O L L I AT R I N G L I N G C O L L E G E
Your Destination for Lifelong Learning
Fall: Sept. 28-Nov. 20, 2026 Ringling College Continuing Studies
Celebrating Our Past. Investing in Our Future. Hello OLLI Members, Nearly five years have passed since I accepted the privilege of serving as Director of OLLI at Ringling College. With each passing year, my enthusiasm for this remarkable community has only grown stronger. I look forward to every Preview and to showcasing the outstanding classes, lectures, workshops, and experiences we create together. Yet what inspires me most is you—our members. You bring energy, curiosity, wisdom, and joy to OLLI every day. It is a privilege to work alongside our dedicated volunteers, exceptional instructors, engaged students, and a staff that is truly second to none. Our members have taught me that aging is not about slowing down—it is about living with purpose, passion, and an enduring desire to learn, connect, and contribute. You have redefined what a vibrant and fulfilling retirement can look like, and I am grateful for the lessons you share simply by being part of this community. Together, we have accomplished so much. We have grown our membership, launched OLLI Talks—our first annual fundraising event—created a thriving summer program, expanded our Shared Interest Groups, increased our course offerings, and, beginning this fall, will join the Osher Online program, bringing even more learning opportunities to our members. It is because of you that I come to work each day energized by all we have achieved and excited about the extraordinary future ahead for OLLI at Ringling College. This fall, we will continue to strengthen our presence and demonstrate the value of lifelong learning across the Ringling College community and beyond. As OLLI continues to grow, so do the opportunities—and the investments—needed to support that growth. In 2027, OLLI will celebrate its 10th anniversary as part of Ringling College of Art and Design. As we approach this important milestone, we are making thoughtful decisions today that will strengthen OLLI and position us for an even brighter future.
New Membership and Tuition Rates Beginning this fall, we will introduce new membership options, updated membership fees, and revised tuition rates, outlined below. These are the first price increases since 2017. Over the past year, with the guidance and support of the OLLI Advisory Committee and our colleagues in the Office of Advancement, we carefully evaluated how to create a pricing structure that will help ensure OLLI remains strong, sustainable, and able to deliver the exceptional educational experiences our members have come to expect. I recognize that any price increase deserves thoughtful consideration. I hope you will view these changes as an investment in OLLI's future—one that will allow us to continue offering high-quality programming, attract outstanding instructors, expand opportunities, and build the vibrant lifelong learning community that makes OLLI so special.
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A New National Learning Opportunity This fall also marks another exciting milestone. OLLI at Ringling College will join the National Osher Resource Center's Osher Online (OOL) program. Through this new benefit, our members will have access to live online courses and special community events offered in collaboration with more than 63 OLLIs across the country. Registration for Osher Online courses will be as simple as registering for any other OLLI course. Once you enroll, we will share your name and contact information with the National Osher Resource Center so you can participate in the program. This exclusive member benefit significantly expands your learning opportunities, connecting you with engaging courses, distinguished instructors, and fellow lifelong learners from across the national Osher network. We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to OLLI at Ringling College and hope you will take full advantage of this valuable addition to your membership. It is another example of our commitment to continually enriching your lifelong learning experience.
An Exciting Fall Ahead And there is even more to look forward to! This fall, in addition to four Osher Online courses, we will offer more than 70 courses, lectures, and workshops. You will have an incredible variety of opportunities from which to choose— and the chance to meet and learn from 12 new instructors joining our OLLI community. As we enter our 10th anniversary year, I could not be more excited about where OLLI is headed. Our future is bright because of you—your curiosity, your enthusiasm, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to being part of this extraordinary community. Thank you for making OLLI what it is today and for helping us shape what it will become tomorrow. Best,
Phyllis
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Index
22 Gardening
2-3 Director’s Note
Design Like a Pro: How to Plan Your Landscape
4-5 Index
Before You Plant
6 OLLI is the Place to Be
22-25 Health and Lifestyles
7 Staff
Discover Your NeuroCreative Mind: Creativity,
Advisory Committee
Focus, and Flexible Thinking
Academic Calendar
You Planned For Retirement, But Did You
8-9 Program Information
Plan For Aging?
Academic Policies and Procedures
Transform Triggers Into Truth: Respond vs. React
10 Membership Information
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Drugs How to Start a Lifetime Daily Meditation Practice
11 Membership Levels and Benefits
From Conflict to Collaboration: Navigating
12 Registration Form
Difficult Conversations
13-14 Registration Grid
Healthy Aging: Understanding Blood Pressure Holistic Stress Management: Increasing Resilience
15
in Current Times
Art Appreciation The Fascinating Style of Gustav Klimt
15-18
25-28
Charlemagne ― The Father of Europe
Arts and Entertainment
This Was Their Lives
Funny Girls: Women of Stand-Up Comedy
The Great Debate: Monogenism vs. Polygenism
Yoga for the Brain: A Novel Dice Game
Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark
TrivialiTEA: Trivia With a Twist
Thomas Paine, Champion of Freedom
1970s Films, Part 7
The Eventful Life of Robert Lincoln
Sing From the Heart: A Musical Road Trip
Genius Women Erased from History
Improv! Brain Games and Scene Work
America 250: America Defiant
The Paranoia Trilogy Divas, Dames, Dolls, Drama,
29-30
and a Little Dancing, Too!
19
French: Advanced Beginners 1
Culture and Travel
French: Advanced Situational 1
French: Advanced Intermediate 1
31-33
and Pharaohs
Literature The Atlantic Magazine: Discussion and Analysis World’s Great Literature
Current Events and Global Issues
OLLI Fall Book Club
Can You Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test?
OLLI Mystery Book Club
What It Really Takes
Short Story Collective
Do Books Have a Future?
Anton Chekhov: A Deeper Look
The Second Amendment
The New Yorker: Conversations
World in Transition 21
Language
Songs You Know By Those You Don’t
Inside Cairo’s Museums: Mummies, Gold,
20
History
Economics and Finance Financial Wellness: Foundations, Life Transitions, and Fraud Prevention How to Have Meaningful Money Conversations with Children
4
Index
33-34 Music Appreciation
40-41 Osher Online Courses
The Stories Behind Great Songs
The History and Experience of Route 66
The Songwriting Stories of the Two Warrens:
Mexico City: Empires, Revolutions,
Harry & Diane
and Everyday Life
Beethoven’s Symphonies: Searching for the
Apple at 50: How it Revolutionized Computing
Ideal Performance, Part One
and Transformed Daily Life
The Best Film Scores of All Time
Power and the People: The Evolution of the U.S. Federal Judiciary
34-35 Philosophy and Religion Listening to Life: The Art and Practice of Journaling Jericho: Folklore, Holy War, and Morality
42-45 Lectures The Many Origins of Sarasota
35-36 Psychology
The Haunted History of Florida
Psychology of Contemporary-
Discovering New Plant Species: Selby Gardens
Ancient Wisdom in Aeschylus’s Oresteia
Expeditions in the Tropical Andes
Psychology of Contemporary-
How to Become a Nomad and Travel the World
Ancient Wisdom: Krishnamurti 46 CONNECTIONS: Documentary Film Series 36-38 Science
A Gorilla Story
Changing Drug Design with Artificial Intelligence
Room to Move
Science Wednesdays Why We Do What We Do
47 Making a Gift 48 Donor Appreciation
38 Technology
49 Instructor Biographies
AI in Everyday Life: Practical Uses for ChatGPT
55 About Sarasota Art Museum
ChatGPT: Your Brainstorming and Reflection Partner 39 Writing Poetry Only You Can Write Writing Your Story (Two Pages at a Time)
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OLLI at Ringling College is the Place to Be If You like meeting people. You are age “50 and better.” You enjoy intellectual discussions and the lively exchange of ideas. You realize that an important part of aging well is staying active mentally and physically. Your daily routine is flexible, giving you the freedom to choose your schedule.
If you identify with at least two of the above statements, you’re a perfect candidate for lifelong learning. There are no tests or grades—ever. We invite you to come and experience learning for the pure joy of learning!
Become a Member Today!
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Staff | Advisory Committee | Academic Calendar
Staff Dr. Phyllis C. Brown
Sheila Reed
Meghan Burrows
Director
Assistant Director
Registration &
pbrown3@ringling.edu
sreed@ringling.edu
Operations Assistant mburrows@ringling.edu
Advisory Committee Jeff Ryder Chair, Advisory Committee Mark Moulin Instructor Recruitment Committee Marilyn Pinsky Chair, Membership Committee Carol Ellis Chair, Curriculum Committee
Patricia “Tobie” van der Vorm
Michael Vlaisavljevich
Chair, Instructor
Curriculum Committee
Recruitment Committee Marion Richter
Bev Harms (Emeritus)
Chair, Newsletter Committee Colleen Lundwall
Sam Samelson (Emeritus)
Curriculum Committee
2026-2027 Academic Calendar Fall Term 2026:
Spring Term 2027:
Sept. 28-Nov. 20, 2026
March 15-May 7, 2027 No classes: Monday, May 31, 2027
Winter Term 2027: Jan. 11-March 5, 2027
Summer Term 2027:
No classes: Monday, Jan. 18
May 17-July 9, 2027
Photography by Lori Sax. A special thanks to our Fall cover models, from left, Peggy Hayden, Urte Tuerpe, and Gail Sussman-Miller.
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Program Information | Academic Policies and Procedures
About OLLI at Ringling College
Instructor Responsibility
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College is a program of Ringling College of Art and Design. OLLI at Ringling College operates year-round and is supported through memberships, student registrations, and private contributions. OLLI courses are non-credit and primarily based on a liberal arts curriculum. Tuition varies depending on course length. There are no grades and no tests. Courses are offered purely for the joy of learning.
If a student disrupts a class, the instructor has a responsibility to ask the student to refrain from class disruptions. If the disruptive behavior persists, the instructor has a responsibility to ask the student to leave class or ask for support from the OLLI staff. The definition of disruptive behavior includes not complying with the Student Code of Conduct. It may also include any behaviors or actions considered threatening, abusive, or inconsiderate of other students. A student may return to class only if they refrain from disruptive behavior. If the student refuses to comply, security will be called and the student will be escorted from the classroom.
Mission The mission of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College is to enrich the lives of mature adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties. We provide affordable and outstanding educational programs and social interaction that covers a broad spectrum of topics that are rich in intellectual stimulation, interactive in scope, and worthy of academic consideration.
The director and the assistant director of OLLI at Ringling College must be notified if an incident occurs where a student is asked to leave the classroom. Membership
Learning Environment
• A membership at the Emerald, Sapphire, Gold,
Above all else, our ultimate goal is to provide a stimulating and thoughtful learning experience.
or Silver level is required to register for a multi-session course. There are no refunds on a membership once it has been used to register for any fee-based program.
We are committed to creating an intellectually nurturing environment that encourages a collegial exchange of ideas and concepts and enables us to broaden our perspectives and hone our opinions. Sometimes we agree with others’ viewpoints; sometimes we question them and feel the need to present an alternative view. This honest give and take of scholastic discourse, tempered with mutual respect and an open mind, makes for a rare and memorable learning experience.
• Membership in OLLI is not transferable. Spouses or partners must have their own membership
• You do not need a membership to register for any single-session program (i.e., CONNECTIONS: the documentary film series, a lecture, or workshop.)
Payment Options OLLI accepts credit cards and checks for all program registrations. We do not accept cash for any program transaction.
Student Code of Conduct We all play a role in maintaining this balance of civility and academic freedom. Here’s how you can do your part.
Registration Options
• Allow others to have their say. • Respect the rights of others to express their views. • Listen quietly while the instructor or other
Online: Visit www.rcad.augusoft.net and browse courses. If you have more than one address, remember to use the address that is associated with the credit card you are using.
students are speaking.
• Refrain from quarrelsome interruptions to an
Mail or in Person: Fill out the mail-in form. Enclose it with your check or credit card information. You can also drop off your form in Room 105 (Fran Mann Reception Area) on the Ringling College Museum Campus.
instructor’s presentation.
• Ensure cell phones are switched off or muted during the class.
Phone: 941-309-5111
• Comply with OLLI staff and instructor requests.
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Program Information | Academic Policies and Procedures
Class Cancellations
• Students will receive a full refund if a class is canceled due to under-enrollment.
• Students will also receive a full refund if an instructor cancels a class before it begins.
• Once a class has started and an instructor cancels
a class for medical or personal reasons, students will receive a prorated refund based on the number of classes held before cancellation.
• Students are expected to pay for class session(s) they attend.
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design Photo: Ryan Gamma
Refund Policy
• If a student drops a course before the first scheduled
Photo Policy
session, the student will receive a full refund.
• If a student drops a course after the second scheduled
By registering for a course, I acknowledge that my photo may be taken while at OLLI at Ringling College and that my photo maybe used for promoting OLLI. If I do not want my picture taken and used in promotions, I will step aside when photos are being taken.
• If a class is canceled due to under-enrollment or an
Building Evacuation Procedures
• If a student drops a course after the first scheduled session, the student will receive a refund minus a 25 percent administrative fee. session, the student forfeits their entire tuition.
instructor-related issue, students will receive a full or partial tuition refund.
Upon receipt of an evacuation order, all employees and students shall exit via the nearest unaffected exit. They shall proceed quickly and quietly to the designated evacuation relocation point for the area they were in at the time of the evacuation order. If class is in session, it is the responsibility of the instructor to direct their students from their classroom to the appropriate egress route and relocation point.
• Students are expected to pay for any class session(s) they attend.
• Unless canceled by OLLI, there are no refunds for CONNECTIONS (the documentary film series), a lecture, workshop, or event or program.
Guest Policy
Contact/Mail Information
Before a *guest can attend a class or program, they must:
• Stop by the OLLI office in Room 105 to receive a
OLLI at Ringling College 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236-9117
• Provide their name, email address, or phone number.
Office hours: 8 am to 4 pm • Monday-Friday
Guests may attend a class only if there is space and only if the instructor has not imposed registration limits.
Phone: 941-309-5111
one-time guest pass.
Email: OLLI@ringling.edu
No guest passes will be issued for CONNECTIONS (documentary film series), lectures, workshops, or programs.
Website: www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org
*Any OLLI member who invites a guest to attend a class must accompany their guest to the office for check-in. OLLI members can invite only one guest to attend one class per term. No exceptions.
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Membership Information
Membership Questions and Answers of a member's contribution. By modifying membership benefits, we have increased the tax-deductible portion of membership contributions across all levels. In fact, the tax-deductible amounts have been updated to be more donor favorable than in previous years, allowing a greater portion of your membership support to qualify as a charitable contribution. We remain committed to providing engaging educational opportunities and meaningful value to our members while ensuring compliance with IRS requirements.
Do I need a membership to register for a class? You must have a membership at the Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, or Silver level to register for a multi-session class (e.g., classes that are scheduled for two or more weeks). Can I upgrade my membership? You may upgrade your membership at any time. Please note that upgrades require the purchase of a new membership at the current membership rate. Previously paid membership fees cannot be applied as credit toward the cost of a new membership.
What are the IRS regulations that have prompted the changes? The updates are intended to align our membership program with IRS guidance outlined in Publication 1771, Charitable Contributions: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements, which addresses charitable contributions and member benefits. Specifically, the guidance applies when donors receive goods or services in connection with their contribution, commonly referred to as a quid pro quo contribution. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship, we reviewed our membership benefits to ensure they are structured in accordance with current IRS requirements. This review also provided an opportunity to increase the tax-deductible portion of membership contributions, resulting in updated deductible amounts that are more donor favorable across membership levels. The taxdeductible amount for each membership level is listed in the Benefits Guide and reflects the value of any benefits associated with that membership.
If I upgrade my membership, does that increase my chances of getting into popular classes? No. Membership at any level does not guarantee a seat in a class. If I change my mind, can I get a refund on my membership? Once you use your OLLI membership to register for any fee-based program that requires a membership, you cannot receive a refund. Do I need a membership to take a lecture? You do not need a membership to register for a single-session program (e.g., a one-time lecture or workshop). Please note that there are no refunds on single-session programs. Why were the free lectures eliminated? To comply with IRS guidance regarding charitable contributions and membership benefits, we have updated our membership structure and benefits. Under IRS rules, benefits such as complimentary lectures may need to be assigned a fair market value, which can reduce the tax-deductible portion S I LV E R MEMBER
GOLD MEMBER
SAPPHIRE MEMBER
EMERALD MEMBER
8 Session Courses
$125
$113
$110
$106
7 Session Courses
$115
$104
$101
$98
6 Session Courses
$105
$95
$92
$89
5 Session Courses
$90
$81
$79
$77
4 Session Courses
$80
$72
$70
$68
3 Session Courses
$70
$63
$61
$60
2 Session Courses
$60
$54
$52
$51
Workshop (3 Hours)
$65
$59
$57
$55
1 Session Programs*
$20
$18
$17
$17
* Includes programs like CONNECTIONS: Documentary Film Series and Lectures.
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Membership Information
Membership Levels and Benefits EMERALD MEMBER: $500
Tax-deductible amount: $320
Registration: 2:30 pm, Friday, Aug. 28 and 8 am, Monday, Aug. 31
• Access to more than 200 in-person and online classes • Early registration • Discounts on courses and lectures • Invitation to Ringling College special gallery
• Access to OLLI member e-newsletter • Volunteer opportunities • Participation in Shared Interest Groups (SIG) • Subscription to Ringling College
• Emerald reception with guest speaker • Invitation to Susan Samelson Lecture • Invitation to Spring Mixer • Invitation to member appreciation open house • Recognition in OLLI Course Catalog
• Subscription to Ringling College
exhibition openings
Creative Connections Annual Magazine Creative Connections e-newsletter
• 10% Bistro discount • Free Parking
SAPPHIRE MEMBER: $250
Tax-deductible amount: $185
Registration: 8 am Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Wednesday, Sept. 2
• Access to more than 200 in-person and online classes • Early registration • Discount on courses and lectures • Invitation to Susan Samelson Lecture • Invitation to Spring Mixer • Invitation to member appreciation open house • Recognition in OLLI Course Catalog • Access to OLLI member e-newsletter
• Volunteer opportunities • Participation in Shared Interest Groups (SIG) • Subscription to Ringling College Creative Connections Annual Magazine
• Subscription to Ringling College
Creative Connections e-newsletter
• 10% Bistro discount • Free Parking
GOLD MEMBER: $100
Tax-deductible amount: $75
Registration: 8 am Thursday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 4
• Access to more than 200 in-person and online classes • Early registration • Discount on courses and lectures • Invitation to Spring Mixer • Invitation to member appreciation open house • Access to OLLI member e-newsletter
• Volunteer opportunities • Participation in Shared Interest Groups (SIG) • Subscription to Ringling College Creative Connections e-newsletter
• 10% Bistro discount • Free Parking
S I LV E R M E M B E R : $ 3 5
Tax-deductible amount: $35
Registration: 8 am, Tuesday, Sept. 8
• Access to more than 200 in-person and online classes • Invitation to member appreciation open house • Access to OLLI member e-newsletter • Volunteer opportunities
• Participation in Shared Interest Groups (SIG) • 10% Bistro discount • Free Parking
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Registration Form
Student Information (Please Print Clearly)
I am a new student
Billing Address
Return Completed Forms To: OLLI at Ringling College 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
City/State/ZIP
Contact Us:
Phone Number
Call: 941-309-5111 Email: OLLI@ringling.edu Visit: OLLIatRinglingCollege.org
Name
Email Address Course Base Rates (Member discounts applied at registration)
Quantity
x
Price*
=
Subtotal
8 Session Courses
x
$125
=
$
7 Session Courses
x
$115
=
$
6 Session Courses
x
$105
=
$
5 Session Courses
x
$90
=
$
4 Session Courses
x
$80
=
$
3 Session Courses
x
$70
=
$
2 Session Courses
x
$60
=
$
1 Session Courses
x
$20
=
$
Workshops
x
$65
=
$
x
Price
=
*Course tuition on Page 10. Discounts based on membership level.
CONNECTIONS: Documentary Film Series (No Refunds)
Quantity
Subtotal
A Gorilla Story | Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 2:30-4 pm
x
$
=
$
Room to Move | Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 2:15-4:45 pm
x
$
=
$
Fees per person: Emerald Member: $17; Sapphire Member: $17; Gold Member: $18; Silver Member and General Admission: $20
Lectures (No Refunds)
Quantity
x
Price
=
Subtotal
The Many Origins of Sarasota | Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 10-11 am
x
$
=
$
The Haunted History of Florida | Thursday, Oct. 15 | 10-11 am
x
$
=
$
Discovering New Plant Species... | Thursday, Oct. 15 | 1-2:20 pm
x
$
=
$
How to Become a Nomad... | Thursday, Nov. 12 | 1-2:30 pm
x
$
=
$
Fees per person: Emerald Member: $17; Sapphire Member: $17; Gold Member: $18; Silver Member and General Admission: $20
Membership Membership Renewal Emerald: $500
Quantity
x
Purchasing a new membership Sapphire $250
Gold: $100
x
Silver: $35
Price $
= =
Subtotal $
General Admission (Non-member)
Payment Check (enclosed)
TOTAL $
Credit Card
Visa/MC/Discover/AMEX # _____________________________________
CVV Code ________
Full credit card number required. Registration system does not retain card number. 12
Exp. Date ___________
Registration Grid
Please indicate your choice of course(s) from the list below, then complete all information on the registration form.
Early Registration Opens Emerald Members: 2 pm Friday, Aug. 28 and 8 am Monday, Aug. 31
• The number in parenthesis indicates the
Sapphire Members: 8 am Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Wednesday, Sept. 2
number of sessions.
• There are no refunds on single-session
Gold Members: 8 am Thursday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 4
classes or workshops.
Silver Members and General Admission: 8 am Tuesday, Sept. 8
Photo policy By registering for a course, I acknowledge that my photo may be taken while at OLLI at Ringling College and that my photo maybe used for promoting OLLI. If I do not want my picture taken and used in promotions, I will step aside when photos are being taken
Important Dates Holiday Closing: Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day Class Begins: Monday, Sept. 28
Mondays: 10-11:20 am
Tuesdays: 2-3:20 pm
_____ Discover Your NeuroCreative Mind: Creativity, Focus, and Flexible Thinking (online) (3) HL205
_____ Funny Girls: Women of Stand-Up Comedy (3) AE228
_____ Charlemagne: Father of Europe (4) HS259
_____ OLLI Fall Book Club (4) LI159
_____ The Great Debate: Monogenism vs. Polygenism (5) HS261
_____ OLLI Mystery Book Club (4) LI135
_____ Yoga for the Brain: A Novel Dice Game (2) AE229
_____ Changing Drug Design with Artificial Intelligence (2) SI140
_____ French: Advanced Beginners 1 (8) LA127 _____ Poetry Only You Can Write (8) WR136
Wednesdays: 10-11:20 am
Monday: 12-1:20 pm
_____ Inside Cairo’s Museums: Mummies, Gold, and Pharaohs (2) TV116
_____ Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark (2) HS241 _____ French: Advanced Intermediate 1 (8) LA128
Wednesdays: 10-11:30 am
_____ The Atlantic Magazine: Discussion and Analysis (8) LI173
_____ Short Story Collective (6) LI160 Wednesday: 10 am-1 pm
Mondays: 2-3:20 pm
_____ 1970s Films, Part 7 (5) AE230
_____ The Second Amendment (2) CV175 _____ This Was Their Lives (4) HS260
_____ The Paranoia Trilogy (3) AE233
_____ French: Advanced Situational 1 (8) LA129
Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm
_____ The Stories Behind Great Songs (online) (6) MA213
_____ Sing From the Heart: A Musical Road Trip (4) AE231
Tuesdays: 11 am-12:20 pm
_____ You Planned For Retirement, But Did You Plan For Aging? (5) HL206
_____ World in Transition (2) CV176 _____ World’s Great Literature (6) LI145
_____ Anton Chekhov: A Deeper Look (6) LI174
_____ The Songwriting Stories of the Two Warrens: Harry & Diane (6) MA214
_____ The Best Film Scores of All Time (online) (6) MA216
_____ Listening to Life: The Art and Practice of Journaling (6) PL136
_____ Psychology of Contemporary-Ancient Wisdom in Aeschylus’s Oresteia (8) PY175 _____ Writing Your Story (Two Pages at a Time) (6) WR118
Tuesdays: 12:30-1:50 pm _____ Beethoven’s Symphonies: Searching for the Ideal Performance, Pt. 1 (8) MA215 13
Registration Grid
Wednesday: 2-3:20 pm
Friday: 1-2 pm
_____ TrivialiTEA: Trivia With a Twist (4) AE219
_____ Songs You Know By Those You Don’t (1) AE235
_____ Improv! Brain Games and Scene Work (3) AE232
_____ Design Like a Pro: How to Plan Your Landscape Before You Plant (1) HL204
_____ Transform Triggers Into Truth: Respond vs. React (3) HL207
_____ Healthy Aging: Understanding Blood Pressure (1) HL211
_____ Jericho: Folklore, Holy War, and Morality (online) (8) PL137
_____ America 250: America Defiant (1) HS265 Friday: 1-2:20 pm
_____ Psychology of ContemporaryAncient Wisdom: Krishnamurti (8) PY176
_____ Do Books Have a Future? (1) CV174
_____ Science Wednesdays (4) SI101
Friday: 1-2:30 pm _____ AI in Everyday Life: Practical Uses for ChatGPT (1) TC153
Thursday: 11 am-12:20 pm _____ The Eventful Life of Robert Lincoln (4) HS263 _____ The New Yorker: Conversations (8) LI125
Friday: 2-3:20 pm
_____ Why We Do What We Do (4) SI110
_____ Genius Women Erased from History (6) HS264
Thursday: 2-3 pm
Friday: 2-3:30 pm
_____ How to Have Meaningful Money Conversations with Children (1) EC138
_____ Can You Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test? What It Really Takes (1) CV173
Thursday: 2-3:20 pm _____ Financial Wellness: Foundations, Life Transitions, and Fraud Prevention (3) EC137 _____ GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Drugs (2) HL208 _____ Thomas Paine, Champion of Freedom (3) HS262 Friday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm _____ How to Start a Lifetime Daily Meditation Practice (1) HL209
Monday: 7-8:30 pm
_____ From Conflict to Collaboration: Navigating Difficult Conversations (1) HL210
_____ The History and Experience of Route 66 (6) OOL101
_____ ChatGPT: Your Brainstorming and Reflection Partner (1) TC150
Tuesday: 1-2:30 pm _____ Mexico City: Empires, Revolutions, and Everyday Life (6) OOL102
Friday: 10-11:20 am _____ World in Transition (2) CV176
Tuesday: 7-8:30 pm
Friday: 10 am-1 pm
_____ Apple at 50: How it Revolutionized Computing and Transformed Daily Life (6) OOL103
_____ The Fascinating Style of Gustav Klimt (1) AE195 _____ 1970s Films, Part 7 (5) AE230
Thursday: 1-2:30 pm
_____ The Paranoia Trilogy (3) AE233
_____ Power and the People: The Evolution of the U.S. Federal Judiciary (6) OOL104
Friday: 12:30-3:30 pm _____ Divas, Dames, Dolls, Drama, and a Little Dancing, Too! (6) AE234 _____ Holistic Stress Management: Increasing Resilience in Current Times (1) HL212
14
Art Appreciation | Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Art Appreciation
New: The Fascinating Style of Gustav Klimt
New: Funny Girls: Women of Stand-Up Comedy
Course #AP195 Marie-Agnès Sourieau Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #AE228 Jeffrey Sherman Ringling College Museum Campus
Friday: 10 am-1 pm 1 Session: Nov. 6
Tuesdays: 2-3:20 pm 3 Sessions: Sept. 29-Oct. 13
Emerald Member: $55 Sapphire Member: $57 Gold Member: $59 Silver Member and General Admission: $65
Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Member: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70
A classic-trained artist praised for the symbolism of his paintings and originality of his interior designs, Gustav Klimt turned in the late 1890s to the radical styles of Art Nouveau. In 1897, he became one of the founding members and president of the Vienna Secession movement whose goal was to shake-up the conventional establishment and ensure complete freedom of artistic expression. From the 1900s, Klimt focused on landscapes and figure paintings, specifically of women, using flattened planes, colorful mosaic patterns, and gold leaf applications. This course will explore the important themes and brilliant execution of Klimt’s work.
This course will examine the history of women in stand-up comedy, which is often thought of as a male bastion. From grungy clubs in Manhattan and Los Angeles, to headliner status on the world’s greatest stages, women have claimed their share of the stand-up audience for generations. We’ll look at who they were (and are) and all they’ve contributed to the art of stand-up comedy.
New: Yoga for the Brain: A Novel Dice Game Course #AE229 Pam Formato Ringling College Museum Campus Tuesdays: 2-3:20 pm 2 Sessions: Oct. 6-Oct. 13 Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60 Come learn a fun new numbers game to share with friends. Players roll three dice and use basic math— addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division―to fill spaces on a unique game grid. While the rules are simple to learn, the game is full of creative thinking, strategy, and of course, luck. In the first session, we’ll walk through the rules and practice together. In the second session, you’ll sharpen your strategy and enjoy the flow of the game. Join us for an entertaining way to stimulate your brain.
Gustav Klimt, The Kiss, oil on canvas, Österreichische Galerie Belvedere (1907–1908).
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Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment (cont.)
TrivialiTEA: Trivia With a Twist
New: 1970s Films, Part 7
Course #AE219 Pam Formato Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #AE230 Jeff Ryder Ringling College Museum Campus
Wednesdays: 2-3:20 pm 4 Sessions: Sept. 30-Oct. 21
Wednesdays: 10 am-1 pm 5 Sessions: Sept. 30-Oct. 28
Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80
OR Course #AE230 Fridays: 10 am-1 pm 5 Sessions: Oct. 2-Oct. 30
This interactive course offers a fresh take on the game of Trivia. Rather than relying on random and obscure facts, TrivialiTEA questions are category-based and the answers in those categories are found in our idioms and expressions, movies, books, sports, etc. For example, a food question poses, “Congestion on a highway is referred to as?” The answer: A traffic jam.
Emerald Member: $77 Sapphire Member: $79 Gold Member: $81 Silver Member: $90 1979 was the last year of a decade for major changes in the film industry. The decade had introduced a new crop of filmmakers to American audiences. In this course, we will watch five films from 1979 including All That Jazz, Norma Rae, and Kramer vs. Kramer. The film will be introduced by the instructor, followed by the screening. After a brief break, students will gather in a classroom where the instructor will share information about the making of the film and lead a discussion.
This focused approach makes the game thoughtprovoking and amusing while encouraging interaction and conversation among players. the categories are:
• Week 1: Food • Week 2: Money • Week 3: Clothing • Week 4: Surprise Come and take the challenge!
Roy Scheider and Deborah Geffner in All That Jazz (1979).
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Arts and Entertainment
New: Sing From the Heart: A Musical Road Trip
New: The Paranoia Trilogy Course #AE233 Jeff Ryder Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #AE231 Margie Gibson Ringling College Museum Campus
Wednesdays: 10 am-1 pm 3 Sessions: Nov. 4-Nov. 18
Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm 4 Sessions: Oct. 28-Nov. 18
OR
Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80
Course #AE233 Fridays: 10 am-1 pm 3 Sessions: Nov. 6-Nov. 20 Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Member: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70
Spread your creative wings and sing your heart out! Margie Gibson’s “Sing From the Heart” is a fun, safe, creative, and nurturing class where everyone is welcome. No music-reading experience is required—just bring your unique singing voice to “sing it like you say it.” This term, we will create a musical program with a Road Trip theme, featuring solos, duets, and group numbers. Songs will include such favorites as “Country Roads,” “Route 66,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” ”Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Kansas City,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road,)” and more. Join us for fun and a musical adventure.
In the 1970s, Alan J. Pakula directed a trilogy of films that hit a nerve of paranoia that had seeped into the American psyche. The films were suspenseful and compelling—dramatically exploring issues such as prostitution, assassination conspiracies, and government scandal. The three films being screened will be Klute with Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland; The Parallax View with Warren Beatty; and All the President’s Men with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. The film will be introduced by the instructor, followed by the screening. After a brief break, students will gather in a classroom where the instructor will share information about the making of the film and lead a discussion.
New: Improv! Brain Games and Scene Work Course #AE232 Jeffrey Sherman and Colleen Sherman Ringling College Museum Campus Wednesdays: 2-3:20 pm 3 Sessions: Nov. 4-Nov. 18 Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Member: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70 Improv gives us a chance to refresh our memories, find our playful selves, and create worlds in which we can freely and happily play. This class will teach you the basics of improvisation, play games designed to work your brain, and give you the tools to create fun worlds in which we can play, create and explore.
Jane Fonda in Klute (1971).
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Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment (cont.)
New: Divas, Dames, Dolls, Drama, and a Little Dancing, Too!
New: Songs You Know By Those You Don’t Course #AE235 Sandra Moulin Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #AE234 Lynda Rizzio Ringling College Museum Campus
Friday: 1-2 pm 1 Session: Oct. 30
Fridays: 12:30-3:30 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 16-Nov. 20
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member: $20
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
In “Songs You Know by Those You Don’t,” Sandra Moulin plays the role of Kitty Carlisle, who narrates the stories of six composer/songwriters of the American Songbook whose melodies we all know. Students will not only enjoy live performances of each composer’s songs by Sandra, but she will also lead sing-alongs and conduct a brief game show.
Today we call them “chick flicks;” back then they were known as women’s movies. This six-week classic film course features women’s ensembles from the Golden Age of Hollywood (1927-1960s). Men serve merely as conduits to move the story forward. Each class begins with an introduction to the film, followed by a screening, then a lecture and discussion. The six films are: Stage Door, The Women, Letter to Three Wives, All About Eve, How to Marry a Millionaire, and The Opposite Sex. The roster of female stars―the likes of Hepburn, Davis, Crawford, among many others—will bring us laughter, tears, and yes, even a cat fight or two. So, fasten your seatbelts!
Ann Miller, Ginger Rogers, and Lucille Ball in Stage Door (1937).
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Culture and Travel
Culture and Travel
New: Inside Cairo’s Museums: Mummies, Gold, and Pharaohs
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization opened in 2021. Here we gaze upon the mummies of pharaohs and queens. This museum displays artifacts spanning Egyptian periods from the pharaohs, to Christians, and to the Arabs. Highlights include a gold coffin that was stolen and later returned by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Course #TV116 Jean Thaler Ringling College Museum Campus Wednesdays: 10-11:20 am 2 Sessions: Nov. 11-Nov. 18
Join us for a fascinating journey through years of Egyptian history.
Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60 Explore three of Cairo’s most remarkable museums and discover the stories behind their ancient treasures. In the first session, we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, which opened in November 2025 after more than 20 years of construction and installation at a cost of $1.1 billion. We will explore its pyramid-inspired architecture and some of its most impressive treasures, including a colossal statue of Ramesses the Great, the 4,500-year-old ship discovered beside the Great Pyramid, the treasures of Tutankhamun and the Grand Staircase lined with statues of kings and gods.
Jean Thaler at the Pyramids of Giza.
In the second session, we explore the original Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Since opening in 1902, the original Egyptian Museum has enthralled visitors from around the world. Although many of its treasures have been transferred to newer museums across Egypt, it still houses numerous masterpieces. Discover the gold treasures of a forgotten king and the statues of eternal rulers.
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Current Events and Global Issues
Current Events and Global Issues
New: Can You Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test? What It Really Takes
New: The Second Amendment Course #CV175 Jeffrey Sherman Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #CV173 Carol Hartz Ringling College Museum Campus
Mondays: 2-3:20 pm 2 Sessions: Oct. 26-Nov. 2
Friday: 2-3:30 pm 1 Session: Oct. 2
Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
The Right to Bear Arms in the Second Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, which amended our Constitution in 1791, but what does it really mean, in its origin and today? This class will examine the roots of the Second Amendment and its various interpretations.
Most Americans assume the U.S. citizenship test is a simple civics quiz. In reality, it requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government and history, as well as basic English speaking, reading, and writing skills — often under pressure. In this interactive presentation, participants will experience a brief demonstration of the oral civics exam, along with the reading and writing components. The session will also explain how the test is administered and how applicants are assigned to different versions. Drawing on classroom experience teaching adult learners, the instructor highlights the challenges applicants face and the time and persistence required to succeed. No prior knowledge required.
World in Transition Course #CV176 Peter Mermin Ringling College Museum Campus Tuesdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 2 Sessions: Nov. 10-Nov. 17 OR Course #CV176
New: Do Books Have a Future?
Fridays: 10-11:20 am 2 Sessions: Nov. 13-Nov. 20
Course #CV174 Chris Angermann Ringling College Museum Campus
Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60
Friday: 1-2:20 pm 1 Session: Oct. 23 Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
We will be discussing various topics relating to the current world situation. Optional materials for the course will be emailed to participants two weeks before the first class. The class will be conducted seminar-style, with full class participation. We will consider books, articles, movies, and personal experiences which may help us illuminate what is going on in today’s world. Let’s all learn from each other.
Is there a future for the printed word in hard-copy books? Can they compete in an increasingly digital world? Or are we going to become an oral-visual culture in which streaming devices, social media, and AI-generated images dominate? This presentation will examine the history of books from ancient times to the Gutenberg printing press, from the rise of books as a form of mass communication in the early 19th century to their current state. We will explore the function of books in thinking, learning, philosophy, politics, social change, and entertainment — why and how they mattered ― and what, if any, role they will play in our fast-moving digital information age.
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Economics and Finance
Economics and Finance
New: Financial Wellness: Foundations, Life Transitions, and Fraud Prevention
New: How to Have Meaningful Money Conversations with Children
Course #EC137 Yulia Kuzenko Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #EC138 Yulia Kuzenko Ringling College Museum Campus
Thursdays: 2-3:20 pm 3 Sessions: Oct. 1-Oct. 15
Thursday: 2-3 pm 1 Session: Oct. 22
Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Member: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: 17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
This three-part course provides a practical refresher on essential financial topics. First, we will revisit key investing principles, market trends, and behavioral finance concepts to help you stay informed and confident in today’s environment. The second session will focus on alternative investments, including how they complement traditional portfolios, the different types available (such as private equity, private credit, hedge strategies, and real assets), and how they may enhance diversification and long-term return potential. The final session will teach you how to recognize and avoid common financial scams, with actionable tips to safeguard your identity and assets. Each session is designed to reinforce what you already know, provide timely updates, and offer clarity while giving you peace of mind about the legacy you want to create.
This session explores how grandparents can have meaningful, age‑appropriate conversations with grandchildren about money. Students will learn why early money conversations matter and how to introduce foundational concepts such as saving, spending, earning, and values associated with money. The presentation emphasizes practical communication approaches and real‑life examples that help reinforce positive money habits and confidence in younger generations. The focus is on intentional conversations that support financial understanding over time.
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Gardening | Health and Lifestyles
Gardening
Health and Lifestyles
New: Design Like a Pro: How to Plan Your Landscape Before You Plant
New: Discover Your NeuroCreative Mind: Creativity, Focus, and Flexible Thinking
Course #HL204 Tenille Dixon Pawlus Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #HL205 Thomas C. Keller Online / Zoom
Friday: 1-2 pm 1 Session: Oct. 2
Mondays: 10-11:20 am 3 Sessions: Sept. 28-Oct. 12
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Member: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70
Stop wasting money on plants that don’t thrive and learn how to design your landscape with intention. In this engaging lecture, you’ll discover how to plan your yard like a professional—choosing the right plants for the right place, spacing them properly, and using simple design principles like layering, repetition, and focal points to create a cohesive, polished look. This class will give you the confidence and clarity to stop guessing and start designing a landscape that actually works in Florida.
This interactive course explores how patterns of thinking are formed and how they can be refreshed through principles drawn from cognitive science, creativity research, and neuroplasticity. Participants will examine attention, habitual thinking, and the role of novelty and physical movement in supporting mental engagement and cognitive flexibility. Through guided exercises, discussion, and real-life examples, the course introduces practical methods for approaching ideas from new perspectives and strengthening focus. Participants will experience these techniques firsthand and reflect on how they apply to everyday thinking. Each session builds on key concepts to support flexible thinking, continued learning, and intellectual curiosity.
You Planned For Retirement, But Did You Plan For Aging? Course #HL206 Wendy Rickenbach Barclay Ringling College Museum Campus Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm 5 Sessions: Sept. 30-Oct. 28 Emerald Member: $77 Sapphire Member: $79 Gold Member: $81 Silver Member: $90 This class is designed to educate adults on things they can do today to prepare to live as independently as possible. We will build out a plan to help you age in place at home or in a community. We will discuss funding strategies, legal strategies, care options, and more. If you want to control how you age this class is for you.
Tenille Dixon Pawlus in her garden.
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Health and Lifestyles
New: Transform Triggers Into Truth: Respond vs. React
How to Start a Lifetime Daily Meditation Practice
Course #HL207 Gail Sussman-Miller Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #HL209 Gary Halperin Ringling College Museum Campus
Wednesdays: 2-3:20 pm 3 Sessions: Oct. 14-Oct. 28
Friday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm 1 Session: Oct. 16
Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Member: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70
Emerald Member: $55 Sapphire Member: $57 Gold Member: $59 Silver Member and General Admission: $65
Triggers aren’t the problem. The stories we attach to them are. Learn how to create space after a trigger so you can respond thoughtfully rather than react and to better understand what’s really going on. This interactive class explores the science behind triggers, two states of mind that shape our reactions, and a simple four-step process to become “response-able.” Through real-life examples and guided reflection, you’ll uncover the hidden beliefs fueling your reactions and discover how to shift from fear-driven protection to thoughtful, intentional responses. The result is clearer communication, less conflict, and stronger relationships.
Many of the benefits of meditation have been proven by science. Meditation can make you happier, reduce your stress, and foster relaxation. Millions of people want to learn to meditate, yet most people do not know where to begin. Relaxation Meditation is the answer. It is a straightforward, practical, non-religious, modern meditation technique. It is easy to learn and practice, takes 15 minutes a day, and the benefits happen right from the start. In this workshop, meditation will be demystified and you will learn everything you need to know to start a Relaxation Meditation practice. Once you begin and experience how easy and effortless the practice is, you will be drawn to meditate on a daily basis.
New: GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Drugs Course #HL208 Thomas Weisman Ringling College Museum Campus Thursdays: 2-3:20 pm 2 Sessions: Oct. 22-Oct. 29 Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60 Originally developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes and subsequently discovered to have dramatic weight loss properties, these drugs have profound effects on metabolism and behavior. Their biological structure and function will be explained with analogies and metaphors that are accessible to non-scientists. You will be able to appreciate not only why they have such diverse physiologic and behavioral impacts, but also the potential costs and benefits they carry. Health and Lifestyles (cont.)
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Health and Lifestyles
Health and Lifestyles (cont.)
From Conflict to Collaboration: Navigating Difficult Conversations
New: Healthy Aging: Understanding Blood Pressure
Course #HL210 Gail Sussman-Miller Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #HL211 Cheryl Brandi Ringling College Museum Campus
Friday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm 1 Session: Nov. 6
Friday: 1-2 pm 1 Session: Nov. 6
Emerald Member: $55 Sapphire Member: $57 Gold Member: $59 Silver Member and General Admission: $65
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
We live in uncertain times marked by rapid change and polarity. Challenging interactions seem more prevalent. Circumstances, personalities, and perspectives contribute. It’s tempting to blame others—family, friends, neighbors. Truthfully, change starts with us. Understand conflict and your role in it. You will explore and apply practical tools and mindsets to reduce and prevent conflict, improving communication outcomes. Discover how to shift beliefs, assumptions, and actions, positively influencing how others respond. Move from fear-driven, protective behavior to trusting, compassionate communication in real conversations. Learn to avoid being triggered and de-escalate heated conversations, supporting stronger relationships and enhanced collaboration.
We often hear about the relationship between blood pressure and healthy aging. But why is blood pressure so important in our senior years? What is a “normal” blood pressure? How do we know when we are in trouble? What are the best techniques for monitoring blood pressure? Most importantly, how can we keep it under control using lifestyle therapeutics? (Some may surprise you.) In this session, we will identify the basics of blood pressure and aging, discuss current blood pressure standards, learn guidelines for effective self-monitoring, and summarize ways to keep blood pressure under control using evidence-based information from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
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Health and Lifestyles | History
History
New: Holistic Stress Management: Increasing Resilience in Current Times
New: Charlemagne ― The Father of Europe
Course #HL212 Cheryl Brandi Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #HS259 Beverly Jennings Ringling College Museum Campus
Friday: 12:30-3:30 pm 1 Session: Nov. 13
Mondays: 10-11:20 am 4 Sessions: Sept. 28-Oct. 19
Emerald Member: $55 Sapphire Member: $57 Gold Member: $59 Silver Member and General Admission: $65
Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80 Most of us have heard of Charlemagne, but what do we really know about him? He was a barbarian warlord who became “King of the Franks” and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day in 800 A.D. In this class, we will discover how Charlemagne created an empire from the ruins of the Roman world and why historians call him “The Father of Europe.” You can thank Charlemagne for being able to read this course description, as it was under his reign that capital letters and spaces between words came into fashion!
The last few years have presented challenges to our health and well-being in unpredictable ways. Rapid change and uncertainty have become the new norms, amplifying stress in our lives. The links between stress and chronic disease are well documented, so the need for holistic stress selfmanagement becomes most critical during troubled times. This workshop will define stress and stress responses, explain the relationship between stress and chronic disease, help participants identify the effects of stress in their lives, provide techniques for coping with stress, and teach ways for calming body responses to stress through relaxation. Note: This workshop was conducted in 2023. The information is mostly the same but has been updated for 2026.
Antoine Vérard, Charlemagne and the Pope, 1493.
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History
History (cont.)
New: This Was Their Lives
Oct. 26: Berry Gordy with Bonnie Garvey Spadafora Berry Gordy created Motown, one of the most successful Black-owned businesses of the 20th century. Motown Records transformed Black popular music into a dominant force in mainstream American music. In this session, we’ll explore the man behind the record label — his life, vision, and how he made Motown a cultural and commercial powerhouse that launched the careers of some of the most legendary recording artists.
Course #HS260 Charley Rich, Beverly Jennings, Bonnie Garvey Spadafora, and Jeffrey Sherman Ringling College Museum Campus Mondays: 2-3:20 pm 4 Sessions: Oct. 12-Oct. 26 and Nov. 9 (Note: There is no class on Nov. 2.) Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80
Nov. 9: Buster Keaton with Jeffrey Sherman Buster Keaton was one of the greatest silent film comedians. His incomparable stunt work, combined with his storytelling, made Keaton one of the most popular film comedians of all time, rivaling Charlie Chaplin. From his days as the principal supporting castmate for Fatty Arbuckle, to his days as a nostalgic cameo performer in 1960s teen movies, Keaton was never far from the public eye. We will take a loving look at Keaton’s life and career in this class.
“History is the memory of things said and done.” ― Carl L. Becker, historian This term we feature four individuals who have said and done a great deal. These snapshots offer a glimpse into their lives and reveal why they are regarded as “the most influential,” “the most celebrated,” “the most successful,” and “the greatest…” in their fields. Join us and discover both known and lesser-known facts about these extraordinary history makers. Oct. 12: Miles Davis with Charley Rich Miles Davis is considered by many to be the greatest and most influential musician in the history of Jazz and 20th century music. He was instrumental in the development of major musical trends including Bebop, Cool Jazz, Hard bop, Modal Jazz, and Jazz Fusion. Miles played trumpet like no one else. His playing was lyrical, haunting, and full of emotion. He had a restless spirit, unwilling to keep doing the same thing and always striving to innovate. His album “Kind of Blue” was and continues to be one of the most popular jazz albums of all time. We will cover the life and times of Miles, listening to the music of each of his pivotal periods at the same time we examine what was going on in the world and in the life of Miles.
Miles Davis performing in Antibes, France, in July 1963.
Oct. 19: The Greatest Knight―William Marshal with Beverly Jennings Sir William Marshal (c. 1146-1219 A.D.) aka William the Marshal, is one of the most celebrated knights of the Middle Ages. He was undefeated in tournaments, spared the life of Richard the Lionheart in battle, and was instrumental in implementing the Magna Carta. We will discover why the medieval Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton, called him “the greatest knight that ever lived.”
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History
New: The Great Debate: Monogenism vs. Polygenism
Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Course #HS241 Michael Sherrow Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #HS261 Michael Weddle Ringling College Museum Campus
Mondays: 12-1:20 pm 2 Sessions: Nov. 2-Nov. 9
Mondays: 10-11:20 am 5 Sessions: Oct. 19-Nov. 16
Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60
Emerald Member: $77 Sapphire Member: $79 Gold Member: $81 Silver Member: $90
The Louisiana Purchase was a major milestone in the expansion and westward development of the United States. It doubled the size of the U.S. and opened it up to the vast resources which contributed to its material growth. How did the French acquire this vast part of North America, and what were the circumstances that led them agree to the sale? What was President Jefferson’s role in this transaction and how did he overcome congressional objections to both? Who were Lewis and Clark and what was the purpose of their expedition through an uncharted, sometimes dangerous environment inhabited by indigenous peoples with customs and practices strange to the explorers? We will “explore” these issues and more.
Across centuries, theologians and philosophers, anthropologists and ethnologists, taxonomists and geneticists, colonizers and abolitionists have taken sides. This five-part course will look at the various ideas about what constitutes a species and the physiologic basis of human difference, and why, from Adam and Eve to modern genomics, human sorting has been an ongoing obsession. Monogenism is the belief that all humans are a single species. People defending both the biblical Genesis story and Darwinian evolution are monogenists. Polygenism is the belief in separate human creations and multiple human species. The first recorded polygenist was Roman Emperor Julian in the 4th century. In the 1960s, the president of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists proposed separating Black people and White people into separate species. More than a thousand years after the debate began, the question remains: As humans, how do we classify ourselves? Join us for answers.
Map of the Louisiana Purchase - 1803
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History
History (cont.)
New: Thomas Paine, Champion of Freedom
New: Genius Women Erased from History Course #HS264 Michael Gibson Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #HS262 Chris Angermann Ringling College Museum Campus
Fridays: 2-3:20 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 2-Nov. 6
Thursdays: 2-3:20 pm 3 Sessions: Oct.1-Oct. 15
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Emerald Member: $60 Sapphire Members: $61 Gold Member: $63 Silver Member: $70
This course will feature stories of women who made major contributions to intellectual thought, science, business, sports, and the arts, and who were later denied credit for their work. In some cases, these contributions were not just overlooked but actively erased. And, in other cases, someone else falsely claimed the credit for their achievements. Some of these claims are controversial, and in those cases, both sides will be discussed.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, a rabble-rousing pamphlet arguing for America’s independence from England, sold more than 500,000 copies. But its author was soon sidelined, deprived of his rightful role in the creation of the United States. This three-session course will cover Paine’s history, including his childhood and careers in England, his revolutionary activities in America and France, his friendships with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, as well as his role in the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase. In the process, it will affirm Paine’s well-deserved place among the Founding Fathers and demonstrate why his words, championing human freedom, are as relevant as ever in these “times that try men’s souls.”
New: America 250: America Defiant Course #HS265 Brian J. Morra Ringling College Museum Campus Friday: 1-2 pm 1 Session: Nov. 13 Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
The Eventful Life of Robert Lincoln Course #HS263 Jeff Newman Ringling College Museum Campus
Why did Britain’s American colonies revolt against the empire when other colonies did not? What were the causes of America’s violent defiance? Why did other colonies around the world not follow suit? The reasons for America’s defiance continue to influence America’s place in the world today.
Thursdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 4 Sessions: Oct. 29-Nov. 19 Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80 Abraham and Mary Lincoln had four children, but oldest son Robert was the only one to survive into adulthood. More family tragedy followed with his father’s shocking assassination, the first in American history. Few are aware that throughout his life, Robert stood in the national spotlight and served his country with distinction. He was the sole guardian of his father’s legacy, and was a driving force in American government, politics, and industry for 60 years. His first-hand participation in American life reveals an insider’s view of our country’s pain and triumphs through tumultuous times.
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Language
Language
New: French: Advanced Beginners 1
New: French: Advanced Intermediate 1
Course #LA127 Dianne Tisman Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #LA128 Dianne Tisman Ringling College Museum Campus
Mondays: 10-11:20 am 8 Sessions: Sept. 28-Nov. 16
Mondays: 12-1:20 pm 8 Sessions: Sept. 28-Nov. 16
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
This course is for participants who have completed OLLI Introductory 2 class or whose level of French embraces a basic command of the present tense to provide personal information, discuss dates, time, weather, and professions. By class completion, students should be able to:
This course is for participants who have completed OLLI Intermediate 2 or whose level of French includes a command of the present and past tenses, daily routine information, and discussion of events completed in the past. By class completion, students should be able to:
• identify places for the purchase of food and clothing
• make appointments and consult with physicians,
• make reservations at a restaurant, order food,
• ask for information and plan future events • interact with bank personnel • express and understand types of obligations
and interact with personnel to carry out transactions
dentists, and pharmacists
and understand the setting formalities
• make hotel reservations, relate needs and questions to hotel personnel
and intentions
• inquire about destinations and purchase tickets
• inquire and interact by phone
at train or subway stations
Completion of these topics will depend upon the ability of the group to advance together through the curriculum. Written work between classes is optional but recommended. The instructor will provide grammatical and cultural information throughout the course.
Completion of these topics will depend upon the ability of the group to advance through the curriculum. Written work between classes is optional but recommended. The instructor will provide grammatical and cultural information throughout the course.
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Language | Literature
Language (cont.)
Literature
New: French: Advanced Situational 1
New: The Atlantic Magazine: Discussion and Analysis
Course #LA129 Dianne Tisman Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #LI173 Alvin Stout Ringling College Museum Campus
Mondays: 2-3:20 pm 8 Sessions: Sept. 28-Nov. 16
Mondays: 12-1:20 pm 8 Sessions: Sept. 28-Nov. 16
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
This course is for participants who have completed the two OLLI Situational / Topical classes or for those who can comfortably engage in conversation using multiple tenses and accurate topical vocabulary. By class completion, students should be able to:
This course proposes a focused exploration of The Atlantic magazine, renowned for its commitment to exceptional writing, analysis, and coverage of topical issues. The course is designed to foster a non-partisan environment where respectful debate and analysis are encouraged. By examining The Atlantic’s approach to complex topics, students will increase their knowledge, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and celebrate the magazine’s tradition of blending insightful commentary with journalistic integrity.
• accurately relate experiences / tell stories about themselves
• engage in different types of conversations on the phone • give instructions to others, explain how to complete tasks • talk about difficult subjects: compliment or criticize • discuss the pros and cons of subjects that affect
Note: All students are required to purchase a subscription to The Atlantic magazine, which should include access to both the written and digital formats. Prior to each class, the instructor will assign specific articles from the current or previous month’s edition of the magazine. These articles will be discussed during class.
our lives
The completion of these topics depends upon the ability of the group to advance together through the curriculum. Written work between classes is optional but recommended. The instructor will provide grammatical and cultural information throughout the course.
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Literature
New: World’s Great Literature
New: OLLI Fall Book Club
Course #LI145 Michael Vlaisavljevich Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #LI159 Carol Ellis Ringling College Museum Campus
Tuesdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 13-Nov. 17
Tuesdays: 2-3:20 pm 4 Sessions: Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 (Note: Class meets every other week.)
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80
We build on the tradition of the Great Books by exploring classic and contemporary texts of world literature. Our selections cover a wide range—fiction and non-fiction, plays and poetry—but all lead, both in reading and conversation, to a stimulating expansion of our worldview. Each week, our discussion will be led by a volunteer from the class. About two weeks before the first session, a syllabus with specific readings will be emailed to class registrants.
Good books invite reflection; discussing them with others can open new perspectives. The OLLI Book Club brings together thoughtful readers to explore a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, and classics. Participants read each book in advance and gather for in-depth discussions of the ideas it raises. We read four books, one every two weeks. Conversations are guided by the leader and group members and shaped by the diverse insights participants bring. Our goal is to appreciate both the books and the larger issues and insights they invite us to examine. Many participants find that the conversations in class stay with them long after the session ends, and the connections made with others are deeply enriching. The first book to read is "The Latecomer" by Jean Hanff Korelitz.
As Marilynne Robinson said in "The Givenness of Things", “Open a book and a voice speaks. A world, more or less alien or welcoming, emerges to enrich a reader’s store of hypotheses about how life is to be understood.” Welcome to the World’s Great Literature.
New: OLLI Mystery Book Club Course #LI135 Joe Cucci and Terri Davis Ringling College Museum Campus Tuesdays: 2-3:20 pm 4 Sessions: Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, and Nov. 17 (Note: Class meets every other week.) Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80 The OLLI Mystery Book Club is a casual discussion group. The hope is to introduce you to new authors and series. You’ll read four books with one book being discussed for 80 minutes every other week. One moderator will select the first book; the other three will be selected by the class from a menu that will include books from three different categories. The moderators will provide cursory background information and then will steer the discussion which is driven by the Book Club members. The first book to read is "Open Season" by C.J. Box.
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Literature
Literature (cont.)
Short Story Collective
New: Anton Chekhov: A Deeper Look
Course #LI160 Debbie Mackler and Thomas Miller Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #LI174 Lawrence DeMilner Ringling College Museum Campus
Wednesdays: 10-11:30 am (Note: Extended class time.) 6 Sessions: Sept. 30-Nov. 4
Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 14-Nov. 18 Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Chekhov ranks in the very front row of the greatest writers not only of Russia’s Golden Age but of world literature. His minimalist and sometimes moody style was profoundly affecting and anticipated much of the literary tendencies of the 20th century. The class will read and discuss a variety of his most notable short fiction as well as one of his pathbreaking plays.
“When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you…” ― George Saunders “Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds, and other minds, and other dreams. They’re journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner.”
Week 1: "Lady With the Dog," "Revenge," and "The Complaints Book"
― Neil Gaiman
Week 2: "The Little Trilogy" — The Man in a Case, About Love, and Gooseberries"
We read two short stories each week before class and ask you to come prepared to discuss these stories in a seminar setting. Each week we have different presenters who share their selected stories with the class. Please join us for an exciting and dynamic literary experience.
Week 3: "The Kiss" and "Peasants" Week 4: "In the Ravine" and "At Home" Week 5: "Ward No. 6" Week 6: "The Cherry Orchard" Note: The syllabus and links to the texts for this class will be available on the OLLI website www.olliringlingcollege.org under the “Course Material” tab.
Anton Chekhov.
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Literature | Music Appreciation
Music Appreciation
The New Yorker: Conversations
New: The Stories Behind Great Songs
Course #LI125 Alan Freedman Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #MA213 Emanuel Abramovits Online / Zoom
Thursdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 8 Sessions: Oct. 1-Nov. 19
Mondays: 2-3:20 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 5-Nov. 9
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105 Join us for a captivating course as we explore the fascinating stories behind popular songs that hold a special place in the hearts of the artists who created them but did not necessarily become their most well-known hits. We’ll also unveil how some songs took on new meanings and styles when covered by other artists, who made those songs their own. Through a combination of anecdotes, rare archival content, and audiovisuals, we’ll uncover the secrets behind the creation, performance, and impact of beloved songs and lesser-known gems from Tin Pan Alley, classic movies, and the Rock era.
For nearly a century, The New Yorker has been a treasured source of essays, fiction, cartoons, satire, poetry, criticism, and reportage, and its writers occupy a unique place in the pantheon of erudition and wit. In this class, we'll enjoy the magazine even more by sharing our knowledge and opinions on weekly selections from “Shouts & Murmurs,” “The Talk of the Town,” a work of fiction or non-fiction, a movie review, or cartoons. Prior to each week's meeting, you'll receive an email naming items from the prior week's issue to be discussed; accordingly, either a print or digital subscription to the magazine is required. A stimulating conversation is certain!
New: The Songwriting Stories of the Two Warrens: Harry & Diane Course #MA214 Tony Moon Ringling College Museum Campus Tuesdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 6 Sessions: Sept. 29-Nov. 3 Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105 One was the first to write for films―the Italian guy from Brooklyn. The other is the Jewish girl from Van Nuys— the last of the great Pop songwriters. Harry’s songs included hits from the ‘30s to ‘50s and Diane’s from the ‘80s to 2000s. We will take a deep dive into their incredible repertoires that both contributed to the Great American Songbook and the New Great American Songbook. Is it true that singer-songwriters completely changed how hits were made? Absolutely! We will learn about those changes “from the pen to the hit” each week. If songwriting has intrigued you over the years and songs have had a special meaning―this is your class. Come join us!
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Music Appreciation | Philosophy and Religion
Music Appreciation (cont.)
Philosophy and Religion
New: Beethoven’s Symphonies: Searching for the Ideal Performance, Part One
New: Listening to Life: The Art and Practice of Journaling
Course #MA215 Albert H. Cohen Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #PL136 Dent Davis Ringling College Museum Campus
Tuesdays: 12:30-1:50 pm (Note: New time) 8 Sessions: Sept. 29-Nov. 17
Tuesdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 13-Nov. 17
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
The Nine Symphonies of Beethoven will be examined through a comparative listening experience in the search for the ideal performance. Each work is analyzed, then heard in several different interpretations. Through discussion and listening, we will search for the approach that resonates best with us.
For centuries, journal keeping has served as both a practical tool and a profound spiritual discipline—a way of paying attention, clarifying thought, and encountering the meaning of one’s own experience. In this course, we will explore the practice of journaling not simply as recordkeeping, but as a way of seeing, listening, and living more deliberately. Guided by the remarkable journal practices of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, we will explore the practice of journal keeping and how it might be useful in today’s busy world. This is not a course in “good writing” but in attentive living. No prior journal experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to observe and reflect.
New: The Best Film Scores of All Time Course #MA216 Emanuel Abramovits Online / Zoom Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm 6 Sessions: Sept. 30-Nov. 4 Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105 The American Film Institute released a list of the best film scores, including many well-known classics and some surprises. The composers of those scores have something in common—a fascinating life and a solid career. Let’s journey through the process of creating these historical pieces that express the movie’s message without words and that evoke an emotional response even the most brilliant dialogue and images cannot. Classics such as Gone With the Wind, Laura, To Kill a Mockingbird, Planet of the Apes, Jaws, Star Wars, Psycho, are part of the journey as well as other masterpieces, and even some film scores that have become more popular than the films they accompany.
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Philosophy and Religion | Psychology
Psychology
New: Jericho: Folklore, Holy War, and Morality
New: Psychology of Contemporary — Ancient Wisdom in Aeschylus’s Oresteia
Course #PL137 Craig Miller Online / Zoom
Course #PY175 David Eisner Ringling College Museum Campus
Wednesdays: 2-3:20 pm 8 Sessions: Sept. 30-Nov. 18
Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm 8 Sessions: Sept. 30-Nov. 18
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125 Wisdom is not transmitted in wise sayings but through a constellation of events that emerge from the contexts and milieu within which we live. “Explain that,” says the cognitive mind. And the wise, ancient child mind responds: ‟Explanations miss the point.” The “point” is what you experience, in your inner being, while in the presence of ancient or timeless wisdom. The Oresteia, by Aeschylus, is described by some as a murder mystery trilogy, written 2,500 years ago. However, through Aeschylus’s unique mind, the mystery channels through dramatically sequenced psychospiritual events that set the stage for deepening selfknowledge and worldly wisdom.
The biblical story of the destruction of Jericho is one of the best-known stories in the Hebrew Bible―but what does it reveal about the culture, beliefs, and values of ancient Israel? In this discussion-based Zoom course, we will explore the story of Jericho from several perspectives: as folklore, as religious narrative, and as a story filled with enduring moral questions. We will address the intertwined relationships between Yahweh and Joshua, Rahab and the spies, and divine preordination and total war. Together we will consider the biblical text to understand how ancient Israelites approached the story and compare those viewpoints with modern ethical perspectives. The course welcomes thoughtful discussion and differing opinions in a respectful environment. Please have a Bible (any translation) for reference. Before class, students are asked to read Joshua 2:1-24; 5:13; and 6:27.
Note: Students should bring to class The Oresteia by Aeschylus, translated by Robert Fagles and published by Penguin Classics..
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Psychology | Science
Psychology (cont.)
Science
New: Psychology of Contemporary — Ancient Wisdom: Krishnamurti
New: Changing Drug Design with Artificial Intelligence
Course #PY176 David Eisner Ringling College Museum Campus
Course SI140 John McFetridge Ringling College Museum Campus
Wednesdays: 2-3:20 pm 8 Sessions: Sept. 30-Nov. 18
Tuesdays: 2-3:20 pm 2 Sessions: Oct. 20-Oct. 27
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $51 Sapphire Member: $52 Gold Member: $54 Silver Member: $60
In his Commentaries on Living, Third Series, Krishnamurti presents a series of vivid, poetical, psycho-spiritual verbal portraits, or vignettes, which ingeniously link eternal truths with passing moments of everyday life. In reading these teaching stories together, in class, the opportunity arises to discover our individual relationship to each wisdom story. Chapters include such themes as ‟The Vanity of Knowledge,” ‟The Noisy Child and the Silent Mind,” ‟Why Have I No Insight?” and ‟Pleasure, Habit, and Austerity.”
The best use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to date might be its impact on drug design. A new drug can take up to 10 years to reach the market and cost up to $2 billion. Help is on the way with AI, and it is much more than chatbots. In the first session, we will explore how AI is helping scientists better understand the basis of many diseases, which are proteins, and develop new treatments. We will discuss AlphaFold2 (which helped solve the proteinfolding problem) and AlphaFold3 (a groundbreaking tool that models how proteins can be modulated by a potential new drug). We will also look at case studies of CAR T-cells and molecular glues.
Note: Students should bring to class the Third Series by Krishnamurti.
In the second session, we will look at another AI tool― AlphaGenome. Many hereditary diseases and cancers are tied to mutations in our DNA rather than the proteincoding parts. AlphaGenome is built to predict exactly how a single-letter typo (or mutation) can disrupt the whole system and trigger cancer. Lastly, we will examine the work of Nobel Prize-winning scientist David Baker, whose AI-driven protein design and emerging DNA-printing technologies are opening new possibilities in medicine and other fields such as agriculture. These tools allow the production of novel proteins that do not exist in nature. Come and learn the latest in the evolving landscape of drug design. You don’t need a background in science to enjoy this course.
Jiddu Krishnamurti.
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Science
New: Science Wednesdays
Oct. 21: When Hits to the Head Don’t Heal: The Science and Human Tragedy of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy with Alan Grindal
Course #SI101 Ed Rosenthal, Alan Grindal, Abbey Kuhn, Damon Moore, and Bob Bunting Ringling College Museum Campus
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy refers to progressive cognitive, behavioral, and neurological changes that occur following repetitive head trauma. This disorder, first described among boxers in the 1920s, is observed primarily in contact sports but may also be seen in military blast exposure and domestic violence. This session will review the pathology, clinical symptoms, and consequences of this tragic disorder.
Wednesdays: 2-3:20 pm 4 Sessions: Oct. 14-Nov. 4 Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80
Oct. 28: Transformational Oyster Habitat Restoration in Southwest Florida with Damon Moore and Abbey Kuhn
The objective of science is to gain an understanding of nature. This enables us to develop tools that apply Nature’s Laws to improve our daily lives. Science Wednesdays is a series of lectures dealing with a broad range of sciences, including physics, biology, health, and medicine.
This talk will focus on the history and decline of oyster reefs in the Manatee River and Sarasota Bay. The speakers will share how they are implementing cost-effective, large-scale restoration efforts to rebuild these critical habitats.
Oct. 14: NASA Space Plant Biology: Growing Veggies in Space in Preparation for Interplanetary Missions with Ed Rosenthal
Nov. 4: The Climate Adaptation Center Living Laboratory for Climate Adaptation with Bob Bunting The Climate Adaptation Center is embarking on a critical new program to make the Sarasota Bay — Shoreline from Spanish Point in the South to the University of South Florida in the North — a 10-mile-long innovation corridor for Climate Adaptation. Sea level rise, a shocking trend in rising hurricane activity, and billions in shoreline real estate and infrastructure are a loud call for action. A combination of mesonet work sensors, AI dashboards, and local models, and a testbed for new products and services will be the main components of the living laboratory.
Ed Rosenthal and his wife Betty founded Florikan in 1982. With the research assistance of NASA Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program, Ed is the inventor of Florikan Controlled Release (CRF) Fertilizer, as well as of Staged Nutrient Release (SNR), which in 2004 received the National Most Innovative New Product Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers in America (NSPE). After several years of rigorous research, Florikan CRF was selected by the Space Plant Biology Office at NASA Kennedy Space Center as the controlled-release fertilizer product to grow vegetables on the International Space Station for our astronauts. In 2017, for his efforts in helping NASA successfully grow veggies in space, Ed Rosenthal was nominated by NASA and inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame.
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Science | Technology
Science (cont.)
New: Why We Do What We Do
New: ChatGPT: Your Brainstorming and Reflection Partner
Course #SI110 Alan Grindal Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #TC150 Gail Sussman-Miller Ringling College Museum Campus
Thursdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 4 Sessions: Oct. 1-Oct. 22
Friday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm 1 Session: Oct. 16
Emerald Member: $68 Sapphire Member: $70 Gold Member: $72 Silver Member: $80
Emerald Member: $55 Sapphire Member: $57 Gold Member: $59 Silver Member and General Admission: $65
In order to understand who we are as both individuals and societies, we should first explore our biological predispositions and the evolutionary traits which have made us human. This course will begin with a summary of how the human brain functions. Then we will explore our evolutionary roots as the neurological basis for a number of common behaviors such as emotion and social interaction.
Curious how to use AI in a meaningful way to enhance life? This hands-on class introduces ChatGPT as a conversational tool for brainstorming, problem-solving, and exploring habit change. Learn how to set up a free account, choose topics, and ask follow-up questions that uncover new possibilities. You’ll experiment with real-life situations during class, including organizing a project, clarifying decisions, or gaining fresh perspectives. We’ll discuss how this modern tool can support reflection without replacing human judgment. Discover how thoughtful back-and-forth conversation with ChatGPT can deepen thinking and bring greater clarity. A laptop or tablet provides the best experience.
Technology
New: AI in Everyday Life: Practical Uses for ChatGPT Course #TC153 Benu Dhamija Ringling College Museum Campus Friday: 1-2:30 pm 1 Session: Oct. 9 Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20 Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming part of everyday life, yet many people are unsure how to use them effectively or when to trust them. This introductory session focuses on practical ways to use tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini in real-life situations. Participants will learn how AI can support everyday tasks such as planning trips, comparing products online, and generating ideas for writing and communication. The session will also demonstrate how to use AI with photos, either by capturing a live image or uploading one to gather useful information and insights. The focus is on learning how to communicate clearly with AI tools to get better results, while also understanding their limitations and using them safely and responsibly.
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Writing
Writing
New: Poetry Only You Can Write
Writing Your Story (Two Pages at a Time)
Course #WR136 Joanna Fox Ringling College Museum Campus
Course #WR118 Mary Ziegler Ringling College Museum Campus
Mondays: 10-11:20 am 8 Sessions: Sept. 28-Nov. 16
Wednesdays: 12-1:20 pm 6 Sessions: Oct 14-Nov. 18
Emerald Member: $106 Sapphire Member: $110 Gold Member: $113 Silver Member: $125
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Now is the time for you to write the poetry you have been living throughout your life. Your inspiration will come from your experiences, vacations, memories, and visuals. Mentor poems, prompts, and realia will serve as your guides to a variety of poetry styles such as free verse, pantoum, epistle, haiku, and personification, that evoke the poems only you can write.
Have you wanted to write about your life but wondered where to begin? This course will inspire you to get started with just two pages at a time. Your story matters, whether you’re writing for yourself or leaving a legacy for loved ones. Using Guided Autobiography (GAB), a research-based process developed by the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies in California, you’ll unlock forgotten memories, rediscover meaningful moments, and gain fresh perspective on your life’s journey. Participants write two pages each week on a shared theme and gain new insights as they read their stories in a small, supportive group. No writing experience needed. Just bring your memories.
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Osher Online Courses
We are pleased to offer classes through the Osher Online (OOL) network. All OOL classes meet for six sessions. To register for these classes, you must have a membership with OLLI at Ringling College. Members can register for these classes in the same way they register for all OLLI at Ringling College programs.
New: The History and Experience of Route 66
New: Apple at 50: How it Revolutionized Computing and Transformed Daily Life
Course #OOL101 Peter Dedek Online / Zoom
Course #OOL102 Leander Kahney Online / Zoom
Mondays: 7-8:30 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 5-Nov. 9
Tuesdays: 7-8:30 pm 6 Sessions: Sept. 29-Nov. 3
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Route 66 is as much an idea as it is a place. Since its creation in 1926, America’s most famous highway has evolved from a 2,400-mile transportation corridor into a powerful symbol of nostalgia, travel, and the American road. Today, it functions as a kind of pilgrimage route, marked by neon signs, roadside attractions, and preserved motels, cafés, and gas stations. In this course, we will explore the history, cultural meaning, and enduring appeal of Route 66. Together, we will examine its origins, rise and decline, late-20th century revival, the role of nostalgia and car culture, preservation efforts, and the possible futures of this iconic highway.
This course traces Apple’s fifty-year history and its massive impact on personal computing, design, product culture, platforms and ecosystems, and daily life. Each session focuses on a different decade in Apple’s history, from the birth of the PC in the late 1970s to the latest Apple silicon, Virtual Reality headsets, and future iPhones. We will learn how Apple reshaped not just technology, but how people live, work, and communicate.
Leander Kahney is a veteran technology reporter who has covered Apple for more than 30 years. He has written six books about the company, including two New York Times bestsellers. He is the editor and publisher of Cult of Mac, a long-running Apple blog, and was previously news editor at Wired.com.
Peter B. Dedek, Ph.D., is a professor of American history at Texas State University whose work explores the cultural history of the built environment and the stories embedded in historic places. Dedek brings together cultural, design, and social history to illuminate how people shape, and are shaped by the spaces they inhabit. He is the author of Hip to the Trip: Route 66 Centennial Edition and The Cemeteries of New Orleans: A Cultural History, and wrote Historic Preservation for Designers, a guide integrating preservation with design.
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Osher Online Courses
New: Mexico City: Empires, Revolutions, and Everyday Life
New: Power and the People: The Evolution of the U.S. Federal Judiciary
Course #OOL103 William Beezley Online / Zoom
Course #OOL104 Lauren Andersen Online / Zoom
Tuesdays: 1-2:30 pm 6 Sessions: Sept. 29-Nov. 3
Thursdays: 1-2:30 pm 6 Sessions: Oct. 15-Nov. 19
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Emerald Member: $89 Sapphire Member: $92 Gold Member: $95 Silver Member: $105
Mexicans celebrate a remarkable diversity of peoples, music, food, festivals, and historical traditions, expressed through fiestas that bring communities together across the calendar year. In this course, we will explore Mexico City as a cultural and historical crossroads shaped by centuries of continuity and change. We will trace the legacies of Indigenous civilizations, the transformations of Spanish colonial rule, the struggles for independence and revolution, and the emergence of modern democratic politics, culminating in the 2024 election of Mexico’s first woman president. We will see how culture, power, and celebration remain deeply intertwined in the life of this extraordinary city.
The American Experiment began with the Declaration of Independence and led to the creation of the federal judiciary, one of the country’s greatest experiments. In this course, we will trace the evolution of the courts from their English roots to their formal establishment in the Constitution. We will explore how the Supreme Court, lacking the power of the purse or military, derives its authority from its ability to connect with the people of the U.S. and protect democracy. We will examine creation of the federal judiciary and the power of the Marshall Court, the Court’s evolution through the New Deal, the Vinson Court, the Warren Court’s “Rights Revolution,” and the role of today’s U.S. Supreme Court.
William Beezley is professor emeritus of history at the University of Arizona and a leading scholar of Mexican history and culture. Beezley received Mexico’s Ohtli Medal for promoting Mexican culture abroad. He has taught at several universities, held endowed chairs, served as a Fulbright Specialist, and been a visiting professor in Mexico. He directed the Oaxaca Graduate Institute and has appeared on PBS. His current research explores embroidery as a voice of Mexican women.
Lauren Andersen is the director of the Utah Judicial Institute. Andersen practiced appellate law in the state of California and presented arguments to the California Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court. During this time, Andersen closely studied the Roberts Court. She has lectured about the Supreme Court and the death penalty. Her opinions were quoted by The New York Times and the ABA Journal. She was previously the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah.
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Lecture
The Many Origins of Sarasota Lecture #LC219 Meg Lepak Ringling College Museum Campus Tuesday, Oct. 13 10-11 am Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20 How old is Sarasota? That depends on what you’re asking. Sarasota is a city, a county, and a bay — each with its own origin story. Join the Meg Lepak of the Sarasota County History Center for a closer look at the history of Sarasota in all its forms, a story that stretches back to the Spanish colonial era and ties in with some of the most exciting developments of Florida’s fascinating past. The program will feature maps, photographs, and archival records from the History Center’s collections.
Meg Lepak is the Program and Outreach Specialist at the Sarasota County History Center. Holding degrees in Art History and Public History, Meg researches, develops, and presents programs on Sarasota County and Florida history. Her work focuses on public education, community outreach, and increasing access to the History Center’s archival collections.
Image Courtesy Map Collection, Sarasota County History Center: Original 1886 Plat of Sarasota.
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Lecture
Christopher Daley holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Political Science and History from Bridgewater State University (MA). He previously served as President of the Pembroke Historical Society and Chairman of the Pembroke Historical Commission. He was also a docent at the John Alden House Historic Site and the Coordinator of Educational Outreach. In 2023, Chris retired from the Silver Lake Regional School System in Kingston, Mass., after teaching history for 25 years. Chris has written his first book titled Murder & Mayhem in Boston: Historic Crimes in the Hub. Chris also appeared in two episodes of the Travel Channel’s ‟Kindred Spirits“ as a historian on shows about the Lizzie Borden case.
The Haunted History of Florida Lecture #LC220 Christopher Daley Ringling College Museum Campus Thursday, Oct. 15 10-11 am Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20 Experience the darker side of the Sunshine State with this immersive, story-driven journey into Florida’s most historic and unsettling hauntings. This multimedia presentation explores ghostly legends rooted in real events, blending folklore, eyewitness accounts, and verifiable history to reveal a Florida that tourists rarely see. Begin in St. Augustine at the venerable Castillo de San Marcos, where the tragic tale of Dolores and Manuel still whispers through the ancient coquina corridors. Travel southwest to the solemn pine flats of Bushnell, where the spirits of the fallen are said to roam the Dade Battlefield, the opening strike of the Second Seminole War. The lecture then ventures into the heart of Marion County to the Ma Barker House in Ocklawaha, frozen in time since the infamous 1935 FBI shootout, and long rumored to host lingering shadows from its violent past. Next, descend into the glamorous yet ghost-laden halls of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, where 1920s opulence meets decades of chilling stories, from phantom soldiers to the restless spirit of Fatty Walsh. Finally, visit the Cuban Club in Ybor City, a 1917 mutual aid society where the echoes of a fatal 1934 boardroom shooting still linger, alongside reports of a tragic actor in the theater and the spirit of a young boy who drowned in the basement pool. From colonial intrigue to gangster-era violence and wartime tragedy, Haunted History of Florida uncovers the eerie echoes of the state’s past, offering audiences a compelling blend of true history and supernatural lore.
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Lecture
Discovering New Plant Species: Selby Gardens Expeditions in the Tropical Andes
John L. Clark, Ph.D., is a Research Botanist at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, where he studies the diversity, evolution, and conservation of tropical plants. His research has taken him throughout Latin America, with extensive fieldwork in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, and Panama. Dr. Clark has discovered and described more than 100 plant species new to science and has authored more than 150 scientific publications. Passionate about sharing the excitement of scientific discovery, he enjoys engaging audiences through lectures, photography, and firsthand accounts from botanical expeditions. His presentations combine cutting-edge research with vivid images and field experiences from some of the world’s most biologically diverse and threatened tropical forests.
Lecture #LC221 John L. Clark, Ph.D. Ringling College Museum Campus Thursday, Oct. 15 1-2:20 pm Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is internationally recognized for its research on tropical plants and its mission to explore, understand, and conserve biodiversity. Despite centuries of botanical exploration, scientists continue to discover plant species new to science every year,many of them in the northern Andes—one of Earth’s greatest biodiversity hotspots. Join Selby Gardens Research Botanist Dr. John L. Clark for an inside look at modern botanical exploration, from remote cloud forests in Ecuador and Colombia to the laboratory, where DNA sequencing complements traditional taxonomy to reveal evolutionary relationships and identify previously unknown species. Through striking photographs, stories from the field, and examples from Selby’s research program, Dr. Clark will explain how new species are discovered, documented, named, and conserved, and why these discoveries are essential for protecting Earth’s botanical diversity. The presentation concludes with time for audience questions and discussion.
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Lecture
How to Become a Nomad and Travel the World Lecture #LC222 Jeff and Patti Spaulding Ringling College Museum Campus Thursday, Nov. 12 1-2:30 pm Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20 Could you give up your house, most of your possessions, and embrace a life with no permanent address? In 2017, Jeff and Patti Spaulding got rid of 90 percent of what they owned, sold their house in Cincinnati, and placed a few treasured possessions into a storage unit in Sarasota. For nearly 10 years, they have lived as nomads, with no permanent address anywhere. During that time, they have traveled to more than 31 foreign countries by plane, train, bus, boat, camel, and horse cart. They usually stay in neighborhood Airbnb’s where they can experience everyday local life. Join Jeff and Patti as they share why they chose this lifestyle, how they made the transition, the rewards and challenges of life on the road, and the practical lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Jeff Spaulding’s third (and current) avocation is learning world history by traveling. Jeff’s passion is slow travel, which includes learning interesting things about a place by staying there for some period of time and reading, listening, seeing, and absorbing local history and culture. Jeff also enjoys experiencing the differences between living in various foreign countries and living in the U.S. Patti Spaulding served as a corporate communication professional for over 30 years at financial institutions (banks and insurance companies) located in Cincinnati, OH. She developed and oversaw the Investor Relations and Corporate Communication functions at publiclytraded companies and provided administrative support and guidance to executive management teams and board members. Later in her career, Patti served in long-term contract roles as a Technical Writer for Fortune 500 companies.
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CONNECTIONS
Films are screened at the Ringling College Museum Campus. Julie Cotton, the series creator and moderator, facilitates conversations and discussion after the screenings.
Julie Cotton, a longterm OLLI member and instructor, is the coordinator and host of this series. Julie has a doctorate in Human Development and is a former organizational consultant and executive coach. She is an aficionado of documentary films and a skilled facilitator of group conversations.
CONNECTIONS is made possible, in part, with generous support from the Harms Family Endowment
A Gorilla Story (2026)
Room to Move (2025)
Film #FS146 1 hour 17 minutes
Film #FS147 1 hour 53 minutes
Tuesday, Oct. 13 2:30-4 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 17 2:15-4:45 pm
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
Emerald Member: $17 Sapphire Member: $17 Gold Member: $18 Silver Member and General Admission: $20
A deeply personal and visually expressive film, Room to Move follows acclaimed choreographer and dancer, Jenn Freeman as she navigates the most transformative chapter of her life. A respected force in the contemporary dance world, Jenn built a thriving career through precision, artistry and discipline while privately she managed a lifetime of sensory overwhelm and social disease. From a young age, movement was her language and dance became both her artistic outlet and her survival mechanism. It wasn't until her diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) that she begins her exploration of identity, expression, and the quest for clarity amid the noise of the world.
This intimate and engaging documentary blends the remarkable story of David Attenborough’s first encounter with the baby gorilla Pablo in 1978 with a deep dive into how Pablo’s descendants are doing today in the mountains of Rwanda. Weaving together contemporary and archival footage of the gorilla group and narrated by Attenborough, A Gorilla Story is packed with extraordinary gorilla behavior never before filmed or fully appreciated.
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Making a Gift
Making a Gift Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College enriches the lives of adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing affordable and outstanding educational programs and social interactions that cover a broad spectrum of topics rich in intellectual stimulation, often interactive in scope, and worthy of academic consideration. A gift to OLLI will expand meaningful and inspiring classes, timely topics, speaker series, travel courses, and lectures that broaden diverse offerings and inspire dialogue among our learning community.
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Thank You To Our Donors
Thank You to Our Donors The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College is grateful to have generous, consistent donors. It is their extra financial support that allows us to offer an affordable and outstanding program. Donations are always appreciated.
Anonymous
Nora Duffy
Beverly A. Harms
The Bernard Osher Foundation
Gilbert Bosse, Jr.
Thomas H. and Patricia Jeffs
Sam Samelson and Marion Levine
Marilyn L. Pinsky
Judith Schwartzbaum Julie A. Planck and Charles E. Albers Sharon Burde Holly and Alan Freedman
Peggy Hayden Jeff Ryder and J. Alvin Stout
Ravi and Ginny Akoury Community Foundation of Sarasota County George and Christine Cox Joseph Cucci Carol and Gary Dornbush Thomas Dudar Suzy Farbman Ann Fries Marvin and Orlene Hart Charlie Huisking Alden Jones James A. Nappi
Barbara Osmon The Patterson Foundation Marion and Jay Richter Amy Kaslow and Richard Rosetti Laurey T. Stryker Skip and Janice Swan Al and Fran Tripodi Scott Townsley Michael and Julie Turner Ernest P. Werlin Lora and Tony Wey
Thomas Sprague and Laurie Anderson David and Suzanne Arch Robert Bobrow Susan Buck Nan Cohen Edith D. Cofrin Nancy Cusack Lon and Leslie Deckard Carol Ellis Gerald H. Fickenscher Sam and Nancy Guren Linda and Edward Hagen Sandra Hammer Julie Hansen Susan and William Herring Dr. Sidney and Anita Holec
Patricia Kennelly Nancy Kette Frances Lambert Mr. Jose A. Garnham and Ms. Barbara Lausche Lisl Liang Dr. Douglas Kuperman and Dr. Maureen Maguire Patti Manson Randall Flora and Bonnie McMurray Pam Monroe Michael and Cindy Nash Catherine and Stuart Paris Antoinette Peters Larry Pollock Dr. Irwin and Andra Press Bill and Patti Ring Joseph Rosenberg
David and Linda Rothleder Christina Sears Ron and Marilyn Shapo Kenneth Singleton Darwin Smith Donald Speller Monica Streacker Susan Talarico and Michael Sundermeyer William and Linda Tiffan Lisa Tongue Valetta Tobie and Jacob van der Vorm Carolyn and Ronald Vioni Joanne Whalen Laurie Young
The following honor roll of donors represent gifts given between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026 48
Instructor Biographies
Bob Bunting is founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Climate Adaptation Center, an independent non-profit organization located in Sarasota. Previously, he was a director of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and also served as lead hurricane forecaster for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He has appeared frequently on local and national radio and television. Bob holds degrees in Atmospheric Science from St. Louis University. (p. 37)
OLLI instructors possess a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. The biographies are small snapshots showcasing the lives and careers of these valued team members. Emanuel Abramovits has been a concerts promoter since 2000, presenting dozens of shows by international artists, from Pop icons like Journey, to classical artists like Itzhak Perlman, staging along the way, epic orchestral extravaganzas, and winning a prestigious “Event of the Year” award. While directing the cultural activities of Union Israelita de Caracas for 11 years, Emanuel has released multiple books, and organized lectures and art exhibits. (pp. 33, 34)
Albert H. Cohen has worked as a classical music critic for more than 42 years (20 for a Gannett newspaper in New Jersey). In Florida, he is music critic for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Pro-Opera magazine and former music critic for the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times. Albert was also managing director of the Music Critics Association of North America for 13 years. (p. 34)
Chris Angermann is a graduate of Yale University (CT) and the Yale School of Drama. He has been a university teacher (University North Carolina), professional theater director and acting teacher, and, most recently, a writer, journalist, and book producer for self-published authors—with over 100 titles to his credit. A former president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, he lectures on “The Future of Books,” “How to Write a Memoir,” and “Narrative Techniques.” (p. 28)
Joe Cucci is a former Army officer and retired Procter & Gamble sales manager. He enjoys mystery books, so he created the OLLI Mystery Book Club. (p. 31) Dent Davis, a retired Presbyterian pastor, graduated from Vanderbilt University Divinity School (TN) and has doctorates from Columbia Theological Seminary (GA) and the University of Tennessee. He has served as faculty at Columbia Theological Seminary, teaching spiritual growth, as President of Scott Peck’s Foundation for Community Encouragement, and as a business consultant. (p. 34)
Wendy Rickenbach Barclay is a senior care expert with years of experience assisting adults and families navigate the complexities of aging. Her credentials include specialized training in both dementia management and long-term care strategies. Wendy has been in the senior care arena in Sarasota and Manatee counties for over 12 years. (p. 28)
Terri Davis is a former Navy cryptologist and retired Law Enforcement. Love of books especially mysteries lead her to participate in the OLLI Mystery Book Club. Terri will lead the first two sessions of the club. (p. 31)
Cheryl Brandi is a Whole Health Educator™ (WHE) and adult nurse practitioner (NP) with years of experience in managing chronic diseases and providing health education. She holds a doctorate in nursing science (University of San Diego), a postmaster certificate as a nurse practitioner (University of South Florida) a diploma (WHE) from the National Institute of Whole Health, and certification as a Holistic Stress Management Instructor. (pp. 24, 25)
Lawrence DeMilner is a retired economist who spent the bulk of his career with the International Monetary Fund. After retirement, he taught several years at the Downeast Senior College in Maine. He has degrees in Russian and economics. (p. 32)
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Instructor Biographies
Alan Freedman has a journalism degree from Boston University. Prior to retiring, he was public affairs director at a New York-based electric utility, responsible for government relations and corporate communications. Previously, he had been a financial writer and editor, and an advertising account executive at a major book publisher. Since moving to Sarasota, Alan has been an OLLI instructor for over a decade, focusing on technology and media topics. (p. 33)
Benu Dhamija is an instructional technology specialist with over 20 years of experience helping educators and adults integrate technology into their daily life. Recently retired, she continues to share her passion for making technology approachable and useful. (p. 38) David Eisner is a doctor of psychoanalysis (National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis Certified Psychoanalyst). David offers interactive seminars encouraging participants to individualize and integrate the gifts of art, music, literature, cinema, and psychoanalysis into deepening perspectives on the wonders, challenges, and complexities of everyday life. (pp. 35, 36)
Margie Gibson is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist who resides in Venice after working in the entertainment industry for several years in Los Angeles and Chicago. Her CDs include ‟Say it With Music” (an Irving Berlin tribute), ‟All We Need to Know,” and others. You can find her music on iTunes. Margie coaches beginners and professionals to “Sing from the Heart.” www.gibsongirlmusic.com. (p. 17)
Carol Ellis started in the OLLI Book Club as a participant when classes were held on Zoom at the start of the pandemic and has been the in-person leader for the past two years. She is an avid reader and compulsive learner. By background, she is a retired physician who practiced both outpatient and hospital medicine and taught medical students and residents in internal medicine. (p. 31)
Michael Gibson worked as a China analyst for the U.S. government (CIA and Department of Defense) for over 30 years. He was an adjunct professor of Chinese history at American and George Washington Universities (D.C.) Michael has a doctorate in Modern East Asian history and has lived and served in multiple East Asian locales. He is the principal author of “China: U.S. Policy Since 1945” (Congressional Quarterly, 1980), as well as numerous other articles. (p. 28)
Pam Formato is a former advertising and promotional marketing professional from New York who has also designed games for national advertisers and the public. She is currently turning one of her games into an App. (pp. 15, 16)
Alan Grindal is a neurologist, a consultant at the Memory Disorder Clinic at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and is on the clinical faculty of Florida State University Medical School. He has taught numerous courses at OLLI at Ringling College on brain science and history. (pp. 37, 38)
Joanna Fox is a retired award-winning creative writing teacher of award-winning middle school students. She received the Penguin Random House Maya Angelou Teacher of Poetry award, University of South Florida Lifetime Achievement award, International River of Words Teacher of the Year, and the Van Wezel Appleton Award to name a few. Joanna was a fellow at the Hermitage Artist Retreat and has taught poetry at the Chautauqua Institution’s summer assembly on multiple occasions. (p. 39)
Gary Halperin is a professional-level Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher who has been teaching for over 30 years. Through his books and workshops, he has taught thousands of people his relaxation meditation technique. He is the author of Feel Better Now: Meditation for Stress Reductionand Relaxation and Meditate, Relax, Repeat: Start a Daily Meditation Practice. www.MeditateRelaxRepeat.com (p. 23)
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Instructor Biographies
Debbie Mackler is a registered nurse/case manager. Her love of literature, especially short stories, offered a distraction from the career stresses of health care. She has facilitated many book clubs and led multiple reading programs in North Carolina. She is grateful for her twin, Donna, who, as a library supervisor, influenced and encouraged her to love books. Debbie is passionate about continuing that legacy with and for other enthusiasts. (p. 32)
Carol Hartz teaches community-based citizenship classes for adult learners preparing for the naturalization interview. Her work focuses on helping students build the language and civics knowledge needed to succeed. She has developed instructional materials and teaching methods based on classroom experience. She holds a doctorate degree in Decision Sciences and has a background in research and education. (p. 20) Beverly Jennings has a master’s degree in history and taught at a Kansas City College for 15 years. Beverly’s field is the ancient and medieval world. One of Beverly’s favorite quotes about history is: “The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.” (pp. 25, 26)
John McFetridge is a retired software developer and entrepreneur who has been in technology for 45 years. He was founder and first president of Simware, a Canadian software company. He later helped develop and market CorelDraw, one of the most successful Canadian software products ever. John is still coding even during his retirement. (p. 36)
Thomas C. Keller is a nationally recognized speaker, artist, and creativity coach with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in neuroplasticity and creative thinking, helping people improve focus, flexibility, and mental engagement at any stage of life. Through interactive presentations and courses, he combines science-informed concepts with practical tools to support cognitive vitality, curiosity, and lifelong learning. (p. 22)
Peter Mermin has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Antioch College (OH), a master’s in psychology from the New School for Social Research (NY), and a doctorate in psychology from Union Institute (OH). Peter taught at Southampton College and Suffolk Community College on Long Island for 34 years. He actively promotes humanistic and spiritual values. (p. 20)
Abbey Kuhn serves as Ecological Projects Coordinator, playing a central role in the implementation and expansion of Oyster River Ecology’s (ORE) restoration programs. She joined ORE shortly after graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. She supports all phases of project delivery and has been an essential contributor to scaling ORE’s oyster restoration efforts and strengthening organizational capacity. (p. 37)
Craig Miller holds a doctorate in Theology, specializing in biblical/classical languages and a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Ancient Near Eastern/EasternMediterranean Studies. He has taught for over 40 years at nearly all levels of academia, including over 30 years for Adult and Community Education and OLLI programs. Teaching is his passion; his mantra is that any subject can be made accessible and enjoyable through student centered teaching. He is a 30-year CIA careerist. (p. 35)
Yulia Kuzenko is a Senior Portfolio Advisor, CRPC®, AAMS® with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Sarasota. She partners with business owners, executives, and women professionals on long-term financial strategies, with expertise in concentrated stock positions. Yulia volunteers reading to kindergarteners through Rockin’ Readers and with Impact100 SRQ, a women-led nonprofit granting funds to area charities. She also enjoys gardening, art, and life on her acreage with her husband and pets. (p. 21)
Gail Sussman-Miller is a women’s leadership coach, speaker, and facilitator who helps people shift from reactive patterns to thoughtful and intentional responses. Blending practical tools with intuitive insight and emotional awareness, she guides people to improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships. Known for her rare insight and candid, loving guidance, Gail’s practical wisdom supports clearer choices that lead to greater confidence, freedom, and joy. www.inspiredchoice.com (pp. 23, 24, 38)
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Instructor Biographies
Jeff Newman holds a master’s degree in history and taught high school history for a number of years. He also served as the principal of Attleboro Comprehensive High School, one of the larger high schools in Massachusetts. Jeff spent nearly a decade in the Rhode Island State House as a top aide to both the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor. (p. 28)
Tom Miller is a retired business owner, educator, and consultant. He worked in the menswear industry for more than 40 years in New York state. Since becoming part of OLLI, Tom has rediscovered his love of literature and particularly the short-story form. Tom and his wife are year-round residents of Sarasota. (p. 32) Tony Moon has spent over 10 years teaching adult learning reflecting his 50 years in the music business. As a successful artist, producer, award-winning songwriter, and music publisher, he brings much experience and knowledge into all his classes. Moving to Nashville from Los Angeles, Tony became guitarist and conductor for superstar Brenda Lee. Tony currently administrates an entertainment company and does music research for the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. (p. 33)
Tenille Dixon Pawlus is a plant collector, butterfly chaser, lover of flora and fauna, and has a passion for helping others create their own green oasis. She’s also a garden consultant, a certified landscape designer from Emory University (GA), a container gardener, teacher, and plant seller in Sarasota with a registered Florida nursery license, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Certified Professional, GI-BMP Certified, and FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional. (p. 22)
Damon Moore is a habitat restoration practitioner with over 20 years of experience across Southwest Florida. He has led major projects including Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve Expansion, and specializes in restoration design, permitting, and implementation. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Oyster River Ecology and a recipient of the 2024 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award. (p. 37)
Charley Rich retired from Gartner as Research Director in the IT Operations Management group guiding users and providers of APM and AIOps solutions. He has almost 40 years of IT experience as a Product Management Executive. He received the General Manager’s Award at IBM and the President’s Award at Tivoli. Charley is a board member of the Jazz Club of Sarasota, and a lifelong musician, whose music can be heard at: youtube.com/user/charleyrich. (p. 26)
Brian J. Morra is a former intelligence officer, aerospace executive, and a current author of historical fiction. His novels have won numerous awards for best military fiction and best espionage thrillers. The Able Archers is about the 1983 Soviet nuclear crisis that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, while The Righteous Arrows is about the Soviet War in Afghanistan and the American reaction to it. (p. 28)
Lynda Rizzio is an instructor at OLLI who has taught “The Hollywood Blacklist 1947-60” as well as a documentary film series titled “Lessons Learned From Children.” As a retired educator, Lynda is happy to pursue her passion as a film historian and share it with the OLLI community. Many people enjoy film, many love film, and then there are those who live film. Lynda lives film. (p. 18)
Sandra Moulin, actress and musician, has been teaching for over 40 years to students aged 16 to 86. She crafts her one-woman shows into a unique, engaging, and entertaining lecture. Her high energy and talent promise a memorable learning experience involving the students themselves. Sandra received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in French and Humanities and has been an OLLI instructor for over 15 years. (p. 18)
Ed Rosenthal is the founder of Florikan, the leading manufacturer and distributor of controlled release fertilizer. In collaboration with colleagues in NASA’s Space Plant Biology Office, Ed has developed nutrient delivery systems to promote the growing of veggies in Space. He holds an Honorary Doctorate in Science and has been inducted into both the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame by NASA and into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. (p. 37)
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Instructor Biographies
Bonnie Garvey Spadafora graduated from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in public health from the University of South Florida. She spent 15 years at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a charge nurse in neuroscience and rehabilitation and as a clinical instructor. Before retirement, she was on the nursing faculty at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida). (p. 26)
Jeff Ryder is a two-time Emmy Award-winning writer for his work on “Guiding Light.” Jeff was also vice president of daytime programming, director of miniseries, and director of casting at NBC. He recently retired after 20 years as a professor and associate dean at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia (PA). (pp. 16, 17) Colleen Sherman is a certified information systems security professional (CISSP), having served in the U.S. Marine Corps and in the private sector, working exclusively in cybersecurity and related fields. Colleen and her husband Jeff have performed at numerous improv and comedy festivals all over Florida and as far away as Oslo, Norway. (p. 17)
Alvin Stout is a graduate of Cornell University (N.Y.), with an undergraduate degree in history, and Georgetown University Law Center (D.C.), where he received his law degree. He is a retired federal government trial attorney. He is a long-time OLLI student, having participated in a variety of classes, including those focused on writing, history, literature, and topical issues, including magazine articles. (p. 30)
Jeffrey Sherman is a retired lawyer, having worked in the fields of commercial litigation and financial crisis management. Jeff is also a trained improviser, who along with his wife, Colleen, have performed at numerous improv and comedy festivals all over Florida and as far away as Oslo, Norway. They are part of the cast at The Commodore comedy club in Ybor City and appear frequently in their shows. (pp. 15, 17, 20, 26)
Jean Thaler has a life-long interest in ancient Egypt. She studied Egyptology at Yale University, then pursued a career in banking. Jean reads extensively on Egyptology and travels around the world to visit important Egyptian collections and to attend Egyptology conferences. Two years ago, she moved from northern New Jersey to Sarasota. (p. 19)
Michael Sherrow was born and raised in New York City and lived there his entire life before coming to Sarasota. Michael is a student of the history of the city. He receiveda bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Baruch School at the City University of New York and a juris doctorate from St. John’s University (NY). Michaelis a retired member of the New York Bar. (p. 27)
Dianne Tisman has been a French teacher for 27 years. Dianne currently teaches and tutors online and in person. In addition to teaching, she served as World Language Department Chair for 10 years. Dianne lived in France for seven years and worked as Directrice Pédogique for Language Power France where she taught all levels of English to business and professional people. (pp. 29, 30)
Marie-Agnès Sourieau is professor emerita at Fairfield University (CT). She is a specialist in 19th and 20th century French and Francophone literature and culture. She has published extensively and is presently an assistant editor of The French Review. (p. 15)
Michael Vlaisavljevich is a retired public finance consultant who worked with leaders of U.S. states and developing countries for 45 years. He developed a love of literature as a college student majoring in Russian studies and a deep appreciation of diverse cultures by traveling around the world. Michael leads the OLLI course on The World’s Great Literature—a window through which we explore the full range of human experience. (p. 31)
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Instructor Biographies
Michael Weddle is a retired medical doctor with a PhD in bioengineering. He lives in Venice, Florida. Dr. Weddle is Education Chair of the local Manasota branch of Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and on the peer review committee for the Journal of African American History. He has taught courses in science and race pseudoscience and American Classical Education at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. (p. 27) Thomas Weisman practiced primary care internal medicine for 22 years in Cleveland and led two large group practices as well as a Physician-Hospital Organization. Tom has a bachelor’s degree from Yale University (CT); a master of science in Health Science Education, a master of science in Systems and Control Engineering, and a medical degree all from Case Western Reserve University (OH), and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. (p. 23) Mary Ziegler has a passion for adult learning and change across the lifespan. She is a retired professor from the University of Tennessee. Her doctorate from Columbia University is in adult and continuing education and her master’s degree from the University of South Florida is in counseling. She is a certified instructor for Guided Autobiography from the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies at the University of Southern California. (p. 39)
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