the U.S. delegate to the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). A second sabbatical was spent teaching a course in Italian Renaissance architecture at the Loyola University of Chicago Rome Center.

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Meet the Instructors *Glenn Rosenblum is a busy celebrity talent broker, lecturer, vocalist, actor, and

musical mensch. He holds a BA degree in theatre from the School of Theatre, Film, and Television at UCLA and has attended the School of Dramatic Arts at USC and the New College at Hofstra University. BroadwayWorld.com called him the New Prince of Los Angeles Cabaret in his new one-man cabaret show, The Musical Man. He has been seen regionally on stage in musicals including Cabaret (Emcee), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Man of La Mancha (Barber), and Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). He also played himself in Annabelle Gurwitch's hit comedy Fired!, recorded for National Public Radio at Los Angeles Theatre Works. His off-Broadway credits include Lucky Lucy and the Fortune Man starring Blythe Danner, Little Mighty with Sam Harris, and Rise of David Levinksy featuring Larry Kert. Glenn's television work includes an Old Navy commercial with Kristin Chenoweth, as well as episodic turns on the series Bones and Miami Vice. His passion and obsession with Broadway's musical theatre has led him globe-trotting with Crystal Cruises as a guest lecturer. Nina Rubin is a retired Clinical Social Worker. She has been a Jewish educator for more than 40 years. She has been teaching nationally on topics of Women's Torah, spiritual practice, and Jewish death practice for over 30 years. Nina has lived in Fort Collins for 47 years, working in medical social work and interfaith initiatives.

*Greg Russi practiced trial law for 34 years in Denver and Glenwood Springs,

Colorado, and worked as a policymaker on Colorado's West Slope. He has taught The U.S. Constitution for Non‑lawyers both in Colorado and Washington. He developed the curriculum to help students understand our nation's foundational document and to increase constitutional literacy.

*Herb Saperstone is a geologist with a BS in Geology from the University of

Vermont and an MS from Colorado State University, specializing in stratigraphy, sedimentology, and basin evolution. He worked with Arco Coal and the U.S. Geological Survey before turning to science communication, producing educational earth and environmental subjects for both industry and local government. He now volunteers as a geology naturalist in Larimer County, leading programs at Horsetooth Mountain, Devil's Backbone, and Lory State Park. Cindy Sargent is a retired elementary school teacher. She has lived, worked, and traveled extensively throughout Latin America. Along with gardening, hiking, travel, and knitting, Spanish floats her boat! Ren Scherling is a second-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer. Serving as General Manager for independent funeral establishments, Preparation Supervisor in a corporate care center setting, and in everyday roles as a funeral director and embalmer has helped Ren appreciate the opportunities to serve those who have lost a loved one. Co-instructing this growing and popular course over the past few years with Nina, and connecting with participants over questions, concerns, and comments regarding death and dying, is what keeps Ren coming back.

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OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

* = New to OLLI for Fall 2026

See the course page on the website for full bios Sue Schneider, Ph.D., is a medical anthropologist, integrative health coach, and certified mindfulness instructor. She leads health and wellness initiatives across Colorado as an Extension Professor and State Health Specialist with Colorado State University's Office of Engagement and Extension. She is the author of Meeting the Moment with Kindness: How Mindfulness Can Help Us Find Calm, Stability, and an Open Heart. Margaret Sharkoffmadrid teaches Art History for the Colorado Community College System at Front Range Community College. She spent 20 years with the College Board's Advanced Placement Art History program, writing exam items, auditing syllabi, leading exam scoring groups, and teaching professional development workshops for Art History teachers. She previously taught courses in Art Studio, Art Education, Teacher Professional Development, and/or Art History at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy; Marymount University in Arlington, VA; Fairfax County Public Schools in VA; the University of Northern CO; Colorado State University; and Poudre School District. Margaret served on Faculty Advisory Panels at the National Gallery of Art, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Denver Art Museum. She has traveled with high school, college, and adult students to study art in Italy, Greece, France, Great Britain, Brazil, Mozambique, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Margaret has been an OLLI Instructor since 2018. Bev Shaw grew up hating to weed her parents' garden but somehow decided to major in horticulture at Purdue University. She worked in floral design, followed by perennial design and production, and then became a city forester. Upon moving to Colorado in 2020, she began weeding wherever there was an opportunity, including the Gardens on Spring Creek, the CSU Trial Gardens, and the Fort Collins Xeriscape Garden. She is co-chair of the Urban Forest Ambassadors, serves on the Friends of the Gardens on Spring Creek board, and is on the CSU Trial Gardens Advisory Committee. She has been a Master Gardener for decades and works for Plant Select, a nonprofit collaboration among CSU, Denver Botanic Garden, and the green industry that promotes water-wise plants. She loves sharing her passion for gardening in Colorado with adult learners. Tetiana Sherman is a professional chef from Ukraine who arrived in Colorado in June 2022. Formerly the owner of a successful culinary school in Kyiv, she brought her passion and expertise to Colorado, founding Culinary Discovery, where she teaches people to create simple, delicious, and nutritious meals in their own kitchens. Tetiana offers popular sourdough bread workshops and beer-pairing cooking classes that connect food, culture, and community. Her refugee story was featured on Colorado Public Radio, Voice of America, and The Coloradoan, and her traditional Ukrainian varenyky recipe appeared in Cocina Libre: Immigrant Resistance Refugees. An active member of Ukrainians of Colorado and a speaker with the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau, Tetiana also supports numerous fundraising initiatives for Ukraine. She lives in Timnath, Colorado, with her family.

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Meet the Instructors Deb Singer has played guitar for over 60 years, focusing on classical guitar since 1992. She holds a master's degree in music theory, extensive coursework in Musicology, a master's degree in social work, and bachelor's degrees in Comparative Religion, Dance, and French. She has taught guitar privately and in group settings for over 40 years and loves working with beginners as well as continuing students. Drew Sorrells, an interior designer with over 40 years of experience, specializes in sustainable, lifelong places. Believing indoor spaces can be sacred, Drew blends nature's timeless beauty with client individuality. From color consulting to full-scale projects, Drew's designs enhance well-being, support aging-in-place, and connect people to what inspires them. As a sensitive leader, Drew delivers tailored and healthy solutions that balance style, essence, and purpose.

*Leslie Stewart retired from the music faculty at Colorado State University in

2023, where she taught violin, undergraduate conducting, chamber music, and conducted the CSU Concert Orchestra since 2006. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, she holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Violin Performance from the University of Southern California. Professor Stewart has conducted numerous youth symphonies and community orchestras and is the Founding Music Director of the Health and Wellness Community Orchestra in Fort Collins. She has played in professional orchestras throughout the United States and is currently a member of the Fort Collins and Cheyenne Symphonies. Her interest in Women in Music was fostered by playing in the Women's Philharmonic in San Francisco in the 1990s. This led her to teach this course as well as give pre-concert lectures on the subject around the country. Doug Stowell is a consumer and political polling veteran in both US and EU markets. His career includes Director of Market Research for the Xerox Corporation, Director-US Clients for the UK research from NOP, Ltd. in London, UK, and Senior Polling Executive for Wirthlin Worldwide in DC. He opened his own firm, Market Resource Associates, in 2008 and continues conducting opinion researching global issues. As a public service, he provides ZOOM lectures to more than 100 organizations nation-wide. He lives with his wife in Greenville, SC.

Dr. William M. Timpson is an emeritus professor in the School of Education at Colorado State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history from Harvard University, taught in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His career has focused on teaching complex topics such as peace and reconciliation, sustainability, and diversity, as well as instructional improvement, curriculum innovation, professional development, and educational leadership. He has written or co‑authored nineteen books and numerous publications. His recent book is Learning Life's Lessons: Inspirational Tips for Creating Peace in Troubled Times. From 1981 to 1984, he was a Kellogg National Fellow exploring international conflicts and their implications for education. He served as a Fulbright Specialist in Northern Ireland and Burundi and a Fulbright Teaching Scholar in South Korea. He has written extensively on restorative justice and volunteered with the Fort Collins Restorative Justice Program.

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See the course page on the website for full bios Jo Vanderkloot, LCSW, BCD, began her career as a family therapist specializing in couples and families. Her work broadened over the following 45 years into problem-solving as a consultant in larger settings. Her first placement was as coordinator of a psychiatric crisis unit in a South Bronx neighborhood clinic, then one of the most challenged communities in the country—her introduction to chaos. She later partnered with an African American colleague, struggling together to understand the deep social forces that divide people of different races and classes until her colleague's death. Together, they saw patients, consulted widely with nonprofits and corporations, taught courses on chaotic systems at the NYU School of Social Work, Smith College, and the Seton Hall Psychology Doctoral Program, and held workshops nationally. Jo continues to see patients in Fort Collins and New York. Eli Vega is a highly published, award-winning photographer and author. He has published two books on photography. He has taught photography for thirty years, including field workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park and classes for OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) throughout the country. He is a certified facilitator and makes his classes and workshops casual, engaging, and fun.

*Jacqueline Vickery, Ph.D., is a researcher, educator, and consultant specializing in media literacy, youth development, and helping people navigate digital life with clarity and confidence. Previously, she was a tenured professor at the University of North Texas, where she founded the Youth Media Lab, and is the author of three books, including Worried About the Wrong Things. A few years ago, she and her partner quit their jobs, sold their house, and spent 18 months traveling the world as nomads. Today, she leads Mindful Media, a consulting practice that helps organizations navigate the digital dimensions of their work. She is a CASA volunteer in Larimer County and a member of the Fort Collins Women's & Gender Equity Advisory Board. She has fallen in love with Fort Collins, and you can often find her biking around town, sipping beer on a patio, or hiking on the trails. Richard Waal has over 40 years of experience in the technology industry, working for organizations ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 giants. His professional journey has provided him with unique insights into both the technical and business realms, enabling him to effectively bridge the gap between engineers and business leaders. Renee Walkup, a Fort Collins–based artist, has been creating innovative mosaic works since 2017. Her background as a professional speaker prepared her to teach mosaics, and she has been teaching for five years. Renee's work is exhibited in public buildings, such as Pathways Hospice in Larimer County and Kaiser Permanente in Denver. She is known for bringing three-dimensionality, texture, and innovation into her body of work. Renee is currently the President of Colorado Mosaic Artists (CMA).

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Meet the Instructors

* = New to OLLI for Fall 2026

*Randy Wall, with over two decades immersed in French language and culture—

culminating in a doctorate from CU Boulder—is more than an educator; he is a passionate Francophile. While Randy loves teaching, his true passion lies in exploring France at a slower pace. After years of leading walking and cycling tours during summer breaks, he turned this passion into a retirement venture, launching a boutique tour company with his good friend, Lee Needham. Among all the regions Randy has explored, Provence holds a special place in his heart. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline to medieval villages suspended in time, he fell in love with the area's vibrant markets, fragrant herbs, and rich, buttery cuisine. For Randy, Provence is truly, to borrow from Hemingway, "a moveable feast." Paula Watson-Lakamp is a northern Colorado native. She holds a degree from Colorado State University in fine art, with an emphasis in graphic design and art education. She has had a long career with local government agencies as a designer and creative director. She started her second career as a professional artist and art educator ten years ago. She paints and teaches out of her studio near Wellington. She has had various group and solo exhibitions of her oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings. Paula believes that everyone has a creative spark inside them, and if somewhere along the way it was blown out, her mission is to rekindle that flame in her students. Have you always believed you were a creative person, but somewhere along the way your inner critic decided you weren't? "I can't even draw a straight line" is a quote I hear a lot from my students, and I say, "Great, straight lines are boring!" Abigayil Wernsman is an emerging scholar who recently received her Ph.D. in literary arts from the University of Denver, with a focus on early medieval literature. While there, she studied Old English and early medieval Latin literature and early English pedagogy. She earned her M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado in Victorian literature, with a focus on the Brontë sisters, and studied Victorian literature at CSU for her B.A. She has taught a variety of British literature courses, poetry and writing classes, and Old English language classes. She is writing and researching a book project on Beowulf and academic translation, as well as several side projects. She currently lives in Loveland with her husband and their fat little dog. Wynne Whyman is the founding Director of Communication and Advocacy for the Center for Hearing Access, a national nonprofit advocacy and education initiative. Previously, she was a senior learning architect for executive leadership development. She volunteers in Colorado for hearing accessibility and has lived with progressive hearing loss since childhood. Wynne has published articles with the Hearing Health Foundation and Canadian Audiologist and is quoted in Consumer Reports. She is the recipient of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) 2023 Community Access Award for her work with Google Maps and holds two master's degrees. Dr. Craig Zabel retired in December 2024, after 39 years of teaching art and architectural history at Penn State. He was Head of the Department of Art History for 21 years and received the Penn State Teaching Fellow Award and the Penn State Graduate Program Chair Leadership Award. Frank Lloyd Wright has been one of Dr. Zabel’s research and teaching interests throughout his career. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Vibrant Senior Living

IN THE HEART OF NORTHERN COLORADO The Gallery at Fort Collins is proud to celebrate OLLI at CSU’s 20th Anniversary and the lifelong learning, connections, and engagement it inspires throughout our community.

3535 Stanford Rd. Fort Collins, CO 80525 GalleryAtFortCollins.com | (970) 722-8885 INDEPENDENT LI V I N G | A SS I ST ED LI V I N G | ME MORY C ARE

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Donor Honor Roll OLLI at CSU thanks the many members, instructors, and community partners who generously contributed time, talents, and treasures to our program in 2025-26. We also appreciate the many thoughtful anonymous contributors who provided valuable support to help our community of learners grow and flourish. = In Memory of Rich Alper

James Giffin

Bernard Osher Foundation

Tom Andersen

Jacquelyn Ginty

Eric Patterson

Elaine Andersen Charles Andre

Judith Aranow

Manuel Arellano

Susan & Tom Barbour Victoria Benson

Stephen Benson

Beverly & James Bert Anne & John Blair Chris Blakeslee

Suzanne Blakeslee Marvin Boeding

Kathleen Boeding James Boyd

Susan Brand

David Caputo Alice Caputo

Sandra Cardillo

Lowell & Susan Cary Sherri Perkins

Peg Chandler

Marvin Childers

Dorothy Childers

William & Terrie Cornell Pattie Cowell

Whitney Cranshaw Michael Czaja

James & Linda Danforth Jerry Dauth

Bryan Dennis

Margie Eagan

Frank & Sylvia Ethridge David Fanning Rich Feller

Carolsue Fenwick

Richard Ferguson Holly Field

Mike Forney

The Gallery at Fort Collins

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Jennifer Gimbel

Katie Glassman

Alyssa Golinvaux

Kari Gomez-Smith

John & Vicky Green Karen Heckman Chris Hensey

Lani & Thomas Hickman L Stuart Hirai

Barbara & Bob Hoel

Bob & Maureen Hoffert Sara Hoffman

Dianne Hughes Margie Hunter Susan Jones

Pamela Kane

Veronica Patterson Neil Petrie

Rob Pickett

Nancy & Stacy Plemmons Sherry Pomering

Jim & Jocelyn Pring James Robb Jim Rose

Roger Rybicka

Judy Sayre Grim Sue Schneider Cheryl Schutz

Carol Seemueller

Earl & Lisbeth Sethre Arnold Shenkman Sherri Perkins

Kim Kavanagh

Robert Simmons

Mike Kendrick

Pat Skrentny-Lamb

Dennis Lamb

Hal Smith

Marie Macpherson

Felice Thorson-Boudreaux

Judith McArthur

Bertram & Ceci Tower

Joannah Merriman

Carole Tuttle

Sharon & Stephen Moritz

Jo Vanderkloot

Terry Nolan

Richard Waal

Alison O'Connor

Nicole & Jim Whitenight

John Olienyk

Marjorie Wiedeman

Shirley Kendrick

Wanda Simmons

Tom Kleckner

Bill Smith

Marilyn Lines

Ken & Marty Tharp

SueEllen Markey

Jerry Thorson-Boudreaux

Ed & Yang McConnaughey

Gary & Kathleen Turner

Kathleen & Tim Monty

Don & Karen Unger

Harry Mueller

Mike Viney

Mike O'Connell

Henry Weisser

Devin Odell

Wynne Whyman

Don & Penny Oliver

Gary Wiedeman

Leslie & Susanne Olson

Richard Wilshusen

Steven Myers

Scott Omdahl

OLLI AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Karen Wilken Kay Wood

Donate to OLLI at CSU Give the Gift of Learning

This year, OLLI at CSU celebrates 20 years of lifelong learning, meaningful connections, and community engagement. In two decades, we have grown into a learning community that enriches the lives of thousands of members each year through exceptional classes, social opportunities, travel experiences, and shared discovery. Anniversaries are a time to celebrate achievements and invest in the future. As a member-driven institute, OLLI relies on the generosity of members and friends to ensure that lifelong learning remains accessible, vibrant, and sustainable for years to come. Your support helps sustain the programs, people, and resources that make OLLI thrive—expanding access, enhancing learning opportunities, supporting exceptional instructors, and strengthening the sense of community that defines OLLI. As we commemorate this milestone year, we invite you to join our growing donor community and help shape OLLI's next chapter. Together, we can ensure that the opportunities for learning, connection, and discovery that have defined the past 20 years continue well into the future.

Give online: give.colostate.edu/campaigns/44680 Give by mail:

Colorado State University Foundation P.O. Box 1870 Fort Collins, CO 80522

Make checks payable to Colorado State University Foundation

Make an impact that can leave a future legacy or provide financial and tax benefits now.

The CSU Office of Gift Planning works with donors and their advisors to design a gift plan that most effectively accomplishes the donors’ charitable goals while considering their individual financial and estateplanning needs. This can include giving through your IRA, estate gifts, gifts of securities, real estate, and much more. Contact us to have a discussion about giving options that make a difference while meeting your needs.

Explore the Possibilities

Email: OEE_Giving@colostate.edu

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Join OLLI at CSU OSHER.COLOSTATE.EDU

OLLI@COLOSTATE.EDU (970) 491-7753 2545 RESEARCH BLVD. FORT COLLINS, CO 80526

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