OLLI@DU Fall 2024 Catalog

OLLI@DU / 2024

FALL CATALOG

The autumn cover photo was captured along Boreas Pass, near Como, Colorado, and is a scenic mountain pass at an elevation of 11,481 feet in the Rocky Mountains straddling both Park and Summit Counties. Originally a route for the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century, it is now a gravel road (Forest Service Road 33) which terminates at Breckenridge. Cover photo credit: Mark A. Payler

From the Executive Director

Welcome to the OLLI at DU Fall 2024 Catalog! Fall is always an exciting time of year, especially for retired educators like me who remember those classrooms filled with curious faces, the smell of sharpened pencils, and the thick 3-ring notebooks waiting to be filled with the students’ notes. I want to thank the curriculum committees, staff, and volunteer facilitators who have contributed so much time to develop the course and webinar offerings you will discover in this catalog. We are grateful for their contributions to our program. I am sure you will have a difficult time choosing as there are so many interesting courses!

Our membership fee remains the same for this year and still includes free registration to all 40+ webinars, free online fitness classes each morning, access to member social events, opportunity to participate in a shared interest group, and the chance to travel with us both domestically and internationally- a bargain at $65 (less than $6 per month). We have changed our course pricing plan as our members suggested different prices for different lengths of courses. The OLLI at DU Financial Advisory Team worked diligently to keep our prices affordable and still cover our expenses.

OLLI at DU continues to grow — last year we saw a 7.5% growth in membership. We are a community of lifelong learners who attend in-person and online courses, facilitate courses, listen to webinars, attend social events, participate in fitness classes, and travel together. We are facilitators, class assistants, committee members, staff, and volunteers — we are OLLI at DU!

Jackie

OLLI @ DU / 2024 FALL

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver is a membership-based, lifelong learning program for adults “50 years and better.” We are in our 28th year and we are part of a network of 125 OLLIs nationwide. OLLI offers noncredit courses, lectures, webinars, social events, and travel opportunities... No tests. No grades. OLLI is for the love of learning.

As with every organization focused on adult learning, OLLI at DU is striving to strike a balance between the convenience of online learning and programming, and the face-toface connections that we all like to make at in-person courses or events. In this Fall Term 2024 catalog you will find many both in-person and online learning opportunities. We are happy to announce that we will be offering 49% of our courses in-person at five locations and 51% online via Zoom!

As you learn about the new membership benefits being offered in the 2024 – 2025 academic year, we think you will find interesting classes just right for you.

Our goal is to reflect what our members want, and we always want to hear from you. The curriculum work is a major effort by many volunteers, facilitators and staff who plan out the courses that form the very essence of OLLI. We hope you will participate and enjoy this array of offerings.

Our Mission

To enrich the lives of our members through a high-quality learning and social environment.

COME FOR THE COURSES, STAY FOR THE CONNECTIONS

Diverse In-Person and Online Program Offerings

Health and Wellness

History and Economics

Literature and Writing

Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, Culture

Public Affairs and Current Events

STEM

Visual and Performing Arts

Miscellaneous

OLLI at DU Home Location

University College at the University of Denver 2211 S. Josephine Street, Denver, CO 80208

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM, Friday, 9 AM–12 NOON Phone: 303-871-3181 Email: olli@du.edu

OLLI at DU Staff

• David Schoenhals, Co-Executive Director for Curriculum, Operations, and Finance David.Schoenhals@du.edu

• Laura Uzzle, Co-Executive Director for Marketing, Communications, and Development Laura.Uzzle@du.edu

• Dave Johnson, Support Specialist DavidK.Johnson@du.edu

• Mitra Verma, Support Specialist/Graphic Designer Mitra.verma@du.edu

• Kim Penoyer, Operations Coordinator kimberly.penoyer@du.edu

• Amber Barthel, Technology Coordinator amber.barthel@du.edu

• Christine Liptak, Zoom Assistant/Travel Coordinator Christine.liptak@du.edu

• Maria Elena Garcia, Curriculum Director mariaelena.garcia@du.edu

• Mary Ann Mace, Curriculum Assistant Maryann.mace@du.edu

• Paul Simon, Community Outreach Director paul.simon@du.edu

OLLI at DU Central

First Universalist Church of Denver 4101 East Hampden, Denver, CO 80222 Chambers Center

1901 East Asbury Ave, Denver, CO 80210

• Candace Hyatt, OLLI at DU Central Campus Manager Candace.hyatt@du.edu

• Tamara Barkdoll, OLLI at DU Central Campus Program Coordinator tamara.barkdoll@du.edu

OLLI at DU on Campus

Ruffato Hall

1999 East Evans, Denver, CO 80208 Chambers Center

1901 East Asbury Ave, Denver, CO 80210

• Maria Elena Garcia, OLLI at DU On Campus Manager mariaelena.garcia@du.edu

• Mary Ann Mace, OLLI at DU on Campus Program Coordinator, Maryann.mace@du.edu

OLLI at DU South

Columbine United Church 6375 S Platte Canyon Rd, Littleton 80123

• Darcey VanWagner, OLLI at DU South Campus Manager darcey.vanwagner@du.edu

• Sherilee Selby, OLLI at DU South Program Coordinator sherilee.selby@du.edu

OLLI at DU West

Jefferson Unitarian Church 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden 80401

• Sherry Feinbaum, OLLI at DU West Campus Manager sherry.feinbaum@du.edu

CLASS LOCATIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

2211 S. Josephine St, Denver, CO 80210

Ruffatto Hall, 1999 E. Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80208

4101 E. Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80222

6375 S. Platte Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80123

14350 W. 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401

Chambers Center, 1901 E. Asbury Ave, Denver, CO 80210

280 Spader Way, Broomfield, CO 80020

University of Denver campus map: Identifies the location of three campus buildings. 1:

OLLI at DU Main Office 2: Ruffatto Hall

6: Chambers Center

What can you expect from OLLI at DU?

An OLLI at DU Annual Membership is $65 and is valid for one academic year (August-August). In addition to access to the hundreds of courses we offer annually, OLLI at DU has a new slate of membership benefits that provide social connections, activities, and access to free live webinars.

Membership Benefits—Whether you are returning after years of experience with OLLI or are a brand-new member, we create many pathways for participation. We are sure you’ll find something you like! Here are some of the top offerings:

 TRAVEL—Come travel with OLLI at DU! OLLI at DU has various travel experiences to offer our members during 2024-2025. We will be working with facilitators to offer special OLLI at DU courses and webinars that highlight these countries/regions - their cultures, food, history, geology, etc. Stay tuned for this intersection of OLLI courses and what many would consider the ultimate field trip!

 FITNESS—OLLI at DU Fit OLLI at DU is pleased to offer our members free daily online fitness classes during each of the three terms.  Courses are available to all current OLLI at DU members at no charge and are taught by certified instructors.

 COMMUNITY—OLLI on the Move (OOM) OLLI at DU is “on the road” to reach new audiences with the great lifelong learning classes we have become known for over the past 28 years. OLLI On the Move (OOM) shares lifelong learning to outside communities and libraries and generates new interest in OLLI membership in a post-pandemic era of rediscovered social engagement. Our experienced facilitators bring exciting and educational courses to senior organizations, libraries and senior living communities.

 FREE WEBINARS—With your membership you have access to more than 50 free webinars annually. Many of these are structured to happen during lulls between our academic calendar terms. Some are special webinars geared to other programmatic offerings and outings.

 OLLI at CSU RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP THIS MEMBERSHIP IS FOR OLLI AT CSU MEMBERS ONLY who wish to gain access to our membership benefits. They will register with us as a “reciprocal member” and pay $20 per year (August-August).

 SPECIAL EVENTS—So many OLLI at DU member benefits can be unlocked for just $65 per year. Make sure you read your weekly OLLI at DU Adventures news blast and visit this webpage as well. Check the member benefits page to ensure you know all the discounts, events, and member groups you can join.

 SHARED INTEREST GROUPS—Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are an additional perk for OLLI at DU members, designed to complement and enrich their learning experience without replacing traditional courses. They may originate from former OLLI classes or be newly formed by members seeking to explore specific topics or activities. Unlike courses, SIGs operate independently and are self-managed and are member-driven initiatives, not staff-led or organized programs.

OLLI at DU CURRICULUM CALENDAR

Important Dates Fall 2024

Activity

Catalog Posted on Website and sent via email

Fall 2024

Monday, August 12, 2024

Registration Opens and is First Come, First Served Monday, August 19, 2024

Note: Registration remains open until the course has reached its maximum enrollment OR until the Thursday at midnight prior to the course or webinar begins

Confirmation Emails sent at time of registration Time of registration (Zoom links to be sent before online courses begin)

Term Begins Monday, September 16, 2024

Term Ends Friday November 8, 2024

Note: OLLI follows the University of Denver calendar for observance of scheduled holidays. Classes which are scheduled during the observance of Rosh Hashanah (10/2–10/4, 2024) and Yom Kippur (10/11/24) will be held at the discretion of the facilitator. Other holidays which DU observes fall outside of our scheduled dates for our terms and recess webinars.

At OLLI Back to the Future event, facilitators were recognized for their service. Some facilitators at the function were (L to R) Jerry Wischmeyer, Bob Magnani, Larry Matten, Dick Reinish, and Sydney Myers.

OLLI at

Denver

OLLI at DU Registration Process

OLLI at DU Fall 2024 registration will begin at 10:00 am on Monday, August 19, with courses filled on a first come, first serve basis. Registrants will receive immediate confirmation of enrollment in a course upon registration. Courses which have met their maximum enrollment will not allow further registration. Registration will remain open until a course meets its maximum or until the Friday before the course begins or the Wednesday before a webinar occurs. You can check your registration status by following the instructions below on using your OLLI Account.

RETURNING MEMBERS

If you were a member with us last year, go to our website and sign into your OLLI account.

• Go to our website (olli.du.edu)

• Click on the words SIGN IN in the red bar below the image of DU and enter your login information

SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT WITH OLLI

If you are a new member or a member who did not join us last year, you will need to set up an account with us. Follow these instructions

• Go to our website (olli.du.edu)

• Click on the words JOIN OLLI in the red bar below the image of DU

• Complete the information to set up your profile and account

• Once your account is set up, make note of your user name and password

• Follow the instructions below to purchase an annual membership ($65) and register for courses

AFTER YOU ARE SIGNED INTO YOUR OLLI ACCOUNT

Follow these instructions to purchase an annual membership and register for courses, webinars, and events.

• On the HOME page, click on the image below for COURSES/REGISTRATION

• To purchase your 2024–25 annual membership, click on MEMBERSHIP/PRICING

Annual Memberships cost $65 and run through next August. Annual members enjoy free registration to 40+ webinars and 15 OLLI Fit classes throughout the year.

• To register for courses, webinars, fitness classes, and events: Click on FULL COURSE CATALOG (under the COURSES/REGISTRATION image and select the courses and webinars you wish to take by clicking the ADD TO CART button.

NOTE: if you are not signed into your account, you will not see the ADD TO CART button

USING YOUR OLLI ACCOUNT

Historically, OLLI phones and emails are flooded with members trying to obtain information about their courses (where they are meeting, Zoom links, syllabi, etc.) Did you know that all that information is available to you at any time even when the office is closed? Simply sign into your OLLI account (Sign in to your OLLI Account) and then click on the word ACCOUNT in the red bar below the image of DU

• To change your email address or phone number, click on MY PROFILE

• To change your user name and/or password, click on USERNAME and PASSWORD

• To see your History of Memberships and registrations, click on HISTORY

• To check on your registrations, click on CLASS LIST (all the information about your courses is found here — in-person location, Zoom links, facilitator bio, syllabus)

• to pay an outstanding balance — click on MAKE

A PAYMENT

Still need assistance on registering or purchasing a membership? Email us at olli@du.edu and leave a message with the best way to contact you. All OLLI staff, not just those in the office, will be assisting during the first week of registration and leaving your name and phone number on our EMAIL (not phone) is the best way to contact us.

COURSE REGISTRATION FEES (2024–2025)

We have changed our pricing plan, so it is now based on course duration (4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 weeks). This change is a result of member requests for course fees based on length of class. Thank you to the Financial Advisory Team who spent many hours reviewing program data about member usage to create a pricing plan that helps us cover operational costs. The new 2024–25 fees are listed below.

Course List by Subject Area

LITERATURE,

IN-PERSON by Start Date/Day

DATE DAY COURSE # COURSE TITLE

MONDAY PM

9/16 Mo PM HEC1082 The Biggest Political Division in US History: The Road to Secession in 1860 Kleinschmidt

TUESDAY AM

9/17 Tu AM HEC1069 Artificial Intelligence: What It Is & How It Will Impact Us All Tsoucatos/Hughes

9/17 Tu AM STM1036 Come Bird with Us Ho

9/17 Tu AM PAC1042 Current Events - Tue Reinish/Myers

9/17 Tu AM LWL1035 Exploring Angela’s Ashes Ropes

9/17 Tu AM STM1045 Great Rivers of the World – Part D Steele/Kunkel

9/17 Tu AM LWL1036 Memoir for the Undermotivated or Overwhelmed Morgan

9/17 Tu AM HEW1018 Minding Your Balance: Mind Body Techniques to Improve Balance & Prevent Falls Chandler

9/17 Tu AM VPA1073 Movies that Matter Kozloff

9/17 Tu AM VPA1074 Music, Musicians and So Much More Dais

9/17 Tu AM VPA1075 No Man’s Land: WWI and the Birth of Horror Movies Moody

9/17 Tu AM STM1046 Searching for Other Earths: Our Growing Understanding of the Cosmos and Our Place In It Holt

9/17 Tu AM PAC1044 The Trump Cases Savitz

9/17 Tu AM VPA1076 The Wisdom of the African American Spirituals Tradition Jones

9/17 Tu AM PAC1043 This Land is Mine: A History of Palestine Wyngarden

9/17 Tu AM STM1047 Water Resources Science and Management Bellinger

9/24 Tu AM LWL1034 Chatting In Spanish Gordon

9/24 Tu AM VPA1005 Japanese Prints: From Meiji to Modern Mercure

IN-PERSON by Start Date/Day

DATE DAY COURSE # COURSE TITLE

TUESDAY PM

FACILITATOR

9/17 Tu PM PAC1045 An In-Depth Trip Through Numerous High Profile Criminal Trials Levinson/Lozow

9/17 Tu PM LWL1037 Art of the Short Story Anthony

9/17 Tu PM PRP1039 Capital, Inequality & Ideology: An Intellectual History, Part 1 Stewart

9/17 Tu PM HEC1073 Churchill – The Valiant Years (hybrid) McHugh

9/17 Tu PM HEC1081 Colorado’s Hall of Fame Windows –Shedding Light on 19th Century Colorado Gentry

9/17 Tu PM VPA1011 Comedy Appreciation Sieke

9/17 Tu PM HEC1074 Forgotten Presidents Clark

9/17 Tu PM STM1001 Heroes and Villains of Climate Change Nelson

9/17 Tu PM STM1048 Journey to Mars - Space 101 Adams

9/17 Tu PM LWL1038 Mary Shelley’s World: Exploring the original Frankenstein and its many modern representations Eastman

9/17 Tu PM PAC1046 The Story of Israel & the Arab-Israel Conflict Melmed

9/17 Tu PM VPA1080 The Wonderful, Wacky World of Comedy Spirn

9/17 Tu PM HEC1075 Think Like an Economist: How to Make ‘Cents’ of Your Dollars Rifkin/Folker

WEDNESDAY AM

9/18 We AM HEC1076 An Entertaining and Concise History of the 50 US States Lay

9/18 We AM HEC1077 Culture Wars of the Renaissance- Birth of a New World Order and Implications for Today Bennett

9/18 We AM PAC1047 Current Events for Open Minded People Bieging/Holme

9/18 We AM PAC1005 Current Events - Weds Reinish/Myers

9/18 We AM STM1050 Foundations of Quantum Mechanics Friedman

9/18 We AM PAC1048 Issues in American Sports Epperson

9/18 We AM HEW1019 Making and Sharing Sound End-of-Life Choices Ho

9/18 We AM VPA1083 Museum of Lost Art Bramley/Conklin

IN-PERSON by Start Date/Day

DATE DAY COURSE # COURSE TITLE

9/18 We AM HEC1079 The British East India Company: Its Historical Rise to Imperial Power Bicknell/Hart

9/18 We AM STM1051 The Climate We Expect, The Weather We Get Corona

9/18 We AM HEW1022 The Ugly, the Bad, and the Good: Depression, Anxiety and Happiness in Seniors Doran

9/18 We AM STM1052 Why Drones are Changing the Face of Warfare and Your Everyday Life Gernert/Smith

9/19 We AM HEC1021 Chernobyl the Rest of the Story Cassell

10/23 We AM HEC1078 Greece: Still Amazing, Still Important Swenterton

WEDNESDAY PM

9/18 We PM MIS1002 American Mahjongg for those People who have NEVER Played Levy

9/18 We PM HEW1027 Core Concepts in Pilates Levinson

9/18 We PM PAC1031 Documentary Films Reinish

9/18 We PM STM1053 Generative Magic: Unleashing AI’s Creative Powers Knox/Wyatt

9/18 We PM PAC1040 How Can We End Homelessness in America? It’s Up to You Burnes

9/18 We PM MIS1019 Let the Games Begin! Winn/Cassell

9/18 We PM HEW1023 Maintaining Health and Vigor After 60: A Medical Speaker Series Bennett/Kester

9/18 We PM LWL1039 Tales Untold: A Short Story Writing Adventure Ford

9/18 We PM PRP1044 What The Buddha Taught Prevedel

THURSDAY AM

9/19 Th AM PAC1033 Current Events, Section 3 Casey

FRIDAY AM

9/20 Fr AM HEW1026 Trail Walking and More Friedlander

ONLINE by Start Date/Day

DATE DAY COURSE # COURSE TITLE FACILITATOR

MONDAY PM

9/16 Mo PM STM1058 Current Developments in Climate Change: What We’re Facing, What We’re Doing, and What Needs to be Done in Colorado the US and the World Speakers Series Young

9/16 Mo PM VPA1071 How Colors Speak: The Language of Color Theory Verma

9/16 Mo PM HEC1068 Imprisoned Without Trial: The Japanese Incarceration in WWII Kato

9/16 Mo PM VPA1009 Matinee at the Bijou – More Bogart and Friends McHugh

9/16 Mo PM VPA1006 The Evolution of Martin Scorsese’s Cinema from Gritty Gangsters to Sacred Silence Garrett

9/16 Mo PM PRP1038 What Happens When We Eliminate Justice? Ortlieb

9/16 Mo PM VPA1007 Women Composers: Their History and Their Music Beeson

TUESDAY AM

9/17 Tu AM PAC1041 American Nations: How Eleven Unique American Identities Impacted the Past and Molded the Future of America Winber

9/17 Tu AM VPA1072 Art in Germany Between the World Wars: Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) Susak

9/17 Tu AM HEC1070 Immigrant Workers in the Mile High City: Voices of Denver’s Migrant Communities Walsh

9/17 Tu AM HEC1071 The Secret Life of Groceries by Benjamin Lorr Baird/Bennett

TUESDAY PM

9/17 Tu PM HEC1072 A World in Motion: A History of Immigration to America Rich

9/17 Tu PM HEC1073 Churchill – The Valiant Years (hybrid) McHugh

9/17 Tu PM VPA1078 Memorable Films From the Nineties Matten/Petty

10/15 Tu PM PRP1040 Decisions of Fate: Your Jewish Compass for Navigating Questions of Medical Ethics Serebryanski

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / COURSE OFFERINGS

ONLINE by Start Date/Day

DATE DAY COURSE # COURSE TITLE

WEDNESDAY AM

FACILITATOR

9/18 We AM VPA1081 Beethoven’s Symphonic Vision – an Evolution Story Schwarm

9/18 We AM MIS1004 Bridge Basics 1, An Introduction Holmes

9/18 We AM PRP1041 Four Asian Religions and Philosophies Putman

9/18 We AM VPA1082 Impressionism, Picasso and More Manning

9/18 We AM VPA1084 Opera Potpourri Friedlander/Adelman

9/18 We AM PAC1049 The Surveillance State Big Data, Freedom, and You (Part 1) Levin

10/16 We AM HEW1021 Sex After Sixty: Celebrating Intimacy Frey

10/16 We AM VPA1085 The Art of Mandala Drawing Verma

10/16 We AM PAC1050 YIKES: Political Pandemonium and the ‘24 Election’s Final Fights Steele/Ryerson

WEDNESDAY PM

9/18 We PM HEC1080 Close and Controversial Presidential Elections Lippman

9/18 We PM PRP1042 Critical Perspective: The Problem and the Key to Unlock Misunderstandings Conner

9/18 We PM MIS1018 Improving Your Bridge Judgement Holmes

9/18 We PM PAC1051 Introduction to Islam and Sufism Ochs

9/18 We PM VPA1051 Journeys, Learning Through Travel Adventures Werren

9/18 We PM HEW1024 NDEs/Near Death Experiences and Lots More; Stunning Reports from Decades of Research Arapakis

9/18 We PM PRP1043 Tapping the Well of Creativity Van Dusen

9/19 We PM HEC1014 The Evolution of Systemic Racism Pugliell/Kempinen

9/18 We PM HEC1046 The Gilded Age: A Turning Point in US History Christner

10/16 We PM STM1009 Neurology in a Nutshell; The Brain Explained Schanfield

10/16 We PM VPA1086 Smart Phone + Snapseed: mastering photos in post-production Frances

ONLINE by Start Date/Day

DATE DAY COURSE # COURSE TITLE FACILITATOR

THURSDAY AM

9/19 Th AM LWL1040 Chenneville by Paulette Jiles: A novel of vengeance and redemption Batt/Batt

9/19 Th AM STM1054 Earth: The Big Picture Peyton

9/19 Th AM PAC1034 Great Decisions, Section 2 Winber

9/19 Th AM VPA1021 Great Film Directors Magnani

9/19 Th AM STM1055 Life in Clouds Sherman

9/19 Th AM HEW1025 Maintaining Wellness in Later Life Dockery

9/19 Th AM LWL1041 Mysterious Places: A Dark & Stormy Night Lange/Corona

9/19 Th AM PRP1045 Resonating World: Seeing the World as Energies Klatch

9/19 Th AM STM1044 Science at the Denver Museum of Nature and ScienceGuest Speaker Series Young

9/19 Th AM HEW1015 Something’s Happenin’ Here: How the 60s Shaped American Culture into the 21st Century Walsh

9/19 Th AM HEC1055 This Land is Mine: A History of Palestine Wyngarden

9/19 Th AM LWL1042 Writing the Short Story: The Backbone for all Writing Adventures Varvel

THURSDAY PM

9/19 Th PM VPA1087 An Afternoon with Tom Hanks Folkestad

9/19 Th PM VPA1088 Beyond The Cartoon: Animated Films with Depth and Complexity Vice/Lungerhausen

9/19 Th PM STM1057 Get Smarter About Your Windows PC Sherman

10/10 Th PM LWL1043 James: Is Perceval Everett’s Retelling of Huck Finn a Masterpiece, Too? Paul

10/17 Th PM PRP1046 Everyday Wisdom For Staying Sane in a World Gone Mad Staffeldt

10/17 Th PM PRP1047 The Vowels of Science: A System for Talking with People You Just Met Conner

MONDAY AFTERNOON

Current Developments in Climate Change: What We’re Facing, What We’re Doing, and What Needs to be Done in Colorado, the U.S. and the World — Speaker Series STM1058

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 11/4 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Jon Young

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central Subject Area: STEM

Climate change dominates headlines with dire warnings, yet discussions often fragment into specific topics like electric vehicles, renewable energy, extreme weather events, and climate refugees. It’s hard to connect the dots to see the full picture. How do all these stories – all these pieces fit together?

This 8-week guest speaker series brings together leading researchers and subject matter experts to provide a fuller and clearer view of what is, perhaps, humanity’s greatest and most consequential challenge.

Each presenter offers a nuanced perspective on a key aspect of climate change. Collectively they’ll provide an integrated up-to-date understanding of this complex issue already, and perhaps inexorably, impacting Colorado, the nation, and the world.

The series will help us understand: (1) what we’re likely facing, (2) what some of the realistic goals are, (3) some of the options to achieve these goals, (4) the keys and barriers to success that we should consider.

Imprisioned Without Trail: The Japanese Incarceration in WWII HEC1068

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 10/7 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Dennis Kato

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: History and Economics

Anti-Asian violence: A modern-day occurrence? Not at all. Fear, hatred, and racism toward the Chinese and Japanese began in the mid 1800’s culminating with the incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese at the beginning of WWII, two thirds of whom were US citizens. From the perspective of a third generation Japanese American (Sansei), we will discuss the how, when and why racism landed Americans in what is more accurately described as prison camps, and what we can do to countermand the effect of anti-Asian violence and racism in America today. With the continuing immigration and border crisis, we will see how the incarceration of the Japanese in WWII can repeat itself today and why we should be ever vigilant that this NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.

How Colors Speak: The Language of Color Theory VPA1071

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 11/4 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Mitra Verma

Location: Online

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Unlock the power of color in your art by diving into the essentials of color theory. Whether you’re new to this fascinating world or just want to brush up on your skills, understanding the color wheel, complementary colors, and the psychological effects of colors is key to creating impactful art. This course offers a fun and engaging journey into color theory and its practical applications in painting. You’ll learn how to choose and use colors systematically, bridging the gap between creativity and science. By mastering these principles, you’ll add depth, variety, and allure to your artwork. As you work with acrylics or watercolors, the advantages of knowing color theory will become clear, taking your artistic journey to exciting new heights. Join us and discover how to make your paintings more vibrant and dynamic!

Matinee at the Bijou –More Bogart and Friends VPA1009

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 11/4 (8 weeks)

Time: 12:30–3 PM

Facilitator: Mac McHugh

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

“Bogie” the name conjures an immediate picture of the classic tough guy with a heart of gold. Classic quotes such as “Play It Again, Sam” and “You’re Good. You’re awfully Good.” bring to life some of the most outstanding dramas from the Golden Days of Hollywood. Again, we return to watch Humphrey Bogart in eight more movies that showed the range of his talents. Bogart plays returning veteran, escaped convict, hotel visitor, gold seeker, a down-and-out scriptwriter, corporate executive, and a crusading newspaper editor. Again, we will have a short discussion before and after the movie to discuss the stars, the plot, and what made this movie successful (or not). These movies are “A” movies and will run long. Our class will start at 12:30 to accommodate the length of the movie plus our serial of the week.

The Biggest Political Division in US History: The Road to Succession in 1860 HEC1082

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 10/7 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Tom Kleinschmidt

Location: Broomfield Community Center

Class Limit: 27

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Areas: History and Economics

Political division is not unique to the current time period. In fact, the biggest political division culminated in the secession of a total of 11 states from the United States in 1860–1861. This secession directly led to the Civil War that continued until 1865.

This course will cover the issue of slavery, which was first introduced in 1619. By the time the US Constitution was written and adopted, slavery was a divisive issue in the new country. As time went on, the United States developed differently in the northern and southern states. By the 1850s (only 62 years after adopting the constitution), slavery was the dominant political issue in the United States.

This course will cover how slavery affected US politics in the various time periods from 1619 to 1860 and how the issue of slavery gradually became more and more divisive.

The Evolution of Martin Scorsese’s Cinema from Gritty Gangsters to Sacred Silence VPA1006

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 11/4 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Mark Garrett

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Through this course, students will encounter the cinema of Martin Scorsese, arguably one of the most important living film directors. Beginning with his breakthrough work, “Taxi Driver” (1976), and progressing through his widely recognized masterworks Raging Bull (1980) and Goodfellas (1990), the course will culminate with a look at his modern output: The Irishman (2019) and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). Over the course of this survey, students will be exposed to the influences, inspirations, and challenges behind Scorsese’s work. We’ll learn about the films’ production, their critical and popular reception, and ultimately, their importance to cinema history.

What Happens When We Eliminate Justice? PRP1038

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 11/4 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Terry Ortlieb

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

In this class we will investigate the skills necessary for responsible decision making. We will look at 10 different strategies we employ to avoid making the important decisions that affect our lives. We will investigate how our current understanding of justice and guilt handcuffs our abilities to make free and open decisions. Kaufmann will provide us with a guide to develop a new integrity / morality based on a set of virtues that he feels will replace our current fascination with justice and equality. We will then take the Kaufmann model and integrate it with some of the challenges presented by a few modern feminists and develop a working model for a 21st century worldview.

Women Composers: Their History and Their Music VPA1007

Monday Afternoon

Dates: 9/16 to 11/4 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Catherine Beeson

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

This course will take participants on a meaningful survey of the 5000+ women composers documented throughout history, beginning with Medieval ‘rock star’ Hildegard von Bingen and finishing with Pulitzer Prize winners and innovative newcomers of our time. No prior knowledge of music is necessary to ignite your curiosity and engage in this material. We will do a lot of listening for discovery and comparison, and we will engage in discussion from time to time. Prepare to be amazed at the richness of genius in these women!

TUESDAY MORNING

American Nations: How Eleven Unique American Identities Impacted the Past and Molded The Future of America PAC1041

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/05 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Steve Winber

Location: Online

Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

This course will describe the eleven “nations” which make up the United States including: how they differ in origin, their founding philosophies, and their social and political organizations. We will explore the eleven nations’ interactions with one another and how their differences shaped not only our history but also continue to shape our culture, social, fabric, and politics to this very day.

Art in Germany Between the World Wars; Neue

Sachlichleit (New Objectvity)

VPA1072

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Linda Susak

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

After World War I, the predominant German art form, Expressionism, had fallen into disrepute and was declared dead. What arose out of the ashes of the exuberant pathos of expressing one’s inner emotions was the opposite: a Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity), which tried to show the world through objective, dispassionate eyes. This art movement corresponds, more or less, to the years of the Weimar Republic (19181933), and ended with the rise of Nazism. It is art that is little known outside of Germany, but one which also carried over to the U.S. and into contemporary times.

Its most famous painters were Otto Dix, George Grosz and Max Beckmann, yet there were dozens of other artists and numerous city centers for this movement. Additionally, we will discuss Die Neue Frau (The New Woman), and the changing gender roles during the 1920s in Germany, represented in works of art, as well as the rise of photography as an art form.

Finally, we will see how Neue Sachlichkeit moved to the U.S. under the guise of Precision and Machiine Aesthetic, represented by Charles Sheeler and his most important work, namely, for the Ford Motor Company - both paintings and photographs - of the River Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan.

Artificial Intelligence: What it is & How it Will Impact us All HEC1069

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30 AM–12 PM (2.5 hrs)

Facilitator: Alec Tsoucatos and Ralph Hughes

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: History and Economics

This course explores the potential and limitations of AI technology, examining its promises, challenges, and potential for enormous societal impact.

We’ll start with a layperson’s explanation of neural networks and how companies have leveraged them into commercial AI applications. With that understanding, we’ll consider AI optimistically, discussing its enormous capabilities and promises for uplifting humanity. We’ll also evaluate AI pessimistically, reflecting upon the track records of internet-powered corporations and the history of dangerous social fads to assess how AI will soon amplify their power.

This balanced background will allow us to ask a crucial question: how should civilization manage AI to serve the common good, not just its creators?

Moreover, AI is emerging amid vehement competing notions of justice and fairness in America. Can this technology help us clarify viewpoints, reveal common ground, and reveal a path to peace between our warring factions?

Come Bird with Us STM1036

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/05 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: George Ho

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 12

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

For anyone interested in “Birding” or “Bird Watching” to enjoy being outdoors, walking 1-2 miles, and interacting with each other while watching birds. The classroom sessions will consist of birding etiquette and appearance of birds: size, shape, color and identifying field marks. They will highlight bird behaviors and habitats and other interesting aspects of these living dinosaurs and how they reflect the health of our planet.

In the 4 classroom sessions, George will share his photos of birds on PowerPoint, knowledge and experience in birding, and being a citizen scientist. The other 4 sessions will be field trips. Locations include Bluff Lake Nature Center, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations. These field trip sessions may be longer than 2 hours and scheduled depending on the weather.

Current Events – Tue PAC1042

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Dick Reinish and Sydney Myers

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

We will discuss the prior week’s news in the first hour. In the second hour a topic that is current will be determined by the facilitators and articles will be sent out for that discussion.

The facilitators of this class express a Progressive point of view on American politics, especially during this election year. They welcome Conservative or other points of view and encourage discussion as part of our learning experience.

Chatting in Spanish LWL1034

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/24 to 10/29 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Linda Gordon

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

The course is comprised of reading, writing and speaking Spanish. The objective is that the students learn to have a conversation in a second language. The book is Practice Makes Perfect-Spanish Verb Tenses. This book has many exercises that help in the memorization and use of all of the verb tenses and construction of sentences and questions. Every class period, the students will have opportunities to practice, ask questions, and read explanations for better understanding. It is difficult to learn another language and it takes time and a lot of practice. Once a student no longer has to translate in his/her mind, the student is now becoming fluent. And a second language speaker.

Richmond, Dorothy. Practice Makes PerfectSpanish Verb Tenses Fifth Edition (2023) McGraw Hill

Great Rivers of the World –Part D

STM1045

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Tim Steele and Jim Kunkel

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: STEM

The large rivers listed below will be described physiologically, hydrologically, culturally, and politically. Many of these rivers form international borders and are important sources of commerce for more than one country (so-called trans-national river basins). The sessions will show extensive maps, personal and stock photographs and charts related to each river. Descriptions of the historical water use, water rights, international agreements, disputes, impacts of climate change, water quality, and socioeconomic issues for each large river will be discussed via Power Point© presentations and group discussions. This constitutes the fourth course on world rivers in a series developed and presented by the CoFacilitators on behalf of the University of Denver’s OLLI program.

The Facilitator’s personal experience on the river will be highlighted as appropriate. Risks to the rivers also will be addressed as future issues.

Exploring Angela’s Ashes LWL1035

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 10/29 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Linda Ropes

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

Have you ever laughed and cried at the same time? Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt frequently triggers that amazing reaction. This fascinating memoir is told in a lyrical Irish voice that will charm you. With numerous tales, McCourt reveals a miserable childhood of hunger and pain. This persevering lad is intelligent and eager to succeed but is held back from furthering his education because he is dressed in rags. Beyond all expectations, he manages to elevate himself to become a renowned writer, teacher, and lecturer. You will enjoy taking this astonishing journey with him.

This novel won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics’ Circle Award, and spent 117 weeks on the New York Times hardcover best-seller list.

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt, Scribner Paperback, 1996

Immigrant Workers in the Mile High City: Voices of Denver’s Migrant Communities

HEC1070

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 10/22 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: James Walsh

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: History and Economics

This course will walk through the history of Denver, exploring the successive waves of immigrants who have made their home in the Mile High City. This journey will include the stories of immigrants from Mexico, New Mexico, Ireland, China, Germany, Russia, Japan, Italy, Greece, Poland, Vietnam, Central America, and South America. Particular attention will be paid to the labor that these communities performed, how they struggled for fair wages and conditions in their workspaces, and how they contributed to the larger culture that has come to define Colorado.

Japanese Prints: From Meiji to Modern VPA1005

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/24 to 11/5 (7 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Jerry Mercure

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

For those of you who are tired of being bombarded by all the bad news on TV every day, this class is intended to lighten and brighten your world. I’ll be showing and discussing some of the most beautiful Japanese prints made over the last 150 years. Their impact is felt around the world.

When the United States ended Japan’s isolationist foreign policy around 1854, Japan entered a new period marked by rapid modernization, industrialization, and cultural change. This class will delve into Japanese print art resulting from Japanese societal changes beginning in the Meiji period (18681912). Out of necessity, it will show contrasts and similarities with prior Edo period prints. I will discuss the evolution of Japanese society and print artists, their lives, and their work over approximately a 150-year period (to the present). This includes the shin-hanga (new prints), sosaku-hanga (creative prints), and kindai-hanga (modern or contemporary prints) movements. Japanese prints have had a huge impact on Western art over the last 350 years.

Prepare to be awed by this art form that is infused with Western influences yet remains essentially Japanese and is still popular today. No extracurricular reading is required.

Memoir for the Undermotivated or Overwhelmed

LWL1036

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Kirsten Morgan

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church Class Limit: 14

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

You know you’ve been meaning to write your memoir for years. Perhaps you’ve started and then abandoned the project as too daunting, too time-consuming, something you’ll get around to someday. We’ve all been there. This class is designed for those who may feel unqualified as a writer, who “don’t have anything to write about,” who don’t know where to begin or how to proceed and all of those other excuses you’ve been carefully accumulating over the years. We’ll learn how to break down this project into doable pieces, how to find topics that matter and how to put them into words without driving ourselves crazy in the process. A memoir is not a volume of an assigned length—it’s any collection of anecdotes you put together in your own familiar words for people who will deeply appreciate your efforts, and who will, as a result, never forget you. It’s time to do it!

Minding Your Balance: Mind Body Techniques to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

HEW1018

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 10/8 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Susan Chandler

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 18

Sponsoring Site: Central Subject Area: Health and Wellness

As we get older, the risk of falling tends to increase significantly due to a gradual decline in balance abilities. This decline may begin in middle age and progress slowly, making it easy to ignore - until a fall happens. To address this, incorporating balance training into our personal health management strategy is essential, allowing us to take proactive steps toward maintaining stability and preventing falls.

Minding Your Balance™ training addresses this need, drawing on lessons from the martial art Ki-Aikido to take a groundbreaking look at balance and its fundamental relationship to mind and emotion. Easy to learn mind body exercises, scientific insights, and stories of applications in everyday life provide participants with tools to immediately improve balance control.

Participants work individually and with partners. Activities can be done seated and standing; all activities are adaptable to different needs and abilities

Movies That Matter VPA1073

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30 AM–12 PM (2.5 hrs)

Facilitator: Sarah Kozloff

Location: Chambers Center/DU

Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Although we often think of movies as merely escapist entertainment, many filmmakers have sought to spotlight injustice and social problems. This course will study fiction films–chosen from the 1940s to today, Hollywood, independent, or foreign offerings–that seek to shape attitudes. Students will watch the film beforehand on their own; class time will be spent looking at clips and particularly studying a) how movies try to make their messages entertaining, b) how much they digress from history, and c) how they stir audience emotions.

Primary movies: The Grapes of Wrath, The Bicycle Thieves, In the Heat of the Night, Z, El Norte, North Country, Spotlight

Music, Musicians and So Much More

VPA1074

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Hillie Dais

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

We will have eight sessions to enjoy a variety of music-oriented documentaries. This class is for music lovers who will learn about many aspects of the world of classical music: how a concert grand piano is made, celebrated pianists in conversation and in concert, piano competitions for amateurs and professionals, how children learn to play music, and the meaning of music for musicians and for people in difficult times. We will view one film per session, discuss and share stories and experiences.

No Man’s Land: WWI and the Birth of Horror Movies

VPA1075

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30 AM–12:00 PM (2.5 hrs)

Facilitator: Gregory Moody

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Few people realize that Horror Films did not develop or did not fully exist until after World War I when German veterans returned home and began to make the movies for which Horror and German Expressionism are still known. Some of the films to be explored and discussed:

“J’accuse” (France,1919)

“Nosferatu” (Germany, 1921)

“The Golem” (Germany, 1920)

“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (Germany, 1921)

“The Phantom Carriage” (Sweden, 1921)

“Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages” (Sweden, 1922)

“The Phantom of the Opera” (US, 1925)

“The Fall of the House of Usher” (Spain, 1928)

“All Quiet on the Western Front” (US, 1930)

“M” (Germany, 1931)

“Dracula” (US, 1932)

“Frankenstein (US, 1933)

These films may still chill us today, but they were born in the mud and stench and death of World War I, as thousands faced the daily horror of No Man’s Land and then found a need to express their horror following the war. The great war poetry of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen will also be explored and discussed.

Searching for Other Earths; Our Growing Understanding of the Cosmos and Our Place in it STM1046

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Charles Holt

Location: Columbine United Church Class Limit: 45

Sponsoring Site: South Subject Area: STEM

We live in an incredible epoch of exploration. We are discovering not merely new continents, like the explorers of old, but whole new worlds circling other stars. Since the first extrasolar planet was discovered in 1995, astronomers have found more than five thousand others in our cosmic neighborhood. We wonder. It’s our nature. How did we get here? Are we alone in the universe? How does the universe work?

The James Webb Space Telescope is an ambitious scientific endeavor that will answer these questions. Webb builds on the legacy of previous space-based telescopes to push the boundaries of human knowledge even further, to the formation of the first galaxies and the horizons of other worlds. The class will review the latest startling findings from the Webb and other telescopes to describe our growing understanding of the universeour home!

This Land is Mine: A History of Palestine PAC1043

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Gary Wyngarden

Location: Columbine United Church Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

So what created this mess? William Faulkner wrote: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” This class will dive deeply into Palestine’s past and how it has contributed to, and ultimately shaped, the current-day tragedy in the Holy Land.

We will begin with 3000 BCE:

• Who were the Canaanites and where did they come from?

• How did the Israelites end up in Palestine?

• How did the series of conquerors and rulers shape the country?

• How did the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam influence Palestine?

We will explore the last 150 years:

• Where did the Zionist movement begin and why was it so successful?

• Why did Great Britain support the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine?

• Why did the newly formed United Nations advocate a two-nation solution in 1948?

• Why did the Jews win the wars of 1948 and 1967 so decisively?

• And finally, what is the situation today?

This is an eight-week course that will include lectures, videos, and a lot of discussion. The class will be offered both in person at OLLI South and on-line. Each class will be limited to 35.

The Secret Life of Groceries by Benjamin Larr HEC1071

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitators: Bill Baird and Anne Bennett

Location: Online

Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

Join Anne and Bill as they look behind the curtain of our modern food supply system. Questions to be explored:

How do supermarkets seem to always be filled with tasty looking food? Why is the arrangement of food similar in different locations? Why buy what we do? How far does food travel to reach us? What is life like for an 18-wheel long-haul truck driver carrying your groceries? Is our food supply safe? Why does the seafood department shut down for such a long time? What happens to supermarket food during a power outage? What percent of our food is wasted? What is a food desert? What is monoculture and organic farming? How much of our food is local? What happened to all the small farms? What is community supported agriculture? How does a food co-op work? What effect will climate change have? Is our food system sustainable? How much of our food is ultra-processed? What do food additives do? Are they safe?

The Trump Cases PAC1044

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 10/22 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: David Savitz

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 40

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

The sessions will be devoted to the explanation of the four indictments filed against Donald J. Trump and the criminal proceedings currently governing them. Since the so called “Hush-Money Trial” in Manhattan will likely have concluded, there will be an in-depth analysis of the proceedings and evidence that likely impacted the case’s outcome. The status of the three-remaining cases in D.C., Georgia and Florida will be continuously updated during the six-week sessions, as well as the nature and kinds of future proceedings that may likely occur in each of them until their conclusion. Unlimited lively and robust discussion will be encouraged.

Water Resources Science and Management STM1047

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 10/22 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Thomas Bellinger

Location: Chambers Center/DU

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: STEM

This course focuses on water as a major natural resource. It includes the study of the hydrologic cycle, and related weather concepts, competing water uses, current and future water issues, and approaches to water management both internationally and in the state of Colorado.

The relationship of water to human use is examined in terms of history, policy, infrastructure, and technology. Topics introduced in this class include hydrology, hydrogeology, basic meteorology, water quality, water/wastewater treatment, wastewater, and water resources management. Additional topics discussed will be the Denver Metro Area water resources, water law, ethics of water use and management, and the “wicked” issues that we face presently and in the future.

The Wisdom of the African American Spirituals Tradition

VPA1076

Tuesday Morning

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Arthur C. Jones

Location: Chambers Center/DU

Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

This course provides learners with an introduction to the history and wise teachings of the sacred folksongs called spirituals, created and first sung by African peoples enslaved in in America. Following the outline of the 2023 revised edition of Wade in the Water: The Wisdom of the Spirituals, the course highlights some of the principal functions and teachings of the spirituals, which were created in a specific time and place (chattel slavery in America, 18th and 19th centuries), but yet have transcended the circumstances of their origins to speak to universal issues of human dignity, freedom and justice. Teaching in the course employs lecture, discussion, recorded song samples, and communal singing (no worries, there is no musical talent required!). An optional field trip (attendance at a concert of The University of Denver Spirituals Project Choir) is highly recommended. Information about concert dates will be shared during the course.

Required Text: Arthur C. Jones, Wade in the Water: The Wisdom of the Spirituals (Revised Edition). Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2023

TUESDAY AFTERNOON

A World In Motion: A History of Immigration to America

HEC1072

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/12 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Myra Rich

Location: Online Class Limit: 24

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: History and Economics

This class will survey the history of immigration to the United States. Beginning in the late 16th century, explorers sought out the North American continent and by the 17th century immigration, some voluntary, some forced, had begun. Over the next two centuries, immigration continued unabated, creating a much-needed workforce but also introducing questions about what kind of country we were going to be and what it meant to be an American. Questions of race, religion, and ethnicity, encouraged by the nativism and scientific racism of the early 20th century, continue to the present day. The book we will use, Roger Daniels, Coming to America (2nd edition) will tell this story. It was published in 2002 so for the past two plus decades of recent immigration we will use other readings.

An In-Depth Trip Through Numerous High Profile Criminal Trials

PAC1045

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Rick Levinson and Gary Lozow

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 80

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

Two seasoned criminal defense attorneys who between them have defended persons accused of committing a crime and who have tried too many cases to remember will guide the class through an examination of a number of high-profile criminal cases that were tried in Colorado and elsewhere. The cases will include the Trump indictments that have been or are to be tried, the Allen Berg murder case, the Texas 7 extradition matter and others.

Art of the Short Story LWL1037

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Carol Anthony

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

Join me on a journey to understand and appreciate the literary art form of the short story. Each week we will first focus on one aspect of the short story form that an author has chosen to emphasize to convey his/her “theme.” We will then read and discuss two or three stories that emphasize this aspect and how it serves not only to convert the theme but why the author has chosen it. The emphasis in this course is on discussion and achieving an analysis through a variety of opinions and points of view of class participants. Some authors will include Hemingway, Tolstoy, Camus, Mansfield, Cather, Thurber, Faulkner, Wolfe, and more. Bonus: the understanding of these analytical aspects will apply to many more literary art forms than the short story: novels, movies, etc. etc. At the conclusion we will all participate in a comparison of three stories with similar subjects and attempt to rank them according to literary “value”

Capital, Inequality & Ideology: An Intellectual History (Part 1) PRP1039

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/24 to 11/12 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Mitchell Stewart

Location: DU Campus

Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

This is part one of a four course ensemble extending over four academic periods starting in Fall 2024 and concluding in Fall 2025. The courses will focus on issues of inequality and its relationship to capitalism.

The primary text, Thomas Piketty’s Capital and Ideology, is divided into four parts of roughly 200-250 pages each. The courses will generally follow this structure with additional readings to augment and critique Piketty’s arguments.

In the Fall 2024 term, we will focus on issues of historical inequality with particular emphasis on European societies especially France, Great Britain, and Sweden. We will also foreshadow the historical discourses of non-western experiences with capitalism and with inequality that will be addressed in the subsequent courses.

Piketty employs historical and political analysis augmented by economic data. In one sense his is an intellectual history of inequality and capitalism. In another it is a philosophical critique of contemporary neoliberalism. We will engage both aspects.

Churchill – The Valiant Years HEC1073

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Mac McHugh

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: History and Economics

“Churchill” the name sparks multiple images: Boer War correspondent, prisoner of war, Gallipoli, Minister of Parliament, The 1930s Wilderness Years, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Wartime Prime Minister. We will cover his World War II leadership from the dark days of The Gathering Storm, Dunkirk, Their Finest Hour, the Grand Alliance, Hinge of Fate, Alone No More, Closing the Ring, Turning the Tide, D-Day, to Triumph and Tragedy. Churchill was a controversial figure. We will discuss his political and military decisions and their ramifications. Our source material is the ABC Emmy Awardwinning 1961 TV series “The Valiant Years,” the accompanying book “Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years,” Churchill’s sixth volume “The Second World War”, plus other books. Join us as we listen to Richard Burton speaking Churchill’s own words, Gary Merrill narrating, and war-time leaders providing their experiences.

Colorado’s Hall of Fame

Windows – Shedding Light on 19th Century Colorado HEC1081

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 pm

Facilitator: Stuart Gentry

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 45

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: History and Economics

When Colorado’s capitol building was built in the 1890’s, sixteen citizens and pioneers were memorialized with stained glass windows set high in the capitol’s rotunda. These Hall of Fame individuals were chosen as being influential in settling early Colorado.

This class will use these honorees as a jumping-off point for looking at 19thcentury Colorado. They offer what was a contemporaneous perspective on the founding of our state. But we will then continue to delve deeper into our state’s history, covering up to the year 1900. Topics will include:

• the early years prior to the discovery of gold

• the Spanish settlement of the San Luis Valley

• the transition from frontier to statehood

• our uncomfortable history with the Native Americans

• transportation across the plains and into the mountains

• life in the mountains and in Denver

• ranching and farming in the “Great American Desert”

Comedy Appreciation VPA1011

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Jim Sieke

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Need a break from all the stress of another election year? Comedy Appreciation might be just the ticket. We’ll look at many of the talented people who have made us laugh over the years and right up to the present day. We’ll cover standup comedy from men and women, past and present, as well late-night comedy, ethnic humor, political humor, and sketch comedy -everything from Pat Paulsen to Paula Poundstone and that’s just the P’s.

Decisions of Fate: Your Jewish Compass for Naviagting Questions of Medical Ethics PRP1040

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 10/15 to 11/5 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Yossi Serebryanski

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

Explore the guiding Jewish values that help inform choices on common medical questions. This course will equip participants with the tools to chart a path through four areas of medical ethics: experimental treatments, extending life, pregnancy questions, and caring for a body. Gain an enriching perspective on how the Jewish ethical tradition helps us confidently navigate fateful decisions.

Forgotten Presidents HEC1074

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Marjie Clark

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: History and Economics

Most of us remember the first presidents up to Andrew Jackson, then draw a blank up to Abraham Lincoln, and later know most of the 20th century presidents. But what about those in between? They were characters to be sure, and their terms produced some very significant events for which often they don’t get credit. Let’s revisit them and perhaps gain a new appreciation for some.

Heroes and Villains of Climate Change

STM1001

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (7 weeks) No Class 10/15

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Phil Nelson

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 18

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: STEM

Climate change is all about people. A few people (climate scientists) see it coming. Some people seek solutions (climate politicians) and still others oppose those solutions (climate deniers). Climate activists demonstrate, showing their anger and frustration. Climate journalists report on progress and setbacks. Biologists register alarm while theologians provide spiritual context for the threat to planet earth. Financiers and economists propose ways to deal with climate change while averting economic disaster. Entrepreneurs see opportunity in re-engineering the modern economy while farmers revamp their agricultural methods.

Through biographical sketches we will meet climate actors on the warming global stage. Here are a few of them: Scientists Charles David Keeling and James Hansen; Senators James Inhofe, Lisa Murkowski, and Sheldon Whitehouse; lawyer Julia Olson; financier/ politician Michael Bloomberg; regulator Rostin Benham; negotiator Christiana Figueres; activist Greta Thunberg; author Elizabeth Kolbert; administrator Gina McCarthy; meteorologist Mike Nelson; and religious leader Pope Francis.

Journey to Mars – Space 101 STM1048

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 10/22 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Barbara Adams

Location: Jefferson Unitarian Church

Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: STEM

Can we as humans really explore space? Why are we so intrigued by this concept?

Exploring space holds immense appeal for several reasons, ranging from scientific discovery and technological advancement to inspiring humanity and ensuring our future survival. Space missions capture the imagination and inspire people around the world. Achievements like landing on the Moon or sending rovers to Mars foster a sense of pride and wonder. As we gaze up into the sky, can you picture yourself up there, exploring and experiencing the unbelievable expanse of space. The innate human desire to explore and understand the unknown drives space exploration. It is a fundamental aspect of our nature to seek out new frontiers and expand our horizons.

This is not an in-depth discussion of space exploration since the field is so voluminous, to infinity and beyond. We will look at the evolution of this field and imagine where it is going in the future. There will be at least 4 guest speakers who are experts in their field, Lunar, SETI, Space Force, and Planet IQ.

Memorable Films from the Nineties VPA1078

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–4 pm (3 hours)

Facilitator: Larry Matten and Greg Petty

Location: Online

Class Limit: 50

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Join us for our 4th in a series of most highly rated and enjoyed films of a decade. Having done the films of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, this term we look at the films of the 1990s. Examples are Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, Good Will Hunting, and A League of Their Own. We will also select from 10 other excellent films of the decade using our 1980s film class for guidance. During the course you will see many great actors (Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Geena Davis, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helen Hunt, Holly Hunter, Jodie Foster, Andie MacDowell, Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Minnie Driver) and the work of great directors and writers (Darabont, Zemeckis, Van Sant, Marshall, Fincher, Nichols, Ramis, Brooks, Hansson, Demme, Spielberg.)

Mary Shelley’s World: Exploring the Original Frankenstein and its Many Mondern Representations

LWL1038

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 10/22 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Gloria (Lori) Eastman

Location: DU Campus

Class Limit: 24

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

Did you know that Frankenstein (1818), Mary Shelley’s iconic monster story:

was written by a teenager who eloped with the already-married poet Percy Shelley and had recently borne him a child who had died, begins with the letters of an obsessed polar explorer, was created because of a ghost-story challenge among literary friends, who were discussing galvanism and the origins of life, during a rainy summer spent in Switzerland, the author gives the name Frankenstein not to the monster, but rather to the young scientist who creates him.

Join us as we read the novel, view film clips, and discuss the famous writers in Shelley’s circle, as well as the ethical limits of experimentation, Enlightenment attitudes toward science, the implications of bad parenting, and the psychological, political, and gendered readings of the book. We will work together to unpack the unending fascination of this modern myth – just in time for Halloween.

The Story of Israel and the Arab–Israel Conflict

PAC1046

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 10/8 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Herzl Melmed

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

The course will deal with the main issues that dominate the news media. These include the way the conflict is reported in the media. We will look at what the driving forces influence the media to report as they do. We ask, “Can the media really be unbiased? Is there a tendency to be “politically correct” and what are the financial incentives to the media in its quest for viewer numbers?”

We will delve into the deep roots of the USIsrael relationship. Why does the world’s major power have such a close relationship with tiny Israel? The majority Christian population in the US and the connection to the Bible is explored as well as the technological advances, especially in the military field that benefits the US. Is the $3.8 billion from the US to Israel a good investment?

The challenges to a much advocated “Two State Solution” will be examined. Is it what both sides in the conflict want? It has been proposed in one form or another for about 100 years. What is preventing its happening? The Palestinian refugee problem, the tribal nature of the Middle East and any other issues the attendees wish to discuss will be welcome.

The Wonderful, Wacky World of Comedy VPA1080

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Steve Spirn

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

In these troubling, stressful times, a sense of humor isn’t merely a luxury but a necessity. Steve hopes this class will serve as a relief from the day-to-day negativity around us. Even if you don’t get a belly laugh, he hopes to at least see smiles.

Comedy is ubiquitous and we can only sample some of the comedians who have made us laugh through the years. We will consider some history and some sociology of comedy, but, hopefully, we will mostly laugh.

Think Like an Economist: How to Make ‘Cents’ of Your Dollars

HEC1075

Tuesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/17 to 11/5 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Ira Rifkin and Stan Folker

Location: Columbine United Church Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: South Subject Area: History and Economics

Economics is boring…unless it’s your money. “Thinking Like an Economist” will teach you to make rational choices in personal, work, and political decisions. You’ll learn why incentives matter, how to evaluate risk in purchasing, the myth of true value, predicting future values, and the economics of ignorance. Your newfound grasp of these and other economic principles will give you more confidence in managing your money and understanding how our economy works. We will discuss these fundamental economic principles plus current economic news that affects our daily lives.

This class will use the Great Course video series “Thinking Like and Economist”.

WEDNESDAY MORNING

An Entertaining and Concise History of the 50 US States

HEC1076

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: John Lay

Location: DU Campus

Class Limit : 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: History and Economics

This class is designed to be an entertaining and updated history of the 50 individual US states with particular focus on regional developments during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries of early America. It is hoped that each class member will receive a refresher in US history and perhaps learn some new information that was not retained (or offered) in individual elementary school experiences perhaps decades ago.

There will be a focus on anecdotes and personalities from each of the 50 American states. The course will provide a fresh, new insight into the unique characteristics of the states, as seen from a regional perspective. Each class will focus on one of seven regions of the US. Summaries will be sent out for each region prior to the weekly class. The eighth session will be dedicated to regional commonalities and differences as well as a general wrap-up.

Highlights will include key state challenges and successes, conflicts within the region, slavery and Native American resettlement issues, transitions in exploration, regional agricultural, economic, and mining changes, political and demographic trends and key infrastructure decisions. There will also be personal descriptions of the key leaders and personalities in the history of each state.

Beethoven’s Symphonic Vision – An Evolution Story VPA1081

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Betsy Schwarm

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Beethoven did not invent the symphony. Both Mozart and Haydn had gotten there before him, and others before them. However, Beethoven was the first to prove that a symphony could express the composer’s view of the world: triumph, tragedy and all the emotions in between.

The summit of that journey arrived with his Symphony No. 9, premiering in Vienna May 7, 1824, and containing so famously the Ode to Joy. His concept of what symphonies could become inspired countless composers in later years, Brahms and Tchaikovsky amongst them. Even today, most composers have Beethoven in their minds when they sit down to write a symphony.

Music historian Betsy Schwarm offers a sixweek online course exploring Beethoven’s symphonic vision, and how he influenced the grand works that would come with later generations. How did Beethoven change the musical world and how does he still make a difference today? We’ll find out!

Bridge Basics 1 –An Introduction MIS1004

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Michael Holmes

Location: Online

Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Miscellaneous

Bridge is a wonderful game for us seniors. It keeps our minds active, and it keeps us computing, deciphering, and using logic and deduction. It is also a very social game. All very good for us seniors. Also, perhaps the most important thing, it is a fun game. This is the first beginning bridge class “Bridge Basics I.” This course is for individuals new to bridge or those who have been absent from bridge for a while.

Recommended Book: Bidding in the 21st Century. The American Contract League (ACBL) will provide the book for the participants. There is a $20.00 nonnegotiable or refundable fee for this class. The fee goes to offset the app fees so students can play bridge online and postage to mail the book to the students. The fee is paid to the facilitator Michael Holmes, via check, to 313 Clisby Austin Rd. Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 or Zelle. Your book will be mailed upon receipt of the course fee. Please send the fee by the second-class session.

Chernobyl: The Rest of the Story

HEC1021

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Wayne Cassell

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: History and Economics

At 0900 on 28 APRIL 1986, unusually high radiation levels were detected at the nuclear power plant at Forsmark, Sweden. Tests showed these radioactive particles could only have come from a Soviet nuclear reactor and the wind patterns pointed to Chernobyl. That evening, in a 23-word statement, TASS, the Soviet News Agency, reported an accident had happened to one of the reactors at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine SSR. This was the first the world knew about it.

With the fall of the Soviet Union and the opening of archives in Russia and Ukraine we have a good idea what happened. This class will use the HBO series Chernobyl as a visual guide to the accident and draw on numerous books and other videos to fill in the details the HBO series left out.

Culture Wars of the Renaissance–Birth of a New World Order and Implications for Today

HEC1077

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Stephen Bennett

Location: Columbine United Church Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: History and Economics

The lessons of history help us understand the entangled nature of current world events. This class will spotlight major events of the Italian and European Renaissance to reveal how profound changes beginning in the early 16th century are linked to present day.

The era straddling the dawn of the sixteenth century saw an amazing plethora of new ideas, exploration and the inevitable disruption that comes with change. The Italian renaissance ended with humanism firmly embraced by the Church and aristocracy. Wars were inevitable, and a new world order led to the founding of this country, the creation of the industrial age and the dominance of the West in all global affairs.

The course will cover the intellectual, technological, economic, scientific, and creative innovations that occurred around 1500 CE. We will explore the impact of human creativity and its effect on culture and commerce. Art and architecture, published works and science were the outward signs of a cultural churning that exploded with the enlightenment and the industrial age.

Current Events – Wed PAC1005

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Dick Reinish and Sydney Myers

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

We will discuss the prior week’s news in the first hour. In the second hour a topic that is current will be determined by the facilitators and articles will be sent out for that discussion.

The facilitators of this class express a progressive point of view on American politics, especially during this election year. They welcome conservative or other points of view and encourage discussion as part of our learning experience.

Current Events for Open Minded People PAC1047

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/06 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Tom Bieging and Barbara Holme

Location: Chambers Center/DU

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

Barbara and Tom are interested in the events that are shaping our community and those policies that may make for a more robust and fulfilling society. We will discuss events each week that have either come to our recent attention or that may represent issues that are of recurring interest. The co-facilitators are excited to work together to bring to the class diverse views representing differing philosophies and suggesting competing solutions to today’s issues. Barbara and Tom are looking for OLLI members to register for the class who are of open minds, who value lively and respectful discourse, and are looking to share ideas.

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

STM1050

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Edward Friedman

Location: DU Campus

Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: STEM

Quantum Mechanics is arguably the most important invention of the human mind. Our standard of living has increased enormously due to its applications to computers and communications, education, entertainment, medical devices, navigation, energy production, travel safety, and other advances.

Yet, many mysteries remain. Experiments show that the quantum world is weirder than science fiction. Scientists cannot agree on how to interpret its seemingly illogical predictions, even though the theory continues to successfully explain the world of the atom and its components.

This class will present the history of quantum science, its key personalities, a non-technical explanation of its guiding tenants, what is and isn’t understood, and the exciting future it offers in computing and communication security.

Professors usually say ‘Shut up and calculate’ to students who want answers about the foundations of quantum mechanics. We will expose those shadowy areas and offer the best current explanations.

Four Asian Religions and Philosophies

PRP1041

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/30 (7 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Dan Putman

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

When the word “God” is mentioned, most people in the West automatically assume a particular concept of God. The Asian religions challenge that concept. In this class we will look at the Hindu concept of Brahman, the Buddhist concept of Nirvana, the Taoist concept of Nature, and the Confucian idea of how our actions relate to the “Way of the Gods.” But the class will not be just about the concept of God. We will cover other central ideas like the nature of knowledge and what it means to be human. It is also inevitable, especially in the East, that many practices of the religions are connected to their philosophical ideas, e.g., their rituals and lifestyles, Moreover, the ethical perspective of each religion will be central as well as the concept of an afterlife in each one. This will primarily be a philosophy course about the ideas involved in the Asian religions. Personally, I have found the Asian religions a rich challenge to the beliefs with which I grew up and they have opened the door to other ways of seeing the world.

Greece: Still Amazing, Still Important HEC1078

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 10/23 to 11/13 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Steve Swenterton

Location: Broomfield Community Center

Class Limit: 27

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: History and Economics

This course will provide an overview of the important role in the world that Greece has played through history and currently. Its outsized influence on philosophy, architecture and art will be reviewed. Its major role in history, despite its relatively small population, will be covered. And a primary emphasis will be placed on Greece`s current role in Mediterranean area affairs and economies. Presentations will be mostly lectures with significant use of visuals and handouts. No books or other prior preparation will be required of class participants.

Impressionism, Picasso and More VPA1082

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Facilitator: Bob Manning

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso - we’ll explore the work and the worlds of these five amazing artists, their impact upon Modern Art and the joy and wonder they continue to prompt. Class will be a combination of lecture, discussion and video. At the end of each class Bob will do a brief demonstration exploring the painters’ techniques, using inexpensive materials like crayons, colored pencils and a beginners watercolor set and work towards simulating a few of their innovative methods of application. All are invited to play alongparticipation is optional of course and simply observing will be of value.

Issues in American Sports PAC1048

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 am

Facilitator: Kent Epperson

Location: DU Campus

Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

By some estimates over $100 Billion is spent each year in American sports. Sports are integral parts of our child-rearing, our educational institutions, our entertainment and our social fabric. Still, issues in sports are numerous. Youth sports, high school, college, Olympics and pros have all been challenged by questions of ethics, emphasis, fairness, equity and financial concerns. This class will explore issues in American sports at all levels including recent changes such as participation rates, NIL, transfer portal, gender issues, and other shifts in the sporting world.

Making and Sharing Sound End-Of-Life Choices HEW1019

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: George Ho

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 12

Sponsoring Site: Central Subject Area: STEM

“Dying is more than a set of medical problems to be solved. The fundamental nature of dying is not medical, but it is personal and experiential.”

We will all die, and we need to be prepared for this exit. We also need to develop our own understandings, attitudes and wishes of what our end-of-life should look like. This course explores: why is death frightening? Why has death become more fearsome with scientific advancements? What is the nature of death and what are the trajectories of how life will end? Why is our healthcare system broken? What is Bad vs Good death? How can Hospice and Palliative Care help?

In order to be prepared as the end-of-life approaches, we need to do our homework to make our end-of-life choices and share them with our surrogate decision maker, family members and health care providers. Through reading stories, discussions and selfexamination, these choices will become clearer by the end of the course.

Museum of Lost Art VPA1083

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Sue Bramley and Natalie Conklin

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 45

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Imagine a “Museum of Lost Art” where there are different rooms for masterpieces that have been stolen; art lost through natural disasters or vandalism; art lost in wars, plundered, or simply tucked away in attics, private homes and storage facilities.

This class will introduce you to all these “rooms of lost art.” We will visit the amazing world of art forgery. The DaVinci or Picasso you are appreciating, even in the world’s greatest museums, may not be by the Masters at all. But not all is lost. Many organizations are searching for these missing pieces, from the FBI Art Theft Bureau to Interpol and others.

There will be video, slides, lecture and discussion. We are not art experts, and we will not go deeply into the art itself or the artists. Instead, we will take you on a spirited adventure into this intriguing world of lost and forged art.

Opera Potpourri VPA1084

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/9 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Jan Friedlander and Neil Adelman

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

We will explore seven operas available to Denver area residents in the forthcoming season. They include three Metropolitan Opera Live in HD productions of operatic masterpieces: Offenbach’s fantastical The Tales of Hoffmann, Puccini’s searingly dramatic Tosca, and Verdi’s Aida, the grandest of grand opera. They are joined by the Met’s HD production of Jeanne Tesori’s Grounded, a 21st century work addressing the ethical quandaries and psychological toll of today’s remote-controlled warfare.

A guest from Opera Colorado will speak to us during one week on their 2024-25 offerings: Donizetti’s rollicking The Daughter of the Regiment; Puccini’s beloved tale of youthful tragic love, La Boheme; and Verdi’s Il Trovatore, a drama of romance, jealousy, and fateful vengeance.

Please join us whether you are an experienced operagoer, new to the art form, or somewhere in between. If you plan to attend any of these performances, our classes will be an excellent prelude to your opera experience.

Sex After Sixty: Celebrating Intimacy HEW1021

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 10/16 to 11/6 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Gretchen Frey

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

This lively, interactive course will examine what sexuality means to us, and how this changes as we mature. Topics include physical changes with aging, the nature of intimacy, and relationships both longstanding and new. We’ll cover online dating, consent and safety, sex toys and more! There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion, and resources will be offered to meet current and future needs.

The Art of Mandala Drawing VPA1085

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 10/16 to 11/6 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Mitra Verma

Location: Online

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Mandalas, with their rich history and beautiful designs, are amazing tools for meditation and self-reflection. Found in cultures all over the world, these intricate patterns have decorated temples, manuscripts, and more, symbolizing cosmic order and inner peace. Beyond their spiritual roots, mandalas also show up in modern science, illustrating energy, waves, and sound, and are used in therapy as a way to express oneself and heal. In this course, guided by an experienced OLLI facilitator and artist, you will dive into the world of mandala creation. Each session mixes theory with handson practice, allowing you to explore the artistry behind these fascinating designs. By combining ink, symmetry, and mindfulness, you’ll learn how to create beautiful mandalas that have personal meaning and artistic flair. Join us for a fun and enlightening journey into the world of mandalas!

The British East India Company; Its Historical Rise to Imperial Power

HEC1079

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Bix Bicknell and Lane Hart

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central Subject Area: History and Economics

The course will cover the history of the British East India Company from its founding in the 1600’s to its turnover to the British government in the 1800’s. Discussion will focus on how a private company could end up ruling an entire sub-continent. There will be guest appearances from “incompetent local rulers, harems, rubies and war elephants.”

The Climate We Expect, The Weather We Get STM1051

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Thomas Corona

Location: Columbine United Church Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: South Subject Area: STEM

Do you wonder how Colorado’s meteorologists figure out the daily and longterm forecasts? How well do you understand the differences between the weather and the climate? And how does climate change affect your life? This course takes you into the science behind and the techniques used in analyzing and forecasting the weather for Colorado and beyond. Veteran meteorologist Tom Corona will help you understand how weather and climate differ and the implications of climate change. The first hour of each class will be a discussion of what goes into predicting current weather and the seven-day forecast. We will cover science, maps, computer forecast models, radar and satellites. Tom will also help us recognize the wide varieties of clouds and how they impact our daily weather. The second half of each class will explore El Niño/La Niña, hurricanes, blizzards, heat waves, droughts and more. Bring your enthusiasm and your questions. Tom will offer his expertise and provide materials for this journey into the wacky, wonderful world of weather.

The Surveillance State Big Data, Freedom, and You (Part 1) PAC1049

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Michael Levin

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

The Surveillance State Big Data, Freedom, and You is a 2016 Great Courses video series presented by Paul Rosenzweig, JD.

Over 24 lectures (12 in Fall 2024 and 12 in Winter 2025), you will:

• Learn some of the history of surveillance.

• Gain understanding of how intelligence collection works in the US and why 9/11 was so transformative.

• Explore new technologies and their ramifications.

• Examine big data.

• Learn why the Internet is a treasure trove for spies and commercial companies.

• Explore how people are trying to get off the grid or secure their communications.

• Discover how Europe is answering some of these difficult questions.

• We will watch two 30-minute lectures with discussion of related material after each. Knowledgeable class members are encouraged to present brief updates on material covered in the lectures or discussions.

The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good: Depression, Anxiety and Happiness in Seniors HEW1022

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Christopher (Kip) Doran

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

This course will cover the two most common mental health conditions in the senior population – depression and anxiety. We will discuss the signs, symptoms and how to differentiate one from the other. Information will be provided on how we can help ourselves and how to find competent professional assistance when it is needed. The final session will cover the science of happiness and how we can maximize it in our lives.

Why Drones are Changing the Face of Warfare and Your Everyday Life STM1062

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Bill Gernert and Pat Smith

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 45

Sponsoring Site: South Subject Area: STEM

Discover the wide-ranging activities where drones are being used. Learn how their small size and cost is changing the face of warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East. Learn how quickly drones can be assembled. We will view an in-person demonstration and hear directly from first responders who use drones in our local area. The class will be seminar style with lots of discussion and short videos.

YIKES: Political Pandemonium and the ’24 Election’s Final Fights PAC1060

Wednesday Morning

Dates: 10/16 to 11/6 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Bob Steele and Dennis Ryerson

Location: Online Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

Veteran journalists and political observers Bob Steele and Dennis Ryerson will lead this fourclass discussion of the twists and turns, the drama, the lowlights, and the highlights during the final weeks leading to the November 5th vote plus the day after post mortem. For the first three weeks class participants will discuss a wide range of election topics: The candidates’ jousting and punching, the contentious issues, the final polls, the TV commercials, the media coverage, the unexpected, and more. We will get insights and commentary from political pundits and expert observers. Dennis and Bob will send out weekly emails with articles and prompt questions to help frame the class discussions.

Our final class on Wednesday November 6th will be the morning-after reactions to the election results or possibly the contested vote count. Bring your caffeine, your scorebook, and your huzzahs, lingering hopes, or your shattered dreams.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

American Mahjongg for Those People Who Have NEVER Played MIS1002

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Elaine Levy

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Miscellaneous

Mahjongg is an ancient Chinese game that has been played in the American version since the 1900s. It’s played with 4 people and is like Gin Rummy. It’s a fun, complex game which is very challenging, and interesting. This is a game of strategy, defense, and knowledge of the game. It’s also 50% skill and 50% luck. The National Mah Jongg League creates a card with hands that can be played. These hands change every year. There are also categories of hands that do not change. A current card will be provided for each participant at the first class. This will be yours to keep. Elaine will provide handouts to help you learn quickly. The class will be taught in a progressive manner. Class members are STRONGLY encouraged to attend every class when able since it’s difficult to “catch up” on what was taught and discussed in the previous week. The game is easy to learn if you’re having a good time. Warning! This game is ADDICTIVE. You will LOVE playing, and you will get hooked!!

Close and Controversial Presidential Elections

HEC1080

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: David Lippman

Location: Online

Class Limit: 50

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: History and Economics

The United States has held 59 presidential elections. A few of these contests concluded in extreme controversy. This course will examine 8 such elections, concluding with the 2024 election which will be held the day before the final class session.

Each week, we’ll scrutinize one election. We’ll first look at the 1800 election where it took 36 votes in the House to declare Jefferson the winner. We’ll then review the 1824 election where Andrew Jackson received 15 more electoral votes and a third more popular votes than John Quincy Adams, but Adams became president. Then, in turn, we’ll examine the 1860 election of Lincoln; the 1876 selection of Rutherford Hayes that ended Reconstruction; the 1912 contest where Wilson defeated both an incumbent and an ex-president; the “hanging chads” election of 2000; and the 2020 election where, for the first time, the losing candidate refused to concede defeat.

The course will not use a text. Before each class, the facilitator will distribute a short reading describing the election and why it resulted in such controversy.

Critical Perspective:

The Problem and the Key to Unlock Misunderstandings PRP1042

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 10/9 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Joe Conner

Location: Online

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

“There is nothing so confining as the prisons of our own perceptions.” William Shakespeare

Are you not talking with friends or family? Could it be that your perception of your own story is a self-made prison? This interactive class offers a suggestion to reduce having “a winner/correct vs loser/errant” mindset. We will learn more about ourselves rather than pointing out the other person’s issues. How important is it to know why you feel so strongly about an issue?

We will discover how to ask focused questions. We will learn how to better listen to such an extent that strangers will thank us for taking time to chat. We will use a three-vowel system: AEO (assumptions, expectations, observations).

“Critical Perspective Workshop” helps you see how to benefit from diverse viewpoints. We will explore quotations and books we have read to shade light on how our stories have developed differently than others.

Core Concepts in Pilates HEW1027

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 11:45 AM–12:40 PM

Facilitator: Debby Levinson

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

The Pilates approach to exercise focuses on balanced body development by strengthening the core, stabilizing the pelvic girdle, and improving spinal alignment. It promotes efficient movement with improved coordination and balance. In this class we will learn and practice fundamental Pilates exercises. Wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to move easily, and plan to work barefoot. We will work standing, sitting, lying down, and sometimes on hands and knees. Please bring an exercise mat and a hand towel to class. This class is not intended for anyone who has had an osteoporotic spine fracture. Registration cost is $50.

Documentary Films PAC1031

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 12:45–3:15 PM (2.5 hours)

Facilitator: Dick Reinish

Location: First Universalist Church Class Limit: 55

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

Each week a different documentary film will be shown in class followed by a discussion.  Pertinent readings will be sent out prior to class. None of the films have been previously shown in the facilitator’s prior courses.

Generative Magic – Unleashing AI’s Creative Powers STM1053

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Ronald Knox and Bob Wyatt

Location: Columbine United Church Class Limit: 40

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: STEM

This course on generative AI offers an exploration of its principles, applications, and implications. Through a combination of keynote presentations, interactive videos, dynamic discussions, and hands-on experience, participants will delve into the fascinating world of generative AI and emerge with a solid understanding of its fundamentals and realworld potential.

The facilitators will trace the evolution of AI and explore the basics of artificial neurons and neural network architectures.  The class will acquire an understanding of how neural networks are constructed, trained, and used.  We will describe several exemplary AI industry pioneers, such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind.  We will also explore the use of several text generators and the generation of images, videos, and virtual worlds by Dall-E and Sora.  In addition, the facilitators will demonstrate text-to-speech applications and present applications of generative AI to biology and drug discovery.  The class will discuss the potential for innovation while mitigating risks as the field undergoes rapid evolution toward AGI.

How can We End Homelessness in America?

PAC1040

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Don Burnes

Location: Chambers Center/DU

Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

Don’s new book (with co-author Kevin Adler), We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America (2023) North Atlantic Books, will be the center of this new course. Each of the six classes will focus on one or two chapters in the book, including the ways we dehumanize those experiencing homelessness, the ways in which each of the relevant systems fail to meet the needs of the unhoused, and potential solutions that address our forgotten humanity and the broken systems. The Facilitator will make a brief presentation at each session, but the bulk of the class will be a discussion of the issues that underlie one of the most complex issues of our time.

The facilitator will generously provide his book for free to each member who registers for this class.

We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America by Kevin Adler and Donald Burnes

Improving your Bridge Judgement MIS1018

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Michael Holmes

Location: Online

Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Miscellaneous

Books/Materials: There is a $20.00 non-negotiable or refundable fee.

Improving Your Bridge Judgement is for anyone who has some experience with the game of Bridge. Participants in this course will learn how to be better bidders and responders. Strategies to improve your decision making will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. Students will learn strategies when bidding in first and second position. Strategies for bidding in third and fourth seat will also be discussed and practiced. How to handle preemptive bidding and slam bidding will be demonstrated and discussed. Bidding and responding to strong hands will be demonstrated and discussed.

Course Type: Lecture, discussion, on-line play of bridge Books/Materials. There is not a textbook for this class and the fee goes to offset the app fees so students can play bridge online. Failure to pay the fee by the second class will result in the student being dropped from the class. Students will either pay for the instruction via check or Zelle.

Address: 313 Clisby Austin Rd, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755. Zelle Michael Holmes 303 9289187.

Introduction to Islam and Sufism

PAC1061

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Kathleen Ochs

Location: Online

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

Haqiqa Kathleen Ochs has spent over four decades in two traditional Muslim Sufi Orders: the Indian Chisti Order and an American branch of the Turkish Jerrahi Order. Her experiences have been in the United States, Canada, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Syria, from the early 1970s to the present. Dr. Ochs’ professional training is in the history of technology and science, which she taught for over a quarter century. She also taught Islam and Sufism at Naropa (Boulder). Her interests include the new ways of thinking and practicing appropriate for contemporary Muslims and Sufis while remaining deeply rooted in Muslim Sufi traditions. The course benefits from the combination of the Islamic and Sufi oral cultures, practices, and wide reading in scholarly and popular sources. She is currently completing an Introduction to Islam and Sufism using these sources.

Journeys: Learning Through Travel Adventures

VPA1061

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Barbara Werren

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Whether you are eager to travel again and want some ideas about future trips or you’re an armchair traveler who enjoys seeing the beauty of the world, you’ll enjoy this class.

Come, travel with us…To the Baltic countries. Cuba, Morocco, Mexico’s Yucatan (with OLLI), Scandinavia, Colombia, Israel, and a session of potpourri destinations - short videos of some of Barbara’s favorite places!

Classes will consist of viewing videos of various destinations, and class participation about different kinds of travel and discussion of your favorite destinations and bucket lists. We encourage you to “talk travel”!

Let the Games Begin! MIS1019

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Peggy Winn and Nancy Cassell

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 12

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Miscellaneous

Get ready to embark on a journey where learning meets playfulness. In this class, students will immerse themselves in a diverse array of games, from classic board games to interactive group challenges. Through these engaging activities, participants will sharpen their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills while fostering bonds of friendship. Whether figuring out the most efficient train route or working with your team to determine the highest grossing Broadway play of all time, every week promises laughter, newfound insights, and fun. Join us as we explore the magic of games, where every roll of the dice and every move on the board brings us closer together in the spirit of joy and discovery.

In each of the classes, the first hour will be devoted to a board game with individuals competing against one another and the second hour will consist of games that involve team collaboration.

Maintaining Health and Vigor after 60: A Medical Speaker Series

HEW1023

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Anne Bennett and Janet Kester

Location: Columbine United Church

Class Limit: 40

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

Rumor has it that health after 60 is a series of patch, patch, patch! This speaker series is designed to look for ways to stay healthy and avoid as much patching as possible! Join Anne and Janet in a series of presentations designed to address common medical issues that seniors face. This eight-week course, in-person class series, will involve lecture, PowerPoint, videos and hands-on experiences. Come with your questions and plan on lively discussions! Be a part of learning new and practical health information.

Experts will present the following topics:

Hearing (hearing loss, hearing aids, hearing systems for classes and others); Pharmacy (common medications and interactions, timing and effectiveness); Diabetes/Weight Loss and GLP1 inhibitors for both conditions (Wegovy/Ozempic and others); Physical Therapy (safety in the home, balance, falls and recovery and the use of assistive equipment); Allergies (common allergies, causes and treatment); Care giving, Hospice, Medical Aid in Dying; Dental (keeping your teeth into old age, cleaning and preventive measures); and Medical Myths (what to believe and how to tell truth from fiction in medical care).

NDEs/Near Death Experiences and Lots More

- Stunning Reports from Decades of Research HEW1024

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Maria Arapakis

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

What happens to human “consciousness” when we die? In 1978 Dr. Raymond Moody’s landmark book “Life After Life” reported on Moody’s investigation of 150 people who died “clinically,” were subsequently revived, and reported similar extraordinary experiences. His book started a revolution in popular attitudes regarding an “afterlife” and forever changed how we understand both death and life.

Since then, with vastly improved resuscitation techniques, five decades of scientific research on thousands of NDEs has brought us powerful evidence that yes, Virginia, there is “life” after physical death and, as frosting on the cake, what awaits us is both heart-warming and extremely comforting. Physicians and professors at prominent universities, medical schools and hospitals world-wide continue to study this phenomenon with seriously “mind-blowing” results. This course brings you up to speed on these findings as well as what we now know about other exceptional “paranormal” phenomena.

Neurology in a Nutshell –The Brain Explained STM1009

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 10/16 to 11/6 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Paul Schanfield

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: STEM

This class begins by explaining the mysteries of the brain, common neurological diseases, evaluation of healthy lifestyles and a guide to navigating one’s way through today’s complicated and fragmented healthcare system.

Recommended reading: A Migraine in Room 3, A Stroke in Room 4; A Physician Examines His Profession by Paul M. Schanfield, MD [amigraineinroom3.com]

Week 1: HEADACHE and Dizziness

Week 2: Stroke and COGNITIVE DISORDERS [emphasis on Alzheimer’s Disease] and

Week 3: EPILEPSY & SEIZURES and MOVEMENT DISORDERS [emphasis on Parkinson’s Disease]

Week 4: Healthy Lifestyles and put the “care” back in Healthcare today

Smartphone + Snapseed: Mastering Photos in Post-Production VPA1086

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 10/16 to 11/6 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Sara Frances

Location: Online Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Create magazine-worthy images from smart phone travel, event, and everyday photos. The free Snapseed in-phone app offers fun and flexible tools for effective, professional edits and polish in post-production. Snapseed is great for making memory books, inspiring slide shows, and eye-catching Internet posts. The class will include detailed instruction and examples to correct, optimize, and artistically interpret photos, as well as hints for improving photo capture. A PDF presentation of more than 100 slides can be downloaded to follow along during the class and be retained for later reference.

Tales Untold: A Short Story Writing Adventure LWL1039

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Edward (Ned) Ford

Location: DU Campus Class Limit: 20

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

Short stories are fun and they are easy to write. The oldest writers’ program in the country, the Iowa Writers Workshop, teaches writing by having writers read their stories to each other. The approach which Edward Ford uses is known as writing from life. Each class begins with Ford reading from a short story from his own life. Participants then write from their own lives and, finally, share and discuss their stories. The writer does not make up a story and try to make it real. Rather, the writer writes about everyday life and tries to make it seem magical. Ford will also teach his own Instant Short Story Recipe. The class will also include reading and discussing some famous and important short stories.

Tapping the Well of Creativity PRP1043

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 10/23 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Donna Van Dusen

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

“But I don’t have a creative bone in my body!” Surely you don’t have a creative bone, but you have the innate ability to tap into a fundamental aspect of being human: Creativity. Sadly, creativity too often is perceived narrowly, as a talent possessed by relatively few people rather than a process available to all people. And it’s never too late! The human brain is more open to creativity as we age. During this course you will explore ways to tap into the creative well available to all humans and enhance your creativity by challenging perceptions and taken-for-granted assumptions, expanding and deepening awareness, and addressing blocks to creative expression. The course is for both new and seasoned creators and will offer opportunities to engage in and share your creative pursuits as well as provide your insights into the creative process as you have experienced it.

The Evolution of Systemic Racism

HEC1014

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Leanne Pugliell and Ben Kempinen

Location: Online

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: History and Economics

The Focus

We will focus on the history and evolution of the economic, legal, theological, and philosophical systems embedded in our country’s laws and systems. We will follow the four roots as they become ever more intertwined and grow ever more deeply each decade to produce the racial disparities that we experience today.

While there are many stories of minorities that could and need to be told, given eight weeks, these conversations will focus on those systems and structures that have resulted in wealth disparities, mass incarceration, and the unchecked killing of Black people.

Why Participate

“Whites created slavery, segregation, and racial discrimination. Whites have most of the political and social power to change racial discrimination and inequality now. We cannot have a truly free and democratic society until we do that.” MLK

Our desire to be good can prevent us from doing good if we do not see the historical systems and structures we created. If we don’t see them, we cannot act to change them.

The Gilded Age: A Turning Point in US History

HEC1046

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Anne Christner

Location: Online

Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: History and Economics

Severe income inequality. Powerful corporations that reject regulations or taxes but expect government support for infrastructure. Immigrants and people of color filling low-wage jobs. Think these are recent issues? Let’s look at the Gilded Age.

The “Gilded Age” refers to the boom in U.S. industrialization and prosperity between 1870 and 1900. It witnessed the rise of self-made men, powerful corporations, unimaginable wealth, and a sizable middle class.

This phenomenon was characterized by innovation, get-rich schemes and laissezfaire attitudes and policies that enriched the few. But did the country as a whole benefit?

Wages increased. But rapid urbanization and industrialization caused new social problems ignored by the powerful. These detrimental effects of the economic boom led to reform movements to lessen inequality.

We will consider the belief that the Gilded Age birthed modern America, with ideas and ideals that are debated today. We will be guided by an excellent Great Courses curriculum, handouts and class discussion.

What the Buddha Taught PRP1044

Wednesday Afternoon

Dates: 9/18 to 11/6 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Mike Prevedel

Location: First Universalist Church

Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

“With our thoughts we make the world.”

–The Buddha

Some 2500 years ago a man who claimed to be no other than human, pure and simple began to bestow upon humanity a new Way of Seeing and Being. This Path might give us a blueprint for dealing the many challenges that we face. If Buddhism cannot be lived to the Here and Now, it is best if it was left in the museum.

We will explore the following topics:

• The Life and Times of the Buddha

• The core of The Teachings and Wisdom –The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

• The role of meditation

• “Engaged Buddhism” (the application of the teachings and wisdom to current issues such as the environment).

Class discussion is highly encouraged. In addition, there will be some lecture, film, and a guest speaker on meditation.

Required reading: Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephan Batchelor – paperback edition. It is a readable and accessible text for those getting their feet wet with the waters of Buddhism. In addition, there will be a few short articles sent out via email.

THURSDAY MORNING

Chenneville

By

Paulette Jiles: A Novel of Vengeance and Redemption LWL1040

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Gracie and Don Batt

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

Consumed with grief, driven by vengeance, John Chenneville undertakes an unrelenting odyssey across the lawless post–Civil War frontier, seeking redemption, in this fearless novel from the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of News of the World. We approach reading as discovery in a reading community; therefore, some of the reading is done in class so that, together, we encounter the text as a group, allowing multiple insights from the class. PLEASE DO NOT START READING THE BOOK BEFORE CLASS BEGINS.

Current Events – Section 3 PAC1033

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Terry Casey

Location: Chambers Center/DU

Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

This Current Events course will be a discussionbased course addressing issues that are topical at the time the course is offered. The issues discussed will be international, national, and local with general broad outlines and selections determined by a survey of class participants in the first class. Likely issues will include: International - the wars in Israel /Gaza and Ukraine, climate change, migration and immigration, threats to democracy; National - Congressional dysfunction, 2024 elections, medical/health issues, abortion politics, demographic/population issues, “culture war” issues and free speech, artificial intelligence, gun rights/control; Local - 2024 elections, K-12 education, homelessness and Denver city policy, water issues, housing affordability, tax policy, and crime. Issues to be discussed in the upcoming class will be identified at the conclusion of the prior week’s class; readings from national and local publications (2 to 3 readings) will be selected by the facilitator and electronically distributed so that each participant will have a common basis for discussion.

Earth: The Big Picture STM1054

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 10/24 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Lynn Peyton

Location: Online

Class Limit: 50

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: STEM

Were you fascinated by the recent eclipse and aurora borealis events? Ever wonder why we have seasons, or why there are spring tides in the summer, autumn and winter? Why do we have leap years and leap seconds? Why does earth have oceans? Using lectures, videos, Q&A and discussion we will answer these questions and more as we take a “big picture” look at our planet. No previous science experience is necessary, just curiosity about our planet and a willingness to participate in Lynn’s Zoom polls. Over the course of four weeks, we will look at Earth in the solar system, the relationship between Earth and the moon, the Earth’s gravitation and magnetic fields, and why the Earth has water and oceans. Relevant and interesting links and handouts will be provided throughout the class.

Great Decisions: Section 2 PAC1034

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Steve Wimber

Location: Online

Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

Great Decisions is a program of the Foreign Policy Association which is new each year. High quality educational materials are prepared and provided to discussion groups in cities and universities throughout the United States. On each topic there will be a chapter describing the current issues around the selected topic and a video of background information and relevant interviews with world leaders and scholars.

Required Book: Great Decisions 2024 Briefing Book, available from the Foreign Policy Association. Registered members please order.

Great Film Directors VPA1021

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/7 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Robert Magnani

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Some directors have an identifiable brash style that we can all appreciate; some strive to be invisible - if you can see their efforts, they feel they have usurped the story. Whichever way, the great directors with long, successful lists of films to their credit are, in reality, supreme artists of film that can get you to laugh through tears and surprise you with unexpected story twists. How do they do that? What techniques, what film grammar do they know and use on you to tell their stories in compelling ways? Take this course and see how they do it – Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, Sidney Lumet, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, Joel and Ethan Coen, Sidney Pollack. We’ll see excerpts of their work, biographic info and Interviews with them, and detailed commentaries on their techniques via YouTube videos.

Life in Clouds STM1055

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 10/24 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Sharon Sherman

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: STEM

The current tech revolution is the integration of our devices and information through “The Cloud.” But just what IS The Cloud? And what is The Internet?! Let us ride on the cloud to learn about cloud computing and services, cloud storage, backup and sync, file sharing, and much more. Become informed about the Internet, browsers, search engines, and the technologies involved in delivering the Internet, and explore different devices, and security. Understand how your smartphones and PC “sync” with the Cloud, device continuity, and how synced data and info are accessed online.  Visit the Internet of Things and see how you are already in that world. Get more comfortable with AI & Augmented/Virtual Reality. Discuss how we are using cross-platform, network-connected devices.  Get Smarter about your amazing and sometimes dangerous Smart World.

Maintaining Wellness in Later Life HEW1025

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 10/10 (4 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Catherine Dockery

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Health and Wellness

Too many Americans are suffering from debilitating but preventable chronic health conditions. We will review current scientific research and connect that with day-to-day ways to implement lifestyle changes that will reduce our likelihood for chronic pain and chronic illness in later life. These conditions can be improved with lifestyle changes that make it possible to reduce the possibility of suffering from age-related diseases such as dementia, diabetes, chronic heart conditions, etc. In this class we will look at how aging impacts each of the 10 systems of the body and the conditions that lead to chronic illness and the self-care needed to avoid illness. It is important to work on our health to avoid chronic illness resulting in increased use of medications, surgeries and injections. Small decisions today can have large impacts tomorrow. It’s never too late to make improvements in your health. Even if you are currently being challenged with a chronic illness, lifestyle improvements can reverse or at least help to maintain current conditions. This class is for anyone who desires to take charge of their own wellness and would like motivation and inspiration to make wise choices. Imagine a world where you can age with vitality, purpose and self-acceptance!

Mysterious Places: A Dark and Stormy Night

LWL1041

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Linda Lange and Tom Corona

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

Place is sometimes described as an additional character in novels, especially when an author develops a collection of characters in a specific location throughout a continuing series. “Mysterious Places” encourages armchair travel while exploring various mystery series - in this case, with a weather theme. Hurricanes, snowstorms, drought, gloomy or sunny days have all been used to establish atmosphere in a story and are sometimes the means, motive, or opportunity. In addition to our usual book club discussions of mysteries featuring weather, meteorologist Tom Corona will explain various weather phenomena that appear in our stories. A little science, some fun mysteries, lots of great discussionanother fine “Mysterious Places” class coming up!

Resonating World: Seeing The World as Energies PRP1045

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 10/31 (6 weeks, no class 10/3)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Wally Klatch

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

This course provides participants with a way of seeing, feeling, and understanding the world, themselves, and the connections that exist in the world through the energy that the world is made of. Following a non-technical introduction to energy, resonating, and frequencies the course shows how energy defines the form and behavior of individuals, couples/groups, society, business, and other entities in the world. As important as these entities themselves are the energy-connections between all entities and how they interact. Characteristics of energy such as authentic vs. forced energy have important implications for us and the world around us and will be described in the course, as will other characteristics of a Resonating~World such as what we perceive of as death. The course is highly focused on exploring the meaning and results of energy in our lives rather than a scientific/physics aspects of energy. Wally’s website is https://www. itsaresonatingworld.com/contact which will give more insight into the class.

Science at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Guest Speaker Series STM1044

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 10/17 (4 weeks, no class 10/3)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Jon Young

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: Central

Subject Area: STEM

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS)? This course goes backstage into the Science Division, revealing some of the significant and fascinating scientific work being conducted right in our own community. Each week you’ll meet a different expert including a scientist, a curator, a conservator, and the museum’s fossil preparation and field expeditions specialist.

These sessions will delve into the captivating research, (literally) groundbreaking scientific work, intricate preservation techniques, and the art and science of curation and discovery at the DMNS.

Something’s Happenin’ Here: How the 60s Shaped

American Culture into the 21st Century HEW1015

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 10/24 (6 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: James Walsh

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: History and Economics

This course will explore several social movements from the1960, including the Civil Rights movement, Chicano and American Indian Movements, feminist movement, Gay Libération, Anti-War, and Economic Justice. For each of these movements, we will examine the history behind the movement, and relate it to current events and social change in the 21st century. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences and memories of this era and to use this course to reflect deeply on the questions that define us today.

This Land is Mine: A History of Palestine HEC1055

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Gary Wyngarden

Location: Online

Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Public Affairs and Current Events

So what created this mess? William Faulkner wrote: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” This class will dive deeply into Palestine’s past and how it has contributed to, and ultimately shaped, the current-day tragedy in the Holy Land.

We will begin with 3000 BCE:

• Who were the Canaanites and where did they come from?

• How did the Israelites end up in Palestine?

• How did the series of conquerors and rulers shape the country?

• How did the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam influence Palestine?

We will explore the last 150 years:

• Where did the Zionist movement begin and why was it so successful?

• Why did Great Britain support the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine?

• Why did the newly formed United Nations advocate a two-nation solution in 1948?

• Why did the Jews win the wars of 1948 and 1967 so decisively?

• And finally, what is the situation today?

This is an eight-week course that will include lecture, videos, and a lot of discussion. The class will be offered both in person at OLLI South and on-line. Each class will be limited to 35.

Writing the Short Story: The Backbone for all Writitng Adventures

LWL1042

Thursday Morning

Dates: 9/19 to 11/07 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Carolyn Varvel

Location: Online Class Limit: 15

Sponsoring Site: On Campus

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

This 8-week course is designed to help you write the idea that has been hanging around on the fringes of your thoughts. Learn how to expand your idea and people it with characters, how to insert conflict and how to structure resolution. Most importantly – this course will help you decide where and how to begin. We also explore the different avenues of publication: publishing through a publisher, self-publishing, and contests. Join me on the adventure of unfolding your idea into a short story – the basis of storytelling

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

An Afternoon with Tom Hanks VPA1087

Thursday Afternoon

Dates: 9/19 to 11/7 (8 weeks)

Time: 12:30–3:30 PM (3 hours)

Facilitator: Alan Folkstedt

Location: Online Class Limit: 30

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

Tom Hanks is known for his comedic and dramatic roles, making him one of the most popular and identifiable film stars worldwide. His films have grossed over $16 billion globally. He has been the recipient of countless awards including two back-to-back Best Actor Oscars, a feat not accomplished since Spencer Tracy. Other awards include the Kennedy Center Honor, the French Legion of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. During this term we will view eight movies, including three Tom Hanks regards as his favorites, and four often judged as his finest performances. The last film will be chosen by the class. Please join me in observing some of Tom Hanks’ talented productions. There will be class discussion of each movie. The facilitator will email trivia questions to class members in advance of each class about the upcoming movie. The facilitator will also provide an explanation of why experts view the four movies as Hanks’ best works.

Beyond the Cartoon: Animated Films with Depth and Complexity VPA1088

Thursday Afternoon

Dates: 9/19 to 11/7 (8 weeks)

Time: 1–3:30 PM (2.5 hours)

Facilitator: Dixie Vice and John Lungerhausen

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Visual and Performing Arts

In this class we will explore the profound world of animated cinema with rich narratives and mature storytelling in animated features beyond traditional children’s entertainment. Through films like “Grave of the Fireflies,” a poignant exploration of wartime suffering; “Mary and Max,” a touching tale of friendship and mental health; “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” a witty and visually stunning adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic; and “The Little Prince” (2015), a heartfelt reimagining of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless story, and four other films, we look at how animation tackles deep, complex themes. Class discussions will focus on thematic elements, artistic techniques, and the impact of these films on the audience, demonstrating the power of animation to convey intricate human experiences and emotions. This course invites you to look beyond the surface and appreciate the depth and artistry of animated storytelling. We will show each film in its entirety with English subtitles for the hearing impaired (if available).

Everyday Wisdom for Staying Sane in a World Gone

Mad PRP1046

Thursday Afternoon

Dates: 10/17 to 11/7 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Paula Staffeldt

Location: Online

Class Limit: 16

Sponsoring Site: West

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

According to experts at the 2024 Conference on World Affairs, the top 3 threats to humanity over the next 10 years are (in no particular order) pandemics, global warming, and nuclear weapons. And the underlying causes of our current global conflicts are natural resources, the rise of multi-powers, and that old stand-by, the human quest for power. Sheesh! How’s a person to sleep at night?!

Join Paula Staffeldt for a hopeful look at our current reality. No rose-colored glasses or “pollyanna” tropes. But no doom and gloom filters, either. In 4 interactive sessions, consider how our individual thoughts and feelings might either support or hinder a more peaceful, sustainable future. And how the inspiration that comes from a mind that is “at ease with what is” could guide us in making more insightful decisions and taking wiser actions toward creating a more enlightened world.

Get Smarter about your Windows PC

STM1057

Thursday Afternoon

Dates: 9/19 to 10/24 (6 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Sharon Sherman

Location: Online

Class Limit: Unlimited

Sponsoring Site: On Campus Subject Area: STEM

Do you sometimes feel frustrated because of the complexity of using our computers? Or perhaps you have had years of hit-or-miss learning? We will learn more about today’s computer technology, including PC hardware, the Windows operating system components and settings, peripheral connections and ports, file and application management, Internet connectivity, Cloud storage with OneDrive, security, and maintenance, including backing up your computer. Understand what is happening with Windows 10 and how to use Windows 11. Become more familiar with how your computer syncs with other devices and the Cloud. Come get more comfortable with today’s technology on our desktops and laptops. You will end up with a smarter computer and a smarter you!

James: Is Perceval Everett’s Retelling of Huck Finn a Masterpiece Too?

LWL1043

Thursday Afternoon

Dates: 10/10 to 11/7 (5 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Patricia Paul

Location: Online Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Literature, Writing and Language

“Huck Finn is a masterpiece. This retelling just might be, too.” NYTimes. In James. Perceval Everett’s new, Pulitzer-listed, bestselling novel, Huck’s enslaved sidekick, Jim, tells the story. This shift redirects the focus from a white boy’s adventure to the harrowing experiences of a runaway. Through Jim’s eyes, readers realize the mistreatment he endured in Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In James, Jim sheds his fearful, subservient identity to reclaim his freedom and manhood as James. Everett deftly maintains humor and page-turning drama throughout.

Everett’s James:

reveals the racism of philosophers influencing the Founding Fathers; explains why African-Americans switch language or dialect based on social or conversational context, code-shifting; explores the blackface minstrel tradition; and reveals the sexual exploitation of enslaved women.

Facilitator presentations will delve deeper into these topics providing scenes from Twain’s Huck with racial slurs redacted. Join us to decide if James is a new masterpiece and if Huck remains one?

The Vowels of Science:

A System for Talking with People You Just Met PRP1047

Thursday Afternoon

Dates: 10/17 to 11/7 (4 weeks)

Time: 1–3 PM

Facilitator: Joe Conner

Location: Online Class Limit: 25

Sponsoring Site: South

Subject Area: Psychology, Religion, Philosophy, and Culture

Are you shy? This class offers the first steps to explore overcoming the fear of talking to new people. Learn to be comfortable at a reception, luncheon, church social, in waiting line, or in a lobby waiting to check in. How important is it to know that YOU can converse with any person willing to reply “Hi” or “Hello” back to you? We will discover how to ask simple questions. We will learn how to be interested in the other person. We will use a system based on A.E.I.O.U.: Assumptions, Expectations, Issues/Information, Observations, and Understand. These vowels are the keys to opening an informal chat connection with new people. “The Vowels of Science Workshop” will explore quotations and books that help us better appreciate the diverse reasons WHY people do what they do, not WHAT or HOW! We will enjoy the journey of being interested (vs. interesting) in our chats.

FRIDAY MORNING

Trail Walking and More HEW1026

Friday Morning

Dates: 9/20 to 11/8 (8 weeks)

Time: 9:30–11:30 AM

Facilitator: Jan Friedlander

Location: Off-site

Class Limit: 35

Sponsoring Site: South Subject Area: Health and Wellness

How great to go for a walk with your OLLI buddies on a Colorado Fall morning! We are often stepping over roots and rocks with minor elevation change, but all trails are rated “Easy” to “Moderate”. NOTE: for each walk we arrange meetup locations for those who want to carpool or caravan to the walk site, or you may drive directly to the walk site.

Join Jan and the fun OLLI members who love walking together, learning about birds, animals, climate, history, geology and more from knowledgeable, volunteer guides from local non-profit, nature-related organizations. And don’t forget after the walk, those who can go to lunch, where we extend the camaraderie! If you have concerns or questions about whether this class is a fit for you, contact JAN FRIEDLANDER, 303.885.9200 or janfriedlander@comcast. net.

MEMBERSHIP PERKS. FREE WEBINARS

Free Friday Webinars

For more information on OLLI at DU memberships, visit our website at OLLI.DU.edu or return to page 7 of this catalog.

For more information about Free Friday Webinars CLICK HERE.

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

Exposing Medical Research Abuses: The Silent complicity and the Fight for Accountability WEB1040

Friday, September 20, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Carl Elliott, Presenter

In popular culture, whistleblowers are conscience-driven heroes who triumph against the odds. Yet when research abuses occur, medical institutions deny wrongdoing even when it is glaringly obvious, and rarely do mistreated research subjects or their families get any real justice. Whistleblowing is the exception, not the rule. In many scandals, doctors and other staff members remain silent for years while unwitting research subjects are abused. If abuses do come to light, the researchers are usually protected by the medical establishment while the whistleblowers are punished.

Carl Elliott grew up in Clover, South Carolina, where his father was a family doctor and his mother was a librarian. He attended Davidson College, the Medical University of South Carolina and Glasgow University in Scotland, training first in medicine and then in philosophy. After postdoctoral positions at the University of Chicago, the University of Otago in New Zealand and the University of Natal Medical School in South Africa, he joined the faculty at McGill University in Montreal. Elliott moved to the University of Minnesota in 1997 to join the Center for Bioethics. He is currently a professor in the Department of Philosophy.

“Flagship

Space Astrophysics Observatories: Hubble, Webb and Beyond – Human Spaceflight and the Emergence of NewSpace Capabilities” WEB1041

Friday, September 27, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Joe Tanner and Mike Kaplan, Presenters

Retired astronaut Joe Tanner and space industry expert Mike Kaplan will discuss the evolution of large space observatories from the Hubble Space Telescope and its intentional design to be regularly serviced on orbit by astronauts, the paradigm-shifting James Webb Space Telescope, and current plans for future large space observatories that could leverage the emergence of new commercial capabilities for observatory assembly, integration and test in space. Joe and Mike will also discuss the roles and interrelationships between humans and robots in space.

Mike Kaplan, a space industry thought leader, currently serves as VP of Business Development for LeoStella, a leading small satellite constellation manufacturer. With extensive experience in government (NRL and NASA HQ) and industry (Ball Aerospace, Boeing, SSL/ MDA, Raytheon Technologies), Kaplan has directed teams developing cutting-edge space technologies and products. He has led the creation of transformational space missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, Space Interferometry Mission, and SOFIA. Recently, he has focused on proliferated LEO constellations for weather and National Security Space applications. Kaplan holds a BSE from Princeton University and an MS from The George Washington University. As Adjunct Faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he teaches space-related courses. He is an Associate Fellow of AIAA, a Senior Member of IEEE, and a member of the Space SMART think tank. Kaplan has created and won over $15B in space business throughout his career. He resides in Boulder, CO, with his wife and their Goldendoodle, enjoying technology, travel, hiking, and photography.

Joe Tanner, a retired NASA astronaut and Navy pilot, earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois before joining the Navy. After earning his Naval Aviator Wings in 1975, he trained on the A7-E and served on the USS Coral Sea, experiences that fueled his passion for human spaceflight. Tanner later joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center as a research pilot and flight instructor, logging over 9000 flight hours in various aircraft, including the Shuttle Training Aircraft. After multiple applications, he was selected as an astronaut in 1992. During his sixteen-year career, Tanner flew four shuttle missions, with one to the Hubble Space Telescope and two to the International Space Station. He performed seven spacewalks totaling over 46 hours and logged 1069 hours in space. Post-NASA, Tanner became an aerospace engineering teaching professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Now fully retired, he helped build his own mountain home near Ridgway, Colorado, where he enjoys hiking, skiing, working on old cars, and actively supporting the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL READINGS

(optional)

Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s

Habitable Worlds Observatory

Rocky Mountain Biolab Application of Emerging Technology to Forecast, Manage and Adapt to a rapidly changing planet

WEB1042

Friday, October 4, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Ian Billick, PhD, Presenter

The Rocky Mtn Bio Lab is combining traditional field science with emerging technologies that involve machine learning and remote sensing. We will tour the history of science, from the age of discovery, through the 1870 surveys of Colorado by Ferdinand Hayden, to the emergence of field stations. We’ll discuss RMBL’s research productivity, including the emergence of the largest collection of longterm ecological studies. We’ll examine how machine learning can integrate data streams such as traditional field work, embedded sensors, drones, planes, and satellites to address fundamental problems scaling biological processes in time and space.

Ian Billick has been Executive Director of RMBL, a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1928 on the remains of a mining ghost town in Gothic, CO for 23 years. He arrived in Gothic as a student in 1988 and went out to receive his PhD from the Univ. of CA, San Diego in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in 1997. Integrating science, recreation, and land use, he chaired Gunnison County’s Planning Commission and is currently the Mayor of Crested Butte. He has held advised numerous field stations and held several leadership roles nationally, including time as the President of the Organization of the Biological Field Stations and chairing the Leadership Council for the National Science Foundations Research Experiences for Undergraduate program in biology. He has two books, one directed to the public (Explore/Discover, RMBL Press), and another to academics (Ecology of Place, Chicago Press) that are available at RMBL’s Visitor’s Center.

Next

Generation of Anti Obesity Drugs: Exercise Mimetics

WEB1043

Friday, October 11, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Thomas P. Burris, Ph.D., Presenter

New drugs such as Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound (GLP-1 agonists) have revolutionized how we treat obesity over the past 2 years. However, these drugs that reduce food intake (energy intake) only solve one component of the equation. Increasing energy expenditure is key to effective and durable weight loss. Loss in muscle mass and function is associated with the use of GLP-1 agonists and combination of these drugs with newer agents that increase muscle function may provide a more effective and durable weight loss while also improving quality of life in terms of muscle function, which is particularly important as we age. Here, Dr. Burris will describe some of the break throughs that have been made in development of such new drugs and how they may change treatment of obesity in the future.

Thomas P. Burris, the Dean’s Professor and Chair of the Department of Cellular and System Pharmacology at the University of Florida, also directs the University of Florida Genetics Institute. His research focuses on nuclear receptor pharmacology and drug discovery. Burris earned his chemistry degree from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Florida State University, followed by fellowships at Baylor College of Medicine and UCLA School of Medicine. He held faculty positions at The Scripps Research Institute and Washington University and served as the William Beaumont Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and Physiology at St. Louis University School of Medicine. After a decade in the pharmaceutical industry with Eli Lilly & Company and Johnson & Johnson, Burris returned to academia in 2007. Since then, he has published over 200 manuscripts, secured approximately $30 million in extramural funding, and founded several biotechnology companies. Notable among these is Pelagos Pharmaceuticals, which develops drugs stimulating exercise pathways to treat obesity, heart failure, and cognitive dysfunction.

Energy, Minerals & Net Zero: Climbing the Steep Hill of an Energy Transition

WEB1044

Friday, October 25, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Vincent Matthews, Presenter

Increasingly, governments are realizing that obtaining the mineral requirements for reducing the planet’s dependence on fossil fuels and bringing on renewable energy options is a monumental task that involves far more than simply passing legislative mandates.

The global scramble for natural resources is intense and is largely driven by the desires and actions of the three most populous countries on the planet. This talk examines the current uses of primary energy and electricity, and the resource needs to achieve net zero by 2050.

Vince Matthews has studied and spoken about this topic for more than two decades. His career includes teaching at six universities and serving as an executive in four naturalresource companies. Vince retired from the Senior Executive Service of Colorado’s state government in 2013. Following retirement, he served on the Health Effects Institute’s “Special Scientific Committee on the Health Effects of Unconventional Oil and Gas Development in the Appalachian Basin.”

Advances in Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Pain

WEB1045

Friday, November 1, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Daniel J. Clauw, MD, Presenter

Chronic pain is a significant issue amongst adults aged 65+. We’ll explore the three underlying mechanisms behind chronic pain, the intricate interplay between the body’s pain signaling pathways and the central nervous system including; “central sensitization” where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain signals, even in the absence of ongoing tissue damage and “nociplastic pain”, which cannot be solely attributed to structural or tissue damage (with profound implications for diagnosis and treatment).

We’ll examine key features that can be used to recognize each of these and explore the treatments most likely to work for these different underlying pain mechanisms.

Daniel Clauw is a Professor of Anesthesiology, Medicine (Rheumatology), and Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, directs the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. He served as the inaugural Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research and PI of the UM Clinical and Translational Sciences Award until 2009. A University of Michigan alumnus for both undergraduate and medical studies, Clauw completed his residency and fellowship at Georgetown University. There, he founded the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, led the Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy Division, and served as Vice Chair of Medicine. Since joining UM in 2001, Clauw has maintained his dedication to clinical care and research in overlapping conditions like Fibromyalgia, Gulf War Illnesses, and Interstitial Cystitis. He has become an internationally recognized expert in chronic pain, particularly focusing on central nervous system contributions. His work spans various conditions, including low back pain, osteoarthritis, vulvodynia, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and temporomandibular joint disorder, solidifying his reputation as a leader in pain research and treatment.

The

Future

of

Human

Reproduction:

Genetic Selection, Genome Editing, In Vitro Gametogenesis, and Ectogensis- Oh, My! WEB1046

Friday, November 8, 2024, 10–11:30 AM

Henry T. (Hank) Greely, Presenter

This century will see some major changes in how many people reproduce. Selecting embryos because of their genetic variations is already well established; editing the DNA of embryos has been done (and condemned). In a decade or two we will be able to make functional human eggs and sperm from skin cells. And, at some point—perhaps even within a decade—we may be able to develop a healthy baby entirely outside any human body. Good, bad, or ugly…we need to be thinking about these futures!

Henry T. (Hank) Greely is the Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law, Professor, by courtesy, of Genetics at Stanford University, and Director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences. He specializes in ethical, legal, and social issues arising from advances in genetics, neuroscience, stem cell research, and assisted reproduction. Greely is a founder and past president of the International Neuroethics Society and chairs the California Advisory Committee on Human Stem Cell Research. He served on the NIH BRAIN Initiative’s Multi-Council Working Group from 2016 to 2022, co-chairing its Neuroethics Work Group, and chaired the ELSI Committee of the Earth BioGenome Project from 2020 to 2024. Greely authored “The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction” (2016) and “CRISPR People: The Science and Ethics of Editing Humans” (2021). A Stanford (1974) and Yale Law School (1977) graduate, he clerked for Judge John Minor Wisdom and Justice Potter Stewart, worked in the Carter Administration, and practiced law in Los Angeles before joining Stanford’s faculty in 1985.

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL READINGS (optional)

Henry T. Greely, The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction (2016)

Henry T Greely, CRISPR People: The Science and Ethics of Editing Humans (2021)

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

WELLNESS PERKS. FREE FIT PROGRAM

OLLI at DU Fit Program Fall 2024 Classes

OLLI at DU recognizes that there are four pillars to longevity and fulfillment and we have built a program that supports each of these areas: cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual. Throughout this catalog, you will find many opportunities to participate in activities in each pillar. Join us each morning for a free fitness course to exercise both your body and your spirit.

You must be an OLLI at DU Annual Member to participate. Please register with OLLI for these free classes. Upon registration, you will receive the Zoom link. Courses will be held during the eight weeks of the Fall 2024 term.

For more information on OLLI at DU memberships, visit our website at OLLI.DU.edu.

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

Meditation in Motion: The Art and Science of T’ai Chi FIT1009

Mondays, 8–9 AM via Zoom; beginning 9/16–11/4/24

Joseph.brady@du.edu

Jacqui.shumway@taichidenver.com

Experience the centuries-old wisdom of T’ai Chi, often referred to as “meditation in motion” or “medication in motion” by the Harvard Medical Health Publication. This hands-on course explores the principles and basic exercises of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, emphasizing its practical and participative nature. Learn how these exercises can complement medical interventions and benefit various health conditions, including balance and falls reduction, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, COPD, heart disease, depression, and schizophrenia. The course also discusses the global health care implications and daily applications of Tai Chi, supported by a growing body of evidence on its medical benefits.

Joseph Brady MSTCM, L. Ac. Dipl. O.M. is a nationally board certified practitioner of Oriental Medicine. Joe taught on healthy aging issues and coordinated the Gerontology program at the University of Denver for twenty years,

also teaching classes in Tai Chi, Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Metropolitan State College of Denver and currently teaches Tai Chi and Qigong at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Joe wrote many articles on healthy aging for the Rocky Mountain News and has presented at many scientific conferences and has lectured and presented research at Harvard Medical School’s Osher Institute for Integrative Medicine and at the Oxford Union Debating Hall and Harris Manchester College, Oxford University U.K.

Jacqui Shumway, M.A. Therapeutic Kinesiologist/ Living Younger Longer Institute Researching and teaching T’ai Chi Chuan and Medical Qigong for over 25 years Jacqui Shumway, M.A. is dedicated to the joy of active living. She combines western therapeutic kinesiology (preventive physical therapy) with Medical Qigong healing exercises from China and the meditational martial art of T’ai Chi. An old Chinese saying is that “The greatest healer is a teacher” and Jacqui is a master teacher... who also loves to have fun! Dedicated to providing students with compelling information on health issues coupled with ancient wisdom, Jacqui inspires students to have fun taking control of their own health through her compassionate attention to mindful healing through physical movement.

An OLLI at DU Membership Focuses on Four Pillars of Longevity & Fulfillment

Gentle Hatha Yoga with Lisa Theis FIT1002

Tuesdays, 8–9 AM via Zoom; beginning 9/17–11/5/24 apanayogi9@gmail.com

A mindful and intentional movement practice designed to stretch and strengthen the body in a safe and supportive way. This class will involve standing, sitting, and lying down yoga postures presented as a way of befriending the body and bringing curiosity to the experience of movement and the mind-body connection. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome. Options and modifications will be offered to accommodate different needs throughout the class.

Lisa Theis Lisa has been a student of yoga since 2000 & has been teaching yoga in the Denver area since 2008. She has taught in numerous studio settings as well as corporate offices, gyms & fitness centers. She owns & operates Third Eye Yoga in Littleton, CO & leads trainings, retreats & workshops domestically & internationally. Her classes are a beautiful combination of appropriate body alignment in asana (postures), and the deeper wisdom of yogic thought she has learned from her studies with myriad master teachers. She encourages everyone to find their own unique way to practice, as yoga is as meant to be an exploration of the body, mind & spirit. She is most influenced by the teachings of Para Yoga & the Sri Vidya tradition. Lisa’s most heartfelt intention is to use the teaching of yoga to help point you back to your inner light & wisdom, which is the source of all understanding & knowing.

Medical

Qigong:

Healing Exercises from China

with Joseph Brady and Jacqui Shumway FIT1003

Wednesdays, 8–9 AM via Zoom; beginning 9/18–11/6/24 Joseph.brady@du.edu jacqui.shumway@taichidenver.com

In traditional Chinese medicine the patient is expected to be an active participant in their own healing, and not just a victim of their disease. Strong believers in the idea that exercise is medicine Qi-gong evolved over centuries to become the primary form of exercise therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. Medical Qi-gong exercises are considered superior to herbal medicine and acupuncture because patients learn to keep themselves healthy by using exercises designed to cultivate a strong mind and a strong body.  With over 3600 psychophysiological exercises developed over centuries, medical Qi-gong provides the tools for everyone to become an active participant in their own health. This course will give students an introduction to a variety of the most popular sets of exercises in a safe and progressive way. Qi-Gong exercise modalities include therapeutic gymnastics, equipment, massage, natures treatment and recreational exercise. Learn from two of the top professors of traditional Chinese medicine here at the University of Denver and at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This class will discuss a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic exercises that you can use in your own life.

Joseph Brady MSTCM, L. Ac. Dipl. O.M. is a nationally board certified practitioner of Oriental Medicine. Joe taught on healthy aging issues and coordinated the Gerontology program at the University of Denver for twenty years, also teaching classes in Tai Chi, Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Metropolitan State College of Denver and currently teaches Tai Chi and Qigong at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Joe wrote many articles on healthy aging for the Rocky Mountain News and has presented at many scientific conferences and has lectured and presented research at Harvard Medical School’s Osher Institute for Integrative Medicine and at the Oxford Union Debating Hall and Harris Manchester College, Oxford University U.K.

Jacqui Shumway, M.A. Therapeutic Kinesiologist/Living Younger Longer Institute Researching and teaching T’ai Chi Chuan and Medical Qigong for over 25 years Jacqui Shumway, M.A. is dedicated to the joy of active living. She combines western therapeutic kinesiology (preventive physical therapy) with Medical Qigong healing exercises from China and the meditational martial art of T’ai Chi. An old Chinese saying is that “The greatest healer is a teacher” and Jacqui is a master teacher... who also loves to have fun! Dedicated to providing students with compelling information on health issues coupled with ancient wisdom, Jacqui inspires students to have fun taking control of their own health through her compassionate attention to mindful healing through physical movement.

Breath, Meditation & Community with Lisa Theis FIT1010

Thursdays, 8–9 AM via Zoom; beginning 9/19–11/7/24

apanayogi9@gmail.com

One of the foundational components of a practice in mindfulness meditation is community. This course will be a practicebased approach to meditation. Each class period will include a guided meditation, followed by community reflection and conversation. There will be time dedicated to small and large group discussion, questions, sharing from personal experience, and mindful listening to the reflections of others. The class will be an opportunity to be together in community meditation, learn, grow, and deepen our practice through group process. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome.

Lisa Theis Lisa has been a student of yoga since 2000 & has been teaching yoga in the Denver area since 2008. She has taught in numerous studio settings as well as corporate offices, gyms & fitness centers. She owns & operates Third Eye Yoga in Littleton, CO & leads trainings, retreats & workshops domestically & internationally. Her classes are a beautiful combination of appropriate body alignment in asana (postures), and the deeper wisdom of yogic thought she has learned from her studies with myriad master teachers. She encourages everyone to find their own unique way to practice, as yoga is as meant to be an exploration of the body, mind & spirit. She is most influenced by the teachings of Para Yoga & the Sri Vidya tradition. Lisa’s most heartfelt intention is to use the teaching of yoga to help point you back to your inner light & wisdom, which is the source of all understanding & knowing.

Movement, Mindfulness & Energy with Amanda Gregg FIT1005

Fridays, 8:45–9:45 AM via Zoom; beginning 9/20–11/8/24

soaringeagleheal@gmail.com

The Movement, Mindfulness and Energy course focuses on experiencing different ways to move, be mindful and strategies to shift energy. Movement, Mindfulness, and Energy is a lifestyle and when we can take time to focus on these areas our health can be improved. It is a way to relieve stress and anxiety and to balance moods on a daily basis. Each week of class, you will be engaged in mindful movement that is gentle, relaxing, and simulating to the muscles for half the class. The other half of class is dedicated to meditation and developing your own practice of mindfulness and energy. Every semester of class brings something new because the focus of the course shifts and changes along with you. Come join us for this unique blend of movement, mindfulness and energy.

Amanda Gregg, Mindfulness and Movement Coach, has been on her spiritual journey for the past 15 years. Through this journey Amanda has gained many experiences, skills and wisdom that have provided her the opportunity to share, teach and present movement and mindfulness through her business, Soaring Eagle Healing. With her Master’s in Nonprofit Management, Master Reiki Teacher Certification and Mindfulness Movement training, Amanda brings forth a beautiful combination of service, mindfulness and movement that have moved her students to their own discoveries and awakenings. She is passionate about empowering others in their own self-awareness.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET OUR FACILITATORS

MEET OUR FACILITATORS

We count on great facilitators who bring our OLLI members deep into the content of robust course offerings, while encouraging connections and discussion. As always, we are here for learning and not for grades or college credit. We offer over 300 courses and webinars a year via in-person, online and hybrid formats. Course types include deep dives into a multitude of subjects with different formats, including multimedia presentations, books, movies, art and photos.

The joy of learning and the fascinating courses our facilitators lead are exactly why our members come back year after year. And so do our uniquely qualified facilitators!

Barbara Adams

After obtaining a PhD in Neuroscience/ Psychology, she continued her career in research science at the University of Arizona. As her practice grew over 20 years, she became known as a primary Principal Investigator for sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, and psychiatry. Some awards include the Congressional Medal of Distinction, Businesswoman of the year for 2006 and 2007, Senatorial Inner Circle Commission, and the Jeanne Holm Aerospace Education award. Her fascination with aviation and space started as a teenager and has expanded and grown ever since. She is the Aerospace Education Officer for Colorado Civil Air Patrol, and she is a NASA/JPL Solar Systems Ambassador. Dr. Adams gives speeches about space and NASA and represents space exploration in events throughout Colorado. She is also a member of the Advisory Board for Rocky Mt. Metropolitan Airport.

Neil Adelman

Co-facilitator Neil Adelman is an experienced opera lecturer. He is a retired Chicago attorney who recently moved to Denver. He has spoken about opera in the Chicago area, including 11 years in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s community lecture program, and in Naples, Florida, as well as DU’s OLLI program. Neil was active in Northwestern University’s OLLI program for 18 years where he facilitated courses on opera, history, law, film, and religion.

Carol

Anthony

Carol Anthony received her BS in English Education and her MA in English Literature from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. She migrated to Denver and taught English at Westminster High School for 32 years. She has pursued post-graduate studies in Old and Medieval English Literature at CU and being a big believer in the adage that “one can never know too much” has developed an extensive background in Classical and Norse Germanic mythology, Ancient Mediterranean civilizations and culture, the history of language, and evolutionary biology. For fun she also sings and dances with a performing community show choir, the Northland Chorale (no kidding!).

Maria Arapakis

Maria Arapakis is a psychologist, international trainer, speaker, and author with over 40 years experience training people around the world. Since 2010, she has helped seniors become more adept with the remarkable powers of “All Things Apple” technologies. More recently she is focused on sharing what 50+ years of research on Near Death Experiences is teaching us about human consciousness, what awaits us when we die, and what matters most in life. Maria has been teaching at OLLI since 2010 and is currently a Diamond Facilitator. She moved to Denver from San Francisco 30+ years ago and built her home in Cherry Creek North where she still happily resides with her precious kitties, Koko and Simba. Maria has always been a “teacher at heart” and deeply appreciates OLLI for giving her the opportunity to continue doing what she most loves: teach what can help and support others.

Bill Baird

Bill Baird has been volunteering at a local food bank for the past 14 years. This experience has taught him that food is safe to eat longer than the “Best by Date” on labels. He has also learned how big box stores push a large quantity of food out their back door for pick up by food banks. They get a tax write-off and don’t have to pay for a dumpster. Is this a win-win situation? You might be surprised.

Don and Gracie Batt

Don and Gracie Batt, retired high school English and theatre teachers in the Cherry Creek Schools, have facilitated courses on Irish literature and literature of the American West with OLLI for several years.

Catherine Beeson

Catherine Beeson holds a master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music, has been a Colorado Symphony violist since 1999, and an OLLI facilitator since 2010. She has extensive professional experience as a performer and educator, and a warm, friendly delivery style. Catherine is excited to bring her insider knowledge of classical music to curious adult learners.

Thomas (Tom) R. Bellinger

Tom is a certified Professional Hydrologist (Emeritus- American Institute of Hydrology). He was formerly a Visiting and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science at the Metropolitan State University of Denver with the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the Engineering and Engineering Technology Departments. Tom retired as Principal Hydrologist with the Bureau of Reclamation. Prior to this position, he served as a hydrologist/ Branch Chief of Refuge Hydrology for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He also served five years as a planning hydrologist in the Reclamation Southwest Regional Office in Amarillo, TX. Since retiring, Tom has remained active in the water resources community. He serves as a Technical Advisor (Hydrology) with the Department of Interior/USAID International Technical Assistance Program (ITAP) working with the Lao PDR government conducting a hydrologic / climate assessment of the Mekong River Valley. He also assists Law Enforcement agencies with water related criminal cases and has served on several Boards of Directors of local water districts. He currently co-hosts as Podcast: H2O Talk.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET OUR FACILITATORS

Anne Bennett

Anne Bennett is a registered dietitian and has a passion for food, cooking, and teaching. Anne worked for 32 years at Tri-County Health department in the WIC program, serving lowincome women, infants, and children. The last 8 years, she was director of Nutrition. She believes that in a country like the US, with its bounty of resources, no one should go hungry or be malnourished. Surprises await you in the world of groceries and the interesting aspects of getting food on your table. Anne Bennett and Janet Kester encourage you to join them for the Medical Speaker Series of 8 classes designed to address current health issues of seniors.

Stephen Bennett

Stephen Bennett is a retired engineer and team leader for a mid-sized consulting firm in Denver where he was responsible for airport systems, data center and hospital design. That responsibility brought opportunities for understanding of the changing workplace and its impact on human behavior. Travel included work in Asia and India and personal travels throughout the UK and Europe, all feeding his personal curiosity about history, and global social, cultural, and political events. Most recently Stephen has been investigating the global transformation of the Industrial age to the Digital age, including our exponential growth in both energy use and population, and their effects on climate change and the global economy.

Bix Bicknell

Bix Bicknell is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and CU Law School. He has spent the majority of his legal career as an advocate for social security disability claimants.

Tom Bieging

Tom Bieging is a retired lawyer with continuing interest in political philosophy, classical liberalism, Supreme Court history and current events. Tom has previously facilitated for OLLI

in the areas of current events, Supreme Court opinions and classical liberalism. Exploring topics and ideas with people of open minds and diverse opinions is what makes OLLI interesting for Tom

Sue Bramley

Sue Bramley has been facilitating at OLLI South, primarily in the area of visual and performing arts, for many years. Lately she has been intrigued by books, documentaries and news stories around the idea of lost and forged art. If the thought of this intrigues you as well, come join her for an 8 week tour of the “Museum of Lost Art.”

Don Burnes

Don Burnes and his wife are the founders of The Burnes Institute for Poverty Research at the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, and he is now the Senior Advisor to the Community Economic Defense Project. His fourth book, We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America, was published in early November 2023. He is the co-author of Journeys Out of Homelessness: The Voices of Lived Experience, along with Dr. Jamie Rife, the newly appointed CEO of the Denver Department of Housing Stability, published 2019 and two other earlier books on homelessness.   He served on the State Interagency Advisory Group on Homelessness for Colorado Governors John Hickenlooper and Bill Ritter. Don has been a member of Denver’s Road Home Advisory Commission and a Board member of the Metro Denver Homelessness Initiative. He has been actively involved in the issues of homelessness and poverty for almost 40 years. Don holds his BA from Princeton, his MAT from Washington University in St. Louis, and his PhD in education from Columbia University.

Terry Casey

Terry has a BA from St. Anselm College (Manchester, NH), a MA in History from UConn, and a Master’s in Urban Affairs & Policy Analysis from The New School for Social Research (NYC). He has been a County Administrator in New Hampshire and, since 1986, a Managing Director in the Capital Markets office of Dain Bosworth which became RBC Capital Markets in the early 2000s. His clients over the years included the states of Colorado and Wyoming, many of the major K-12 school districts in Colorado, Colorado Springs Memorial Hospital, Wyoming Medical Center (Casper), Cheyenne Memorial Hospital, Aspen Hospital, and the Wyoming Student Loan Corporation. He retired from RBD in 2011.

Nancy Cassell

Nancy Cassell grew up playing games with her siblings and cousins. Game time could mean being challenged at Scrabble, entertaining younger sisters with Candyland, or playing Yahtzee with the family. Her family also played Pinochle and other card games on a Sunday afternoon. She has more recently picked up mahjong and enjoys learning new games.

Wayne Cassell

Wayne Cassell is a former US Army armor officer having served during the mid to late ‘70s. During the 1980’s he was a tactical training consultant for the army before moving to Colorado and becoming a technical illustrator and graphics artist. An avid amateur military historian, he finds his passion for history is useful in his hobbies which include building historically accurate models and playing board and computer strategy wargames. His current area of interest is Russian and Soviet history.

Susan Chandler

Susan Chandler is a Denver native with a B.A. from CU Boulder and an M.A. from Regis University. A 6th degree black belt and head instructor/owner of Denver Ki-Aikido, Susan has been teaching for over 30 years, including mind body skills that underlie good balance and coordination, mental clarity, and emotional calm under pressure.

For many years, Susan taught leadership and conflict resolution skills based on Ki-Aikido in business, education, and healthcare. In 2001, she returned to academia to investigate developments in neuroscience research concerning the mind/body connection with a specific interest in the interconnections among movement, mind, and feeling relative to balance control. This led to the creation of the Minding Your Balance™ training program, integrating scientific findings with Ki-Aikido practices.

Susan authored “Minding Your Balance: Mind Body Exercises to Improve Balance & Prevent Falls.” She has also shared her expertise through her radio show/podcast “Mind and Body in Motion” and her TEDx talk “Following the Vestibular Trail.”

Anne Marshall Christner

Anne Marshall Christner, Platinum Facilitator, has a long interest in social and economic change – how it comes about, who benefits, what are the outcomes? She earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and will bring that perspective to this course.

Marjie Clark

A Master Facilitator, Marjie taught U.S. history in both high school and college for some 30 years in the Houston area and enjoys bringing out anecdotes your history teacher probably never mentioned.  Having retired and lived in Denver for over 16 years, she feels like a real Coloradan at last!

Natalie Conklin

Natalie has enjoyed taking and facilitating classes at OLLI since retiring from a career in education, from special education to classroom, to media specialist and reading teacher. Most classes she has facilitated have been in the visual and performing arts, but also in history and literature. Music has always been a passion, and growing up outside NYC she attended many Broadway plays and musicals, singing along with the music (not great, but with enthusiasm.)

Joe Conner

Dr. Joe is a retired professor who created science, technology, engineering, math, and medical (STEM2) programs. The question WHY is asked by every demographic group. This class helps participants explore diverse ways to chat with folks they just met regardless of their diverse cultural background or social class. His educational experience ranges from inner city Los Angeles schooling to the University of Southern California, University of California at San Diego, and Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, as well as UNESCO. Dr. Joe has a strong Biblical background and is active in his local church. His second book of a trilogy, The Vowels of Science, is a focus of this class. We will learn to chat with folks, famous or not, whom we have just met.

Tom Corona

As a meteorologist for over 45 years, Tom Corona knows the challenges and satisfactions of accurately predicting the weather and studying climate issues. He earned a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University, and he was a member and chase team coordinator for the NOAA/PROFS program that developed and tested the current National Weather Service Forecasting System. Tom also taught meteorology courses at Metropolitan State College/University in Denver for 27 years including introductory weather courses and theoretical courses in the dynamics of the atmosphere. In retirement, Tom enjoys facilitating these OLLI courses and has devoted his time and efforts to volunteer activities and music performance, writing, and production.

Hille Dais

Hille Dais grew up and completed high school in Hamburg, Germany and has lived in the United States since the late 1960s. She retired from public administration positions with the State of Colorado in 2003. Hille is an amateur pianist and enjoys symphony and chamber concerts. Hille has facilitated many OLLI courses on baroque and classical era music and composers, and on European history.

Catherine Dockery

Catherine Dockery, MA, is a professional personal growth facilitator and an ordained nonsectarian minister. Over ten years ago she started the Center for Conscious Aging helping older adults understand and support their developmental changes that will guide them to greater wisdom and depth as they age. Catherine leads events, presentations, trainings as well as personal counseling and support groups. She provides the insight, tools and inspiration to older adults to assist them in letting go of self-limiting beliefs, develop self-compassion and cultivate a roadmap for the aging journey. Catherine graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver in Communications. She worked in public policy development for many years at both the state and city levels of government. She served as program administrator in the Office on Aging where she led the Age Friendly Denver initiative.

Christopher (Kip) Doran

Dr Christopher (Kip) Doran is an experienced mental health practitioner, teacher and OLLI facilitator. He has taught a variety of mental health topics in all 50 States and six foreign countries. He has been an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the CU schools of Medicine and Nursing as well as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Gloria (Lori) Eastman

Gloria (Lori) Eastman enjoys bringing alive the historical and cultural backgrounds of classic literature and making the readings relevant to our 21st-century lives. She particularly delights in encouraging the varied responses of the participants as we explore the readings together. She taught high school English and journalism for 26 years in the Jefferson County Public Schools, while also earning her Ph.D. in 19thcentury British literature from CU-Boulder.

Recently retired, she is Professor Emerita at Metropolitan State University where she taught British literature and English education.

Kent Epperson

Kent Epperson is a graduate of Denver East High School and the University of Colorado Boulder. He worked at all levels of public education and in three Denver area school districts. He maintains an interest in history and current events and has been with OLLI for four years.

Stan Folker

Stan is an Auburn University engineering graduate. He is a former US Naval aviator and retired as a captain for Continental Airlines. He later worked as a financial consultant for AXA Equitable. He has had a longtime interest in economics, personal investing, and history.

Alan Folkestad

Alan has been a movie enthusiast as long as he can remember. He still recalls holding a Saturday Matinee 12-cent movie stub in his hand. Alan received a BA from The University of Minnesota in Political Science and a Masters from Texas Christian University. Alan delights in being an OLLI facilitator, conducting classes in history and the visual arts.

Edward Ford

Edward Ford is the author or translator of 19 books, as well as many pieces in literary journals. He has taught at Newbury College, Massachusetts Bay Community College, and the Boston Center for Adult Education. His M.A. in English is from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. His M.A. in French is from Tufts University. He also studied at the University of Bergen in Norway and the University of Pau in France.

Sara Frances

After flirting with careers as an archaeologist, pilot, concert pianist, and diplomat, Sara settled on photojournalist after just a few months residence in Heidelberg, Germany while studying for her Masters in Comparative Literature. After decades of travel on assignment with heavy, professional camera gear, the epiphany of smart phone image-making floated unexpectedly into her ken. Her experience in Venice at the famous Biennale in 2019 was the final proof she needed to cinch the smart phone’s value, speed, quality, and just plain fun after any trip, when images are revisited and prepared for lasting memories. Professionally, Sara maintains membership in Professional Photographers of America and American Society of Photographers, with the credential of Master Photographic Craftsman. Sara is also a writer, editor and book designer, with her most recent book, Unplugged Voices 125 Tales of Art and Life from Northern New Mexico, the Four Corners and the West, now a winner of 6 awards and is finalist for several more. She is working on volume 2 of Unplugged Voices. A recent graduate of Lighthouse Writers Workshop’s Poetry Collective, she is in final edit of a new illustrated poetry book.

Gretchen Frey

Gretchen Frey earned her bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University and her MD degree at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado program in Denver. She was in private practice in the Denver area for 32 years before retiring in 2021and now speaks and writes on topics related to menopause, reproductive health, and human sexuality. Dr. Frey and her husband have five grown sons and two grandchildren. They divide their time between Colorado and Italy, where they love to hike, cycle, ski, and explore new places.

Jan Friedlander

Co-facilitator Jan Friedlander has background in classical music (classical music includes opera) as well as study in five foreign languages. She loves sharing this knowledge with others! Her teaching style has been described as informative, varied, and fun, allowing veteran opera lovers and opera “deer-in-the-headlights” novices alike to feel welcome while deepening their understanding and appreciation of this 400+ year old art from. Vive l’opéra!

For “Trail Walking and More, Jan has also has traveled far and wide – ex: to Belize where it was hottern’ the hinges of hell and to Antarctica where it wasn’t. All these places have deepened her love of learning about our planet from trained guides while enjoying the company of interesting and fun people. For the past few years one of her most favorite ways to continue exploring the outdoors is going out with her OLLI buddies! Jan is an experienced outdoors person who has facilitated this class many times and is particularly good at arranging walks suitable for our OLLI population.

Ed Friedman

Dr. Ed Friedman holds a Ph.D. in physics and is an active lecturer on topics in physics and cosmology. He worked in for-profit and nonprofit science organizations that focused on astrophysics and space science, consulted with NASA and the National Academy of Sciences, and authored four optical engineering books and 79 professional journal articles. He was successful in guiding the work of two aerospace engineering PhD candidates. He lectures on science to adult education students at two universities, on cruise ships, and to community groups. He has extensive experience in the Osher program including frequently teaching cosmology at the University of Denver.

Mark Garrett

Mark Garrett is a filmmaker, critic, and educator based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After graduating from the University of Colorado--Denver with an English and Film major and French minor, he studied and taught English in France. While his focus is on experimental, French, and horror cinema he prides himself in an indiscriminate love of all forms of film. He is currently working on a short film and a collection of film criticism.

Stuart Gentry

Stuart Gentry spent the first 20 years of his professional career in the chemical industry. He then became a professor of chemistry at La Salle University in Philadelphia for 10 years. Since his retirement, he has pursued his interests in science and technology in the world around us, as well as his interest in the historical development of society and cultures.

Bill Gernert

Bill Gernert was a career Air Force officer with three Pentagon tours and overseas tours in Thailand and Germany. His favorite job was base commander. Bill has a BA from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Wharton. Bill has previously facilitated several courses at OLLI including Great Decisions and North American Maps.

Linda Gordon

I am a retired principal of schools for both Denver Public Schools and Adams County School Districts. I was a principal for 16 years and before that I was a dean, coach, and Biology teacher. The reason I speak Spanish is I lived in Mexico City for ten years. I taught science at the American School and ESL at various locations in the city. I married a pro soccer player, had two kids, and got robbed four times. After the fourth time, I decided it was time to move back to the US with my kids. I left that husband behindJ

Lane Hart

Lane Hart is a graduate of Knox College and holds a Masters’ Degree in US History from the University of Illinois. He has spent his working career in IT at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley financial services.

George Ho

Retired from medicine since 2013 (certified in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Palliative Care), George spends his time birding, performing grandfather duties, photographing birds and other wildlife, jogging, writing and facilitating courses to the lay public on end-of-life issues, birding and making photobooks online in lifelong learning venues. He then spends the remaining part of the day cooking, enjoying his meals and getting a good night’s sleep so he can repeat everything the following day.

Barbara Holme

Barbara Holme graduated from Stanford and was a Colorado State Senator, 1974-84. She represented East Central Denver and served as Democratic Caucus Chair and Democratic Assistant Minority Leader. Barbara was appointed by the governor to the Supreme Court Nominating Committee and to the Metro Air Quality Commission. She worked for 12 years for AIMCO, a Denver-based Real Estate Investment Trust. She served as president of the Denver Association of Gifted & Talented, member of the Common Cause board, on the Planned Parenthood Advisory Committee, and other volunteer positions.

Michael Holmes

Dr. Holmes worked in public education for 37 years. He has taught the game of bridge for over 19 years and is a Certified ACBL Online Bridge Teacher & Audrey Grant Bridge Teacher, Gold Life Master, ACBL Certified Club Director and ACBL Certified Tournament Assistant Director.

OLLI@

Charles F. Holt

Charles F. Holt, a retired Aerospace Engineer, spent over 35 years in R&D management for several international organizations. Charlie is an avid reader and has a strong interest in science & technology and the impact on culture, as well as history and diplomacy with a focus on the personalities shaping history. He holds a Ph.D., in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, from the University of Illinois, an MS, and BS in Aeronautical Engineering, from Pennsylvania State University. He has served in the US Army in Vietnam and at the US Army Foreign Science and Technology Center in Military Intelligence.

Ralph Hughes

Ralph Hughes is a Stanford-trained economist and a retired business analytics consultant. Alec, his co-facilitator, is a retired professor of economics who earned his doctorate at CU Boulder. They have facilitated discussion classes on political economy for several years now and thoroughly enjoy the lively conversations that such topics stimulate.

Arthur C. Jones

Art Jones is Professor Emeritus of Music, Culture and Psychology at DU. He received a Ph.D., in clinical psychology from the University of Iowa, Iowa City in 1974. He has held a variety of teaching and administrative positions at DU since 1991, culminating in a year as Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion before his retirement in 2020. Dr. Jones has received numerous awards for his work as a clinical practitioner, teacher, scholar, and community worker. Since the early 1990s, he has led a nationally recognized effort to help revitalize the music and wise teachings of the sacred songs called spirituals, created and first sung by enslaved African Americans, and he is the founder of the award-winning Spirituals Project, which is now an official program of the DU Lamont School of Music. A 30th anniversary, revised edition of Dr. Jones’ groundbreaking book, Wade in the Water: The Wisdom of the Spirituals, was released in 2023.

Dennis Kato

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Denny Kato is third generation Japanese American, or Sansei. He graduated from Walnut Hills High School, received a BA from the University of Cincinnati in 1971, and served in the US Army as a 1LT in military intelligence. After retirement from restaurant management, what started out for Denny as curiosity about his family history, grew into thoroughly researching how people of Japanese descent were forced from their homes during World War II and placed in internment camps. Like the fifteen members of his family who were incarcerated, most were American citizens. He and his wife, Janet, have visited all ten of the internment camps from the Pacific west coast to the rural southeast of Arkansas. Since 2019, Denny has lectured both live and via zoom for the Art Institute of Cincinnati, nearly a dozen times for OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at the University of South Florida, Carnegie Mellon University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Cincinnati, Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati, Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati.

Ben Kempinen

Ben Kempinen taught at the University of Wisconsin Law School for more than four decades until his retirement in 2018. His focus was criminal law and professional responsibility. His teaching included both traditional classroom teaching and experiential learning, where law students gained experience by working on actual cases under the supervision of faculty. While at the Law School, he was a member of several legislative committees and a frequent speaker at continuing education conferences. Since 2018 he has served on the Wisconsin State Bar’s Standing Committee on Professional Ethics and currently chairs the committee. He is a member of Midvale Community Lutheran Church where he leads the Social Ministry Committee and is also a member of the church’s Racial Justice Group. Ben holds a BA degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wisconsin and a JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Janet Kester

Janet Kester taught special needs students and believes in helping others grow to their full potential. Janet has taught classes on joy and racism while promoting positivity and ways to feel and give joy to others. Janet has been a thoughtful and effective caregiver for both her husband, sister-in law and brother at end-of-life journeys. Anne Bennett and Janet Kester encourage you to join them for the Medical Speaker Series of 8 classes designed to address current health issues of seniors.

Wally Klatch

Wally Klatch received his MBA from Purdue University and worked as a Management Consultant and Operations Manager at major firms in the US and Israel during his professional career. In addition to his own book “Supply Chain for Liquids” Wally wrote the chapter on Business in Ervin Laszlo’s book The Upshift and is currently a Research Fellow at the Laszlo Institute for New Paradigm Research. Wally’s focus is on Energies and Resonating as expressed by Nikola Tesla and Albert Einstein, and Wally relates to these topics not from a technical/ scientific perspective but rather he explores what the “It’s~A~Resonating~World” approach means in terms of peoples’ lives. His site www.ItsAResonatingWorld.com (developed under his Israeli name of David Talmor) applies these topics to individuals, couples, businesses, and other entities. Born and raised in the US, Wally lived for 30 years in a village just outside of Jerusalem and currently resides in Denver where he is active in a number of volunteer organizations.

Tom Kleinschmidt

Tom has been interested in the study of history, especially American History in the 18th and 19th centuries, for his entire life. He has read extensively on this period and visited many of the historical locations. He has a bachelor’s degree from Kearney

State College (now University of NebraskaKearney) and an MBA from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. After a career in financing equipment and power generation projects, both domestically and internationally, he retired in 2015. Since retiring Tom has facilitated OLLI classes in both Albuquerque and Denver.

Ronald Knox

Ron has a BS in Mathematics and Chemistry from CSU with 40+years managing software and data systems for banking, telecommunications, military aerospace contractors, government, electronics, computer and utilities industries. These systems were utilized by Arrow Electronics, Honeywell, Citicorp, AT&T, IHS and McDonnell Douglas. Expert/A.I. systems developed included the Telecommunications Engineering and Asset Management Systems. TEAMS required 5 years for development by 128 programmers and writers. TEAMS consolidated 27 telecommunications engineering functions into one Expert/A.I. system for Pacific Bell/ AT&T.

Sarah Kozloff

Sarah Kozloff received her B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. For over 30 years she served as Professor of Film at Vassar College, teaching mostly American cinema and film genres.  She is the author of five academic books and numerous articles and chapters, including the chapter on “Social Problem Films” for the Norton Introduction to Film Genres, a widely used textbook. She loves sharing the books and films she adores with others.

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James R. (Jim) Kunkel

Jim is a semi-retired engineer with 57 years of domestic and international experience in hydrology and water resources. He has worked on water resources projects in 32 states and 22 foreign countries. He has lived in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Chile during his career. His academic experience includes 17 years as an adjunct associate professor at Colorado School of Mines (CSM), where he taught graduate hydrologic engineering courses in the Department of Geological Engineering. He has given presentations, professional technical lectures and short courses to news media, government agencies and professional societies in the USA, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Mexico. Dr. Kunkel has given lectures and courses previously at OLLI East, OLLI Central, OLLI-West, OLLI-On-Line, OLLI-on-the-Move and OLLI Webinars.

Linda Lange

Voracious reader of mystery and science fiction, enthusiastic gardener, and amateur tai chi practitioner, Linda S Lange is retired from teaching finance and accounting for 28 years at Regis University. She created the first Mysterious Places class in 2019 to enthusiastic response and has built the series since, choosing different themes each term and occasionally revisiting a popular theme to update author choices.

John Lay

John Lay is a native of Colorado and a long-term resident of SE Denver. He spent his youth in Colorado, Montana, and Idaho before attending college and graduate school in upstate New York and Boston, Massachusetts. His college education included engineering, economics, history, and business classes leading to a BS in Management Engineering and an MBA in Finance. He has long held a particular interest in early domestic and world history as well as public affairs. His career included several years working with Samsonite and Liberty Media

Corporations in Colorado as well as several stints with public/private entities. He served several years in the Colorado Governor’s Office as Chief of Staff with Governor Lamm. He also worked at Colorado Ski Country USA and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. He has recently written two books which will serve as the basis for this course. They are titled The Concise History of the 22 U.S. States West of the Mississippi River and The Concise History of the 26 US States East of the Mississippi River Plus Hawaii and Alaska. His focus in each of these books has been on the key state-by-state events and landmarks during the 18th, 19th. and 20th centuries, plus the more recent significant regional and nationwide developments in contemporary America.

Michael Levin

Michael Levin is a Denver native with a BA from Grinnell College and an MA from the University of Colorado, both in math. He retired from Raytheon in 2006 as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer. Much of his career involved classified work related to remote sensing: ground and airborne radar, satellite payloads and mission planning.

To offset the stress at work in the mid-1980s, Michael engaged in Great Books and adult Jewish education. He inherited leadership of a southeast Denver Great Books group in 2008. Michael has facilitated OLLI short story and Jewish text discussions.

His most recent class was “An Academic View of the Old Testament” using a Great Courses video series presented by Professor Amy-Jill Levine.

Debby Levinson

Teaching Pilates became one of Debby’s post-retirement pastimes about 12 years ago after she completed comprehensive teacher certification training through the Balanced Body movement organization. Her interest in Pilates followed over 30 years of classes in jazz, ballet and modern dance. Debby taught Pilates for OLLI Central every term from 2014 until Covid shut down in-person classes. Prior to retiring, Debby was a college mathematics professor and worked in hightech engineering management.

Rick Levinson

Rick Levinson graduated from Carleton College with a BA, followed by a JD degree from the University of Florida in 1971.  He has been licensed in both Florida and Colorado (1993). He was twice a public defender where he was a trial attorney and at one time head of the Hillsborough County (Tampa, Florida) public defender death penalty division. Mr. Levinson’s practice both in Florida and Colorado primarily involved the defense of persons accused of crime.  He has also served as Alternate Defense Council in Colorado.  He has tried numerous cases in State and Federal courts and previously facilitated law courses at OLLI at DU.

Elaine Levy

Elaine was born in Youngstown, Ohio. She has lived in Colorado since 1970 when her young family moved to Breckenridge for 8 years. She’s been an avid skier and hiker for over 50 years. She was a distributor of products for small businesses including accounting systems, printed forms, and personalized promotional products. She’s served as a board member for women’s business organizations, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and some genealogical groups. She also served as a board member for over 20 years on her HOA. Her hobbies now are walking, reading, knitting, old movies, and

playing Mah Jongg. She has 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Her kids were raised in the mountains, and all still live here. She’s taken many classes at OLLI and other adult learning facilities for many years. She learned to play American Mah Jongg when she was young and has been playing for over 50 years. She’s always loved this fascinating game and has enjoyed teaching it in organized classes and to friends and neighbors.

David Lippman

David Lippman earned degrees in the social sciences from the University of Southern California and the University of Chicago. He began his career doing social science research in legal areas for the American Bar Foundation. David spent most of his career in school textbook publishing, where he directed the development of texts in many subjects including science, literature, government and history.

Gary Lozow

Gary Lozow has been a criminal defense attorney for over fifty years in Colorado. He has successfully argued and won appeals in the Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court.  He has been chosen by his fellow lawyers as a Colorado both “Best Laywer” and “Super Lawyer” and as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the country.  Mr. Lozow has tried numerous cases in both state court and in the federal system defending persons accused of crimes ranging from sexual assault, narcotics, to white collar cases. He has served as Chair of the Anti-Defamation League and won the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. He was a member of the Faculty of Federal Advocates (serving on the Board of Directors) and the Colorado Judicial Institute and an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Denver.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET OUR FACILITATORS

John Lungerhausen

John Lungerhausen, Senior Facilitator, joined OLLI soon after he retired from CenturyLink in 2016 where he enjoyed a 17-year career (including US West and Qwest) as a software developer, Team Lead, and Development Manager. John and his longtime partner, Dixie, have been living in Golden with their bevy of cats since 1987. They have collaborated in putting together a number of film classes for OLLI and share a deep enjoyment of independent and foreign films, which frequently offer a far more engaging perspective than most of the typical Hollywood fare. John received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan.

Robert Magnani

Bob Magnani, an OLLI member since 2010, has attended over 120 OLLI courses and facilitated 52 classes at 4 Colorado locations. His courses include Movies and Movie Making, Acting, Comedy, and Chess. He has Arts and Engineering degrees from Columbia, PhD work at NYU, telecommunications design and management at Bell Laboratories and at US West Advanced Technologies and Product Management at AT&T. Bob has seen several thousand US and foreign films in his lifetime, loves theater, chess (was a member of the Manhattan Chess Club) and acting and is delighted to be able to pursue these interests at OLLI.

Robert Manning

Bob has been painting for over 20 years primarily because it makes him feel good. He finds value in the doing and fascination among the many opportunities of learning and selfdiscovery alive within the world of art and painting.

Larry Matten

Larry Matten, Botanist, Paleobotanist, Elder Law Attorney, Spellbinder, Rotarian, docent at Denver Museum of Nature and Science and OLLI Platinum Facilitator, has been facilitating movie courses since 2017. He and Greg Petty have cofacilitated 15 movie courses together and they really enjoy the discussions with the students. Larry has facilitated courses in science fiction literature, dinosaurs, human evolution, mass extinctions, evolution, fossil stories, Darwin, Fitzroy, baseball and botany. While at The Academy, he also did courses in estate planning. Larry and his wife enjoy traveling and visiting with their 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Mac McHugh

Mac McHugh, platinum facilitator, joined OLLI Denver in 2011. Mac spent 38 years with the Department of Defense in the areas of accounting, auditing, and systems development. He is a lifelong movie and World War II history buff and has facilitated numerous courses on technology, film, and history at OLLI.

Herzl Melmed

Dr Melmed is a retired Obstetrician & Gynecologist who trained & practiced in South Africa, Israel, UK & in Colorado. He retired in 2020. His passion has been the history of Israel & the conflict with the Arab world. He lived in Israel from 1966 to 1976 & experienced both the 6 Day War in 1967 & the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

He has often debated with Palestinian representatives & conducted a dialogue for two years with representatives of the local Colorado Muslim & Jewish communities.

He has chaired a Middle East Study Group for 37 years. His objective has always been to help clarify the issues that drive the intense feelings behind the Middle East conflicts being aware that the picture of events derived from the news media is usually superficial, sensationalized and devoid of context. He is a frequent lecturer on the Middle East conflicts.

Jerry Mercure

Jerry Mercure was an engineer in the defense industry for 35 years where he designed, developed, integrated, tested, operated, and maintained systems for military applications. Since about 1982, he developed a strong affinity for Asian art and furnishings. He joined the Asian Art Association with the Denver Art Museum because of his love for Chinese and Japanese style and art. He landed in Colorado in 1998 and enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, and life-long learning classes. Since retirement, he has devoted time to his Japanese studies and volunteering.

Gregory Moody

It’s ironic that I, of all people, am proposing/ teaching a class on this subject, seeing as how I spent most of my nighttime hours in the 1950s being chased through forest and field by the very subjects of these films. My mother’s one wish all this time was for a good night’s sleep. I doubt she ever had one. I have loved watching, studying, and enjoying movies and films since childhood. The notion of “Old Hollywood” still thrills me. I’ve spent nearly 45 years as a film critic/columnist for radio stations, The Milwaukee Sentinel, and TV stations nationwide. I have written five novels, two plays, and some 10,000 pieces for radio, newspapers, and TV. I also spent eight years as a United States Naval Reserve Public Affairs Officer. After 33 years and fifteen Emmy Awards at KCNC-TV in Denver as Critic at Large, I was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Heartland Region of The National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.

Kirsten Morgan

Kirsten Morgan has been involved in OLLI for 20 years, both as a student and, eventually, a Master Facilitator. She was co-facilitator of Memoirs in the Mountains, 3-day OLLI retreat at a lodge in Winter Park, for several years and, as a passionate proponent of leaving a legacy in words, has not only completed her own autobiographical memoir but has also written at length about specific events, such as travels, her grandson’s heart transplant (published) and a day-by-day observation of the personal and global impact of Covid. She has also facilitated many classes in how to write and appreciate poetry and Shakespeare as readers’ theater.

Sydney Myers

Sydney Myers, OLLI Platinum Facilitator, is a former retail executive who lived in Mexico for seven years. She returned to Denver in 2006.

Phil Nelson

Phil Nelson has been offering OLLI courses on climate change and the energy transition since 2017. Currently he has taught three OLLI courses: (1) Living in the Energy Transition, (2) How Bad Is It, Really?, and (3) Heroes and Villains of Climate Change. Phil is a member of the Golden Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby and hosts a weekly zoom call on the energy transition. He holds B.S. and PhD degrees from MIT and is retired from a career in mineral and oil and gas exploration. He became motivated to think and speak about climate change as he was wrapping up employment with the U.S. Geological Survey.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET OUR FACILITATORS

Kathleen Ochs

Haqiqa Kathleen Ochs has spent over four decades in two traditional Muslim Sufi Orders: the Indian Chisti Order and an American branch of the Turkish Jerrahi Order. Her experiences have been in the United States, Canada, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Syria, from the early 1970s to the present. Dr. Ochs’ professional training is in the history of technology and science, which she taught for over a quarter century. She also taught Islam and Sufism at Naropa Institute (Boulder). Her interests include the new ways of thinking and practicing appropriate for contemporary Muslims and Sufis, while remaining deeply rooted in Muslim Sufi traditions. The course benefits from the combination of the Islamic and Sufi oral cultures, practices, and wide reading in scholarly and popular sources. She is currently completing an Introduction to Islam and Sufism using these sources.

Terry Ortlieb

Terry Ortlieb is a retired entrepreneur who sold his technology consulting company to Oracle. He has been working with information technology since he put engineering changes on IBM equipment in high school. His formal education was in philosophy, and he has maintained a strong interest in the philosophy of science and history. He believes that, along with himself, all those who believe in increasing our autonomy will find the topic of this course exciting and fun.

Patricia Paul

Patricia Paul. a diamond facilitator, taught literature, writing, and education to students from grades six to master’s level on four continents during her career in English education. Along the way, she founded American Studies programs in three districts connecting her love for literature and history. A Past President of the Colorado Language Arts Society, the professional organization for teachers of English, she is published in their journal CLAS Statement. She has been involved with OLLI since the South organizing committee and has served on the South Curriculum Committee multiple times as well as on the OLLI Core Curriculum Committee and the OLLI Executive Committee. Having taught a number of Civil Rights classes and traveled with the OLLI Civil Rights Tour to Georgia and Alabama, she looks forward to relating the lessons of Perceval Everett’s James to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Greg Petty

Greg Petty is a Master Facilitator and has offered OLLI baseball and movie courses for the past 10 years. He has co-facilitated 15 movie courses with Larry Matten on 12 different topics. He has also offered 9 innings of OLLI baseball courses. His career was primarily administrative positions in colleges and universities in Illinois and Colorado, and as Executive Director of a not-for-profit serving blind/vision impaired and deaf/aquired hearing loss people. He is a board member of Rocky Mountain SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) and his home town Mt Carroll (IL) Community Foundation. His passions are family, ancient and new friends, baseball, bridge and mental health/suicide issues.

Lynn Peyton

Lynn Peyton has been interested in geology ever since she discovered her pockets were big enough to hold pebbles. After obtaining an MS in Geophysics (earthquake seismology) from the University of Utah, she has worked as an exploration geophysicist in the oil and gas business. She returned to academia mid-career to earn her PhD in Geoscience from the University of Arizona. While at Arizona, her research focused mainly on the tectonics of the Rocky Mountains. Lynn has facilitated several OLLI classes, including “Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes”, “The Oceans”, “Science Potpourri” and “How Your City Works.”

Michael Prevedel

Michael is a retired educator at the high school and college levels. He has a B.A. in History and a M.A. in International Relations. He has offered numerous classes for OLLI mostly in the realm of religion. His passions and interests are reading, fly fishing, biking, and being a grandfather to twins. In addition, on a part time basis, a friend and Mike had a stained glass business called the Lucky Horseshoe Company. Their biggest commission were windows for a chapel in Crestone, Colorado.

Leanne Pugliell

Leanne Puglielli is a retired Professional and Organizational Design and Development expert who consulted for State Agencies. She taught in Schools of Management at Edgewood College, Capital University, and the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University in addition to serving as regular faculty for the Ohio and Nevada Certified Public Manager Programs and the MAPS program at Ohio State. She was selected to serve on the board of examiners for the Ohio Award for Excellence, for the Wisconsin Forward Award. Leanne is an

active member of the Episcopal church. Her focus on living the baptismal covenant to love her neighbor as herself, search for justice and truth, and respect the dignity of every human being has revolved around racism. She developed this course in 2015 in response to the shooting of an unarmed Black man in Madison. Dr. Puglielli has a B.A. from Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa, an M.A. from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Dan Putman

Dan Putman is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy. He received his B.A. from Marquette University, his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. Dan taught Philosophy for 37 years at the University of Wisconsin – Fox Valley, a freshman-sophomore branch of the UW. (Since his retirement in 2011 UW-Fox Valley has become part of UW-Oshkosh.) Dan has published over 40 articles in Philosophy. He and his wife Elaine have two children, one in New York City and the other in Boulder. Dan started teaching OLLI courses in winter 2013 for OLLI-UA in Green Valley, Arizona. In 2014 he and Elaine moved from Wisconsin to Colorado to be near the grandchildren. He has facilitated courses for OLLI at DU since 2015.

Dick Reinish

Dick Reinish, a Platinum Facilitator moved from Chicago to Denver with his wife Barbara in 2006. He is a retired antitrust lawyer, which required that he learn about various industries from nuclear power to cat litter.  His interest in documentary films evolved at the suggestion of his wife.  Dick has a daughter who has made four documentary films (one of which he showed in a prior class).

OLLI@

Myra Rich

Myra Rich grew up in Detroit, received her B.A.. from Radcliffe College and PhD in History from Yale University. She taught initially at Hunter College and, after moving to Denver, at the University of Colorado-Denver. Her primary interest is American history from the Colonial period to the Civil War, but she also teaches the history of women in America and the history of immigration to the United States.

Ira Rifkin

Ira Rifkin is a physician who had been in private practice in Metro Denver as well as on staff of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for over 30 years until his retirement in 2009. He has had a lifelong interest in economics, political science, and history.

Linda Ropes

Linda Ropes is a diamond facilitator, having facilitated 30 classes for OLLI West. Literature is her area of interest. She has taught memoirs and explored various novels, from The Scarlet Letter, to Howards End, to The Great Gatsby, to The Milagro Beanfield War. She has also co-facilitated with Kirsten Morgan to teach Shakespeare and poetry classes.

Dennis Ryerson

Dennis Ryerson knew he would be a journalist growing up in rural Iowa and he has lived out that dream. He was a senior editor for newspapers in Des Moines, Indianapolis and Denver and more. As an editor, Dennis didn’t just supervise coverage of elections, he also was a participant having moderated three nationally televised presidential debates prior to Iowa caucuses. He was an observer who appeared on Meet the Press Hardball and several network morning news shows. He also led newspaper editorial board interviews of candidates George W. Bush, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. This class offers Dennis the chance to examine the final weeks of the 2024 election cycle with a sharp eye on the role of the media.

David Savitz

David B. Savitz is an attorney from Golden, Colorado, who earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology in 1965 from Penn State and Juris Doctorate in 1968 from the University of Colorado. During his more than fifty-year career as a trial lawyer, he specialized in criminal defense. He has lectured and published regionally and nationally on the subjects of trial practice, childhood trauma, wiretapping and terrorism. He is the author of a true-crime book entitled Just in the Nick of Time and has taught two OLLI On-the-Move sessions regarding the Trump Indictments. He has been featured in television programs including Hard Copy and Larry King Live and in several true-crime podcasts. He has received professional awards, including Super Lawyers of Colorado, Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the Nation, and Nations Top One Percent of Distinguished Counsel. He has litigated various cases throughout the country, including Florida, California, and Washington, D.C., and internationally in Canada, Japan and Kazakhstan. He is currently retired and devoting his time to writing and teaching.

Paul Schanfield

Dr. Schanfield is retired from the clinical practice of community-based Neurology at Neurological Associates of St Paul for 40 years and is a perennial “Top Doc” as listed in the Mpls/StPaul Magazine. He is currently an Adjunct/Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota, as a volunteer teacher. He is the author of the book: A Migraine in Room 3, A Stroke in Room 4; A Physician Examines His Profession

Teaching awards he has received include:

• 1st ever Community Educator of the Month, University of Minnesota Department of Neurology

• Teacher of the year: University of Minnesota Family Practice Residency at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, MN

• Teacher of the year: University of MN Family Practice Residency at Phalen Village Clinic in St. Paul

• United Family Physician Residency

Community Teacher of the year “In the spirit of the great teachers of medicine who have transmitted a heritage of proficiency, scholarship and caring to us and future generations.”

Betsy Schwarm

With a background in classical radio, preperformance talks, and university teaching, Betsy Schwarm has developed a user-friendly approach to sharing her enthusiasm for great music. The Colorado Symphony declared her an “icon” of the business. She has been Opera Colorado’s performance speaker for over twenty years, and listeners to the vintage KVOD Radio 99.5fm, “The Classical Voice of Denver,” came to value what she said and how she said it. Music lovers who wish to know more of what goes on behind the notes, how this great music came to be, and how to listen to it more effectively, regularly find that Betsy Schwarm is exactly what they need.

Yossi Serebryanski

Rabbi Yossi Serebryanski, with his wife, is the co-director of Chabad at DU, a Jewish campus ministry. Rabbi Yossi is a popular teacher of adult education in the wider Jewish community and is excited to join the OLLI team of lifelong learners.

Sharon Sherman

Sharon Sherman has trained and consulted for thousands on various platforms with over 30 years in the technology and business sector. Sharon is CompTia certified and an Excel expert with an MBA/-MIS focus. She has a small consulting agency to troubleshoot, repair, purchase, configure, and solve technology problems; this involves working extensively with mobile technology, Windows and Mac PCs, small networks, software – and people, all of which lends experience to the research she does for her classes. She also designs and manages small websites to stay creative. She takes many photos of her travels and loves her geek life. Recently she accepted the Chair of the Leadership Council for OLLI Sedona Verde Valley where she has also taught for 5 years.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET OUR FACILITATORS

Jim Sieke

Jim Sieke grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Speech-Communication and a minor in Broadcasting. After spending 3 years working in television advertising in New York and Chicago, he came to KMGH-TV Channel 7 in Denver where he worked for 34 years in sales and sales management. Jim joined OLLI after retiring and has facilitated Comedy Appreciation numerous times as well as classes on The Great Silent Film Comedians and Science Tours in the Denver-Boulder area.

Pat Smith

Pat Smith was a former Chief Information Officer at a global pharmaceutical company and received a Computerworld Honors award for innovative practices in Information Technology. Pat has an MLS from University of Maryland, and a BA from University of Missouri. She has previously facilitated courses at OLLI in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence and served for several years as Co-Chair of the OLLI South Curriculum Committee.

Steve Spirn

Steve was born in the Bronx, moved to the MidWest, and ended up in Denver where he’s lived for 11 years. The sticker on his car says it all: “Not a Native But Got Here As Quick As I Could.” He’s held lots of jobs from running a newsstand in Grand Central Station to professional sports agent, but has spent the last forty-five years in a dual career of college professor and labor relations consultant. Along the way he received a Ph.D. and a J.D. He calls himself over-educated, but says he still can’t put a nail straight in the wall. Steve has facilitated seven other OLLI classes.

Paula Staffeldt

In a few words: Wisdom teacher. Modern mystic. Dedicated to creating conscious communities where people can experience the art of being at ease with what is. Because a shift in consciousness can change the (your) world. In more detail: Paula is a Three Principles practitioner, a retired mental health professional and organizational development specialist with over 30 years experience in counseling, corporate training, leadership development, and coaching. A graduate degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Theology, set the stage for becoming an ordained ministerial counselor, where she saw the connection between the spiritual and psychological nature of life. A transformative spiritual experience led Paula to further training in non-dual psychology and contemporary wisdom studies. Drawing on both grounded mentorship based on professional expertise and experiential wisdom, Paula now invites people into an understanding of how life works: a shift in consciousness that makes all the difference in the way you see (and live in) the world.

Bob Steele

Bob Steele was bitten by the journalism bug when he was a kid in small-town Indiana delivering the morning newspaper, calling sports on his high-school radio station, and watching the Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC. He’s long loved the intersection of news reporting and politics. So, this course is a natural for him to facilitate. He brings experience as a television reporter and newsroom manager and decades more as a journalism ethicist advising newsrooms across the country. Bob often guided journalists who were facing gnarly ethical issues in covering candidates and campaigns. He looks forward to helping OLLI members analyze and discuss the final days of this wild 2024 presidential race.

Timothy D. (Tim) Steele

Tim studied chemistry (Wabash College, A.B. magna cum laude) and hydrology (Stanford University, M.S. & Ph.D. degrees). He has been involved in water-quality hydrology and regional (watershed) assessments and data programs for 60 years. He has managed numerous multidisciplinary projects and directed hydrologic baseline and modeling studies for characterizing water-quantity and -quality conditions ranging from site assessments to regional watersheds, aquifers, and river basins. He has helped prepare permits and documents for local, State, and Federal agencies and has given expert testimony or litigation support on a range of technical areas. He has consulted on projects dealing with various water-quality contaminants, hydrologic and water-quality monitoring network design/operations/data assessments, and watershed/river-basin planning. He has taught in short courses and seminars and has been an Affiliate Faculty Member at Colorado State University (CSU). He has worked in 13 countries for The World Bank, UN agencies, and consultants. He developed a short course on Integrated Watershed Approaches – the 3M Concept at two German universities. Recently, he has developed and presented lectures and courses on global water-resources issues, data assessment methodologies, rivers/ lakes, and mine impacts and closure.

Mitchell Stewart

Mitchell Stewart received his BA in International Studies from The American University and his Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University. He spent 16 years with the State Department and then 21 years with the Bureau of Reclamation (Interior Department) before retiring. He began taking OLLI courses in 2010 in lieu of returning to graduate school, and started facilitating in 2014, leading seminars in political and moral philosophy with occasional side trips into political

theory and intellectual history. In addition to taking OLLI courses, he sits in on political theory courses at DU’s Korbel School of International Studies and philosophy courses at DU’s philosophy department. He is a member of the Hunting Working Airedales, Inc., though he does not hunt and his Airedale does not work.

Linda Susak

Linda Susak has a MA in German Language and Studies and a BFA in Painting. She taught German on the high school level, and, since 2018, on the college level, both at the main University of Denver Campus and University College and, now, at the Center for World Languages. As of Winter Quarter 2020, she has starting teaching German Art History courses through OLLI. The classes she teaches combine her love of German with her passion for art, especially understanding the historical setting and events which influence the art movement. She also believes in teaching students how to evaluate works of art and to gain an appreciation for each period and each style.

Steve Swenerton

Steve has a BA in Political Science and an MBA International Business. He served 3 years as a U.S. Coast Guard officer. He managed sales and marketing departments for three different residential building products companies in the U. S. for a total of 40 years. And he served as an international sales and marketing consultant in Asia, Australia, and South America for 7 years. He has traveled through Greece and the Greek islands including Crete several times, most recently in November, 2023. He has facilitated three classes on China for OLLI in the last 4 years and has been an Active Minds instructor in the Denver area since 2017.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET OUR FACILITATORS

Alec Tsoucatos

Alec received his BA and MA from Berkeley and a PhD in Economics from CU Boulder. He is a retired professor of economics who earned his doctorate at CU Boulder. Alec and co-facilitator, Ralph Hughes, have facilitated discussion classes on political economy for several years now and thoroughly enjoy the lively conversations that such topics stimulate

Donna Van Dusen

Donna Van Dusen, Professor Emerita at Regis University, put her artistic “talents” on hold at a time when her practical needs required a more secure career. Now retired from an academic career that involved creativity of a different sort, she has re-engaged in the fine arts of writing and painting, but with the understanding that creativity wasn’t something she gave up; it simply changed form. As one who has and continues to experience the blocks to creativity, she brings research and her own experience to the subject matter.

Carolyn Varvel

Carolyn Varvel is a retired Associate Professor of English. She has written a variety of books on education, published a number of short stories, and runs workshops for journaling and writing. Currently her favorite activity is working with authors as they hone their writing skills. She also enjoys watercolor, editing, gardening and working with senior members of her community.

Mitra Verma

Mitra Verma is an art educator, an artist, and a craft designer. She has a bachelor’s in fine arts (BFA) and completed her master’s from a distinctive handicraft design institute in India. Her artistic journey is fueled by an unwavering love for colors, forms, and the beauty of nature, which she passionately infuses into her creations. With a diverse array of mediums at her disposal, Mitra’s artwork serves as vibrant tributes to Indian culture and tradition. Each piece is adorned with distinctive and colorful

designs, enriched with motifs and patterns that evoke the essence of religion and mysticism. For over a decade, Mitra has dedicated herself to sharing her expertise and passion with others. Through classes and workshops in painting and crafts, she has inspired countless individuals to unlock their own creative potential. Her approach is marked by self-motivation, conscientiousness, and an infectious enthusiasm for the transformative power of art.

Dixie Vice

Dixie Vice, Master Facilitator, retired in 2015 from state and federal government where she worked as a computer programmer/analyst and has been taking OLLI classes in Music, Literature, and Film ever since. Her background includes a degree in Anthropology from CU with an effective minor in Film Studies. Her interest in Foreign Films began at age 16 when she was finally old enough to be admitted to the art film theatres in Indianapolis. She lives with her longtime partner, John, and their 3 orange kitty boys Jimmy, Eddie, and Sparky.

James Walsh

James Walsh is an Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Colorado Denver, where he has taught for the past 26 years, specializing in Labor, Immigration, and the Irish Diaspora. Walsh’s twenty years of research into the lives of 19th century Irish immigrants in Leadville led to the creation of the Leadville Irish Memorial. Walsh founded the Romero Theater Troupe is 2005, an all-volunteer organic theater collective that uses the stage to preserve stories of labor history and human rights activism.

Barbara Werren

Barbara Werren was born in New Orleans. She moved to Colorado when she was 14 and rapidly adopted the Colorado lifestyle, becoming an avid skier, hiker, biker and traveler. She has hiked on all 7 continents and traveled to 100 countries. She has been on both sides of the travel business, having been a hiking and skiing guide for adventures in the mountains of the world and more recently a participant in less strenuous journeys with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT - 32 trips), Roadscholar, Viking, Vantage, etc. Barbara has combined a passion for travel with her passion for photography. She is a noted travel journalist, giving travel presentations to groups throughout Colorado. As much as she has seen of the world’s most beautiful and interesting places, she realizes her great fortune to live in the very best place, our beautiful state, Colorado!

Steve Winber

Steve Winber, a retired Denver dentist, has been an OLLI Facilitator for thirteen years, principally in the fields of Public Affairs, American and world history, and Economics.

Peggy Winn

Peggy Winn has been hooked on board games since first playing Candyland as a 5-year-old. Perhaps it was a budding competitive streak or the fact that a game brought family together for a short time. Either way, she never lost her love of games (or the competitive streak). After witnessing the success of mahjong classes, she thought it would be nice to have a similar type of class, only with a variety of games that are not quite as difficult as mahjong.

Bob Wyatt

Bob Wyatt grew up in Chicago, where he obtained his BS degree in Chemistry from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Following a year of graduate work at Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh, he transferred to The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where he received his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry. He spent one year doing research in England followed by another year at Harvard University. He then accepted a faculty position at the University of Texas at Austin, where he remained until retirement. At UT, he taught courses in Physical Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics. He also was a staff member at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, did research at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. and was involved in research projects in France, Japan, and Israel.

Gary Wyngarden

Gary has a BA from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Loyola University. His career was spent in the health care industry and included tenure as CEO of a $2 billion company. He is a Master Facilitator with OLLI and a member of the OLLI South Curriculum Committee.

Jon Young

Jon Young is retired, with 42 years experience in the design and commercialization of emerging technologies initially in healthcare (funded under the Visiting Scientist program of the Weizmann Institute) and then in broadcast technologies. His volunteer work includes; Chair of STEM Curriculum Committee at OLLI Central, President of the Aging Services Foundation of Boulder County where he produced a science show serving the visually impaired of Colorado, and currently as science advisor to a Maasai conservancy in east Africa.

MEET THE STAFF

Tamara Barkdoll, OLLI at DU Central Campus Program Coordinator

Tamara Barkdoll, Central Program Coordinator, comes to OLLI with a background in adult training and administering adult classes in a non-profit setting, as well as with several volunteer groups. She is very active with a variety of volunteer activities throughout the Denver Metro area. She is an alumnus of the University of Denver and a strong believer in lifelong learning.

Amber Barthel, OLLI at DU Technology Coordinator

Amber Barthel has spent her professional life in various positions in education, primarily at the Pre-School and Elementary School levels.  Her experience ranges from volunteer to teacher to leadership roles and many others in between.  Training and technology have been a constant part of her responsibilities throughout her career, and she is excited to support OLLI at DU as the Technology Coordinator.

Sherry

Feinbaum, OLLI at DU West Campus Manager and Volunteer Manager

Sherry Feinbaum joined OLLI as a member in 2019 after a long career in sales selling in both business to business and directly to non-profits. She became the program assistant at Boulder campus before becoming the West Campus Site Manager in May 2022.  In addition to work life, she spent many years as a volunteer for multiple non-profits in the Boulder area and now serves on the board of Congregation Har Ha Shem in Boulder. She is an avid outdoor person and especially enjoys time hiking or bicycling in addition to traveling and taking dance classes.

Maria Elena Garcia, OLLI at DU Curriculum Director and DU On Campus Manager

Maria Elena Garcia has over 30 years’ educational leadership experience in schools, school districts, universities, and state departments of education. She was a managing consultant, program designer, and trainer with an international, educational research and development organization. Her focus areas are systems improvement and organizational development. She really enjoys working for OLLI at DU and thinks she saved the best workplace for last!

Candace Hyatt, OLLI at DU Central Campus Manager

Candace (Candy) has been an educator, preK-adult for over 50 years with experience as a middle school teacher and principal, an elementary school principal, a professional development central office administrator and a leadership and English language acquisition consultant in an educational research and development non-profit setting. Her work is characterized by a mission to provide access to high quality educational opportunities for learners of all ages, cultures, and abilities in a wide variety of both formal and informal settings. She’s a long-time Colorado resident with a love for reading and the outdoors.

Dave Johnson, OLLI at DU Support Specialist

Dave Johnson has been employed as Support Specialist by OLLI at DU since June of 2022. He is semi-retired with a background in theater. He has worked for the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Chicken Lips Comedy Theater, Town Hall Arts Center and was a co-owner of the Avenue Theater in downtown Denver. He’s worked in all areas of theater including box office, administration, marketing, performing, maintenance and cleaning.

Christine Liptak, OLLI at DU Support Specialist and Zoom Assistant

Christine Liptak has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Master’s of Business Administration and over 30 years of experience in business administration consulting with start-ups, training and analysis for the telecommunications industry, retail management and office administration.

Mary Ann Mace, OLLI at DU On Campus Program Coordinator and Curriculum Assistant

Mary Ann has had an extensive career in the non-profit sector, working as an assistant to executive management. Mary Ann’s experience includes nonprofit/corporate executive support, project management, special events, client services, social media maintenance, marketing, and operations. In addition, Mary Ann assists undergraduate and graduate students with research papers and writing assignments as a writing consultant.

Kim

Penoyer, OLLI at DU Operations Coordinator

When Kim Penoyer retired from the University of Colorado, a friend introduced her to OLLI at DU. She decided that OLLI was a wonderful way to ease into retirement. While working for CU Kim was Manager of the Online Program Development for CU Online/ Office of Digital Education, Director of CU at Interlocken and Executive Director of the Continuing Engineering Education Program. Her CU experience has proven helpful with her work at OLLI. Kim earned her MBA from the University of Colorado Denver and her BS in Education from Michigan State University.

David Schoenhals, OLLI at DU CoExecutive Director for Curriculum, Operations, and Finance

David Schoenhals is an experienced educational leader with a track record of implementing strategic initiatives to drive excellence and ensure financial stability. He has held various roles in education including teacher, coach, coordinator, principal, and director. Skilled in data-driven decision-making, program management, and collaboration, he graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Mathematics and obtained his Principal License from the University of Denver.

Sherilee

Selby, OLLI at DU South Campus Program Coordinator

Sherilee Selby joined OLLI in 2009 after retiring, first from her role as a child and family therapist, then from retail management. Sherilee accepted the OLLI South Program Coordinator role in 2017. She loves reading and values travel and exploring other cultures, whether in print or in person.  Sherilee and her husband live in the Denver area and treasure time with their adult grandchildren and son.  Connection with OLLI members has enriched her life.

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / MEET THE STAFF

Paul Simon, OLLI at DU Community Outreach Director

Paul Simon is a retired journalist and manager who worked many years for the Associated Press as well as the Denver Post.  He is a Master Facilitator and has held several management positions for OLLI at DU, including site manager.  He continues to work for OLLI as the manager for OLLI on the Move and as Community Outreach Manager.

Laura

Uzzle, OLLI at DU CoExecutive Director for Marketing, Communications, and Development

Laura Uzzle has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, specializing in partnership development and community engagement. Her background includes leadership roles at two national nonprofit organizations where she focused on member recruitment and retention, communication/marketing, program development, and building strategic partnerships. Laura earned her BA from the College of William and Mary. She enjoys traveling with her family, reading, and taking long walks with her dogs.

Darcey

VanWagner, OLLI at DU South Campus Manager and Membership Engagement Manager

Darcey VanWagner, South Campus Manager, joined OLLI at DU in 2016. Prior to working at OLLI at DU she worked in the financial industry and has been actively involved in public education. She is a Colorado native and graduate of Colorado State University. She is married and parent to two great kids. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, gardening and exploring Colorado. She is honored to be part of OLLI and getting to know and work with a wonderful diverse group of people.

Mitra Verma, OLLI at DU Support Specialist and Graphic Designer

Mitra Verma joined OLLI at DU in December 2021 as a program coordinator.  In her current role with OLLI, she assists members, managers, and the executive directors, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication. She excels in graphic design, creating engaging flyers and mini catalogs for OLLI at DU. Mitra holds a master’s degree in handicraft designing and has been recognized as a Handicraft Designer by the Development Commissioner Handicraft (DCHC) in India. She has over 20 years of experience in art, design, and education and has taught art fundamentals and conducted research and documentation in the field. Her art reflects the richness of her diverse cultural background.

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

THE PERFECT GIFT.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LEARNING AND COMMUNITY

OLLI at DU now offers you the opportunity to purchase gift cards that you can use for membership, events, and courses at OLLI at DU. These gift cards are the perfect way to introduce your friends and family to our wonderful program. Our program is about connecting adults 50+ to great content and social outings. As we like to say, “come for the courses, stay for the connections!”

Visit our website today to purchase a gift card in any amount: OLLI.DU.edu.

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

THANK YOU

OLLI at DU Donors 2023–2024

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Denver wishes to thank the following donors who have contributed gift funds to our program during the 202324 academic year. Although membership and course registration fees help us to cover our operational costs, these funds are used to enhance our program through upgraded technology and special projects. This year, in particular, we will be adding hearing-assistive technology to our in-person locations, replacing outdated AV equipment, and upgrading our staff member’s laptops.

Thank you for helping our program continue to flourish!

Photo credit: Mark A. Payler

Lavonne Angus

Barbara Assadi

Leah Audin

Mary Margaret Baker

Elise Bennett

Tom Bieging

Carole Bogart

Robin Bronk

Lois Calvert

Hilary Eaves Carlson

Bruce & Tanya Caughey

Anne Christner

Thomas James Corona

Hille & Jack Dais

Alice & Gordon Dalby

Patricia Davidson

Kathleen Doyle

Dorothy Emery

Bridget Epp

Vivian Sheldon Epstein

Richard Fantel

Marilyn Faye

Alan Folkestad

Penny & Jean Friedberg

Stephen Geifman

Joanne Gipple

Frank Gold

Sandra Goldman

Susan Hancock

Barbara Hart

Joan Hoberman

Barbara and Howard Holme

Jane & Larry Howe

Monica Hufnagel

Sheila Jones

Herb Josepher

Janet Kester

Donald Korte

Anne Kotch

James Kunkel

Janet & Gary Langille

Susan Lauscher

Gail Levy

Richard Mandelson

Linda Marx

Pamela Mayeda

Lynn McGowin

Shelly & Mac McHugh

Kathleen McInerney

Susan McPhillips

Marilyn Metzl

Hal Morris

Cathy Niestat

Elizabeth Owens

Stuart Pack

Greg & Christine Petty

Ronald Scott Phillips

Susan Pientka

James Pierce

Barbara Polman

Susan and Dan Putnam

Nancy Qualls

Jerry Raskin

Arnold Ray

Barbara Reinish

Jim Ruden

Helen Scott Santilli

Jim Sieke

Peg Solomon

Henry Philip Stalker

Robert & Carol Steele

Arthur & Stephanie Strasburger

Ed Struzewski

Alan Wernz

Charles White

Nancy Whitsel

Wynne Whyman

Betty Willinsky

Gerald Wischmeyer

Anne Wormley

Elizabeth Wright

Jacqueline & Lee Wyant

Gather Realty

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL / THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO

OLLI thrives because of its volunteers! Thank you to our facilitators, class assistants, and our Site and Core Curriculum Committees.

Curriculum Committees work diligently to create a robust catalog of in-person and online courses. Thank you to each committee and to individual committee members. You have made this extraordinary lineup of courses possible!

OLLI at DU Core Curriculum Committee

David Schoenhals

OLLI at DU Co-Executive Director for Curriculum, Operations, and Finance

Maria Elena Garcia

OLLI at DU Curriculum Director and On Campus Manager

Candace Hyatt, Central

Darcey VanWagner, South

David Lippman, Central

Sherilee Selby, South

Mitch Stewart, Central

Patty Smilanic, South

Michael Prevedel

Core Curriculum Chair, Central

Patricia Paul, South

Paul Simon, OLLI on the Move

Sherry Feinbaum, West

Linda Lange

Mary Ann Mace, Curriculum and On Campus

Shelly McHugh, Ad Hoc

Penny Friedberg, West

Dennis Wanebo, West

Central Campus

Curriculum Committee

Susan Lauscher, Curriculum Chair

Barbara Holme

Mike Prevedel

Gordon Appell

David Lippman

Jon Young

Gloria (Lori) Eastman

South Campus

Curriculum Committee

Bob Steele - CC Co-Chair

Janet Kester - CC Co-Chair

Becky Stout

Sheila Jones

Bill Baird

Charlotte Moreno

Pat Paul

Peggy Winn

Gary Wyngarden

Karen Dvorchak

Patty Smilanic

Mike Benaquis

West Campus

Curriculum Committee

Sherry Feinbaum

Penny Friedberg

OLLI On the Move Committee

Bill Elfenbein

Mary Caravalho

Jay Fraze

Megan Schulz

Charles Holt

Glenn Gravlee

Marcia Helfant

OLLI@DU / 2024 FALL

The Executive Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from the OLLI at DU committees, site curriculum committees, site volunteers, staff, and other members at large. The committee serves as the voice of the membership of OLLI, bringing ideas both to the committee for consideration and to OLLI at DU members for clarification and input. The Executive Advisory Committee is advisory in nature, it is not a governing board.

David Schoenhals Co-Executive Director for Curriculum, Operations, and Finance

Laura Uzzle Co-Executive Director for Marketing, Communications, and Development

Maria Elena Garcia Curriculum Director

Michael Prevedel Core Curriculum Committee Chair

Jean Friedberg Finance Committee Chair

John Rough Finance Committee Liaison

Tom Bieging Fundraising Chair

Bruce Caughey (retired) Marketing & Communications Director

Gary Burandt Marketing & Communications Chair

Paul Simon Community Outreach Director

Sherry Feinbaum Volunteer Manager

Darcey VanWagner Membership Manager

Faye Hastings Technology Coordinator

Mary Ann Laurich Central Manager

Susan Lauscher Central Curriculum Chair

Barbara Holme Central Ad Hoc Member

Darcey VanWagner South Manager

Bob Steele South Curriculum Committee Co-Chair

Janet Kester South Curriculum Committee Co-Chair

Pat Paul South Curriculum Committee

Jim Ruden South Ad Hoc Member

Sherry Feinbaum West Manager

Alec Tsoucatos West Ad Hoc Member

Penny Friedberg West Ad Hoc Member

Fran Fraser West Ad Hoc Member

Glenn Gravlee Ad Hoc Member - from Executive Director

TBD Ad Hoc Member - from Executive Director