OLLI at UNT Fall 2024 Catalog

Fall 2024 Catalog

Celebrating 15 Years of Lifelong Learning at UNT!

Take a Bus Trip to the Heard Natural Science Museum pg. 19

Enjoy a Private Tour of the Texas Fashion Collection’s Latest Exhibition pg. 21

Preview the 2024 Elections with Political Science Professors pg. 22

We make learning fast, easy, and fun.

15 Years of Lifelong Learning at the University of North Texas

In October 2009, the University of North Texas launched a new lifelong learning program called the Emeritus College. That semester, the program offered just 15 courses in the University Union. The Emeritus College’s programming and enrollment increased rapidly, however, and by January 2010, a total of 155 adults over the age of 50 had joined the program. Under the leadership of Director Marilyn Wagner and the founding Emeritus College Dean Jim Miller (1926 - 2011), the program aimed to become an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

In 2016, the Bernard Osher Foundation approved UNT’s program as the newest member of its national network of institutes, and the Emeritus College officially became OLLI at UNT. This success and growth would not have been possible without the support of Debbie and Neal Smatresk. When Neal Smatresk became president of UNT in 2014, he made the growth of the university’s lifelong learning program a major priority. Debbie Smatresk, a former OLLI director, joined the program’s advisory body and served as a mentor to its staff.

Following the retirement of Marilyn Wagner in 2017, Stephanie Reinke became the new director of the program. The next year, the Osher Foundation approved a generous $1 million endowment for OLLI at UNT, ensuring that the program would be able to sustain itself for many years to come. Stephanie Reinke oversaw the continued expansion of the program until her retirement earlier this year. OLLI at UNT now serves over 1,400 members annually at 8 classroom locations, from Denton to Dallas and online.

OLLI at UNT is soliciting member stories from the past decade-and-a-half of lifelong learning. Whether you were a founding member or have joined in more recent years, if you’d like to share a memorable experience from your participation in the Emeritus College or OLLI at UNT, please email Jordan.Williams@unt.edu.

For a more detailed history of OLLI at UNT, visit our website: olli.unt.edu/history

You can also explore our digital collection of photos and other program materials on the UNT Libraries website: digital.library.unt.edu/explore/collections/OLLI

Who are we?

We are the University of North Texas's educational program for adults age 50 and better. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNT is part of a national network of OLLI programs that receive support from the Bernard Osher Foundation.

Our mission is to foster intellectual stimulation and social engagement through an extensive array of learning opportunities curated by and for our members. Since its founding in 2009, our program has grown to include 8 classroom locations around the North Texas region and over 1,400 members.

Our classrooms are an ideal environment for expert instructors to share their wealth of knowledge with eager adult learners. We promote education simply for the joy of learning.

If you've never attended an OLLI course before, please reach out to our office. We'll welcome you for one free course as our guest.

Our Instructors

The talented individuals who teach our courses are volunteers with a passion for education. Many are active or retired university faculty members who enjoy sharing their knowledge with lifelong learners. We also offer presentations by experienced educators, independent researchers and other subject matter experts. More information can be found at olli.unt.edu/teach.

Jeanette Laredo, PhD

Unraveling the History of Toilet Paper Summer 2024

What does OLLI offer?

Non-credit Courses

Taught by active and retired university faculty, as well as other subject matter experts, our courses are designed to make learning fast, easy, and fun. Instructors submit proposals prior to each semester for approval by our Curriculum Committee. OLLI courses can consist of up to four 90-minute sessions and there are never any tests, grades, or mandatory assignments.

Special Interest Groups (SIG)

These groups are led by members with support from OLLI staff and provide opportunities to get to know others with shared interests. We have book groups, a yoga group, a solo travelers group, a group that attends UNT vocal recitals, and more. Members interested in starting a new SIG should reach out to our staff for assistance.

Lecture Series

We run two unique lecture series every semester. Our Lunch & Learn series highlights faculty from a selected UNT department. Our Debbie & Neal Smatresk OLLI After Five series takes place in early evenings and includes complimentary wine and cheese. Both of these series are curated by our Senior Director.

Special Events & Local Trips

We arrange for private tours, culinary activities, guest lecturers, planetarium visits, workshops, and other experiential learning opportunities to add variety to our curriculum. We also take chartered bus trips to local museums and other destinations of interest in our area.

Travel Opportunities

We partner with travel agencies to offer our members discounted group rates for selected domestic and international trips. When possible, we also partner with OLLI instructors to guide members on custom educational tours. Information about our upcoming trips is available at olli.unt.edu/travel.

Podcast

OLLI member Susan Supak conducts interviews with the instructors who teach our courses as well as UNT alumni and retirees. Each episode is a deep dive into the guest's personal background and area of expertise. The podcast is available to the public for free at olli.unt.edu/podcast.

Authors Out Loud

Dr. Jean Greenlaw and Susan Supak interview renowned authors in this special series. OLLI members sometimes have the opportunity to attend interviews live on Zoom. Recordings of previous interviews are available to the public for free at olli.unt.edu/aol.

Virtual Learning

Virtual learning opportunities in this catalog can be identified by the following symbols:

Zoom Virtual Activity

Livestreamed on YouTube

Recorded Session(s)

Links for Zoom Virtual Activities are included in the confirmation email members receive after enrolling in each activity.

Links for YouTube livestreams are emailed to all OLLI members in advance of each session.

Links for available recordings are included in the weekly emails received by all OLLI members throughout the semester.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

OPTIONS

Valid for 365 days from purchase.

All Memberships Include:

• OLLI Lecture Series

• Full Member Benefits

• Livestreams & Zoom Courses

• Access to The Great Courses

• Special Interest Groups

Additional fees apply for some special events.

All Courses Included Pay Per Course

$150 per year (General Public)

Discounted Groups: $85 per year

▶ U.S. Armed Services Veterans & Spouses

▶ UNT Retiree Association Members

▶ UNT Alumni Association Members

▶ Flower Mound Seniors In Motion Members

▶ The Grove at Frisco Commons Members

▶ Keller Senior Activities Center Members

▶ Denton Senior Center Members

▶ Denton American Legion Hall Members

How to Join

New Members: olli.unt.edu/register

Follow the instructions on our website to purchase your membership and enroll in courses and events online. If you prefer to join by mail, download our Membership Form and our Fall 2024 Enrollment Form. Send those forms to our mailing address along with any fees due.

Questions?

Contact olli@unt.edu or 940-369-7293.

$55 per year + $15 per course

Course fee applies to each in-person course listed on pages 28 - 37.

Course fees are due upon enrollment in each course. Pay Per Course members may upgrade to an All Courses Included membership by contacting OLLI at UNT. The cost of an upgrade is the difference between the two membership fees, minus any course fees that have already been paid.

Policies

Payment

We accept payment by check and all major credit cards. Course and event fees are due upon enrollment in each activity. Only UNT employees may accept member payments. The staff who work for our satellite classroom partners cannot accept payments for OLLI at UNT memberships or activities.

Dropping a Class / Waitlists

Once an OLLI at UNT activity fills, members are placed on a waitlist in order of enrollment. Members wishing to cancel their participation in an OLLI at UNT activity should contact olli@unt.edu or 940-369-7293 at least 24 hours in advance of the activity. Staff will then notify the next member on the waitlist.

Refunds

OLLI at UNT membership, course, and event fees are non-refundable. OLLI at UNT course and event fees will only be refunded if an activity is cancelled and not rescheduled. OLLI at UNT makes every attempt to reschedule activities that cannot be held at their originally scheduled date and time.

Cancellation Deadlines / Credit

Members who cancel their participation in an OLLI at UNT course or event prior to that activity's Cancellation Deadline can request credit for any fees paid. This credit can be applied to a future OLLI activity or membership fee upon member request.

Cancellation Notices

If UNT closes due to inclement weather, all OLLI at UNT activities will be cancelled until the university reopens. Otherwise, the decision to cancel an activity during inclement weather will be made based on conditions at each classroom location and input from our instructors.

In the event that an OLLI at UNT activity is cancelled or rescheduled for any reason, members on the roster will be notified by email. It is important that you provide our staff with an email account you check regularly.

Public Health and Safety

OLLI at UNT staff follow the health and safety policies put forth by the university. Our classroom and offices are part of the university's Denton campus. The latest information on UNT's policies can be found on healthalerts.unt.edu.

Our satellite classroom partners are responsible for issuing their own health and safety policies.

OLLI Member ID Cards

All new members will receive an OLLI at UNT ID card and lanyard by mail following registration. Please show your ID card to the host each time you arrive for an OLLI course or event at any of our locations. It may take 2-3 weeks for your ID card to arrive once your new member registration has been processed. Until it arrives, a printed copy of your registration confirmation email can also be shown as proof of OLLI membership.

Replacement IDs can be requested for a $5 fee. Contact olli@unt.edu if you've misplaced your ID.

Senior Center Access

To access OLLI at UNT courses held at the Flower Mound Senior Center or The Grove at Frisco Commons, OLLI members must also present proof of senior center membership or purchase a day pass upon entry. For information about each senior center's membership and day pass options, please contact them directly:

Flower Mound Senior Center : 972-874-6110 flower-mound.com/749/Seniors-In-Motion

The Grove at Frisco Commons : 972-292-6550 friscotexas.gov/1559/The-Grove-at-Frisco-Commons

All OLLI at UNT members can attend OLLI courses at the Keller Senior Activities Center by showing their OLLI member ID card at the front desk. No entry fee is required.

Fall Enrollment Options

Individuals with an active OLLI at UNT membership can use any of the following methods to enroll in our courses, special events, lecture series, and special interest groups:

Our Enrollment Form allows you to check off the box by each activity you plan to participate in. The form can then be sent to our mailing address along with a check made payable to OLLI at UNT to cover any applicable fees. The form is available to download from our website at olli.unt.edu/members.

Confirmation Emails

Whenever you enroll in OLLI activities using one of the methods on the left, you will receive an automated confirmation email containing the date, time, and location of each activity. If you enroll in a Zoom activity, the link will also be included in your confirmation.

Friday Emails

All active members will receive our weekly reminder emails, which are typically sent on Fridays during each semester. These emails include the following information:

• The upcoming week's schedule

• Links for upcoming Zoom courses and CC Young livestreams

• Important OLLI announcements and schedule changes

• Links to available recordings of virtual courses and livestreams

• Upcoming local events of interest

If you're not receiving our weekly emails in your inbox, first check to see if your email provider is filtering them into your junk or spam folder. To prevent our emails from being marked as junk, it may help to add olli@unt.edu to your email account's contacts. If that doesn't fix the issue, please contact our office for assistance.

Course Evaluations

Send an email to olli@unt.edu listing the titles and dates of the activities in which you wish to enroll. Don't forget to include your name! You can also call 940-369-7293 to enroll over the phone.

Please enroll using the method that is most convenient for you. Members can add activities to their schedules throughout the semester.

At the end of each course, all members on the roster will receive an email reminder to complete a brief course evaluation. Please complete an evaluation within 5 days of the end of each course you attend. These evaluations are vital to OLLI staff, instructors, and the Curriculum Committee.

Advisory Council

The ten OLLI members on the Advisory Council work with the Senior Director to review and evaluate policies and operations. The Council also does strategic planning to ensure that the program’s quality and growth closely align with the needs of the OLLI at UNT membership.

President: Cathy Hartman

Vice President: Sandra Meier-Western

Financial Liaison: Cynthia Parker

Secretary: Steve Dubrow

Outgoing Council Members:

We’re incredibly grateful for the service of the following members whose terms on the council have ended as of August 2024.

• Tom Klammer

• Karen Nelsen

• Emily Richardson

• Cheryl Storm

Incoming Council Members:

Member Volunteers

We’re excited to welcome the following members who have been elected to the council with terms beginning in August 2024.

• Elaine Darby

• Steve Dubrow (2nd term)

• Max Morley

• Ray Pahler

• Bob Pryor

• LaDonna Womochel

We’re extremely grateful to each member who volunteers their time to represent OLLI in the community or help our staff complete various projects throughout the year. We couldn’t operate our program without member support. Members with strong organizational skills, a talent for collaborating well with others, or prior experience working in lifelong learning or similar programs should contact our office to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Max Morley

Susan Supak

Steve Dubrow

Cathy Hartman

Cynthia Parker

Sandra Meier-Western

Member Benefits & Discounts

UNT College of Music Concerts

Members can reserve complimentary tickets through OLLI at UNT for select College of Music concerts each spring and fall semester. Members will be notified by email once the list of selected concerts is available.

UNT CoLab

OLLI at UNT members can receive a 10% discount off of their retail purchase at the UNT CoLab (excluding consignment) by showing their OLLI ID card at checkout. The CoLab is located at 207 N. Elm Street in Denton.

UNT Kuehne Speaker Series

The UNT Kuehne Speaker Series is a signature event that supports the transformative Kuehne Scholarship Program and features distinguished speakers who share insights on relevant global issues. Discounted tickets are regularly made available to OLLI at UNT members.

UNT Dance and Theatre Performances

OLLI at UNT members can purchase discounted tickets to Dance & Theatre performances. For more information or to purchase discounted tickets, contact the box office at 940-565-2428 or dat-boxoffice@unt.edu and let them know you are an OLLI member.

UNT Pohl Recreation Center

OLLI at UNT members can join UNT’s rec center at the discounted rate of $22 per month by bringing in their OLLI ID card and purchasing a rec center membership onsite. Pohl Recreation Center is located on UNT’s campus at 1900 Chestnut St., Denton, TX 76201. For more information, contact recsports@unt.edu or 940-565-2275.

Member Lounge and Free Library

OLLI at UNT members can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the Member Lounge, which is located in the UNT Support and Services Building in Denton. The lounge includes comfortable couches and a free library of books that have been donated by members.

UNT Library Card

OLLI at UNT members can request a university library card by contacting olli@unt.edu. The card grants book checkout privileges at Willis Library.

Froth Coffee and Dessert Bar

By showing their OLLI ID card, members can receive a 10% discount from this Denton restaurant, which is located on 1611 Eagle Drive, across the street from our offices in the SSB. Visit FrothDenton.com to view their menu.

Lewisville Lake Symphony Concerts

OLLI at UNT members can purchase discounted concert tickets from the Lewisville Lake Symphony. Members will be notified by email of upcoming concerts.

OLLI at UNT Advisory Council Your support makes a difference.

"Please consider making a gift in support of our mission to offer impactful lifelong learning opportunities. Your donation in any amount will be received with gratitude."

The Great Courses

OLLI at UNT has recently purchased the two Instant Video courses above from The Great Courses and acquired the rights to share them with our members. To gain access, sign in to the OLLI at UNT Member Portal, add The Great Courses Member Access option to your cart, and proceed through checkout. You will then receive a confirmation email containing the login information you’ll use to sign in to the shared OLLI at UNT account on the Great Courses website. You can also email our office to request access.

Signing In: You must sign in to The Great Courses website using the OLLI at UNT login information provided in the confirmation email you receive. If you have your own personal account on The Great Courses, the titles we have purchased will not appear in your personal Digital Library.

Make a note of where you leave off in a given course each time you sign out, since other members can also access our shared Great Courses account while you’re away.

Titles Available through OLLI at UNT:

• Understanding the World’s Greatest Structures: Science & Innovation from Antiquity to Modernity

• How Winston Churchill Changed the World

• How to Read & Understand Shakespeare

• England, the 1960s, & the Triumph of the Beatles

• The American West: History, Myth, & Legacy

• America's Founding Fathers

• The Great Trials of World History

• Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers

• Peoples & Cultures of the World

• Life & Work of Mark Twain

• America After the Cold War: The First 30 Years

• Leonardo da Vinci & the Italian High Renaissance

• Great Minds of the Eastern Intellectual Tradition

• Taking Control of Your Personal Data

• Unsung Heroes of WWII: Europe

• Turning Points in Modern History

• Tai Chi for Aging with Strength and Tranquility

• The Real History of Pirates

• Memory and the Human Lifespan

• History of the Supreme Court

• Concert Masterworks

• King Arthur

• Radio Astronomy

• Understanding Imperial China

• The Real Ancient Egypt

• Epigenetics: How Environment Changes Your Biology

• The Vietnam War

• Nature Watching: How to Find and Observe Wildlife

• American Sign Language for Everyone

• The Stories of Missing Masterpieces

• Life in the World’s Oceans

• Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet

• The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction

• 10 Great What-Ifs of American History

• How the Great Migration Changed America

• Examining the Big Questions of Time

• How Digital Technology Shapes Us

• The Botanist’s Eye: Identifying the Plants Around You

Classroom Locations

All OLLI at UNT members can attend OLLI courses at any of our classroom locations, regardless of their membership type or where they live. Complimentary parking (including designated spaces for disabled persons) is available at each location. The primary OLLI schedule for each location is listed below.

University of North Texas

Complimentary OLLI Parking Permit Required*

Support and Services Building (SSB)

1500 N. Interstate 35 Denton, TX 76205

*Members should pick up a parking permit from staff on the first day they arrive for a class at the SSB.

Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00am - 11:30am & 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Robson Ranch

Clubhouse Ballroom 9428 Ed Robson Circle Denton, TX 76207

Good Samaritan Society

Lake Forest Village Activity Building

3901 Montecito Drive Denton, TX 76210

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00am - 11:30am 1:00pm - 2:30pm & 2:45pm - 4:15pm

Fridays 10:00am - 11:30am

Community Event Center 1301 Haverford Lane Lantana, TX 76226

Fridays 10:00am - 11:30am

Lantana

Senior Center Access: Accessing OLLI at UNT courses at the Flower Mound Senior Center and The Grove at Frisco Commons requires the additional purchase of either a senior center membership or a day pass. See details on page 5.

Flower Mound Senior Center

Shirley Voirin Ballroom

2701 W. Windsor Drive Flower Mound, TX 75028

Mondays & Wednesdays 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Keller Senior Activities Center

Multipurpose Room

640 Johnson Road

Building C Keller, TX 76248

Tuesdays 1:30pm - 3:00pm

The Grove at Frisco Commons

Craft Room

8300 McKinney Road Frisco, TX 75034

Fridays 10:00am - 11:30am & 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Zoom Virtual Classroom

Virtual courses and events are scheduled based on the instructor's availability. Each virtual activity has its own unique Zoom link, which will be included in our confirmation emails.

Learn about our Dallas classroom location on the next page.

The Point at CC Young

Auditorium

4847 W. Lawther Dr. Dallas, TX 75214

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00am - 11:30am

About Our Partnership with CC Young

OLLI at UNT is in the third year of a three-year Partnership Agreement with CC Young Senior Living in Dallas that brings our courses to their best-in-class facilities. Senior adults throughout the Dallas area have convenient, affordable access to lifelong learning thanks to this commitment by the leadership of CC Young.

All OLLI at UNT members are welcome to attend OLLI courses and events held in The Point Auditorium. Thanks to the generosity of CC Young, OLLI at UNT memberships are now complimentary for all CC Young residents, Terraces Priority members, Point members, and Umphress Terrace residents.

OLLI courses held at CC Young will be broadcast internally to residents on channel 81. Courses will also be livestreamed on YouTube based on instructor permission. OLLI staff will provide livestream links to all members in our weekly emails.

Livestreamed on YouTube

Travel With Us

We have partnered with the Collette travel agency to offer the following trips.

British Landscapes

feat. England, Scotland, and Wales

February 23 - March 4, 2025 • 10 Days • 12 Meals

Holland & Belgium Springtime River Cruise feat. Amsterdam, Bruges, and Antwerp

April 8 - 16, 2025 • 9 Days • 20 Meals

Canadian Rockies by Train feat. British Columbia, Alberta, and Banff

July 20 - 28, 2025 • 9 Days • 13 Meals

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls, & Botswana

feat. Chobe National Park and 8 Wildlife Safaris

September 12 - 26, 2025 • 15 Days • 29 Meals

Southern Charm Holiday

feat. Historic Charleston, St. Simons Island, and Caroling

December 2 - 8, 2025 • 7 Days • 9 Meals

Visit olli.unt.edu/travel for more information.

“I had never taken a guided tour like this before so I really didn’t know what to expect; plus I was traveling solo and didn’t know anyone else going.

Our tour guide, local guides, and the tours to expected destinations were excellent. The unique side trips to unexpected locations were gems! I felt as though I had experienced the tastes and culture of the country.

It was hard to say goodbye to my new friends and re-enter the real world after spending this time in a travel utopia.”

-Sheila H.

Cowboys & Comanches

with Dr. Andrew Torget

October 2025 (Dates TBD)

Registration for this historical bus trip is not yet open. Once we have set dates for the trip and for the opening of registration, we will notify all members by email.

The PUSH (Persevere Until Success Happens) program at UNT provides a campus-wide network of support for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness. By focusing on the academic, financial, career and social well-being of each student, PUSH enables them to arrive and thrive on campus.

Since 2019, our department has partnered with UNT’s PUSH program to offer potlucks, game nights, and more for the incredible students who benefit from its services. It’s been our pleasure to work with the PUSH staff, led by UNT’s Foster Care Liaison Officer Brenda Sweeten, on these events.

Our Program Project Specialist Liza McLatcher continues to strengthen this partnership by creating new opportunities for members to support PUSH students and bring members and students together in fun, engaging ways. Additionally, our Friends of PUSH initiative now connects lifelong learners with PUSH staff so that they can support students more directly and sustainably through financial assistance, hot meals, and more.

We are excited to continue developing Friends of PUSH, and we hope you will choose to participate and make a difference in these students’ lives. To learn more and get involved in this new initiative, please visit our website.

olli.unt.edu/fop

Gift Bags for Graduating Seniors

As we approached the end of the academic year, we reached out to Brenda Sweeten, UNT’s Foster Care Liaison Officer, and learned that 15 amazing PUSH seniors would be graduating this spring. To help these seniors celebrate this massive achievement, we presented Friends of PUSH members signed personalized graduation cards, baked homemade goods for PUSH seniors to enjoy, and donated gift cards to well-loved local restaurants that would allow these students to celebrate their hard work.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, we were able to assemble 15 complete gift bags that were delivered to the PUSH staff on May 8th prior to the start on commencement ceremonies. If you were able to contribute, we are very grateful for your participation!

PUSH Game Night (Date & Time TBD)

This fall, we will once again team up with PUSH for an evening of food and games with gift card prizes for PUSH students. Once a date and time have been established, an invitation will be emailed to all OLLI at UNT members.

Located in historic Downtown Denton, the UNT CoLab functions as a learning lab for the students of the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism to prepare them for the industry. CoLab also offers a variety of events and exhibitions, with a curated retail boutique of uniquely Denton and UNT-inspired goods. OLLI members can receive 10% off their retail purchase by showing their OLLI ID card (excludes consignment).

colab.unt.edu

Complimentary Concert Tickets

Concert Dates TBD

Our friends in the College of Music will make a limited number of complimentary concert tickets available to OLLI at UNT members this fall. Members will be notified by email once the list of selected concerts is available. Each member will then be able to reserve one ticket per concert by contacting the OLLI office.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

Bookshelf Catch-Up

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

Tuesdays, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, & Nov. 12

2:45pm - 4:15pm

Denton Senior Center Orange Room (509 N. Bell Ave.)

This discussion group is for readers who love getting lost in libraries and bookstores, only to realize months later that the bestseller on their shelf has been sitting there unread way too long. Each participant will suggest a book for next semester and lead the discussion if their book is chosen by the group.

Great Books

Fridays, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 22

2:45pm - 4:15pm

UNT SSB 105

Join Donna Zelisko-McLaughlin to explore a category of literature called “great books.” Selections might be philosophical, political, scientific, literary, or culturally significant. Participants will respond to the works from a personal perspective of what resonates to them.

The Plague by Albert Camus

A haunting tale of human resilience and hope in the face of unrelieved horror, Albert Camus’ iconic novel about an epidemic ravaging the people of a North African coastal town is a classic of twentieth-century literature.

Sept. 10

The Time it Never Rained by Elmer Kelton

In the 1950s, West Texas suffered the harsh, unforgiving realities of seven years of drought. During that time, rancher Charlie Flagg wrestled a living from unyielding land while struggling to communicate with his loyal wife, rambunctious son, and supportive Mexican workers. Refusing the assistance of federal aid programs, he and his family struggle until the time it rains again—-if it ever rains again.

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger

It’s 1944 and sixteen-year-old ballerina and gymnast Edith Eger is sent to Auschwitz. Separated from her parents on arrival, she endures unimaginable experiences, including being made to dance for the infamous Josef Mengele. When the camp is finally liberated she is pulled from a pile of bodies, barely arrive. The horrors of the Holocaust don’t break her and instead help her to live again with a life-affirming strength and resilience.

The Underground Railroad by Colson

Whitehead

A young Cora’s bid for freedom from an early 19th century Georgia plantation combines elements of magic realism and historical fiction to depict a rail transport system with safe houses and secret routes, black and white activists, who all collaborate to help the enslaved escape to freedom decades before the Civil War. A 2016 critically acclaimed and commercially successful novel, the story possesses matter-offact slave narratives collected by the Federal Writers’ Project of the 1930s.

25

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

An unforgettable tale, set in 17th century England, of a village that quarantines itself to arrest the spread of the plague, from the author The Secret Chord and of March, winner of the Pulitzer Prize.

Cold Mountain

by Charles Frazier

Cold Mountain is a novel about a soldier’s perilous journey back to his beloved near the Civil War’s end. At once a love story & a harrowing account of one man’s long walk home, the novel recreates a world gone by that speaks to our time.

Yoga

Tuesdays, Sept. 3 & 17, Oct. 1 & 15, Nov. 5 & 19

10:00am - 11:00am

UNT SSB 105

Join Sheila Holincheck for guided yoga sessions. Participants should bring their own mat. All experience levels are welcome.

Oct. 8

Nov. 12

Sept. 27

Oct.

Nov. 22

Book Talk with Dr. Greenlaw

Wednesdays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13

2:45pm - 4:15pm

UNT SSB 101 (Conference Room)

This discussion group is led by Jean Greenlaw. The topic for each meeting will be the theme of Dr. Greenlaw’s “Book Talk” column that appears in the Denton Record-Chronicle on the first weekend of each month. It is not necessary to read the books mentioned in the column, but it will make your participation more meaningful if you do read a book that fits the theme. It can range from a picture book for children to the most complex book you find on the topic. Dr. Greenlaw will begin each session by discussing the topic and a few books from her column (a copy of the column will be sent to the SIG roster before each meeting). Then members will participate by discussing the book they read. There are three points Dr. Greenlaw would like participants to be ready to discuss with the group:

• How does the book you read fit the theme?

• What was your most important takeaway from the book?

• Why would others be interested in reading the book?

You are welcome to be a member of the SIG and not participate in the discussion if you wish. It just is more fun for you if you put in your 2 cents worth!

Fall Book Talk Themes:

Sept. 11: Mysteries & Thrillers

Oct. 9: The Arts

Nov. 13: Books worthy to be given as gifts

Writing and Telling Your Stories

with Emily Richardson Wednesdays, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 1:15pm - 2:15pm Flower Mound Senior Center

This writing group is led by genealogist Emily Richardson. At each meeting, a different concept will be shared that can be used to write your personal family story. During each session, the group will discuss possibilities, share ideas, and get started writing. The final product will be placed in a cloud file that others can access, read, and provide comments. Ideally, at the end of the three sessions group members will have 3 unique stories they can share with their families. This SIG is designed for any individual interested in writing their family stories, regardless of their experience with writing. Those who participated in the Spring are invited to come back for more ideas!

Fall Activities: Writing using postcards, letters, or photographs; writing using prompts; and editing and refining your writing.

Solo Travelers, Unite!

Thurs. Sept. 12, 3:00pm - 4:30pm; UNT SSB 102

Thurs. Oct. 10, 1:30pm - 3:00pm; Keller Sr. Act. Center

Thurs. Nov. 7, 3:00pm - 4:30pm; UNT SSB 102

Traveling independently can be challenging for individuals, both experienced and inexperienced travelers. This group, led by Cathy Hartman, with Carolyn Hodge serving as co-leader for Keller meetings, is based around members empowering and supporting each other to travel independently with confidence. Group meetings will alternate between Denton and Keller to accommodate as many members as possible.

Discovering Classical Vocal Recitals with Steve Dubrow

Three or four different dates and times TBD* UNT Music Building (415 Avenue C)**

A lover of all sorts of music written for the classically trained human voice, Steve Dubrow has attended dozens of the classical vocal recitals that the UNT College of Music presents to the public without charge. These recitals demand the same level of technique and artistry as an opera performance, but the format and location make possible a special intimacy between singer and audience.

This group will attend three or four recitals this fall. The group will meet in a reserved room in the Music Building 30 minutes before the performance, at which time Steve will provide context for the music about to be performed. There will be opportunity for further discussion during the intermission. After the performance, the singer will often find the time to drop in to speak about the recital and to answer a few questions.

*The recital schedule for Fall 2024 was not yet announced at the time this catalog was published.

**UNT offers recital patrons free parking in the lot off Highland Street between Bain Hall and the North/South practice buildings.

SPECIAL EVENTS & LOCAL TRIPS

These activities may take place outside of the traditional classroom setting and may also have a unique educational format. All activities in this section are complimentary for all OLLI members, except where an event fee is clearly indicated in red.

Health Science Talks at CC Young Memory and Brain Health as You Age: Understanding Changes and Dispelling Myths

Wednesday, September 4

4:00pm - 5:30pm

The Point at CC Young

Did you know that your memories are not a fixed set of information like files in a filing cabinet? Rather, your memories are the result of a set of highly active brain processes which constantly shape and reshape your experiences and integrate knowledge across the adult life-span. Advances in cognitive and developmental psychology and neuroscience continue to provide important insights into the mind-body-brain relationships involved in healthy memory aging. This lecture will explain normal brain and behavioral changes that occur across the adult lifespan with respect to memory and related cognitive abilities. Dr. Ryals will discuss ways in which memory and overall cognitive functioning may actually be strengthened and improved through simple strategies and exercise (both mental and physical). Finally, he will share evidence-based findings to help dispel myths and stereotypes associated with memory and aging, thus aiming to empower individuals toward memory and brain health.

psychology.unt.edu/unt-neurocognitive-laboratory

Anthony Ryals, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at UNT and Primary Investigator of the UNT Neurocognitive Laboratory. His research interests include explicit and implicit human memory, metamemory, cognitive neuroscience, traumatic memory, and unusual cognitive states.

UNT Sky Theater Planetarium

Back to the Moon for Good

Wednesday, September 25

1:00pm - 2:00pm 1704 W. Mulberry St. Denton, TX 76201

Back to the Moon for Good provides an insider’s look at the teams vying for the $30 million Google Lunar XPRIZE, the largest incentivized prize in history. The film begins with a tour through the history of lunar exploration, tracing back to the 1960s and 1970s. Members will hear from some of the teams racing to land a robotic spacecraft on the moon and win the Google Lunar XPRIZE. Members will be taken on a successful launch, landing, and tour of the lunar surface. The film ends with an enticing visualization of a future settlement on the moon.

Following the 25-minute documentary, UNT Astronomy staff will use the planetarium’s technology to give members a preview of that night’s sky and answer astronomy questions.

Parking Options : Members are welcome to park at the UNT Support & Services Building and walk 0.7 miles up the sidewalk to the theater. Members also have the option to pick up a single day permit from OLLI at UNT staff that will allow access to lots that are closer to the theater.

Chartered Bus Trip

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

Friday, October 4

McKinney, TX

$72 per member

Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and consists of a 289 acre nature preserve and a natural science museum. The Heard exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard offers a unique combination of indoor and outdoor activities that will enhance members’ knowledge of native plants and more. Plus, members will experience a tour of a wonderful display of trees, shrubs, grasses, vines, ground covers and perennials native to the Lone Star State in the Heard’s native plant gardens. These gardens demonstrate how native plants can be used in urban garden settings.

Chartered Bus Routes

Please register for one of the routes below, based on the pickup location that is most convenient for you.

Route #1

8:00am - Departs from Robson Ranch Clubhouse

8:30am - Departs from Flower Mound Senior Center

Route #2

8:00am - Departs from The Point at CC Young

9:00am - Departs from The Grove at Frisco Commons

2:30pm - All buses depart from the Heard

Activity Level

This trip will involve a good amount of walking on outdoor nature trails. Benches are available in some of the outdoor areas. Lunch will be eaten indoors.

Trip Fee

The $72 fee for this event includes transportation on luxurious chartered buses, a boxed lunch from Jason’s Deli, a Garden Talk at the Heard, plus entrance to the indoor museum and outdoor area.

Registration & Cancellation Deadline : Wednesday, August 28 (see policy on page 5)

Authors Out Loud!

Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn

This interview will be pre-recorded and published on our website in September.

olli.unt.edu/aol

In this author interview series, Dr. Jean Greenlaw and Susan Supak host discussions with renowned writers. These conversations explore the authors’ books, delve into the inspirations for their characters, themes, and stories. The authors discuss the craft of writing itself, as well as the trials and victories they experience seeing their work to completion.

Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn have coauthored several books together, including Tightrope, A Path Appears, Half the Sky, Thunder from the East, and China Wakes. Together they were awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for their coverage of China. They also received the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 2009.

Kristof is an op-ed columnist for The New York Times, where he was previously bureau chief in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Tokyo. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2006 for his columns on Darfur. WuDunn worked at The New York Times as a business editor and foreign correspondent in Tokyo and Beijing. She now works in banking.

Oktoberfest Beer & Cheese Pairing

Lesson

Thursday, October 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

UNT SSB 102

$30 Per Member

In this Oktoberfest-themed event, members will enjoy a flight of 3 beers (4 oz. each) a selection of 3 cheeses (1 oz. each), bread from Ravelin Bakery, plus an assortment of nuts, jams, and poached fruit. With expertise and passion, Justin Bonard from Ten:One Artisanal Cheese Shop will provide an overview of the Oktoberfest tradition and discuss each beer and cheese in detail, explaining why they complement each other so well.

Ten:One Artisanal Cheese Shop turns 6 years old this October. In that time, they have won the Dallas Observer’s Best Cheese Shop award and have been a finalist for the Denton Record-Chronicle’s Best Wine Shop and Best Wine List. They have also been featured on NBC’s Texas Today

Registration & Cancellation Deadline : Thursday, October 10 (see policy on page 5)

Nut & Gluten Allergies : Please notify olli@unt.edu no later than one week prior to this event to request a nut-free or gluten-free board.

Labor of Luxury: Embroidery from India to the World

A Texas Fashion Collection Exhibition

UNT Art Building - CVAD Gallery 1201 W. Mulberry St., Denton, TX 76201

Shimmering sequins, dense beads, and delicate embroidery transform quotidian garments into extraordinary works of art. While many EuroAmerican luxury designers have developed followings based on these sophisticated techniques, few people realize most fashion surface design is executed in another part of the world: India. Hosted by the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design Gallery, this exhibition will feature over thirty high fashion designs with beading, embroidery, and handwork executed by artisans in India. OLLI members will have two special opportunities to enjoy private visits to the exhibition this fall.

Gallery Talk by ASHISH Thursday, October 24 4:00pm - 5:00pm Limited to 30 members.

Join internationally renowned designer ASHISH for a gallery talk in the UNT CVAD Gallery. ASHISH will discuss work at his London-based studio, his India-based workshop, his runway events during Paris Fashion Week, and his designs featured in the exhibition. The program will be facilitated by TFC director Annette Becker.

Support for ASHISH’s visit to UNT is being provided by the The Mary Jo & V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series.

Parking Options : Members who register for either of these sessions may pick up a single day parking permit from OLLI at UNT staff on the day of the event. The permit will grant access to park in lots 50, 54, or 55 near the Art Building.

Exhibition Tour with Annette Becker Thursday, November 7 1:00pm - 2:30pm Limited to 30 members.

Join Texas Fashion Collection director Annette Becker for a curator-lead tour of the exhibition. The tour will feature lecture, discussion, and a hands-on activity facilitated by the TFC’s Onstead Graduate Fellows.

Annette Becker, MA, is Director of the Texas Fashion Collection, where she stewards the TFC’s holdings of nearly 20,000 historic and designer garments and accessories. Annette is a material culture historian and arts educator who holds an MA in Art History from UNT and brings experience from museums and archives around the country.

“Labor of Luxury” will be open to the public from October 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025 in the UNT CVAD Gallery. Entrance to the gallery is free and its hours can be found on the CVAD Galleries website.

The CVAD Galleries at UNT support the educational mission of the university, enrich the aesthetic environment, and serve as cultural resources for the public. cvad.unt.edu/galleries

Free Exhibition Reception on October 24

On Thursday, October 24, the CVAD Gallery will be hosting an exhibition reception from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. The reception is free and open to the public. OLLI members are encouraged to attend!

Understanding the 2024 Elections

This special lecture series will cover some of the issues over which the United States presidential election and other elections are contested, as well as features of the United States political system that have a major impact on elections, such as the Electoral College. It will feature a series of expert political scientists who will provide a thorough and objective presentation on these topics that will provide members with fascinating and useful information for understanding the elections this fall.

The Electoral College

Thursday, September 5

10:00am - 11:30am

The writers of our Constitution considered various ways of selecting the president and ultimately settled on a unique system known as the Electoral College. This lecture will first examine the details of the Electoral College, from the most important to the smallest details. Members will then look at examples of how the Electoral College has functioned over our history and how it might work in 2024. Part of this analysis will be an exploration of its strengths and weaknesses. That should give us clarity on how well the system is serving us and whether we should embrace any of the proposals that have been made to change it.

Gloria Cox, PhD, is a University Distinguished Teaching Professor and Associate Professor in the UNT Department of Political Science. She is the Founding Dean of the Honors College at UNT. Currently, she teaches first year courses in American and Texas Government as well as an upper level class on academic freedom, a subject about which she is also conducting research.

Campaign Finance and Presidential Elections

Tuesday, September 10

2:45pm - 4:15pm

Why is it so difficult to regulate the expenditure of money on presidential elections? How do individuals and groups find their way around regulations to spend unlimited money on this process? This lecture will explore the different mechanisms for campaign finance that exist today, their advantages and disadvantages, and the legal decisions that make it difficult to bring about comprehensive reform.

Wendy Watson, PhD, is a Principal Lecturer in the UNT Department of Political Science. She has a JD and a Master’s of Public Policy from the College of William & Mary in Virginia and a PhD in political science from The Ohio State University. She teaches classes in American politics and constitutional law at UNT and serves as the university’s pre-law advisor.

Nuclear Weapons: Behind the President’s Greatest Power

Tuesday, September 24

1:00pm - 2:30pm

The Department of Political Science’s engaging, award-winning faculty specialize in various areas, such as judicial politics and political parties and elections. The department houses the Castleberry Peace Institute and Peace Studies program, as well as the Latino/a and Mexican-American Studies program.

politicalscience.unt.edu

For all of the debate of candidate qualities and policy goals during a presidential election year, surprisingly little attention is devoted to the power that the president has over the U.S. nuclear arsenal, a power that has few limits and brings the ability for one person to start a nuclear war within less than an hour. This lecture will explore what authority the president has over America’s nuclear arsenal, the historical and strategic logic for this power, and the conditions under which the U.S. could use nuclear weapons. As part of our discussion, we will examine the risks of nuclear war in today’s world.

Michael Greig, PhD, is a University Distinguished Teaching Professor in the UNT Department of Political Science with a primary research and teaching expertise in international relations. His work explores the forces that cause the outbreak of conflict and the tools that are most effective in transitioning war to a stable peace.

No Longer a Sleeping Giant:

Latinos and the Presidential Election

Tuesday, October 1

10:00am - 11:30am

Historically, Latinos have not played a major role in presidential politics. This is no longer the case. The Latino population is rapidly growing and every 30 seconds a U.S. born Latina/o turns 18 and is eligible to vote. This lecture will answer important questions about the role Latinos are likely to play in the upcoming election, including: How politically active are Latinos? What factors may depress or increase their participation? What political party do Latinos prefer and how strong is this party identification? What role does religious belief play in Latino political behavior? Finally, what are Latinos’ top policy concerns and why?

Valerie Martinez-Ebers, PhD, is a University Distinguished Research Professor of Political Science and Director of the Latina/o and Mexican American Studies Program at UNT. She is a former Vice-President of the American Political Science Association and a former President of the Western Political Science Association. Dr. Martinez-Ebers has published widely on education policy, Latino/a politics, and women in politics in outlets such as American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Politics.

The US, Russia and China: A New Balance of Power?

Tuesday, October 15

1:00pm - 2:30pm

This lecture will explore the implications of the rise of China, Putin, Russia and the Ukraine, for United States foreign policy. How can we expect a world with 2 or 3 major powers to function in settling international disputes, managing international trade and all the other challenges that affect the world like climate change, immigration, and more? Dr. Meernik will discuss how bipolar and tripolar balances of power work; the geopolitical interests of Russia and China; and the division of the world into various blocs or alliances.

James Meernik, PhD, is Director of the Castleberry Peace Institute at UNT and a Regents Professor in the Department of Political Science. His research interests include post conflict security, transitional justice, international criminal tribunals, and U.S. foreign policy.

Understanding the 2024 Elections: Panel Discussion

Thursday, October 17

1:00pm - 2:30pm

The series will conclude with all of the individual faculty presenters combining for a final, summary session with opportunities for members to ask questions.

LUNCH & LEARN LECTURE SERIES

12:00pm to 1:00pm

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Each semester, OLLI at UNT collaborates with a unit on campus to highlight some of their remarkable faculty as part of our Lunch & Learn Lecture Series. Members are invited to bring their own lunch into the classroom to learn about the fascinating research and scholarship taking place at UNT. These lectures are complimentary for all OLLI at UNT members.

Hearing Aid Use in Older Adults Improves Listening Abilities, Cognition, and Emotion

Monday, September 9

UNT SSB 102

This lecture will provide an overview of a recent hearing aid study conducted at the UNT Speech and Hearing Center. New adult hearing aid users completed behavioral, cognitive, emotion, and physiologic test measures before the hearing aid fitting as well as two and four months post fitting. Members will learn about the results of these test measures as well as the correlation analyses which showed multiple significant relationships between hearing aid use (hours per day), cognition, and emotion measures.

Erin C. Schafer, PhD, CCC-A, is Chair of the Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at UNT, where she has been a faculty member since 2005. She is Editor of Audiology Today for the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Schafer was honored with the 2023 Outstanding Research Award for the College of Health and Public Service BRING

Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Interaction and Management

Monday, September 30

UNT SSB 102

740 million people worldwide suffer from tinnitus, yet it is a difficult diagnosis to describe and manage. With the amount of misinformation about tinnitus and particularly how it interacts with hearing loss, researchbased information and management are essential for the general public. This lecture will explore the interactions between tinnitus and hearing loss, etiologies of tinnitus, and outcomes or management options for those who suffer from tinnitus.

Katherine Alsop, AuD, CCC-A, AIBVRC, is an Audiologist and Clinical Educator in the Audiology and SpeechLanguage Pathology department at UNT. Her specialties in clinical audiology include adult diagnostic testing and rehabilitation, tinnitus testing and management, and vestibular testing and management.

The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology provides the finest graduate professional education in both speech-language pathology and audiology while maintaining an excellent undergraduate degree. The program stresses excellence in teaching, research, and service by its faculty and students. hps.unt.edu/aslp/department-audiology-speech-language-pathology

Maintaining Our Thinking Skills As We Age

Monday, October 14

UNT SSB 102

In this lecture, members will learn about thinking skills and how to maintain them in order to have a good quality of life and a level of independence as they age. Members will learn about evidence-based practices to successful aging and gain some practical ways to enhance their abilities.

Stacy Nunnelee, MA, CCCSLP, is a Principal Lecturer and Undergraduate Director in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology department at UNT. Stacy has worked in in-patient rehab hospitals and was director of a brain injury day treatment program, was the Speech Pathology team lead/director in more than one hospital, and served as assistant director of rehab over a large team of speech pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, vocational therapists, recreational therapists, and psychologists.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: Prevention and Management Strategies

Monday, October 28

UNT SSB 102

As falls pose a significant risk for traumatic brain injuries among older adults, this lecture will offer comprehensive coverage on both prevention techniques and effective strategies for managing such injuries should they occur.

Shannon Presley, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is a Principal Lecturer and Assistant Clinic Director in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology department at UNT. Her primary research interests include Adult neurogenic communication disorders resulting from an acquired brain injury.

UNT Speech and Hearing Center

As a component of its educational program, the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology operates the UNT Speech and Hearing Center. The Center offers professional services to members of our campus community and the general public for the purpose of providing clinical training for students. The Center offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders.

speechhearingclinic@unt.edu 940.565.2262

Debbie & Neal Smatresk OLLI After Five Series

This special series is named for Debbie & Neal Smatresk, reflecting their steadfast dedication to our members and their commitment to enriching the North Texas community through the joy of lifelong learning. The series is available to all OLLI members at no additional cost. Each series event includes a complimentary selection of wines, beers, cheeses, and crackers.

The Flora, Fauna, and Fantastic Nature of Wild DFW

Wednesday, September 11

5:30pm - 7:30pm*

Robson Ranch Clubhouse

North Texas nature is anything but average! The area has astounding diversity, frequently landing in the top 10 of iNaturalist competitions worldwide. In this presentation, members will learn how that diversity arises from our unique tilted layers of bedrock and discover the plants and animals that live here. Members will journey with author Amy Martin through the wonderfully wild areas of North Texas via incredible photos from her popular book Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around DallasFort Worth. Members will also meet the courageous volunteers who preserve these precious places and derive deep healing from them, a gift of nature available to us all.

Amy Martin is the author of Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth. She is currently senior features writer for GreenSourceDFW.org. Her current project is a biographical website of Ned Fritz, Texas’ most famous environmentalist. Her writings are available at Moonlady.com.

*Includes Book Signing

Following the presentation, members will have the opportunity to purchase books from Amy Martin and have them signed.

The Life of the Party: Interactive Art at the Greek Symposium

Wednesday, October 16

5:30pm - 6:30pm

The Point at CC Young

For over two thousand years, the pottery of ancient Athens has captured the attention of those who encounter it. From the flowing curves of potted forms to the dynamism of painted decoration, these vessels offer the opportunity to celebrate the skill and innovation of the makers who crafted them. Yet, modern viewers of these works must engage with them at a distance. People meet these pots in museum cases, on the pages of books, and on screens, unlike the ancient partygoers who once touched, manipulated, and drank from them. This lecture will aim to enliven our conversations about ancient Greek pottery by exploring the ways in which the function and use of these pots can inform our interpretations of them. To consider this, members will pour, decant, and consume wine from facsimiles of some of the most famous Athenian black and red figure pots, allowing them to better understand the interactive world of the Greek symposium.

Neville McFerrin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Art History in UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design. She is an archaeologist and art historian specializing in the ancient Mediterranean region. Her current work focuses on the visual and material culture of the sites of Pompeii and Persepolis.

How the City of Denton is Protecting Habitats for the Future

Tuesday, October 22

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Robson Ranch Clubhouse

Did you know the City of Denton has been working with the development community for over 20 years to protect and preserve certain ecologically important areas? Learn how these areas are identified, the ecological services these areas offer, and how your local government works with private property owners for the benefit of our community by requiring these areas to be set aside during development.

Christi Upton, MS, earned her undergraduate degree from Hendrix College, majoring in biology, and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from UNT. In her 20 years of experience in local government she has contributed to the protection of our surface waters, drinking water, the natural environment, and public health.

Shedding Light on Light Pollution: Strategies for Conservation of Nature at Night

Thursday, October 31

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Robson Ranch Clubhouse

Almost every living thing on our planet uses the cycle of light and dark to trigger life processes. Light pollution interrupts this cycle. This program helps us understand the effects of light pollution on living things, including ourselves, and how we can protect nature at night. Participants will take home a new awareness about lighting practices which allow us to have the light we need for nighttime activities, while minimizing the negative effects of light pollution. Members will learn 5 things they can do to reduce light pollution, increase safety, limit the negative consequences on wildlife, and save energy.

Karen McGraw, EdD, is the Outreach Coordinator for DarkSky Texas, a Texas Master Naturalist (Elm Fork Chapter), and a Texas Stream Team citizen scientist. Karen is passionate about the reduction of light pollution to conserve dark skies for humans and wildlife. Since 2016, she has been involved in dark skies outreach and education for community, region, and state-wide events.

Appreciating Nature in North Texas

This fall, three of our OLLI After Five presentations will showcase unique aspects of our local natural environment and the important work that is being done to preserve it. Members are also encouraged to participate in our chartered bus trip to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. See page 19 for trip details.

We are offering some additional daytime nature courses this fall, which are listed under the Nature & Environmental Science category on pages 34 and 35.

Fall 2024 Courses

Classroom Location Key:

UNT = UNT Support & Services Bldg.

CCY = The Point at CC Young

RR = Robson Ranch Clubhouse

FM = Flower Mound Senior Center

KEL = Keller Sr. Activities Center

LAN = Lantana Comm. Event Center

GS = Good Samaritan Society LFV

FR = The Grove at Frisco Commons

ZOOM = Virtual Classroom

See location addresses on page 10.

Scheduling Notes:

Multi-session Courses : If a course has multiple sessions listed at a single location, it will continue from one session to the next, with new material being presented at each session.

Repeated Courses : If a course has multiple locations listed, that indicates the entire course will be repeated at each location.

Instructor Handouts:

Handouts are posted to our website, olli.unt.edu/handouts, as they are made available to OLLI staff.

Course Fees:

For Pay Per Course members, each inperson course in this section carries a $15 fee, which is due upon enrollment in the course. Virtual courses on Zoom and YouTube livestreams are included for all members at no additional cost.

Cancellation Deadlines:

Pay Per Course members who cancel their attendance at least 24 hours in advance of a course's start date can request to apply their course fee to another course this semester.

Guest Policy:

Guests can see what our program is all about by attending one of the courses in this section for free, while space is available. Contact olli@unt.edu to enroll as a guest in one free course.

This catalog was printed in July 2024. Members will be notified by email of any changes to the fall schedule.

Arts & Humanities

Acrylic Painting Workshop

FR Fri. Sept. 27, Oct. 11, 18, & 25; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

FM Mon. Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

In a relaxed and creative environment, members will learn how to paint on canvases using acrylic paint. Each week, members will go home with a new work of art. The instructor will provide all necessary supplies.

Carla Jessee is an experimental artist who has been teaching for 20 years. She aims to inspire creativity in her students, guiding them to discover their unique artistic talents. Through her guidance and encouragement, she fosters a nurturing environment where students feel empowered to explore and express themselves freely.

The Ageless Allure of Antiquity: Classical Influences of Modern Fashion

UNT Wed. Nov. 13; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This session will be an educational extension of Isabel Saldivar’s pop-up exhibition curated from the UNT Texas Fashion Collection’s archives. The presentation will dissect the influences of ancient dress and fashion on modern clothing and trends. Isabel will discuss ancient artworks and archeological evidence that compliments my argument of influence. She will be employing the physical objects from her exhibition to tie the lesson together.

Isabel Saldivar is a graduate student in the Department of Art History at UNT who is also earning a Certificate in Art Museum Education. She is the 2024-2025 Onstead Fellow at the Texas Fashion Collection. Her research focuses on art and fashion from the ancient Mediterranean which is complemented by her archeological fieldwork and museum experience.

Architectural Ancestry: Inspiration for the Structures Around Us

FR Fri. Sept. 13; 10:00am - 11:30am

Did you know that buildings you pass every day could have architectural ancestry from Ancient Greece or the Italian Renaissance or other noted styles? This session will explorearchitectural genealogy and compare past styles with present structures. Members might be surprised at the history that is waiting to be noticed in our surroundings today.

Lynn Brandon, PhD, is is an Associate Professor in the Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing at UNT, where she serves as the program coordinator and primary professor for the Home Furnishings Merchandising Degree Program, the only one of its kind in the nation.

Elements of Narrative: The Joys and Challenges of Creative Writing

UNT Wed. Oct. 23 & 30; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

In creative writing, it is the style and treatment of the narrative which forms the essential bridge of connection between the author and the reader. In this two-session course, members will read and analyze both fiction and nonfiction to explore what makes the texts striking narratives. Members will also participate in writing workshops inspired by the pieces and discuss online journals as potential homes for their writing.

Lopamudra Banerjee is an author, poet, and editor with six books and four anthologies in fiction, memoir, and poetry. She has taught at Dallas College’s Richland campus and also at Texas Christian University. She has been a recipient of the Journey Awards (First Place category winner) for her memoir Thwarted Escape: An Immigrant’s Wayward Journey and also received Honorary Mention for the book at the Los Angeles Book Festival.

Frankenstein: Man, Monster, Myth

CCY Thurs. Oct. 10; 10:00am - 11:30am

Everyone knows the story of Frankenstein—at least, they think they do. This session will trace the evolution of Mary Shelley’s famous tale and will explore, through text selections, the deeper questions regarding men and monsters inherent in the novel.

Lynne Kelsey is a retired English teacher who taught twelfth grade British literature to 175 high school seniors in her former hometown and loved every minute of it.

Giuseppe Verdi: Opera’s GOAT

CCY Tues. Sept. 3; 10:00am - 11:30am

RR Thurs. Oct. 31; 10:00am - 11:30am

Composer Giuseppe Verdi (1814-1901) is arguably the “Greatest Of All Time” in opera. In this session, members will study selections from his operas on YouTube that will illustrate five things to remember about Verdi that address both the context and content of his output. In conclusion, members will consider an extended selection from Verdi’s masterpiece, Aida, intended to affirm their perception that Verdi is, indeed, opera’s most loved and most listened-to GOAT.

Steve Dubrow graduated from Columbia and Princeton, taught at Brown University, served for 25 years as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service, and taught world languages for 19 years.

Introduction to Calligraphy Workshop

UNT Wed. Oct. 2 & 9; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This two-session course will offer a step-by-step approach to master Chancery Cursive calligraphy. This italic hand can be considered a universal alphabet used by all calligraphers because it can be rapidly done, the letters are easily joined, and making it conducive for developing your everyday hand, as well as using it for invitations, posters, and scrapbooking. The participant uses an italic fountain pen and engages in progressive exercises for learning this “beautiful writing.” The instructor will show many examples of this calligraphy and discuss his own journey of developing his own personal italic hand.

Members will need to bring their own calligraphy fountain pen with a medium italic nib (1.5mm) and a grid printed practice pad. (e.g. The Fine Touch Calligraphy Pen Set available for $6.99 at Hobby Lobby).

Neil Kalmanson, retired Professor of Art at East Georgia State College (1973-2003), is a working artist and has also worked as a professional calligrapher.

Jane Austen’s Emma

GS Fri. Nov. 15; 10:00am - 11:30am UNT Mon. Nov. 18; 10:00am - 11:30am

Emma is often considered Jane Austen’s masterpiece. Handsome, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy little town. The novel is clearly Emma’s story because all but one chapter is written from her point of view. Members will discuss this satire of social class and the pain of growing up. The presentation will ask and answer questions about Emma, including whose viewpoint directed that one chapter in the book not from Emma’s point of view.

Elaine Kushmaul, MLIS, has had a longstanding admiration for Jane Austen and her novels. A mid-life career change led to a Master’s in Library Information Services from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. One of the projects during graduate study concentrated on Jane Austen and her life.

Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility

CCY Thurs. Nov. 7; 10:00am - 11:30am

Jane Austen’s novel that became Sense and Sensibility was originally titled Elinor and Marianne. Changing the title added “philosophical depth” to what began as a sketch of two characters. The question is: do we find true love by following our heart (sensibility) or our brain (sense)? It is more drama than comedy, but shows Austen’s wit as she surrounds her two central heroines with characters who deserve laughter from the reader. It is available on film is several versions. It is not necessary to read the book or watch the movie before attending this session.

Elaine Kushmaul, MLIS (see bio above)

Let’s Order from the Italian Menu

RR Tues. & Thurs. Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 8, & 31; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This four-session course is designed to help members confidently pronounce Italian words on menus and other materials a typical tourist might encounter. Members will learn pronunciation rules and practice saying the names of their favorite Italian foods.

Jennifer Lane, MA, is a Professor of Voice in the UNT College of Music. She is a mezzo-soprano who has been featured by many of the most prestigious institutions and orchestras in the U.S. and abroad.

Masters of Harlem Stride Piano: Johnson, Waller, Tatum

RR Tues. Oct. 15; 2:45pm - 4:15pm

FM Wed. Nov. 20; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

This session will provide a history of Harlem Stride jazz piano (1921-1940) with live performances by pianist Steve Harlos and drummer Ron Fink.

Steve Harlos, DMA, serves as chair of the Division of Keyboard Studies in the UNT College of Music. He has performed with such diverse artists as Timofei Dokschutzer, Harvey Phillips, Dick Hyman, Marvin Gaye and Maureen McGovern. He was staff keyboardist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from 1996 until his retirement in 2022.

Ron Fink is a Professor Emeritus in the UNT College of Music, where he taught percussion for 35 years. Mr. Fink was principal percussionist and timpanist with the Ft. Worth Symphony for about a dozen years. In his retirement, he continues to play professionally with his Dixieland band, German band, Jazz groups, and other music venues.

Modern Irish Women Poets and Music

CCY Thurs. Oct. 3; 10:00am - 11:30am

Ireland is a little less than double the size of the DFW metroplex, yet has 4 Nobel Prize winners in Literature, a third as many as the entire United States. In this course, members will take a quick tour of The Emerald Isle by way of some of the music and poetry that has made Ireland beloved.

LeeAnn Derdeyn, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor in UNT’s College of Applied and Collaborative Studies. She has a BA in Medieval Literature and Spirituality, as well as an MA and PhD in Modern and Contemporary Literature. Her primary dissertation focus was T. S. Eliot and Modernism.

Music at the Movies That Make Social Comment

GS Fri. Sept. 6 & 13; 10:00am - 11:30am

We find movies today and yesterday making “social comments,” sometimes subtle and sometimes overt, about people’s moral, political, and social attitudes in the times in which the movies are produced. What members will see and hear in this two-session course is a selection of movies that have enjoyable soundtracks (incidental music) coupled with a discussion of a variety of cultural, historic, or literary interests that are associated with the movie - some heavier and some lighter.

Max Morley, DMA, taught music history and literature at Stephen F. Austin State University until his retirement. He earned his BM, MM, and DMA degrees from UNT.

Pilgrimage: Travel Sacred and Profane

UNT Mon. Sept. 9; 10:00am - 11:30am

FR Fri. Sept. 20; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This session will explore the sacred and profane reasons people travel--specifically “pilgrimage.”

Dr. Ranieri will give a historical and theoretical framework for understanding the practice of pilgrimage while referencing some noteworthy routes and destinations. Members will learn that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.

Elizabeth Ranieri, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in UNT at Frisco’s College of Applied and Collaborative Studies and an affiliate professor of Art History. She has lived, worked, and studied in Italy. Her research interests include the Art and Architecture of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque and Sacred Space.

The Power of Water:

Encountering the Garden of the House of Loreius Tiburtinus in Pompeii

RR Thurs. Sept. 5; 2:45pm - 4:15pm

UNT Mon. Sept. 23; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

CCY Tues. Oct. 15; 10:00am - 11:30am

With their elaborate waterways and carefully engineered waterfalls, the outdoor entertainment spaces of the House of Loreius Tibertinus in Pompeii generate an immersive world, one that encourages visitors to envision themselves as a part of the myths that surround them on the painted walls of the house’s outdoor dining space. This lecture will explore the ways in which ancient Pompeians joined engineering marvels with painted scenes to generate a sense of wonder, one that served to underscore the social status of Pompeian homeowners and guests alike.

Neville McFerrin, PhD, is an archaeologist and art historian specializing in the ancient Mediterranean region. Her current work focuses on the visual and material culture of the sites of Pompeii and Persepolis.

Precisionism

in America

LAN Fri. Sept. 6; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Wed. Sept. 18; 10:00am - 11:30am

CCY Tues. Nov. 19; 10:00am - 11:30am

The Precisionists were a group of artists who worked between 1915 and 1941, including Georgia O’Keefe, Alfred Steiglitz, Edward Demuth, Joseph Stella, Charles Scheeler, and many more. By establishing links between America’s past and present, the Precisionists affirmed the country’s pervasive quest for national identity. Not only were they among the first to adapt their selectively realistic styles to the precise geometry of the burgeoning machine age, but they also spearheaded the revival of interest in America’s fine art, folk art, and applied art traditions.

Raymond Pahler majored in engineering and minored in art. While employed as an executive in the plastics industry, he became an accomplished artist working in a wide range of media. His work as an artist has been focused toward depicting technical subjects in an artful manner.

A Review of Denton Public Art

FR Fri. Nov. 1; 10:00am - 11:00am

UNT Wed. Nov. 6; 1:00pm - 2:00pm

GS Fri. Nov. 22; 10:00am - 11:00am

This will be a short presentation (around 30 minutes) with a slideshow describing Denton’s Public Art Program, including its funding sources, and recent and future projects. Members will be able to ask questions during the presentation, and there will be a period for additional questions at the end.

Omar Siddiqi is currently the Administrative Analyst in Parks and Recreation Department at the City of Denton. Previous to working at the City of Denton, he worked as a Data Analyst for a financial firm, as an editorial assistant at The Journal of American History and the American Historical Review, and as a Budget Analyst at the City of Fort Worth.

Robert and Elizabeth Browning: An Enduring Love Story

UNT Wed. Oct. 9; 10:00am - 11:30am RR Thurs. Oct. 17; 10:00am - 11:30am

In this session, members will explore the amazing account of how Robert Browning, the young, relatively unknown English writer, secretly courted and married Elizabeth Barrett, who was then perhaps the best-selling poet in the country. Members will also look at the lives of both writers, as well as some of their writings.

Don Vann, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus in the UNT Department of English and retired Regent’s Professor. He has been an author or editor of eight books, as well as scores of articles and reviews.

Seven Soliloquies: The Heart of Hamlet

UNT Wed. Oct. 16; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session is designed for those who may have found Hamlet daunting. Members will view the seven soliloquies on video and be guided through interpretation of each of the speeches to gain insight into the Prince of Denmark, Shakespeare’s complex and tragic character.

Lynne Kelsey is a retired English teacher who taught twelfth grade British literature to 175 high school seniors in her former hometown and loved every minute of it.

Shifts in the People’s Culture from Joseph Haydn to Johannes Brahms to Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel

UNT Mon. Oct. 7 & 14; 10:00am - 11:30am

CCY Tues. & Thurs. Oct. 29 & 31; 10:00am - 11:30am

This two-session course will explore how the arts are a reflection of the culture in which they are created. The first session will cover 18th century music by Joseph Haydn, 19th century music by Johannes Brahms, and paintings from 19th century Academic Classicism. The second session will cover a shift in culture with the music of late 19th century French composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel as well as the paintings of the Impressionists.

Max Morley, DMA (see bio on previous page)

T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land at 100 Years

FR Fri. Sept. 6; 10:00am - 11:30am

T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, published in 1922, is widely considered one of, if not the, most iconic poems of the 20th century, addressing the ravages of The Great War and the deterioration of civilization and culture. In the 21st century, we can now read the poem with a sense of the eco-dread of environmental crisis and climate change, and—as we now know since the 2022 release of Eliot’s side of a trove of love letters to Emily Hale—a love poem of apocalyptic horror. Members are encouraged to read the entire poem before attending.

LeeAnn Derdeyn, PhD (see bio on previous page)

Three 19th Century Female Artists: Bonheur, Morisot, and Cassatt

CCY Thurs. Sept. 19; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will look into three female artists of the early and late 19th century and compare their similarites in subject matter, backgrounds and connections with other artists which led them to be recognized as accomplished artists.

Francesca d’Atria - Romano, MFA, was a high school art instructor and administrator for 35 years. After retirement, she taught Art History 101 at St. John’s University in New York and became a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is also an artist who designed a logo for the Staten Island Ferry.

Trombone Quartet: An Immersive Experience

FM Wed. Sept. 11; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

CCY Thurs. Sept. 26; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Mon. Nov. 4 1:00pm - 2:30pm

In this immersive experience, a trombone quartet will perform and lead listeners through a variety of styles and time periods of music. Lively discussion will be integrated with performance so that members are aesthetically informed to what they are listening to. Discussion topics will include how these sounds are executed on the instrument, different stylistic characteristics of the selections performed, and the workings of a like-instrument ensemble.

Kenny Ross is in the final semester of his DMA degree at UNT, where he served as a Teaching Fellow. He currently teaches in Denton ISD, Dallas ISD, and with Through the Staff. He has performed with the New Mexico Philharmonic, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the One O’Clock Lab Band.

Typography: Its History, Terminology, and Applications

RR Tues. Sept. 24; 2:45pm - 4:15pm

When we create documents, signs, or newsletters on a computer, we are using typography. Our choices of fonts and awareness of other factors, such as spacing between letters and between lines of type, can have a considerable influence on the way a message is perceived, something that advertisers and other mass communicators consider carefully. This session will include information about the history of lettering, the introduction of movable type, the categories of typefaces, the terminology of typography, and ways to use letterforms correctly and creatively.

John F. Neal, PhD, taught journalism and mass communication at the college level for more than 30 years. He received his PhD from UNT, and while in graduate school at The University of Texas at Austin, he worked in the photography collection of the Harry Ransom Center.

Votes for Women:

Understanding

the Politics of Suffragist Fashion

UNT Mon. Oct. 21; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

CCY Thurs. Oct. 24; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will follow the women’s suffrage movement from Seneca Falls to Seventh Avenue, New York’s fashion capital. On this journey, members will meet Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Amelia Bloomer as they dress for the cause. Members will explore some of the nation’s best museums, parks, special exhibits, and even a few Netflix films that pay tribute to the 100 year struggle of the suffragettes.

Christy Crutsinger, PhD, is a Professor in UNT’s Department of Merchandising & Digital Retailing, where she has taught fashion history, trend analysis, and merchandising/retail strategies.

The Wounded Line: How Poets Write About Grief, Loss, and Trauma

FM Mon. Sept. 9; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

UNT Mon. Sept. 30; 10:00am - 11:30am

GS Fri. Nov. 1; 10:00am - 11:30am

In this session, Dr. Dubrow will discuss how poets write about the most painful parts of being human. How is something as small and delicate as a poem able to convey both intimate, private sadnesses and large-scale, national experiences of suffering? Looking at approachable examples of 20th and 21st century poetry, members will come to understand why so often--during dark times--we turn to the lyric language of poetry for solace.

Jehanne Dubrow, PhD, is a Professor of Creative Writing at UNT. She is the author of nine poetry collections, including most recently Wild Kingdom, and three books of creative nonfiction, throughsmoke: an essay in notes, Taste: A Book of Small Bites, and Exhibitions: Essays On Art & Atrocity. Her writing has appeared in POETRY, New England Review, Colorado Review, and The Southern Review

Business & Economics

How to Avoid Overpaying Taxes in Retirement

KEL Tues. Oct. 8; 1:30pm - 3:00pm FR Fri. Oct. 11; 10:00am - 11:30am

Most people pay more in taxes in retirement than is necessary. If retirees and those preparing to retire don’t understand the complicated role of taxes in retirement, they could end up stumbling into horrific and costly mistakes. This session is designed to guide members through some of the “tax traps and opportunities” that retirees face through the four stages of retirement.

Joe Dowdall, MBA, is a certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Plan Consultant, and a Retirement Income Certified Professional. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York and his MBA in Finance from Saint Joseph’s Haub School of Business.

The Federal Reserve: What Is It and How Does It Function?

UNT Wed. Nov. 6; 10:00am - 11:30am RR Thurs. Nov. 21; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will explore the Federal Reserve Bank’s role and how it affects the economy through its decisions.

Stan Nelsen, MS, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Fresno State University and a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Golden Gate University.

Financial Decision Points: Ages 50-75

LAN Fri. Oct. 11, 18, & 25; 10:00am - 11:30am

As you progress from age 50 to 75, there are many financial decision dates to keep in mind so that you minimize any harm to your financial wealth as you live through your golden years. This threesession course will cover Social Security, Medicare (regular and advantage), IRAs, 401Ks, Roth plans, RMDs, tax laws, and some fun facts as well. Unless you’re over 75, you should learn something in this course.

Gary Koenig, MBA, has provided free tax counseling for senior citizens and low-income households through AARP’s Tax-Aide program for over 15 years. During his corporate work career he was involved in computer programming, data center operations, project and program management, and ended his career as CFO of a small company.

Time Matters: A Women’s Retirement Outlook

LAN Fri. Sept. 13; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Wed. Oct. 16; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This session will share perspectives on financial concerns facing women who are getting ready for or have recently transitioned to retirement. It discusses retirement income strategies, including perspectives around Social Security, and withdrawal and reliance rates. It also addresses how to prepare for the unexpected, including market and inflation risks, and the rising costs of health care and long-term care.

Kyle Schlabach is a financial advisor with Edward Jones who focuses on retirement, estate, and legacy strategies. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.

SECURE Act: How Does it Affect Taxation on Your Retirement Accounts?

KEL Tues. Oct. 29; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

This session will explain how members can restructure their retirement plans to take advantage of the SECURE Act and ways to protect their plans when they leave them to their loved ones.

Leigh Hilton is an Accredited Estate Planner. She received her law degree from the South Texas College of Law in Houston and is a member of the Wealth Counsel, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and Elder Counsel.

Will Your Living Trust Fail?

FR Fri. Nov. 22; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session is designed for members who are thinking about getting a living trust or already have one. The presentation will explain why many living trusts fail.

Leigh Hilton (see bio above)

Current Events & Social Issues

Benevolent vs Malevolent Personality Styles: Motives, Money, and Meaningful Life

CCY Thurs. Oct. 17; 10:00am - 11:30am

Since ancient times, recorded history has documented that some individuals display malevolent, or aversive interpersonal styles, that involve calloused and manipulative use of others. Other individuals, so-called good hearted people, display benevolent of affiliative personality styles. This session will present new findings, including from a mega-world sample (250,000+), to show the prevalence of persons with aversive vs. affiliative personality styles, whether they get ahead in life and are happy, and finally, what might motivate benevolent vs. malevolent personality.

Craig Neumann, PhD, is a Regents Professor in the UNT Department of Psychology. He has been active teaching and conducting research in the Clinical Psychology Graduate Training Program at UNT for over 20 years.

Conversational A.I. Agents in Enhancing Consumer Response in the Online Retail Platform

UNT Wed. Sept. 25; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will cover artificially intelligent conversational agents (e.g. chatbots) and how they can contribute to consumer experience in the online retail platforms. Examples of real and prototype chatbots will be brought to demonstrate the different ways brands can incorporate chatbots to address a wide range of queries in the online retail platforms.

Swagata Chakraborty, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing at UNT. She is passionate about understanding different aspects of consumer behavior through the lens of various social and psychological frameworks and addressing impending marketing problems. Particularly, her areas of interest are mindful consumption and the role of artificial intelligence in influencing consumer behavior.

The Electoral College

RR Tues. & Thurs. Oct. 3 & 8; 2:45pm - 4:15pm

In this course, members will learn about how the founders settled on the Electoral College, the 4 times it has created a genuine headache and how the Electoral College will or may determine who will be our next president.

Jim Bays, JD, is a retired corporate attorney who has taught courses on Thomas Jefferson and the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the US Constitution. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School.

Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy

FM Mon. Oct. 7 & 14; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

GS Fri. Oct. 18 & 25; 10:00am - 11:30am

Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) has risen in prominence through the work of practitioners like Cece Moore, Parabon Labs, and Othram, and its use in solving cases such as the Golden State Killer case. This two-session course will start with a lecture on the fundamentals of IGG: how it differs from traditional law enforcement use of DNA evidence, the tools used to conduct the research, and the applications that make it such a powerful tool. Members will then engage in a few hands-on activities that let them see in simplified terms how an IGG practitioner would work. Finally, members will be able to ask questions about the practical, legal, and ethical implications of this new law enforcement tool.

Wendy Watson, PhD, is a Principal Lecturer in the UNT Department of Political Science. She has a JD and a Master’s of Public Policy from the College of William & Mary in Virginia and a PhD in political science from The Ohio State University. She teaches classes in American politics and constitutional law at UNT and serves as the university’s pre-law advisor.

Linguistic Fingerprint:

How Linguists Identify a Person Based on Their Spoken and Written Language

UNT Mon. Oct. 28; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will cover the components of linguistics used to identify a person (usually a criminal). These components include dialect, writing style, accent, vocabulary items, and more. Members will then analyze a piece of writing with the goal of applying the principles used in Forensic Linguistics.

Katie Crowder, MA, is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at UNT. She designed the course, Forensic Linguistics, in 2018 and began teaching it in 2019. Her mentor was Professor Roger Shuy, a leading Forensic Linguist in this country.

Memorable

and Forgotten

Foods of Mid-20th Century America

GS Fri. Sept. 27; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Wed. Oct. 23; 10:00am - 11:30am

LAN Fri. Nov. 8; 10:00am - 11:30am

Can you recall the look, taste and smell of that special food from your childhood? Based on the availability of ingredients, cooking time, nutritional information and current food fads, some familiar dishes are no longer prepared. In this session, members will find out how technological and societal innovations have changed the way we eat.

Lois Levine-Elman worked during her career as a school psychologist. Her background includes an interest in the arts, literature, and food. At Ursinus University in Pennsylvania, Ms. Elman designed and presented an interdisciplinary, hybrid course which focused on the question, “What makes us human?”

Pundits, Polls, and Politics: The 2024 Election

ZOOM Thurs. Sept. 26; 2:45pm - 4:15pm

In this virtual session, members will review the approval history of the U.S. president from 1945-2020. Members will also explore how better voter polls are done, discuss pundits, define “generations,” review current polls, and focus on the issues by doing some in-class polls. Members will try a Corporate Assessment Model, a business tool by which they can rank the issues and the candidates. Finally, members will do a class electoral vote prediction. A cell phone and some familiarity with QR codes will be helpful, but not required. This will be a non-partisan discussion.

Doug Stowell is a consumer and political polling veteran in both U.S. and EU Markets. His career includes Market Research Director for the Xerox Corp., U.S. Clients Director for the U.K. polling firm NOP, Ltd in London and Senior Polling Executive for Wirthlin Worldwide in Washington, D.C.. He launched Market Resource Associates, in 2008 and conducts opinion polls on U.S. and global issues.

History

America’s Presidents: Inspiring Stories and Trivia

RR Tues. Sept. 24; 10:00am - 11:30am

Did you know that George Washington owes about $300k in overdue library fines, or that John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator? In this session, members will learn trivia, anecdotes, and inspiring stories they may not know about our presidents, including Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Grant, Arthur, Adams, and others.

Dory A. Wiley, CFA, CPA, CVA is President & CEO of Commerce Street Holdings, LLC. In his spare time he lectures on various subjects including finance, the JFK assassination, presidential history, the founding fathers, and various other topics of interest.

Appropriating and Reinterpreting the Legacy of a South American Independence Hero

FM Mon. Sept. 23; 2:30pm - 4:00pm UNT Mon. Nov. 4; 10:00am - 11:30am

José Artigas, the national hero of Uruguay, differed from other leaders who fought for independence from Spain in that he envisioned an inclusive society in which Native Americans, mestizos, and blacks would have a place, along with people of European descent. During the military dictatorship of the 1970s, the Uruguayan government built a mausoleum to “General” Artigas, appropriating the legacy of Artigas to legitimize their rule, and in the 2010s, a progressive government remodeled the mausoleum with minor changes that draw attention to Artigas as a champion of democracy. This course will examine Artigas’s legacy as a case study for how societies remake their heroes to represent different modern political ends.

Wimon Walker lived in Montevideo, Uruguay for seven years while he and his wife directed a study abroad program for students at Abilene Christian University. He enjoyed learning about Uruguayan history and culture and passing along insights to the students.

Ben Franklin: American Writer, Printer, Philanthropist, Inventor, Influencer Extraordinaire

FR Fri. Sept. 6; 1:00pm - 2:30pm CCY Thurs. Sept. 12; 10:00am - 11:30am

Self-educated and motivated, American Ben Franklin set the standard as worldwide influencer.

Rebecca Poynter, MJ, is a Senior Lecturer in the Mayborn School of Journalism at UNT. She is a public relations professional with a background in tech and infrastructure. She is published in The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News and Charleston Post and Courier. She is a member of the National Press Club of Washington, DC.

Creede: Crossroads of Desperados

UNT Wed. Sept. 4; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will feature biographical sketches of four larger-than-life western characters: Bat Masterson, Robert Ford, Soapy Smith, and Poker Alice. The common thread? All lived in Creede, Colorado once upon a time.

Jerry Davis is a professional engineer who worked in the commercial electric power industry for 15 years. He followed this by teaching Engineering at UNT for 21 years. A nuclear engineer by education he also taught Mechanical Engineering.

Crafting a Family History Narrative

KEL Tues. Sept. 10; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

In this session, award-winning author Dale Spaulding will discuss his journey in publishing a family history narrative. He will demonstrate how tiny bits of data turned into the discoveries of some remarkable ancestors. Dale will also share his lessons learned in the book writing and publishing process. Members who are interested in discovering the stories of their ancestors and crafting a family history narrative to pass on to the next generation will want to consider attending this session.

Dale R. Spaulding is a lifelong student of history. Dale navigated the oceans and seas of the world in his twenty-two years of service in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Dale is a graduate of Auburn University and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Eighth Airforce Cemetery at Cambridge, United Kingdom

UNT Mon. Oct. 21; 10:00am - 11:30am

The 8th Air Force Cemetery at Cambridge was a 30.1 acre gift from Trinity College, Cambridge University. The session will cover the history of cemetery and several poems describing the 8th Air Force, RAF.

E.R. Milner, PhD, began teaching in the Department of History at UNT in 1976. He went on to become a professor and department chair from 1979-1999. Dr. Milner retired in 1999 and became a visiting history commentator on The History Channel, Lifetime Channel, and A&E Network.

Field of Mysteries: Unearthing the Secrets of Crop Circles

RR Thurs. Nov. 7; 10:00am - 11:30am UNT Wed. Nov. 20; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Imagine you’re a farmer who wakes up to discover an intricate pattern has been etched into your cornfield overnight. Crop circles became mainstream in the 20th century, but reports of them go back to the 1600s. In this session, Jeanette and Edward Laredo will discuss the history of crop circles and share their perspectives on whether crop circles are clever hoaxes, natural phenomena, or messages from beyond.

Edward Laredo, MA, received his Master’s degree in Theater from Texas Woman’s University and has worked as a history educator for the Museum of South Texas History. He is a Texas native who is passionate about the natural and supernatural history of our state.

Jeanette Laredo, PhD, has an insatiable curiosity that fuels her deep dives into niche topics like cults, Eurovision, and toilet paper. She received her PhD in English from UNT where she studied gothic literature, narrative trauma, and detective fiction.

Forgotten Stories About Stadium Names

UNT Mon. Sept. 16; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

RR Tues. Oct. 8; 10:00am - 11:30am

KEL Tues. Oct. 15; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

We often hear stadium names, like Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, or C.H. Collins Stadium in Denton, but know little about the people for which they are named. This session will provide insights about these three people, plus many other local, national, and international stadiums.

Tom Pryor served for 18 years with three Fortune 500 firms before founding a cost management consulting, training, and software company. Tom also served 6 years as Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Hunting Nazis in Hollywood

CCY Tues. Sept. 24; 10:00am - 11:30am

As the Nazi Party began consolidating power in Germany in the early 1930s, they set their sights on the greatest propaganda machine in the world: Hollywood. In what sounded more like a film script than historical events, Nazi groups in Los Angeles plotted to attack Jews in Hollywood, gain control of American popular media, and ultimately use it to shape public opinion of their party and ideology. This lecture will elucidate these devious plots as well as the ring of Jewish-led spies who ultimately took them down; an incredible show of resistance that ended up inspiring a major motion picture.

Kerry Goldmann, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of History at UNT. She is a historian of Jewish American history, African American history, and American culture whose research investigates the intersecting histories of subaltern communities and art used for social change. She has taught minority theatre, culture, and histories in the theatre and history departments at UNT.

In His Own Words: A WWI Experience

FM Wed. Sept. 25; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

FR Fri. Oct. 18; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Mon. Nov. 11; 10:00am - 11:30am

Prying open a small linen box revealed 52 letters written by Earl Yoder to his parents and future wife. The letters were written between May 1918 and April 1919 from Ohio, England and Germany. After returning home from the war, Earl wrote eight additional pages telling the “true” story of his war experience. Using the letters, his other writings, photos, and research, members will learn about WWI through Earl’s eyes.

Emily C. Richardson, EdD, worked in higher education for 30 years as an administrator and a tenured faculty member, before retiring to follow her genealogy passion and open her genealogy business, Kinsearchers. She has done genealogy research for over 40 years and has taught this topic to both college students and adult learners.

GS Fri. Sept. 20; 10:00am - 11:30am

Bruce Ralston, a Civil War reenactor dressed as a Union Sergeant, will give a lively presentation on the realities of being in the Union army during the war. He will share history ranging from camp life, a description of his weapons and uniform. He will also discuss the contributions of women and African Americans and much more.

Bruce Ralston is a Civil War living history actor. He taught U.S. History in California schools for 45 years.

The Monuments Men and Women of WWII: A Legacy of Recovery and Restitution

FR Fri. Nov. 8; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Mon. Nov. 11; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

CCY Thurs. Nov. 21; 10:00am - 11:30am

In this session, Casey Shelton will delve into the post-WWII recovery and restitution operations at the American central collecting points, discussing the fascinating stories of exceptional cultural treasures that passed through their doors and how the enduring legacy of that postwar operation continues today.

Casey Shelton is Senior Researcher of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation. She developed the Monuments Men and Women database, cataloging biographical information from the research files of all Monuments Men and Women. She has headed the accessioning and cataloging of the Foundation’s artifact collection and assisted in research for the eight-part investigative documentary Hunting Nazi Treasure.

The Role of Women During WWII: The Home Front & Beyond

LAN Fri. Nov. 1; 10:00am - 11:30am

For the Greatest Generation, World War II has been looked upon as a time of change. This is especially true for women. They would play a significant part in the war effort both at home and in uniform. This session will cover such topics as Rosie the Riveter, military service, everyday life, personal stories, and more.

Bruce Ralston (see bio above)

The San Jacinto Campaign and Battle

RR Tues. Sept. 17; 10:00am - 11:30am or

RR Tues. Oct. 15; 10:00am - 11:30am

To accommodate as many members as possible, this 90-minute lecture is being offered twice this fall.

Although far less known than the Alamo, the Battle of San Jacinto was – without doubt – the pivotal fight of the first half of the 19th century in North America. In only eighteen minutes, the clash at San Jacinto ended the Texas Revolution and set into motion a series of events that would ultimately create the modern American Southwest, forge the modern U.S.-Mexico border, and establish the United States as a transcontinental power. This session will tell the story of the unlikely path of Sam Houston’s army to San Jacinto (nearly coming apart in the process), their improbable victory in battle, and the remarkable aftermath that ended the Texas Revolution and reshaped a continent.

Andrew J. Torget, PhD, is a historian of 19th century North America at UNT, where he holds the University Distinguished Teaching Professorship. He is the author or editor of five books, he set a Guinness World Record in 2018, and he has won multiple teaching awards on two different continents.

Tear Down or Preserve?

What in Denton is Worth Saving to Tell Our Story?

UNT Wed. Oct. 2; 10:00am - 11:30am

RR Tues. Oct. 22; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

In this session, members will learn how the City of Denton and the Denton County Office of History and Culture are preserving history with a look at the Denton County Historical Park. The presentation will cover what’s already there and what’s coming.

Karyn Blucker is a retired Denton ISD elementary teacher of language arts and social studies. She has volunteered with the Denton County Office of History and Culture for several years. She does museum tours and traveling museums to schools and other organizations.

The Sweep of American

History as Revealed through Currency and Coins

CCY Tues. Oct. 1; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Wed. Oct. 30; 10:00am - 11:30am

FM Wed. Nov. 6 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Eagles, Bison, Native Americans, Tennessee Woodsmen, Western Expansion, Explosion of Agriculture, Rapid Industrialization, Wars, and more. The numerous re-issues of currency glow with insights into American history. They are a visual depiction of how our culture and values have evolved. Members in this session will learn about this line of evolution through numerous photographs of currency and coins and the interesting stories behind their design.

David Higgins, PhD, earned his doctorate in financial management and investments from The University of Texas at Austin, his MBA from the University of Arizona, and his BA from Rutgers University.

Vexillology of Old Glory

CCY Tues. Nov. 12; 10:00am - 11:00am

Vexillology is the scientific study of the history, symbolism, and usage of flags, or, by extension, any interest in flags in general. In this session, members will learn a few new facts about what makes the United States of America’s flag so special.

Diana Mason, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the UNT Department of Chemistry. In 2016, she was commissioned by Governor Abbott as an Admiral in the Texas Navy recognizing her passion for the great state of Texas.

Vexillology of the Lone Star Flag

CCY Thurs. Nov. 14; 10:00am - 11:30am

Vexillology is the scientific study of the history, symbolism, and usage of flags, or, by extension, any interest in flags in general. In this session, members will learn about the storied history of the flags that have flown over Texas from the 1500s until today.

Diana Mason, PhD (see bio above)

Who Was the Real Mary Todd Lincoln?

UNT Wed. Sept. 11; 10:00am - 11:30am

Mary Todd Lincoln was the most criticized and misunderstood of our nation’s first ladies. She experienced more than her share of tragedy during her lifetime, resulting in a fair amount of emotional instability. This session will examine two sides of the wife of our nation’s 16th president, who is often viewed as a misunderstood and tragic figure.

Bruce Ralston (see bio, left)

Nature &

Environmental Science

Climate, Climate Change, and Extreme Weather: What Does Our Future Hold?

UNT Mon. Sept. 23; 10:00am - 11:30am

Climate and Weather are related concepts, but differ in important ways. In this OLLI session, the instructor will define climate, weather and how changes in both are accelerating. The facts (and myths) underlying natural and human-induced causes of climate change will be discussed, focusing on how extreme weather events, becoming more numerous and more severe, may be more worrisome than climate change alone.

Warren Burggren, PhD, is a University Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNT and a Fellow of the American Physiological Society.

Dark-eyed Juncos: Fifteen Sub-species in Six Sub-species Groups, and That’s Just the Beginning

RR Tues. Oct. 1; 2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT Mon. Nov. 18; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) have a long and complex taxonomic history. This lecture will introduce the various species and sub-species, discuss their variations, habitats, and ranges, as well as outline the current state of knowledge about their history and origins.

Scott Kiester, MS is a retired geologist, certified Texas Master Naturalist, and Audubon Master Birder for North Central Texas. Currently he is active in the Elm Fork Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, leads a monthly bird walk at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center near Denton and volunteers regularly at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area.

How the Natural Environment Gets Away with Murder

RR Thurs. Sept. 12; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will focus on the environmental and human health impacts of geologic materials and geologic processes. A balanced, fact-based discussion will be provided on both positive and negative effects of the natural environment on human health with emphasis on the issues that impact Texas and surrounding areas.

Robert Finkelman, PhD, helped create the field of medical geology and has co-edited five books on the subject. He received his doctorate degree in Chemistry from the University of Maryland.

A Journey from the Bottom of the Ocean to the Surface of the Moon

KEL Tues. Sept. 3; 1:30pm - 3:00pm FR Fri. Nov. 15; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will explore how microscopic particles can help us better understand the universe. Members will see dust from the solar system found at the bottom of the ocean and glass beads from the moon that tell us what the moon is made of. The presentation will include a few other examples from Mother Earth illustrating how dust-sized particles can impact our lives.

Robert Finkelman, PhD (see bio above)

My First Year of Beekeeping

RR Tues. Oct. 22; 10:00am - 11:30am

As a scholar of environmental literature, Dr. Derdeyn has taught about the crisis of bees and how their fragility disrupts our food chain. However, knowing about bees and deciding to keep two honeybee hives in her back yard beginning in April 2023 turned out to be two different things. This session will feature her personal tales of the trials, tribulations, and joys of her first year of beekeeping.

LeeAnn Derdeyn, PhD, is a Clinical Associate Professor in UNT’s College of Applied and Collaborative Studies. She has a BA in Medieval Literature and Spirituality, as well as an MA and PhD in Modern and Contemporary Literature.

Solving the Mysteries of the Migration and Wintering Biology of the American Kestrel

CCY Tues. Sept. 10; 10:00am - 11:30am

FR Fri. Nov. 15; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

American Kestrels have been declining for decades across their range, but scientists still are unsure of why. Although kestrels have been well-studied during their summer breeding period, relatively little is known about their wintering ecology and their full-annual migration cycle. Over the last 7 years, Jim Bednarz and several students have been attempting to unravel the mysteries of the wintering and migration biology of American Kestrels that winter in Denton County, Texas with cutting-edge GPS tracking technology. This presentation will outline the pitfalls and euphoria of working with innovative technology and obtaining novel data. Selected stories of individual birds that were tracked over the course of a year will be told, and another piece of the American kestrel puzzle will be revealed.

James Bednarz, PhD is a Senior Avian Lecturer and Advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNT. He specializes in behavioral ecology, conservation biology, and avian ecology.

Philosophy & Religion

Comparative Religion and Cinema

FR Fri. Nov. 1 & 8; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

LAN Fri. Nov. 15 & 22; 10:00am - 11:30am

This two-session course will compare some major religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Dr. Yadav will discuss some films indirectly based on religious ideas and understanding. She will show some movie clips and discuss the background with religious implications.

Richa Yadav, PhD, is a freelance writer who earned her doctorate degree in Philosophy. She moved to the United States almost two decades ago and has taught OLLI courses on literature, religion, and Indian culture since 2019.

UNT Mon. Sept. 16; 10:00am - 11:30am

It’s hard to talk about religious differences or to understand other people’s traditions. Instead of allowing our religious diversity to cause conflict, we can choose to cultivate religious pluralism. This session will help members identify the role that religion and spirituality may play in their lives and communities, identify strategies to support religiously marginalized communities, and prepare to foster a greater sense of belonging for people of all religious, secular, and spiritual identities.

Marcella C. Clinard, PhD, earned a doctorate in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University studying how instructors in women’s and gender studies teach about religion in introductory courses. She previously served as the Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion at UNT and currently serves as a Faculty Development Specialist in Faculty Success at the university. Marcella is passionate about religious inclusion and feels that her life has been enriched by learning about other people’s religious and spiritual paths.

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math

Beyond Oppenheimer

KEL Tues. Oct. 1; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Did you see the movie Oppenheimer but are still confused by what they were working on? Well, here’s a chance to have some aspects of the Manhattan Project explained, without personal dramas.

Jerry Davis is a professional engineer who worked in the commercial electric power industry for 15 years. He followed this by teaching Engineering at UNT for 21 years. A nuclear engineer by education, he also taught Mechanical Engineering.

Can Computers Think?

Wading Knee-deep into the Sea of Artificial Intelligence

FR Fri. Sept. 20 & 27; 10:00am - 11:30am

FM Wed. Oct. 23 & 30; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Computers have been useful tools for decades, but just in the last few years the sorts of tasks at which they seem to excel are growing by leaps and bounds -- just ask ChatGPT to write a sonnet, or discuss some complex philosophical question. The first session of this course will delve into the basic technology behind these amazing capabilities, and the second session will consider just how far it might go in the near future.

David McKinley retired from Oracle Corporation after a 50-year career as a systems and software engineer. Holding positions at both major corporations and startup companies, he not only observed, but actively participated in advancing computer hardware and software technology over the course of five decades.

Cut the Cable: Install Your Own

RR Thurs. Sept. 26; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will use a slideshow presentation and props to demonstrate how attendees can dynamically lower their monthly cable bill by installing their own roof antenna.

Steve Simpson is an experienced OLLI Instructor with a passion for teaching about “Cutting the Cable,” Photography, Drones, and High Tech Devices. He worked for over 20 years supporting the major mobile wireless phone carriers.

Fly Me to the Moon: The Trials and Triumphs of the Apollo 11 Guidance Computer

UNT Wed. Sept. 11; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

KEL Tues. Sept. 17; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

In July 1969, a revolutionary computer guided the Apollo 11 mission safely to the moon, but not without some drama along the way. This presentation will tell the fascinating story of the Apollo Guidance Computer, including how it was built and programmed, how it almost caused the first manned moon landing to fail, and how, in the end, it succeeded in getting Eagle safely to the surface, despite numerous unexpected problems.

David McKinley (see bio above)

Learning and Engagement Using Virtual Reality

FM Wed. Oct. 9; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

This session will provide an immersive learning experience through the use of virtual reality technology. Members will engage in hands-on activities and simulations that will enhance their mastery of complex activities such as 3D puzzlesolving. The activities will be not only engaging but also relaxational.

Regina Kaplan-Rakowski, PhD, is a Lecturer in the UNT Department of Learning Technologies, where she is also Director of the Masters of Science program. Her research interests include immersive learning environments (virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual worlds).

Fred McMahan, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning Technologies at UNT. Dr. McMahan’s research primarily focuses on Adaptive Virtual Environments, specifically, using neurogaming techniques to build XR environments that adapt to the user to provide an ever-changing experience.

Materials Science and Our Daily Lives: Historical Perspectives on Stuff

LAN Fri. Sept. 27; 10:00am - 11:30am

UNT Mon. Oct. 7; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

GS Fri. Nov. 8; 10:00am - 11:30am

In this session, members will learn the fundamental concepts of materials science through examination of everyday things like toilet paper, plastic combs, razorblades, eyeglasses, aluminum cans, wine glasses, and beer steins to more advanced things like cell phones, computers, cars, aircraft, and satellites. These materials include metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, and composites. All of these things will be discussed with a historical perspective in mind which will highlight the origins of these everyday items, how they changed over time, and how they affect our current lives.

Marcus Young, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UNT. His research ranges from cultural heritage studies on museum objects such as greenstones and bronzes, bioresorbable metal foams for biomedical implants, and energy storage materials for battery technologies, to composite materials for the U.S. military and shape memory alloys for NASA satellites.

Smart Irrigation Controllers

FM Mon. Sept. 16; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

KEL Tues. Sept. 24; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

GS Fri. Oct. 11; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will cover the latest technology for home landscape irrigation systems and the efficient water management of home properties.

Steven Dorsett is a licensed irrigator with over 35 years of experience who currently operates an irrigation business in the DFW area. He is a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality-approved training provider.

Wellness & Lifestyle

Dementia 101

RR Tues. Sept. 10; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This session will feature an important and informative presentation on Dementia and how to support those who have it.

Godwin Dixon is the co-owner and co-founder of Teresa’s House Senior Care. He is a senior care professional with 35 years of experience. Teresa’s House – Craig Ranch (McKinney) is an Assisted Living and Memory Care community that opened in 2020 and has been voted Best of McKinney for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

Teresa Whittington is the co-owner and co-founder of Teresa’s House Senior Care. She is a senior care professional with 35 years of experience. She is also a past board member and regular juror for SAGE (Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments) and is a current board member of Dementia Friendly Denton.

Don’t Slip, Trip, or Fall

CCY Tues. Sept. 17; 10:00am - 11:30am

FM Wed. Oct. 16; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

There are many hazards of falls. This session will explore what causes them and, more importantly, what things we should do to help protect ourselves at home and elsewhere.

Jerry Davis is a professional engineer who worked in the commercial electric power industry for 15 years. He followed this by teaching Engineering at UNT for 21 years. A nuclear engineer by education, he also taught Mechanical Engineering.

Geriatric Medicine Part II: Planning for End of Life Care

FM Wed. Sept. 18; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

CCY Tues. Oct. 22; 10:00am - 11:30am

KEL Tues. Nov. 12; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

This course is designed to help members plan the latter stages of your life. Dr. McKenzie will discuss living wills, medical power of attorney, choices for home and institutional care, and differences between in home health care, getting help, and hospic

John McKenzie, MD, retired after a 30 year career in east Texas as a Family Practice Specialist, with additional certification in Geriatric Medicine. After retiring from his practice, he taught at LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. During that time took care of his parents who both developed Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Remember Not to Forget: Memory and Aging

RR Tues. Oct. 1; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

FM Mon. Oct. 21; 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Many older adults are concerned about their memory skills declining as well as whether such declines signal the appearance of dementia. This course will enable you to not only understand memory in later life, but also learn a variety of techniques by which to improve your memory skills. Examples of such skills will be provided and discussed in class.

Bert Hayslip, Jr., PhD, is Regents Professor Emeritus in the UNT Department of Psychology. He received his doctorate in Experimental/ Developmental Psychology from the University of Akron and was on the UNT faculty from 1978 to 2013.

Save, Organize, and Share Your Memories Now and For Generations

RR Thurs. Oct. 3; 10:00am - 11:30am

KEL Tues. Oct. 22; 1:30pm - 3:00pm

This session is designed for members who have photos and documents that they struggle to manage and organize. The presentation will discuss member’s pain points and find solutions on how to organize and preserve their important photos and documents.

Rhonda Schock is a successful entrepreneur in the organization industry and is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing. With a graphic design degree from Wichita State University, her design skills give her an eye for organization and order.

Successful Aging: What Is It and How Do We Achieve it?

CCY Thurs. Sept. 5; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will explore the concept of successful aging and present the many avenues by which members can achieve the goal of aging well, thereby enhancing the quality of their lives.

Bert Hayslip, Jr., PhD (see bio on previous page)

Sustainable Design for Healthy Communities: The Fashion Factor

RR Thurs. Sept. 5; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

FR Fri. Sept. 13; 1:00pm - 2:30pm

This session will introduce members to the role that fashion plays in contributing to a more sustainable world, providing them with an understanding about the links between the garments they buy or wear and their long term impact on the environment. Common questions such as: “What is sustainability? What is the difference between a natural and synthetic fabric? Why are organic fabrics more expensive?” will be addressed. Physical examples will be shown to help members understand the differences between various kinds of fabrics and garment design processes, and provide them with tools to identify fashion options for more sustainable living.

Barbara Cottrell Trippeer, MFA, is an Assistant Professor in the Fashion Design program at the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design. She has held senior design positions within major US-based product development retail chains and worked for several overseas and domestic fashion firms.

Your Kids Don’t Want Your Collection! Now What?

CCY Tues. Oct. 8; 10:00am - 11:30am

This session will provide members with suggestions for where to place their treasured collections. There will be a discussion of how certain specific collections have been placed with university libraries, museums, and other institutions. For example, the Stetson University duPont-Ball Library holds the M. Jean Greenlaw Collection of approximately 1,500 children’s books in their Special Collections. Many of the books are first editions and almost all are signed by the author and/or illustrator.

Jean Greenlaw, PhD, is a Regents Professor Emeritus in the UNT College of Education. She has been a reviewer for decades and is the book review columnist for the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Fall 2024 Schedule

DATE & TIME LOCATION TITLE (Highlighted = Special Event, Trip, or Lecture Series)

WEEK 1

Monday, September 2

UNT Closed - Labor Day

Tuesday, September 3

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Giuseppe Verdi: Opera’s GOAT - Stephen Dubrow

10:00am - 11:00am UNT SSB 105 Yoga SIG

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL A Journey from the Bottom of the Ocean to the Surface of the Moon - Robert Finkelman

Wednesday, September 4

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Creede: Crossroads of Desperados - Jerry Davis

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Memory and Brain Health as You Age:...Dispelling Myths - Anthony Ryals

Thursday, September 5

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Successful Aging: What Is It and How Do We Achieve It? - Bert Hayslip

10:00am - 11:30am RR The Electoral College (2024 Elections) - Gloria Cox

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Sustainable Design for Healthy Communities: the Fashion Factor - Barbara Trippeer

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR The Power of Water: Encountering...Loreius Tiburtinus in Pompeii - Neville McFerrin

Friday, September 6

10:00am - 11:30am GS Music at the Movies That Make Social Comment (Session 1 of 2) - Max Morley

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Precisionism in America - Ray Pahler

10:00am - 11:30am FR T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land at 100 Years - LeeAnn Derdeyn

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Ben Franklin: American Writer...Inventor, Influencer Extraordinaire - Rebecca Poynter

WEEK 2

Monday, September 9

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Pilgrimage: Travel Sacred and Profane - Elizabeth Ranieri

12:00pm - 1:00pm UNT SSB 102 Hearing Aid Use in Older Adults...Cognition, and Emotion (Lunch & Learn) - Erin Schafer

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM The Wounded Line: How Poets Write About Grief, Loss, and Trauma - Jehanne Dubrow

Tuesday, September 10

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Solving the Mysteries...of the American Kestrel - James Bednarz

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Dementia 101 - Godwin Dixon & Teresa Whittington

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Crafting a Family History Narrative - Dale Spaulding

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR Campaign Finance & Presidental Elections (2024 Elections) - Wendy Watson

2:45pm - 4:15pm DSC Bookshelf Catch-Up SIG - The Time It Never Rained by Elmer Kelton

Wednesday, September 11

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Who Was the Real Mary Todd Lincoln? - Bruce Ralston

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 Fly Me to the Moon: The Trials...of the Apollo 11 Guidance Computer - David McKinley

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Trombone Quartet: An Immersive Experience - Kenny Ross

2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT SSB 101 Book Talk SIG - Mysteries & Thrillers

5:30pm - 7:30pm RR The Flora, Fauna, and Fantastic Nature of Wild DFW (OLLI After 5) - Amy Martin

Thursday, September 12

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Ben Franklin: American Writer...Inventor, Influencer Extraordinaire - Rebecca Poynter

10:00am - 11:30am RR How the Natural Environment Gets Away with Murder - Robert Finkelman

3:00pm - 4:30pm UNT SSB 102 Solo Travelers, Unite! SIG

Friday, September 13

10:00am - 11:30am GS Music at Movies That Make Social Comment (Session 2 of 2) - Max Morley

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Time Matters: A Women's Retirement Outlook - Kyle Schlabach

10:00am - 11:30am FR Architectural Ancestry: Inspiration for the Structures Around Us - Lynn Brandon

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Sustainable Design for Healthy Communities: The Fashion Factor - Barbara Trippeer

DATE & TIME LOCATION TITLE (Highlighted = Special Event, Trip, or Lecture Series)

WEEK 3

Monday, September 16

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Cultivating Religious Pluralism - Marcella Clinard

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 Forgotten Stories about Stadium Names - Tom Pryor

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Smart Irrigation Controllers - Steven Dorsett

Tuesday, September 17

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Don't Slip, Trip, or Fall - Jerry Davis

10:00am - 11:00am UNT SSB 105 Yoga SIG

10:00am - 11:30am RR The San Jacinto Campaign and Battle - Andrew Torget

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Fly Me to the Moon: The Trials...of the Apollo 11 Guidance Computer - David McKinley

Wednesday, September 18

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Precisionism in America - Ray Pahler

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Geriatric Medicine Part 2: Planning for End of Life Care - John McKenzie

Thursday, September 19

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Three 19th Century Female Artists: Bonheur, Morisot, & Cassatt - Francesca Romano

Friday, September 20

10:00am - 11:30am GS The Life of a Civil War Soldier - Bruce Ralston

10:00am - 11:30am FR Can Computers Think? Wading...into the Sea of A.I. (Session 1 of 2) - David McKinley

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Pilgrimage: Travel Sacred and Profane - Elizabeth Ranieri

WEEK 4

Monday, September 23

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Climate, Climate Change, and Extreme Weather... - Warren Burggren

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 The Power of Water: Encountering...Loreius Tiburtinus in Pompeii - Neville McFerrin

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Appropriating...the Legacy of a South American Independence Hero - Wimon Walker

Tuesday, September 24

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Hunting Nazis in Hollywood - Kerry Goldmann

10:00am - 11:30am RR America’s Presidents: Inspiring Stories & Trivia - Dory Wiley

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Nuclear Weapons… the President's Greatest Power (2024 Elections) - Michael Greig

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR Typography: Its History, Terminology, and Applications - John Neal

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Smart Irrigation Controllers - Steven Dorsett

Wednesday, September 25

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Conversational A.I. Agents...in the Online Retail Platform - Swagata Chakraborty

1:00pm - 2:00pm UNT Sky Theater UNT Sky Theater Planetarium - Back to the Moon for Good 1:15pm - 2:15pm FM Writing and Telling Your Stories SIG

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM In His Own Words: A WWI Experience - Emily Richardson

Thursday, September 26

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Trombone Quartet: An Immersive Experience - Kenny Ross

10:00am - 11:30am RR Cut the Cable: Install Your Own Home Antenna - Steve Simpson

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Let's Order from the Italian Menu (Session 1 of 4) - Jennifer Lane

2:45pm - 4:15pm Zoom Pundits, Polls, & Politics: The 2024 Election - Douglas Stowell

Friday, September 27

10:00am - 11:30am GS Memorable and Forgotten Foods of Mid 20th Century America - Lois Levine-Elman

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Materials Science & Our Daily Lives: Historical Perspectives on Stuff - Marcus Young

10:00am - 11:30am FR Can Computers Think? Wading...into the Sea of A.I. (Session 2 of 2) - David McKinley

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 1 of 4) - Carla Jesse

2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT SSB 105 Great Books SIG - The Plague by Albert Camus

This catalog was printed in July 2024. Members will be notified by email of any changes to this schedule.

Fall 2024 Schedule

DATE & TIME LOCATION TITLE (Highlighted = Special Event, Trip, or Lecture Series)

WEEK 5

Monday, September 30

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 The Wounded Line: How Poets Write About Grief, Loss, and Trauma - Jehanne Dubrow

12:00pm - 1:00pm UNT SSB 102 Hearing Loss & Tinnitus: Interaction & Management (Lunch & Learn) - Katherine Alsop

Tuesday, October 1

10:00am - 11:30am CCY The Sweep of American History as Revealed through Currency & Coins - David Higgins

10:00am - 11:00am UNT SSB 105 Yoga SIG

10:00am - 11:30am RR No Longer a Sleeping Giant... (2024 Elections) - Valerie Martinez-Ebers

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR How to Remember Not to Forget: Memory and Aging - Bert Hayslip

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Beyond Oppenheimer - Jerry Davis

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR Dark-eyed Juncos: Fifteen Sub-species in Six Sub-species Groups... - Scott Kiester

Wednesday, October 2

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Tear Down or Preserve? What in Denton is Worth Saving... - Karyn Blucker

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 Introduction to Calligraphy Workshop (Session 1 of 2) - Neil Kalmanson

1:15pm - 2:15pm FM Writing and Telling Your Stories SIG

Thursday, October 3

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Modern Irish Women Poets and Music - LeeAnn Derdeyn

10:00am - 11:30am RR Save, Organize, Share Your Memories Now and For Generations - Rhonda Schock

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Let's Order from the Italian Menu (Session 2 of 4) - Jennifer Lane

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR The Electoral College (Session 1 of 2) - Jim Bays

Friday, October 4

8:00am - 2:30pm BUS TRIP Chartered Bus Trip: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

WEEK 6

Monday, October 7

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Shifts in the People’s Culture from… to Maurice Ravel (Session 1 of 2) - Max Morley

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 Materials Science and Our Daily Lives: Historical Perspectives on Stuff - Marcus Young

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (Session 1 of 2) - Wendy Watson

Tuesday, October 8

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Your Kids Don't Want Your Collection! Now What? - Jean Greenlaw

10:00am - 11:30am RR Forgotten Stories about Stadium Names - Tom Pryor

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Let's Order from the Italian Menu (Session 3 of 4) - Jennifer Lane

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL How to Avoid Overpaying Taxes in Retirement - Joseph Dowdall

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR The Electoral College (Session 2 of 2) - Jim Bays

2:45pm - 4:15pm DSC Bookshelf Catch-Up SIG - The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger

Wednesday, October 9

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Robert and Elizabeth Browning: An Enduring Love Story - Don Vann

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 Introduction to Calligraphy Workshop (Session 2 of 2) - Neil Kalmanson

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Learning and Engagement Using VR - Regina Kaplan-Rakowski & Fred McMahan

2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT SSB 101 Book Talk SIG - The Arts

Thursday, October 10

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Frankenstein: Man, Monster, Myth - Lynne Kelsey

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Solo Travelers, Unite! SIG

Friday, October 11

10:00am - 11:30am GS Smart Irrigation Controllers - Steven Dorsett

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Financial Decision Points: Ages 50-75 (Session 1 of 3) - Gary Koenig

10:00am - 11:30am FR How to Avoid Overpaying Taxes in Retirement - Joseph Dowdall

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 2 of 4) - Carla Jesse

DATE & TIME LOCATION TITLE (Highlighted = Special Event, Trip, or Lecture Series)

WEEK 7

Monday, October 14

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Shifts in the People’s Culture to...Maurice Ravel (Session 2 of 2) - Max Morley

12:00pm - 1:00pm UNT SSB 102 Maintaining Cognitive Health Through Aging (Lunch & Learn) - Stacy Nunnelee

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (Session 2 of 2) - Wendy Watson

Tuesday, October 15

10:00am - 11:30am CCY The Power of Water: Encountering...Loreius Tiburtinus in Pompeii - Neville McFerrin

10:00am - 11:00am UNT SSB 105 Yoga SIG

10:00am - 11:30am RR The San Jacinto Campaign and Battle (2nd Offering) - Andrew Torget

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR The US, Russia and China: A New Balance of Power (2024 Elections) - Jim Meernik

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Forgotten Stories about Stadium Names - Tom Pryor

2:45pm - 4:15pm RR Masters of Harlem Stride Piano: Johnson, Waller, Tatum - Steve Harlos & Ron Fink

Wednesday, October 16

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Seven Soliloquies: The Heart of Hamlet - Lynne Kelsey

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 Time Matters: A Women's Retirement Outlook - Kyle Schlabach

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Don't Slip, Trip, or Fall - Jerry Davis

5:30pm - 6:30pm CCY The Life of the Party...at the Greek Symposium (OLLI After 5) - Neville McFerrin

Thursday, October 17

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Benevolent vs Malevolent Personality Styles... - Craig Neumann

10:00am - 11:30am RR Robert and Elizabeth Browning: An Enduring Love Story - Don Vann

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Understanding the 2024 Election: Panel Discussion

4:00pm - 5:00pm UNT SSB 102 Oktoberfest Beer & Cheese Pairing

Friday, October 18

10:00am - 11:30am GS Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (Session 1 of 2) - Wendy Watson

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Financial Decision Points: Ages 50-75 (Session 2 of 3) - Gary Koenig

10:00am - 11:30am FR In His Own Words: A WWI Experience - Emily Richardson

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 3 of 4) - Carla Jesse WEEK 8

Monday, October 21

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Eighth Airforce Cemetery at Cambridge, United Kingdom - E.R. Milner

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 Votes for Women: Understanding the Politics of Suffragist Fashion - Christy Crutsinger

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM How to Remember Not to Forget: Memory and Aging - Bert Hayslip

Tuesday, October 22

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Geriatric Medicine Part 2: Planning for End of Life Care - John Mckenzie

10:00am - 11:30am RR My First Year in Beekeeping - LeeAnn Derdeyn

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Tear Down or Preserve? What in Denton is Worth Saving... - Karyn Blucker

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Save, Organize, Share Your Memories Now and For Generations - Rhonda Schock

5:30pm - 7:00pm RR How the City of Denton is Protecting the Habitat... (OLLI After 5) - Christi Upton

Wednesday, October 23

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 Memorable and Forgotten Foods of Mid-20th Century America - Lois Levine Elman

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 Elements of Narrative: The Joys...of Creative Writing (Session 1 of 2) - Lopa Banerjee

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Can Computers Think? Wading...into the Sea of A.I. (Session 1 of 2) - David McKinley

Thursday, October 24

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Votes for Women: Understanding the Politics of Suffragist Fashion - Christy Crutsinger

4:00pm - 5:00pm UNT CVAD Gallery Labor of Luxury Exhibition: Gallery Talk by ASHISH

Friday, October 25

10:00am - 11:30am GS Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (Session 2 of 2) - Wendy Watson

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Financial Decision Points: Ages 50-75 (Session 3 of 3) - Gary Koenig

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 4 of 4) - Carla Jesse

2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT SSB 105 Great Books SIG - Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

Fall 2024 Schedule

DATE & TIME LOCATION TITLE (Highlighted = Special Event, Trip, or Lecture Series)

WEEK 9

Monday, October 28

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Linguistic Fingerprint: How Do Linguists Identify a Person… - Katie Crowder

12:00pm - 1:00pm UNT SSB 102 Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults... (Lunch & Learn) - Shannon Presley

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 1 of 4) - Carla Jesse

Tuesday, October 29

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Shifts in the People’s Culture from…to Maurice Ravel (Session 1 of 2) - Max Morley

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL SECURE Act: How it Affects Your Retirement Plans... - Leigh Hilton

Wednesday, October 30

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 The Sweep of American History as Revealed through Currency & Coins - David Higgins

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 Elements of Narrative: The Joys...of Creative Writing (Session 2 of 2) - Lopa Banerjee

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Can Computers Think? Wading...into the Sea of A.I. (Session 2 of 2) - David McKinley

Thursday, October 31

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Shifts in the People’s Culture from…to Maurice Ravel (Session 2 of 2) - Max Morley

10:00am - 11:30am RR Giuseppe Verdi: Opera’s GOAT - Stephen Dubrow

1:00pm - 2:30pm RR Let's Order from the Italian Menu (Session 4 of 4) - Jennifer Lane

5:30pm - 7:00pm RR Shedding Light on Light Pollution...Nature at Night (OLLI After 5) - Karen McGraw

Friday, November 1

10:00am - 11:30am GS The Wounded Line: How Poets Write About Grief, Loss, and Trauma - Jehanne Dubrow

10:00am - 11:30am LAN The Role of Women During World War II: Home Front & Beyond - Bruce Ralston

10:00am - 11:00am FR A Review of Denton Public Art - Omar Siddiqi

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Comparative Religion and Cinema (Session 1 of 2) - Richa Yadav

WEEK 10

Monday, November 4

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Appropriating...the Legacy of a South American Independence Hero - Wimon Walker

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 Trombone Quartet: An Immersive Experience - Kenny Ross 2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 2 of 4) - Carla Jessee

Tuesday, November 5

10:00am - 11:00am UNT SSB 105 Yoga SIG

Wednesday, November 6

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 105 The Federal Reserve: What Is It and How Does It Function - Stan Nelsen

1:00pm - 2:00pm UNT SSB 105 A Review of Denton Public Art - Omar Siddiqi

1:15pm - 2:15pm FM Writing and Telling Your Stories SIG 2:30pm - 4:00pm FM The Sweep of American History as Revealed through Currency & Coins - David Higgins

Thursday, November 7

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility - Elaine Kushmaul

10:00am - 11:30am RR Field of Mysteries: Unearthing the Secrets of Crop Circles - Jeanette & Edward Laredo

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT CVAD Gallery Labor of Luxury Exhibition: Tour with Annette Becker

3:00pm - 4:30pm UNT SSB 102 Solo Travelers, Unite! SIG

Friday, November 8

10:00am - 11:30am GS Materials Science & Our Daily Lives: Historical Perspectives on Stuff - Marcus Young

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Memorable and Forgotten Foods of Mid-20th Century America - Lois Levine Elman

10:00am - 11:30am FR The Monuments Men and Women of WWII...Recovery and Restitution - Casey Shelton

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Comparative Religion and Cinema (Session 2 of 2) - Richa Yadav

DATE & TIME LOCATION TITLE (Highlighted = Special Event, Trip, or Lecture Series) WEEK 11

Monday, November 11

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 In His Own Words: A WWI Experience - Emily Richardson

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 The Monuments Men and Women of WWII...Recovery and Restitution - Casey Shelton

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 3 of 4) - Carla Jessee

Tuesday, November 12

10:00am - 11:00am CCY Vexillology of Old Glory - Diana Mason

1:30pm - 3:00pm KEL Geriatric Medicine Part 2: Planning for End of Life Care - John McKenzie

2:45pm - 4:15pm DSC Book Shelf Catch-Up SIG: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Wednesday, November 13

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 105 The Ageless Allure of Antiquity...Influences of Modern Fashion - Isabel Saldivar

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM In His Own Words: A WWI Experience - Emily Richardson

2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT SSB 101 Book Talk SIG: Books worthy to be given as gifts

Thursday, November 14

10:00am - 11:30am CCY Vexillology of the Lone Star Flag - Diana Mason

Friday, November 15

10:00am - 11:30am GS Jane Austen's Emma - Elaine Kushmaul

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Comparative Religion and Cinema (Session 1 of 2) - Richa Yadav

10:00am - 11:30am FR A Journey from the Bottom of the Ocean to the Surface of the Moon - Robert Finkelman

1:00pm - 2:30pm FR Solving the Mysteries...of the American Kestrel - James Bednarz WEEK 12

Monday, November 18

10:00am - 11:30am UNT SSB 102 Jane Austen's Emma - Elaine Kushmaul

1:00pm - 2:30pm UNT SSB 102 Dark-eyed Juncos: Fifteen Sub-species in Six Sub-species Groups... - Scott Kiester 2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Acrylic Painting Workshop (Session 4 of 4) - Carla Jessee

10:00am

Tuesday, November 19 Wednesday, November 20

of Mysteries: Unearthing the Secrets of Crop Circles - Jeanette & Edward Laredo

2:30pm - 4:00pm FM Masters of Harlem Stride Piano: Johnson, Waller, Tatum - Steve Harlos & Ron Fink

Thursday, November 21

10:00am - 11:30am CCY The Monuments Men and Women of WWII...Recovery and Restitution - Casey Shelton

10:00am - 11:30am RR The Federal Reserve - What Is It and How Does It Function - Stan Nelsen

Friday, November 22

10:00am - 11:00am GS A Review of Denton Public Art - Omar Siddiqi

10:00am - 11:30am LAN Comparative Religion and Cinema (Session 2 of 2) - Richa Yadav

10:00am - 11:30am FR Will Your Living Trust Fail? - Leigh Hilton

2:45pm - 4:15pm UNT SSB 105 Great Books SIG - Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

OLLI HIGHLIGHTS

Spring & Summer 2024 Courses & Activities

Eclipse Over Frisco Chartered Bus Trip

Retirement Reception for Dr. Stephanie Reinke

Exploring the Emotive Power of the Blues

Introduction to Calligraphy Workshop

Denton Juneteenth Celebration

Guided Tour of TFC “Labor of Luxury” Exhibition at NorthPark Center