OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
BECOME OUR NEWEST OSHER MEMBER!
Join a community of inquiring and engaging peers age 50+ who thrive on personal fulfillment through education. Whether you are looking for individual classes or a short course series, our programs explore the arts, history, politics, religion, health, social issues and much more. At the same time, you will connect with new friends, discover volunteer opportunities and even find a fresh interest or two!
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Choose your membership option:
-Pay As You Go (with small membership fee)
- Annual Membership for unlimited courses (offered every fall)
•Access to 100+ courses annually
•Free intersession discussion groups
• Instructors who are highly respected educators and subject-matter experts
•Special events and local excursions
• Free student admission to the CSUSM Arts and Lectures program
And did we mention … no tests and no grades?
SPECIAL EVENT
11 Taste of Osher Tuesday, Aug. 19
Heroes of the Holocaust:
and Nuns 4 Resistance and Redemption: Art and Music in the Holocaust, Parts 1 and
Inventions: A to Z
5 1964: The United States at a Crossroads
5 The Psychology of Deception: Understanding and Countering Manipulation
5 Art Topics
6 Islamic Art and Architecture: A History
6 Walter Cronkite: The Most Trusted Man in America
WEDNESDAY COURSES
6 Blue Zones Around the World: Myth and Reality
7 The Lost Continents: Atlantis, Mu and More!
7 Women Writers: Weaving Bits and Pieces of Our Lives Into Characters, Settings, Short Stories and Novels
7 From Soup to Nuts: Composition and Improvisation
9 Beyond Diet and Exercise: An Antiaging Medicine Update 9 Controversial Elections in United States History
9 The Evolution of Sound Design in Movies
9 The Middle East: More Than One Promised Land
THURSDAY COURSES
10 Where on Earth is the U.S.? Are We in the Top 10?
10 An Introduction to Modern British History From 1800 to the Present
10 More on the History of the Tony Awards: 1991 to 2024
CSUSM Extended Learning
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
11 Lunch Meet Thursday, Sept. 11
DESTINATION LEARNING
11 California Surf Museum Friday, Oct. 10
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
11 Crafting a Charcuterie Board Tuesday, Oct. 14
EXCITING TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES WITH OLLI AND COLLETTE!
MONDAY, SEPT. 8 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid
We’re thrilled to announce a partnership with Collette and the launch of two unforgettable excursions one to London and Paris, and another to the beautiful region of Tuscany. Join us at this upcoming information session to learn all the details and get inspired to travel.
Note: Registration is required to receive free parking for the session.
288 Campus Way, San Marcos, CA 92078 KEY FOR LOCATIONS
in San Marcos
offered live in the classroom and via Zoom simultaneously (interactive)
Carlsbad Oceanside
THE OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
RENE W YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR LEARNING • EXPLORE NE W INTERESTS • MAKE NE W FRIENDS
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is an organization established to improve the quality of life for adults over 50 years of age through higher education and the arts. OLLI at CSUSM was established in 2004 and is one of 125 Lifelong Learning Institutes supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Osher provides a wide array of courses taught by university professors and experts in their respective fields. The program aims to keep learners intellectually active and socially engaged with like-minded peers. If you’d like to renew your enthusiasm for learning, explore new interests and make new friends, Osher is for you!
MEMBERSHIP*
An Osher membership is required to participate in our program.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP, PAY AS YOU GO
$35 membership fee. Valid 5/1/2025 - 6/30/2026. Pay for classes a la carte. When purchasing a la carte classes, if you do not have a current membership, a general membership fee will automatically be added to your shopping cart.
ANNUAL ALL-INCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP
This membership will be available to purchase beginning 7/1/2025. Pay one fee of $560 and select an unlimited number of courses from 100+ offerings throughout the year. This annual membership is valid 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026. Some exclusions apply.*
FOR REFERENCE WHEN PURCHASING AN ALL-INCLUSIVE
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:
• Purchase annual membership on our website at csusm.edu/el/olli before enrolling in classes.
• Allow 24-72 hours for account activation.
• After receiving an email notification from us, log in to your student portal to make class selections. Choose annual or lifetime member and the system will zero-out your balance (Excludes pop-up lectures, special events and destination learning.)
*Pop-up lectures, destination learning excursions, special events, entrance fees, art supplies, etc., are not included in membership packages. $5 par k ing fee per day to par k on campus.
PROGRAM LINKS
Memberships and registration fees support the program. Sharing links with spouses and friends is prohibited and serves as a detriment to the longevity of the Osher program.
CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS
Please note that all Extended Learning credit card transactions will be charged a convenience fee of 2.65%. The convenience fee is subject to change.
OLLI STAFF
Sherie Cambra , Program Director scambra@csusm.edu 760-750-8716
Amy Sprout , Program Coordinator asprout@csusm.edu 760-750-8613
HOW TO REGISTER
BY PHONE
760-750-4020
Note: We can accept eCheck s by phone. No mail-in registrations.
ONLINE
csusm.edu/el/olli/howtoregister.html
See step-by-step instructions on our website.
Bernard Osher
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT: CRAFTING A CHARCUTERIE BOARD
ART AND MUSIC IN THE HOLOCAUST ART TOPICS
ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE
ART AND MUSIC IN THE HOLOCAUST ART TOPICS
ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE
SEPTEMBER 2025
INVENTIONS: A TO Z
ART TOPICS
ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE
EVOLUTION OF SOUND DESIGN IN MOVIES
EVOLUTION OF SOUND DESIGN IN MOVIES THE MIDDLE EAST
EVOLUTION OF SOUND DESIGN IN MOVIES THE MIDDLE EAST
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EVOLUTION OF SOUND DESIGN IN MOVIES
THE MIDDLE EAST TONY AWARDS: 1991 - 2024 10 11 12 13 14
INVENTIONS: A TO Z
CSUSM CAMPUS CLOSED VETERANS DAY
ART TOPICS WALTER CRONKITE
EVOLUTION OF SOUND DESIGN IN MOVIES
THE MIDDLE EAST
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
CSUSM Osher instructors are leading educators and subject-matter experts in many fascinating fields of study. For a full list of our instructors and their areas of expertise, please visit csusm.edu/el/osher-instructors
| MONDAY COURSES
OLLI/Collette: Travel Information Session: London, Paris and Tuscany
See details on page 1.
MONDAY, SEPT. 8
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Heroes of the Holocaust: Priests and Nuns
JASON HENSLEY, PhD, teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a member of Civic Spirit’s teacher education cohort, and the award-winning author of 10 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a recent Holocaust documentary.
HOWARD KERNER, MA, is a retired English professor who taught at the high school, college and university levels in New York and Florida during his 47-year career. Before and since retirement, his passion project has been discovering and sharing fascinating, unknown stories about inspiring people who performed brave acts of kindness even during the unlikely period of the Holocaust. He has presented his uplifting programs at OLLIs, temples, churches and civic organizations across the country and in Canada. His philosophy is that although there is no bad time to learn about human goodness, there is no better time than now!
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 1 day Free Program
Understanding and Examining Cults
PROGRAM LINKS
We appreciate all of our members! Memberships and registration fees support our program. As we continue online access, please keep our program links private. Sharing links with family and friends is a detriment to the longevity of our Osher program.
The stories of cults have been burned into our national consciousness. From statements like, “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid,” from Jonestown in Guyana or remembrances of the siege in Waco, Texas, many of us have seen cults end in tragic ways. Despite a knowledge of cults in our culture, we continue to harbor misconceptions about them. We don’t understand why a man like Jim Jones, with his bent on revolutionary suicide, was able to hold sway over people. We see cult members as brainwashed. Nevertheless, cults continue to exist and continue to bring people into their ranks. And what exactly is a cult? How can one distinguish between a quirky group of people and cult-like behavior? This series will examine cults in general and then probe deep into specific case studies like Jonestown, Waco and a more modern cult, NXIVM.
MONDAYS, SEPT. 8 - OCT. 13 (SKIP 9/15)
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Online via Zoom 5 weeks $80
Jason Hensley, PhD
During the Holocaust, it was exceedingly difficult to find an individual or an organization ready to help Jewish victims. Among those few who still chose to save Jews, despite the risk of death to themselves and those they rescued, were Catholic priests and nuns. This uplifting presentation on human goodness shares the stories of these little-known brave and inspiring men and women.
MONDAY, OCT. 13
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Online via Zoom
1 day $18
Howard Kerner, MA
Resistance and Redemption: Art and Music in the Holocaust, Parts 1 and 2
How could a concentration camp inmate during the Holocaust cope with constant visual and auditory ugliness and savagery? Some Jews used their magnificent artistic gifts to create beauty for themselves and their fellow victims. We will examine those extremely talented men and women who understood that the only antidote to destruction was creation. Week one will focus on artists and week two on music.
MONDAYS, OCT. 20 - 27
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Online via Zoom
2 days $35
Howard Kerner, MA
Inventions: A to Z
In two sessions you will learn the stories and people behind 26 famous inventions one for each letter of the alphabet.
MONDAYS, NOV. 3 - 10
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Online via Zoom
2 weeks $35
Stephenie Slahor, PhD, JD
| TUESDAY COURSES
1964: The United States at a Crossroads
1964 was a year that witnessed powerful expressions of contradictory forces in American life: Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society represented a high-water mark for American liberalism, yet the candidacy of Barry Goldwater foreshadowed the rise of the New Right. The Civil Rights Act spelled an end to formal segregation in the South, but urban African Americans faced poor job prospects and deteriorating housing. This course will use 1964 as a vantage point from which to consider important trends in American society, domestic politics, foreign affairs, economics and culture.
TUESDAYS, SEPT. 9 - OCT. 7
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 5 weeks $80
Andy Strathman, PhD
The Psychology of Deception: Understanding and Countering Manipulation
This five-week course explores the psychology behind deception, from scams to persuasive tactics in advertising and relationships. Discover why people fall for manipulation through cognitive biases, emotional triggers and social influences. Examine how factors like gender and life stages shape susceptibility, and learn practical strategies to detect and resist deception.
TUESDAYS, SEPT. 9 - OCT. 7
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid*
5 weeks $80
Karen Eso, MA
Art Topics
1. Famous Artists’ Road to Fame, Part 1
2. Famous Artists’ Road to Fame, Part 2
3. Famous Architects’ Road to Fame
4. Art Scams, Thefts and Other Dirty Deals
Explore the contemporary art world and its dynamic and evolving landscape.
TUESDAYS, OCT. 14 - NOV. 18 (SKIP 11/11)
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid*
5 weeks $80
Robin Douglas, MA
Personal Enrichment: Crafting a Charcuterie Board
See details under Personal Enrichment on page 11.
TUESDAY, OCT. 14
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470
1 day $39
Dick Sterrett
STEPHENIE SLAHOR, PhD, JD, is retired from her law practice and university teaching, and she now focuses on writing, lecturing and creating innovative, informational and fun courses for OLLI programs around the nation. She is a life member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and past president of her local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association.
ANDY STRATHMAN, PhD, is a lecturer in the history department at CSUSM, where he teaches courses on United States history with an emphasis on California and the American West. He earned his PhD in history from UCSD in 2005. His doctoral dissertation focused on San Diego County water politics from 1910 to 1947. He has also taught in the history departments at UCSD and the University of San Diego. Strathman is the co-editor of The Journal of San Diego History.
KAREN ESO, MA , has been a professor at Cal State San Marcos since 2004. Her undergraduate studies were in biology and chemistry and she studied clinical neuropsychology as a graduate student at the University of Victoria. Eso’s area of specialty is traumatic brain injury.
*Hybrid courses are offered live in the classroom and via Zoom simultaneously (interactive).
DOUGLAS R. BARKER, MA , is an art historian, a professional metaphysical worker and an avid world traveler. He holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Chicago. Barker has traveled extensively in nearly 40 countries, and much of his expertise derives from spiritual experiences in sacred sites around the globe.
BLAINE DAVIES, MA , has a master’s degree in history and a bachelor’s degree in business. He taught U.S. history at Boise State University for 14 years. Prior to that, he spent 20 years as a product marketing manager at Hewlett-Packard. He enjoys researching and preparing history lectures. When traveling, he often reads historical novels in the same locations where the stories take place.
ELENA ROMINE, PhD, received her PhD from Moscow State University and her Diploma in Education from Moscow Linguistic University. She is a published author, fluent in three languages and was a senior lecturer for the Institute of Advanced Training in Publishing in Moscow. Romine has been a cross-cultural communication instructor and consultant at UC Riverside Extension for over 26 years.
Islamic Art and Architecture: A History
Are you fascinated by the arts of the Islamic lands? Intricate patterns of sacred geometry, arabesque ornament, beautiful calligraphy and ceramics, Persian miniatures, mosaics, Arab, Turkish and Persian mosques with their colored tiles, horseshoe arches, honeycomb vaults and minarets Islamic art is all this and much more. In this course we look at the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Sufi mystics, and we learn of the incredible influence of Islamic civilization on the West, including our language. We’ll explore such wonders as the Dome of the Rock, the Great Mosques of Damascus, Samarra and Cordoba, as well as the incomparable Alhambra in Granada, Spain. We will visit Cairo, Istanbul, Isfahan and even Mali. And we may even ride a magic carpet or two. Don’t miss this journey through the Islamic realms with art historian Douglas Barker.
TUESDAYS, OCT. 21 - NOV. 4
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 3 weeks $50
Douglas Barker, MA
Walter Cronkite: The Most Trusted Man in America
PROGRAM LINKS
We appreciate all of our members! Memberships and registration fees support our program. As we continue online access, please keep our program links private. Sharing links with family and friends is a detriment to the longevity of our Osher program.
Today, most Americans turn to news sources aligned with their political beliefs. But in the 1960s and 1970s many Americans, Democrats and Republicans tuned in to Walter Cronkite and the CBS Evening News because they trusted Cronkite to provide them with an unbiased report of the news. Cronkite first came to prominence as a war correspondent for UPI in World War II reporting
from the battlefields of North Africa and western Europe. Beginning with Harry Truman, he knew and generally respected the presidents, though his coverage of Watergate helped convince the American people and ultimately Richard Nixon himself that he should resign. He covered the U.S. space program, the Vietnam War, civil rights and assassinations, and he won Emmy awards in the process. He witnessed news firsthand and, with his generally unbiased coverage of the news, became known as “the most trusted man in America.”
TUESDAY, NOV. 18
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 1 day $18
Blaine Davies, MA
| WEDNESDAY COURSES
Blue Zones Around the World: Myth and Reality
In this provocative class, we will challenge conventional wisdom about longevity and health by examining five regions often hailed as Blue Zones Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California all known for their inhabitants’ remarkable lifespans and fulfilling lifestyle. We will critically question whether the so-called secrets of these regions are truly applicable for the average person.
WEDNESDAYS, SEPT. 10 - OCT. 8
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 5 weeks $80
Elena Romine, PhD
The Lost Continents: Atlantis, Mu and More!
Once, far beyond the sea, supposedly rose the towers of ancient civilizations far in advance of ours. These lands still ring in our consciousness: Atlantis, Lemuria, Mu. Are they flights of fancy, or are they echoes of real prehistory? In this class we will discuss the stories of these lost continents as well as the philosophy and paleogeography they were meant to illustrate and explain.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 1 day $18
Gideon Marcus
Women Writers: Weaving Bits and Pieces of Our Lives Into Characters, Settings, Short Stories and Novels
Do women writers have that special something, a unique ability to summon bits and pieces of their life experiences to enrich the emotional depth of their characters and works of fiction? Is this infusion intentional or unintentional, and how does it add to the connection between writer and reader? The author will use her
novels, Private Clients (2022) and Please Find Her (2025) to facilitate a discussion on key influences and inspirations that frame a woman’s writing. Participants will identify and share perceptions of their writing and reading influences through a series of short writing prompts. Open to writers and readers
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* Free for Members Marsha Lupi, EdD
From Soup to Nuts: Composition and Improvisation
Gunnar Biggs is a bass player deeply steeped in jazz and classical music. Bill Bradbury is a composer whose many influences include Irish traditional music. These two musicians will discuss and demonstrate their approaches to composition and improvisation. Using a favorite performing combination, their mandolin/bass duo, MandoBasso, they will show how their original music grows from idea to page to performance and improvisation. The lecture will include live demonstrations of complete compositions by MandoBasso.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24
1:00 - 3:00 p.m
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 1 day $18
William Bradbury and Gunnar Biggs
GIDEON MARCUS is the founder of Journey Press, an independent publisher focused on unusual and diverse speculative fiction. He is a professional space historian and has just finished Hyvilma the third book in The Kitra Saga.
MARSHA H. LUPI, EdD, is retired after 45 years as a professor of special education and college dean in New York City and Jacksonville, Florida, where she participated in faculty-led study abroad, leadership training and embracing the diversity of the student population. A member of the San Marcos Writers Group, she is the author of two mystery novels, Private Clients (2022) and Please Find Her (2025), and she is at work on a third.
GUNNAR BIGGS and WILLIAM BRADBURY perform together as MandoBasso, a duo for mandolin and bass, at such venues as the Athenaeum in La Jolla, the Carlsbad Music Festival and the Museum of Making Music. Biggs is a prominent musical figure in Southern California with a strong background in jazz and classical performance. After touring with drummer Buddy Rich at age 20, he has performed with major jazz artists ever since. He was bass instructor at San Diego State for 25 years. Bradbury is an Emmy Awardwinning composer who is professor emeritus at CSUSM. His compositions include chamber, orchestral and solo music as well as digital media.
*Hybrid courses are offered live in the classroom and via Zoom simultaneously (interactive).
JOIN OUR FALL OSHER EVENTS!
See page 11 for more information on all events.
TASTE OF OSHER
Tuesday, Aug. 19
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 404
Discover our program, preview exciting fall courses, meet instructors and explore offerings from local vendors at this free event! Enjoy exclusive opportunity drawings and special discounts only available on the event day.
LUNCH MEET
Thursday, Sept. 11
11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2956 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad
Let’s all get together for lunch! Meet us in Carlsbad in the courtyard between Shoots, Pop Pie Co., Revolution Roasters and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream.
CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM
Friday, Oct. 10
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
312 Pier View Way, Oceanside
The California Surf Museum stands as a global hub dedicated to the history and culture of surfing. Join us for a captivating one-hour tour, conveniently located near the pier with a variety of excellent lunch options afterward.
CRAFTING A CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Tuesday, Oct. 14
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470
Build your own charcuterie board using exotic hardwoods. Join Dick Sterrett in this simple construction project of gluing, sanding and finishing.
Beyond Diet and Exercise: An Antiaging Medicine Update
What can you do right now to optimize your health span? From supplement ads to expensive boutique services, we are bombarded with marketing for products promising to slow down the aging process. But how do we separate fact from fad? In this class, we will review the latest research in antiaging medicine, from the best intermittent fasting protocols to the latest in peptide therapy options, to give you the tools you need to optimize your health and activity at every age.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 1 day $18
Alexandra Bunyak, MD
Controversial Elections in United States History
For the past 25 years or so, we’ve witnessed a number of controversial elections in the United States, from hanging chads to allegations of Russian interference. But is this a recent phenomenon, or has it been happening since the very beginning in 1789? The reality is that election controversies have been a recurring theme since the inception of our nation. This class will examine several such elections, demonstrating that this is not just a modern-day trend.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 1 day $18
Frank Turner, MA
The Evolution of Sound Design in Movies
At the movies, what we hear is often as important as what we see. In some cases, the audio is the essence. From synchronous soundtracks that brought us the “talkies,” to spatial sound mixes for virtual reality goggles, sound has been an essential and often underappreciated element of movies. Besides dialogue, this course will analyze music and sound effects from a wide range of genres, beginning with Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights and concluding with Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity Other examples will include Oklahoma, Cabaret, Amadeus and The Thin Red Line.
WEDNESDAYS, OCT. 15 - NOV. 12
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 5 weeks $80
Brandon Cesmat, MFA
The Middle East: More Than One Promised Land
Why are the profound changes in the Middle East so interesting and important? The unprecedented political, economic and social shockwaves in Israel, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere are echoing around the world. This course will analyze all these developments alongside the fascinating cultures, religions and history of the region through a wide variety of perspectives. Led by a retired U.S. diplomat with stories from years working in the region, including with Israelis and Arabs in all the key countries, this class will feature presentations and discussions tailored to your interests and answering your most perplexing questions.
WEDNESDAYS, OCT. 15 - NOV. 12
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470: Hybrid* 5 weeks $80
David Bame, MAT
FRANK TURNER, MA, received both his BA in history and MA in digital history from CSUSM. He is an instructor at Palomar College and San Diego Miramar College, where he teaches United States and Ancient World History. Turner is the vice chairman and historian for the Oceanside Historical Preservation Advisory Commission.
BRANDON CESMAT, MFA, has taught cinema at Palomar College and CSUSM since 1992. He earned an MFA in Creative Writing with correlative study in screenwriting from San Diego State University. He has curated the Cinema Series for Carlsbad Library and received several San Diego Press Club awards for best critical writing about movies. He is the author of several books of poems and fiction, which include his reflections on movies. His concept album of original music, Califor-Noir, is widely available online. He can be followed @cesmatmusic.
DAVID BAME, MAT, is a retired U.S. Foreign Service officer (diplomat) with a career spanning 29 years in more than 30 countries as well as in Washington, D.C. He has worked on key U.S. national security policies around the world, especially the Middle East and Europe. Bame has lectured in Austria, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and many U.S. and foreign universities.
*Hybrid courses are offered live in the classroom and via Zoom simultaneously (interactive).
DOUG STOWELL has been a Furman University OLLI instructor in Greenville, South Carolina, since 2015 and for OLLI institutes across the U.S. since 2019. His background is in corporate market research and public opinion polling. Career positions include director of market research for the Xerox Corp., U.S. client director for National Opinion Polling Ltd. in London, and senior client representative with Wirthlin Worldwide Polling in Washington, D.C., In 2008, Stowell opened Market Resource Associates, where he conducts consumer and political issues surveys.
SCOTT MEYER is a doctoral student at the University of Exeter. He has taught classes on the history of the UK and Ireland and traveled extensively in both. Meyer is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and a graduate of the University of Oxford Advanced Diploma in English History. He has conducted research in the Houses of Parliament archives in London with access to the official letters of Prime Minister David Lloyd George about the partition of Ireland and the agreement that ended the conflict in Northern Ireland.
SAM AND CANDY CAPONEGRO have worked in all aspects of theater for over 40 years. They hope to keep the classic movie musical and the golden age of Broadway alive through their lectures.
PROGRAM LINKS
We appreciate all of our members! Memberships and registration fees support our program. As we continue online access, please keep our program links private. Sharing links with family and friends is a detriment to the longevity of our Osher program.
| THURSDAY COURSES
Special Interest Group: Lunch Meet
See details under Special Interest Group on page 11.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2956 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad
Buy Your Own Lunch
Amy and Sherie
Where on Earth is the U.S.? Are We in the Top 10?
How does the U.S. compare in meeting the challenges that exist in 2025? We will examine some 24 topics, including GDP, wages, trade balance, environment and immigration. We will use the Top 10 format, which provides a quick snapshot of the U.S. rank relative to the other nations. Our sources are international surveys by highly credible and impartial worldwide organizations. A complete PDF copy will be supplied in advance.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
1 day $18
Doug Stowell
An Introduction to Modern British History From 1800 to the Present
Britain has made a lasting impact on the modern world. This survey class will examine Britain starting in 1800 to the present. Britain has influenced everything from language
to law, government, geography and popular culture. We will learn about compelling individuals such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel, William Gladstone, Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill, who have influenced these ancient islands. We will also explore the future of Britain post-Brexit.
THURSDAY, OCT. 9
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
1 day $18
Scott Meyer
More on the History of the Tony
Awards: 1991 to 2024
Do you enjoy Broadway musicals? Ever wonder about the coveted Tony Awards that are bestowed on special musicals and talented performers, directors, choreographers, producers and songwriters? Join us as we watch and discuss clips from award-winning Broadway musicals. If music be the food of love, let us gorge ourselves.
THURSDAYS, OCT. 16 - NOV. 13
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
5 weeks $80
Sam and Candy Caponegro
| FRIDAY EVENT
Destination Learning: California Surf Museum
See details under Destination Learning on page 11.
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
312 Pier View Way, Oceanside 1 day $18
Docent
| SPECIAL EVENT
Taste of Osher
Come experience a Taste of Osher! Discover our program, preview exciting fall courses, meet instructors and explore offerings from local vendors at this free event! Enjoy exclusive opportunity drawings for classes valued between $18 and $80. Take advantage of special discounts available only to those who register onsite on the event day: $100 off the annual membership fee of $560 or 10% off class fees. Don’t miss out on this unique event! Seats are limited, and registration is required to attend and receive complimentary parking. Lunch will be provided!
TUESDAY, AUG. 19
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
CSUSM ELB 404 Free Event
| SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
Lunch Meet
Let’s all get together for lunch! Meet us in the courtyard between Shoots, Pop Pie Co., Revolution Roasters and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream. We hope to see you there. Please RSVP to osher@csusm.edu.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2956 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad
Buy Your Own Lunch
Amy and Sherie
| DESTINATION LEARNING
California Surf Museum
No discounts apply for this event. The California Surf Museum stands as a global hub dedicated to the history and culture of surfing, and to preserving its art, heritage and traditions for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. Join us for a captivating one-hour tour, conveniently located near the pier with a variety of excellent lunch options afterward.
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
312 Pier View Way, Oceanside
1 day $18
Docent
| PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Crafting a Charcuterie Board
No discounts apply for this event. Build your own charcuterie board using exotic hardwoods. Join Dick Sterrett in this simple construction of gluing, sanding and finishing. Share ideas and enjoy snacks from the charcuterie display. This class is limited to 20 students.
TUESDAY, OCT. 14
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
CSUSM ELB 470
1 day $39
Dick Sterrett
Become An Osher Volunteer!
We would not be able to provide our exceptional programming and services without the work and support of our dedicated volunteers. Please consider joining a committee, supporting special projects, assisting as a classroom ambassador or distributing catalogs in the community. We welcome your participation!
For more information on how to participate, please contact: Sherie Cambra at scambra@csusm.edu or 760-750-8716
*Hybrid courses are offered live in the classroom and via Zoom simultaneously (interactive).
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS!
Help us sustain this vibrant community of learners now and in the future.
Please consider giving to Osher so we can continue providing an outstanding, easily accessible and reasonably priced program. There are many ways to give and your donations are tax-deductible, secure and private. Your support will help ensure the continued success of our program!
IDEAS FOR GIVING BACK TO YOUR OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
• Donate in honor or memory of a friend or loved one
• Create a matching gift
• Give toward Osher member scholarships
• Support instructors
• Fund institute operations
• Create an endowed fund
• Set up a gift or bequest through your estate plan
Thank you in advance for your support.
To make your gift today, please call 760-750-4400 or visit csusm.edu/giving .
2024/2025 DONORS
• Gay and William Borsari
• Sherie Cambra
• Kathleen Constantine
• Epstein Family
• Cindi Hardesty
Each year, Osher members support our program on Giving Day with donations that help us expand our programs, activities and membership, all while k eeping member fees affordable. We are grateful for every gift and for the many ways our Osher members contribute to this community!
• Albert D. Kern
• Thomas and Phyllis Lewcock
• John and Pam Lundblad
• John and Nancey Lyden
• Margaret Mahin
• Cheri Mason
• Claire Nelson
• Michael Pierce
• Joseph M. Ramos
• Patricia Ratledge
• Dr. K. Brooks and Marion T. Reid
• Laurie J. Richards
• Judy Updegraff
• Joan McGovern-White
• Paul and Susan Wright
• Sandra Kay Zuris
• Anonymous
• Anonymous
• Anonymous
MISSION STATEMENT
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University San Marcos (OLLI at CSUSM) is an intellectual and social community of inquisitive learners established to engage people over 50 years of age through higher education and the arts.
OLLI connects members to the brightest minds and ideas in our society, including university-level professors and successful professionals who are leaders in many fields. The program strives to inspire seasoned learners who share intellectual curiosity and a quest for knowledge.
Established in 2004, OLLI at CSUSM is one of 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes nationwide supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation.
OLLI facilitates meaningful learning, increases community involvement and enhances social connections, all beneficial to a flourishing life. If you want to renew your enthusiasm for learning, explore new interests and make new friends, OLLI is for you!
California State University San Marcos 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos, California 92096-0001
To be removed from our mailing list, mail this page to the address above. Not printed or mailed at state expense.
| FREE LECTURE FOR MEMBERS
Women Writers: Weaving Bits and Pieces of Our Lives Into Characters, Settings, Short Stories and Novels
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17, 2025
Do women writers have a unique ability to summon bits and pieces of their life experiences to enrich the emotional depth of their characters and works of fiction? How does it add to the connection between writer and reader? Author Marsha Lupi will use her novels, Private Clients (2022) and Please Find Her (2025) to facilitate a discussion on key influences and inspirations that frame a woman's writing. Participants will share perceptions of their writing and reading influences through short writing prompts. Open to writers and readers.
See page 7 for more information.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES
760-750-4020
Note: We can accept eChecks by phone.
csusm.edu/el/olli/howtoregister.html