OLLI at WMU Winter Spring 2025 Catalog (updated)

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

wmich.edu/olli

Western

Director’s Message

OLLI at WMU turns 10 – Happy Anniversary!

Ten years ago, Western Michigan University welcomed the official Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to its campus. Just four years before that, a small group of visionaries helped launch the University’s Lifelong Learning Academy, setting a goal to affiliate with the Osher Lifelong Learning network. This team of leaders, with support from then-president Dr. John Dunn, moved expeditiously to transition the Lifelong Learning Academy into an Osher Institute. Due to their hard work, our OLLI at WMU was officially and formally welcomed to campus in 2015.

Since that time, there have been hundreds of OLLI members, volunteers, courses, trips, and events that have contributed to the outstanding success of our lifelong learning community—and without them, we could not have made it this far. Alongside our members and the larger community, we will celebrate this amazing ten-year anniversary milestone throughout 2025, and together we will look to our future with an eye on OLLI’s continued strength, development, and sustainability.

I personally extend my deep gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has played a role in creating, supporting, and cultivating a thriving OLLI at WMU!

Toni Woolfork-Barnes Director

OLLI From the Members

“

Very educational. Instructor was a master in his field with real life experiences. Highly recommend him if he gives other classes. Like the very medical and scientific approach he taught in.

Man vs Microbes: A History of Vaccines with Sam Grossman ”

[I enjoyed] the instructor’s thorough knowledge of the subject matter, connecting all the information about aviation in WWI in a constructive and easy to understand manner.

World War I Aviation: A New Dimension ” in Warfare with Kevin Kenz “

I really enjoyed his sharing of his experiences in the music industry. It was fun hearing from someone who has made his living in the business.

Album Recording A to Z with Ted

Hogarth

“

Cheng Tao is an excellent teacher! The class was relaxing, challenging, and fun. I plan to incorporate what I learned from this class into my daily routine.

Tai Chi: Road to Balance & Relaxation with Cheng Tao

[I enjoyed] how in-depth it really is. It’s not just a photography class, though I did learn a lot. It truly is exploring and looking into your own life, and how to capture what you learn in photos.

Photovoice: A Life Well-Lived Kalamazoo ” with Jeri Love

It’s clear the instructors were very familiar with Vietnam and the novel being discussed. ”

The History and the Literature: The Women with Diane and Stan Henderson

WMU Civility Statement

Western Michigan University is committed to creating and sustaining an environment that honors the inherent dignity and worth of all members of the WMU community. Respectful behavior expressed verbally, textually, visually, and physically should be the norm in all university communications and venues including classrooms, meetings, offices, workplaces, forums, events, social media and residential communities.

As an institution of higher education, we welcome a diverse range of perspectives and opinions and uphold the importance of civil debate. We fully support the free exchange of ideas and beliefs, as well as the expression of provocative or unpopular ideas. It is through this process that we generate knowledge and deepen our understanding of humanity.

Freedom of thought and expression may create conflict, strong emotions, and divergent ideological positions. While these effects are expected and welcomed, all members of the community have a responsibility to behave in a manner that does not harm others nor creates a hostile environment. Behavior that attacks, humiliates, belittles, or conveys hatred towards others diminishes our thriving and safe university environment.

Each member of our academic community is encouraged to be thoughtful and sensitive in their choice of words and behaviors. We should be aware of how our behavior affects others. Furthermore, we carry a responsibility to challenge those who communicate intolerance, hatred and bigotry. Words and actions matter. Everyone is asked to do their part in creating a healthy and positive university community and a culture that truly values each member’s uniqueness experiences, and perspectives.

Membership Information

Why Become an OLLI Member?

Intellectual discovery, personal growth, and social engagement are proven to enrich one’s quality of life, boost health, and contribute to one’s overall happiness. Those who are open to new experiences, actively involved in their communities, and cultivators of curiosity often lead more purposeful and productive lives.

From music to history or the arts to the sciences, the opportunities to expand your worldview and broaden your horizons are endless with OLLI at WMU!

OLLI Membership Fees

Memberships fees are $50 per year and are nontransferable. Our annual renewal date is July 1. Joining OLLI is simple – just head to our website at wmich.edu/olli. If you have questions about membership, call us at (269) 387-4157 or email wmu-olli@wmich.edu.

Keep us growing by becoming a member and by telling your friends about OLLI at WMU! The gift of an OLLI membership also makes an excellent present for friends, family, and colleagues.

Benefits of an OLLI Membership

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU is membership-based and open to anyone 50+ with a passion for learning. There are no tests, no grading and no academic credit. Your annual membership fee helps defray costs not covered by our low course fees.

There are many benefits to an OLLI at WMU membership, including:

• 25% discount for most events at the Gilmore Theatre Complex

• 15% discount for most events at Miller Auditorium

• 10% discount for most items at the WMU Bookstore

• Enrollment fee waived at West Hills Athletic Club

• Access to Special Interest Groups which are member directed

• Member-only events and tours

Course Locations

Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum

6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002

The Bellflower

4700 D Ave W, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Bricks and Minifigs

1926 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

College of Health and Human Services

Western Michigan University - East Campus

Friendship Village 1400 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

The Gilmore Car Museum

6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan

420 E. Alcott Street, 49001

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

KVCC Main Campus

6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Milestone Senior Services

918 Jasper St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Moore Hall

Western Michigan University - Main Campus

Parkview Hills Clubhouse

3707 Greenleaf Cir, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Portage Zhang Senior Center

203ECentreAvenue,Portage,MI49009

Flannery O’Conner Course

General Information and Policies

About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation supports a lifelong learning network for mature adults through their Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, which can be found on the campuses of 120 colleges and universities nationwide.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University (OLLI at WMU) takes pride in providing intellectual and cultural stimulation, personal growth, and social engagement for adults 50+ in an informal, lively educational atmosphere. Over the last 10 years, over 1,000 members have participated in over 969 courses taught by 410+ volunteer instructors at nine different locations, in addition to over 60 events and 99 trips.

In addition, hundreds of volunteers have been an integral part of committees and leadership, helping to guide the success of OLLI at WMU. Courses and activities are developed by OLLI members with the support of the staff of WMUx. Members also volunteer as planners, instructors, committee members or advisory board members.

Scholarships

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. If you are unable to pay for courses, but want to experience what OLLI at WMU offers, why not take advantage of our robust Scholarship Fund?

An individual may apply for financial assistance to pay for one course per semester. The application is short and confidential. Please email us at wmu-olli@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-4157 for more information.

Trip Registration and Fees

OLLI has partnered with Premier World Discovery to offer opportunities for family and friends to travel together on extended journeys around the globe. Visit wmich.edu/olli/trips to learn more.

Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Refunds

Cancellations: Instructors reserve the right to cancel a class and will notify course participants accordingly. The instructor will work with class members to arrange a make-up session. If you registered for a course and it is canceled, you may receive a refund or apply your course fee to another course if space is available.

If Western Michigan University classes are canceled for any reason, such as inclement weather, OLLI in-person classes are also canceled. It is the participant’s responsibility to consult the WMU website, OLLI website and/or local media regarding weather or other closures.

Withdrawals: You may withdraw from a course by contacting the OLLI office. Non-attendance or notifying solely the instructor is not an official cancellation.

Refunds: You will be eligible for a refund if you withdraw from a course at least two weeks before the first session. If you withdraw from a course less than two weeks before the first session, fees will not be refunded.

Parking Information

For in-person courses held on WMU’s campus, OLLI at WMU pays for your parking. Other course locations do not require permits. Parking permits are emailed or mailed by USPS (upon request) one to two weeks before the first session of your course.

Please let the office know if you already have a WMU permit or a disability parking placard/license plate, as you will not need a parking permit. If no handicapped parking spots are available when you arrive, you may park in any available space with a valid disability placard/license plate, including metered spots (except reserved parking).

Your Photo

When you participate in OLLI at WMU activities (courses, trips, events, etc.) your photograph may be taken and utilized to promote the Institute. Your photo may be used on the website, in our e-newsletter, in brochures, flyers, catalogs or elsewhere. If you do not want your photo to be used it is your responsibility to step out of pictures that are being taken.

Born of Hope and Indignation

Volunteers

are the Heart of OLLI!

Are you eager to make a significant impact on your community? Do you want to utilize the skills you have developed over a lifetime or discover new ones? Would like to make new friends and social connections? If the answer is “yes” to any of the above, please consider volunteering with OLLI!

Teach a Course!

You do not have to be a current or past WMU instructor to teach a course! We welcome past and present instructors from public schools and colleges as well as members of the general community who are passionate about a topic and wish to share their knowledge with others. Got an idea for a topic? Contact us via email at wmu-olli@wmich.edu or visit wmich.edu/olli/become-instructor

Support OLLI at WMU

OLLI at WMU is a membership- and volunteer-driven organization. Even though instructors are unpaid volunteers, the Institute incurs other costs related to course offerings. Subsequently, membership and class fees do not cover all costs associated with operating the Institute. There are also people in the community who are committed to lifelong learning but cannot afford the cost of our courses.

ThroughWMU’sUniversityAdvancementandAlumni RelationsOffice,weacceptdonationstoeitherour OperatingFundtosupporttheday-to-dayoperationsof OLLIatWMU,orourScholarshipFund,whichprovidesfree orreducedcourseregistrationtoindividualswhoarenot abletootherwiseparticipate.

Visitourwebsiteformoreinformationabouthowyoucan supportOLLIwithafinancialgift.

Connect with us on Facebook

StayuptodatebylikingandfollowingusonFacebook! SearchforOLLIatWMU(@WMULifelongLearning)onyour Facebookaccount.Ourpostsincludethought-provoking articles,upcomingdetailsforcourses,trips,andevents, aswellasreviewsandphotosfromprogramsthathave alreadytakenplace.Youcanalsouseourpagetoconnect withfellowOLLImembers,postcomments,andshare interestinginformation!

Intro to Pickleball

Registration

Registration for the Winter and Spring semester opens Wednesday, January 15 at 10 a.m. Courses are offered both in-person and online; course descriptions will indicate delivery method.

Ways to Register Online

Call the OLLI office at (269) 387-4157

Visit room 1530 in Ellsworth Hall on Western’s main campus

Please note that there will be limited “phone-in registration” for the Winter and Spring 2025 semester. Registering online is the quickest way to secure your spot for the courses you want to take. If you need assistance doing so, email us at wmu-olli@wmich.edu or call (269) 3874157. If you have a visual or auditory disability, please make the OLLI at WMU office aware and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Trip Registration and Fees

OLLI has partnered with Premier World Discovery to offer opportunities for family and friends to travel together on extended journeys around the globe. Visit wmich.edu/olli/trips to learn more.

Course Fees

Current fees are based on $10 per session for members and $20 for non-members. Other fees may apply.

If you register by mail, over the phone, or online you will receive registration confirmation and a receipt of payment via email. If you do not have an email address on file, you will receive your confirmation by postal mail upon request.

Pickleball Injury Prevention 9 OLLI at WMU

Online Registration

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*Remember, members enjoy the lowest course fees and other benefits. Add a Membership to your cart if you have not yet renewed your annual membership.

Course Selection

Under Courses, click on the link for the appropriate starting month for your desired course

Browse for your desired course and click the ‘Add to Cart’ button

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For virtual courses, online access links will be sent to you prior to your course start date

For on campus classes, parking passes will be emailed a week before your course start date, if needed

January 2025 Courses

Readings in Existentialist Philosophy

David Paul, Tues 1/7 through 4/15. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Moore Hall, Room 1121

From the Book of Job to Jung’s Answer to Job, western philosophy has long contemplated existence and the meaning of existence. Over the span of sixteen weeks, we’ll consider the ideas of philosophers including Plato, Descartes, Kant, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre as we explore the deepest of questions together through readings and facilitated dialogue. This course also offers a special opportunity to participate in cross-generational discussions about the nature of existence as you learn alongside undergraduate students who are enrolled for credit in this semester-long Western Michigan University course.

At the Gilmore: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Brad

Dr. Zaide Pixley, Adam Schumaker, Seth Abramson, and Dr. Pierre van der Westerhuizen, Mon 1/27 and Tues 2/11. 10 a.m. to Noon Friendship Village, Kiva Room

Music lovers will delight in this two-session course led by instructors from the Gilmore Piano Festival! Come celebrate the glorious music of the “Three B’s” as performed by these exceptionally talented Gilmore musicians—2024’s Artist Alexandre Kantorow, Piano Master Hélène Grimaud, Rising Stars Elisabeth Brauss and Daniela Liebman, and the marvelous pianist-composer Brad Mehldau. We’ll begin our musical journey with Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto, accompanied by some of his exquisite miniatures and late works inspired by Clara Schumann. The music of Bach was never far away for Brahms, who arranged his momentous Chaconne in D Minor, originally for solo violin, for left hand alone—a composition that requires exceptional skill to perform. We’ll also listen to Busoni’s arrangement of the same piece, this time written for four hands. Next, we will delve into three sonatas by the musical revolutionary Beethoven, who builds on the past and stakes out new territory in these legendary works. We will close by enjoying the music of contemporary artist Brad Mehldau, who brings together his classical training and jazz genius to create music often inspired by Bach, as in his last recording, “After Bach II.” This spring, Mehldau will return to Kalamazoo with fellow performers in his Trio, Christian McBride and Marcus Gilmore, to dazzle us once again with their incredible talents.

: Repeat course within the previous year

Only Hope: My Mother and the Holocaust Brought to Light

Irving Lubliner, Tues 1/28. 2 to 4 p.m.

Online via Webex

Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories were collected by her son, instructor Irving Lubliner, who now invites you to travel back in time alongside his mother into the concentration camps as he shares excerpts from his book, “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” which sheds light on both his mother’s horrific experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his own experiences as a child of Holocaust survivors. You’ll also learn about the process behind working to publish these invaluable stories and his personal journey toward bringing the book to fruition.

Dial M for Murder: We Already Know Whodunnit!

D. Terry Williams, Wed 1/29 and 2/12. 10 a.m. to Noon.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 4267

“Dial M for Murder,” the celebrated murder mystery play written by Frederick Knott that inspired iconic Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film, has been revived in the modern age. Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation lives up to its reputation as a midcentury thriller—funny and fraught all while allowing for a more interesting love triangle with even harsher consequences. Over the span of this three-part learning experience, you’ll get to read Hatcher’s new script, which we’ll review in the first class meeting; go watch a performance of “Dial M for Murder” at the Farmers Alley Theatre on your own in between the two sessions; then return for a second class meeting to participate in a discussion with the cast and director. Students should read Hatcher’s script, published by Concord Theatricals and available at the Kalamazoo Public Library, before the first class meets.

Please note that students are expected to attend the play on February 6, 7, 8, or 9; tickets are sold separately and can be purchased by calling the Theatre at (269) 343-2727.

The Next Generation’s Legacy of the Holocaust

Natalie L. Iglewicz and Joy Wolf Ensor, Thurs 1/30. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Online via Webex

Growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust, the children of survivors are striving to find ways to keep their parents’ stories alive. Teaching the lessons of dehumanization through their intergenerational lenses has become more urgent than ever as the number of survivors diminishes. As authors of the award-winning anthology, “The Ones Who Remember; Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust,” the instructors will reveal the many ways their parents’ Holocaust traumas and survival seeped into their souls and then affected their subsequent family lives—whether they knew the bulk of their parents’ stories or nothing at all. Together, we’ll explore and encourage open conversations around themes including the impact of dehumanization, post-traumatic growth and healing, and forgiveness. We will also discuss the impact of intergenerational trauma for anyone who has lived in the shadow of pain and suffering. This class will be in-person but in case of inclement weather, will pivot to online via Webex. Please note: the Kalamazoo Public Library has several copies of the book and, if you would like to own it, it can be purchased on Amazon.

The World of Disney’s “The Lion King” Musical

Shannon Huneryager, Fri and Tues 1/31 and 2/4. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1024

One of the longest-running shows on Broadway, Disney’s “The Lion King” is a magical combination of entertainment and art. The story follows the journey of Simba as he discovers the qualities of true royalty to reclaim his rightful place as King of the Pride Lands. This course will explore musical, scenic, costume, and lighting elements of this multi-award-winning production as well as background information about the story and history of Julie Taymor's groundbreaking production. While this course is being offered in conjunction with the OLLI group attendance of the performance on Feb 2, all performing arts aficionados will enjoy learning more about this iconic musical theater piece. The final session of this two-session course will be a conversation about the experience of seeing the musical live, complete with special guests.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Shukurani Nsengiyumva, Tues 2/4. 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Online via Webex

In this free, virtual course, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s stages and risk factors, current research and available treatments, and ways the Alzheimer’s Association can help.

Designing a Retirement of Passion, Purpose, and Plan

Kathie Ragains, Wed 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5. 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Friendship Village, Clubhouse Classroom

Retirement brings a variety of emotions to every person, offering polar opposites from being considered the “Golden Years” to “getting old is not for sissies.” Yet, at every stage of our lives, we experienced many opportunities that also included difficulties. As we look back, each era in our lives had its “honeymoon stage” before a deeper reality of “what’s next” entered our thoughts and became our new challenge. After the honeymoon stage in retirement fades away, many are surprised to confront major questions—“what is my new passion? my new purpose? my new life plan?” Wherever you are on your retirement path, from preparing to retire to living the “honeymoon dream,” or simply looking to discover that next opportunity and challenge, this class will prepare you for your journey. Supported by research that proves our experiences are very normal, we will explore “what’s next” through group discussions, contemplate the unexplored options that best fit our own individual passions and purpose, and design the retirement plan we didn’t know we needed when we financially looked forward to our “Golden Years.”

February 2025 Courses

Driving Through the Jim Crow Era and the “Green Book”

Fred Colgren, John Burton, and Robin Nott, Wed 2/5. 2 to 4 p.m.

The Gilmore Car Museum

This unique course reflects on of the lives of African Americans during the civil rights movement and beyond by showcasing live music of the era while telling the story of Victor Green's invaluable “Green Book,” which served as the “Negro Travelers’ Guide” during the Jim Crow era. After the class, interested students can purchase a ticket for admission to the Gilmore Car Museum for $20. The instructors will give two private tours of the earliest cars in the Gilmore Collection in the steam barn as well as those in the Carriage House. These tours will also include a discussion on Gilmore Museum History, and students will be free to explore the campus on their own following the tour. In case of inclement weather, this class will be re-scheduled.

Tai Chi: Road to Balance and Relaxation Session 1

Cheng Tao, Wed 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12. 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 4010

Tai Chi is one of the Chinese traditional martial arts, which was originally designed as a unique self-defense technique, but later evolved into a self-efficacy health exercise. Characterized as flowing, graceful, and being well balanced, Tai Chi’s movements strengthen the body as well as the mind from within, promoting a complete bodymind harmony. Through practicing Tai Chi, the balance of Yin and Yang—the essentials of nature and relaxation— will be embedded into the practitioner. Unrestrained by age, gender, and health status, Tai Chi can serve as an ideal physical exercise for many. This course will introduce some essential Tai Chi principles such as controlled relaxation, mental quietness, breathing in-depth, and intent first. As a starting class, we will learn and practice 5 to 8 basic, yet classic, Tai Chi movements. By the end of the session, the participants are expected to grasp these essentials and be able to practice basic Tai Chi movements independently.

KIA Encounter With the Visual Arts

James Carter and Sam Grossman, Thurs 2/6, 2/13. 1 to 3 p.m.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

This course is designed for anyone who wishes to gain a greater appreciation for the visual arts. Led by Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ (KIA) docents, Drs. Jim Carter and Sam Grossman, we’ll explore the KIA’s current exhibitions as we examine the various techniques artists utilize in creating art, as well as use the “Elements of Art” to further understand visual artwork. Expect to see excellent art and participate in exciting discussions. Students will improve their observation skills and become more comfortable discussing art with others.

An Introduction to Plant-Based Cooking and Eating

Nancy Lee Bently, Thurs 2/6 and 2/13. 3 to 5 p.m. Portage Zhang Senior Center, Meeting Room 1A/1B

This comprehensive, two-session course is designed to be an informative introduction to a plant-based lifestyle as a key factor in transforming both personal and planetary health. Combining lecture and demonstration, you’ll develop a macro-to-micro view of the foundations and the fundamental “why, what, and how-to’s” of adopting a more plant-based approach to cooking, eating, and lifestyle. Ideal for those interested in exploring plant-based eating, you’ll walk away having gained a deeper understanding of the implications and benefits of this lifestyle as well as having learned practical skills and easy cooking techniques.

The Estate Plan and the Estate Planning Process

Michael Dombos, Tues 2/11 and 2/18. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friendship Village, Clubhouse Classroom

Our rapidly changing social structure and regulatory environment impact every aspect of our lives, and although we all recognize the importance of estate planning, most people have not taken steps to create a plan or to update existing ones. An estate plan addresses your goals and objectives during life as well as disability and death. In this course, you’ll learn about the probate process, estate settlement, funding trusts, and other aspects that need to be considered while creating your estate plan. We’ll also go over Estate and Gift taxes, important documents such as wills, and the different types of power of attorney so you can move forward feeling confidently prepared for the future.

Weather 101: Forecasting West Michigan Weather

Keith Thompson, Wed 2/12 and 2/19. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 2010

“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” The quote, mistakenly attributed to Mark Twain, is as true today as it was when written in the late 1890s—everyone still talks about the weather! So, what makes hurricanes and what determines their paths? And why is it that lake effect snow is so variable? In this class, you’ll learn the basics of meteorology firsthand from one of West Michigan’s most popular television weathercasters, gaining a better understanding of what makes our weather happen by using the same forecast models, radar, and satellite technology the professionals use to make their predictions.

Civic Health and Storytelling: An Introduction to NowKalamazoo and The Local Journalism Foundation

Ben Lando and Reid Williams, Fri 2/14. 9 to 11 a.m.

Portage Zhang Senior Center, Community Room West

Newspapers are disappearing all across the country—in the past two decades, almost 3,000 newspapers have shut down in the United States, and the number of working journalists has decreased by half. That's a dangerous loss of an important feature of our democracy. Not only do we lose our country’s primary driver of transparency and

accountability, but we also lose the opportunity to hear invaluable community voices and stories that grow our pride, strengthen our sense of place, and bring neighbors together to solve problems. A group of Kalamazoo County residents joined forces to meet this challenge before it became too late, creating NowKalamazoo, a “newsroom of the future,” and establishing The Local Journalism Foundation of Kalamazoo County, a nonprofit public charity committed to reinvigorating our local media ecosystem. As you get to know the leaders of this media movement, you’ll learn all about what makes NowKalamazoo different from traditional journalism operations; The Local Journalism Foundation's core programs for Civic Engagement and Diversity in Media; the team’s vision for the future of information services and products in our region; and how you can help revitalize journalism through transparency, accountability, and community building.

Golden Information for Your Golden Years Series: Get to Know Milestone Senior Services

Lynn McFarlen, Tues 2/18. 10 a.m. to Noon Milestone Senior Services

You’ve probably heard about Milestone Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels program, but do you know about all the other resources they offer to support aging adults? For example, the MI Choice Waiver makes it easier to get a helping hand at home for those who want to avoid moving to an assisted living center. Or the Home Repair program, facilitated by a licensed contractor that builds ramps, railings, grab bars, step repairs, and other safety essentials in an aging person's home. Meanwhile, the Companionship program connects older adults with one other to avoid a sense of isolation many people experience. They also offer many volunteer opportunities for adults who want to give back to their community. If you or someone you care about needs extra support aging in place safely and happily at home, this course will go into detail about all the ways that Milestone Senior Services can help make it happen.

February 2025 Courses

WMU’s Werner Sichel Lecture Series Part 1: Immigration and the Host Economy Post-Lecture Discussion

Susan Pozo, Thurs 2/20. 4 to 5:30 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1057

Thisexperience-driven,multi-partcourseisacollaboration betweenOLLIandWMU’sDepartmentofEconomics, whereyou’llattendtwofreelecturesfromtheir58thWerner SichelLectureSeries,thenjoinOLLIinstructorDr.Susan Pozo,ProfessorofEconomicsatWMUandlocalmigration scholar,forafollow-updiscussion.Theoverarchingtheme ofthisyear’sWernerSichelLectureSeriesis “ForcedMigration,RefugeesandTheEconomy;”thetwo lectureswewillfocusoninthisthree-sessionlearning experienceare "TemporaryProtections,Permanent Problems"withDr.MadelineZavodnyfromtheUniversity ofNorthFlorida,and“TheLaborMarketAssimilationof Refugees”withDr.EskilWadensjöfromStockholm UniversityinSweden.

First,onFebruary6,Dr.Zavodnywillprovideanoverview oftheTemporaryProtectedStatus(TPS)program. TheU.S. DepartmentofHomelandSecuritycandesignatenationals fromagivencountryaseligibleforTPSwhencertain conditionsapply--suchasanon-goingcivilwarora naturaldisasterintheircountryoforiginmakingitdifficult orimpossibletoreturnsafely. Theseindividualscangain therighttotemporarilyremainintheU.S.andobtain employmentauthorization. Dr.Zavodnywilldiscussthis andrelatedprogramsandassesstheirlonger-run implications.Second,onFebruary13,Dr.Wadensjöwill speakabouttheimpactofrefugeesinthelabormarket usingdatafromSweden,acountrythathasreceivedalarge numberofrefugees.Sweden'sexperienceswithrefugeesare especiallytellinggiventhecountry’scarefulandconsistent followingofindividualrefugeesovertime,providingus withespeciallyrichlongitudinaldata.ThishasallowedDr. Wadensjötodiveintoissuessuchastherelativelabor marketprogressofunaccompaniedminorrefugeechildren whencomparedwithrefugeechildrenwhoarrivedwith theirfamilies.

To capstone the experience, learners will join together for a roundtable conversation featuring additional background information about the topics presented in both lectures with instructor Dr. Susan Pozo on February 20.

Pleasenote:AllpresentationsintheWernerSichelLecture Serieswillbeheldon-campusinDunbarHall,Room1303 from4to5:15p.m.;theOLLIcoursewillbeheldinCollege ofHealthandHumanServices,Room1057from4to5:30 p.m.ParkingforthelectureseriesisfreeintheMiller parkingramp;aparkingpermitwillbeissuedto participantsfortheOLLIcourse.

Rise Up! Disability History, Resistance, and Pride

Max Hornick, Mon 2/24. 2 to 4 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035

Manypeopleinthedisabilitycommunityareoftenunaware oftherichdepthoftheirsharedhistoryandculture, leadingthemtofeelshameandstigmaaroundtheir identitiesinsteadofpride.Atthesametime,family, friends,andprofessionalsalsoknowlittleaboutthe historicalimpactandsharedcultureofthedisability community,leadingthemtostruggletofindwaysto supportthejourneytoDisabilityPride.Let’schangethat!

Celebrating the Arts of Living: Pathways to Joy and Fulfillment in Later Life

Dean VonDras, Wed 2/26. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Online via Webex

Becomingolderismorethanatimeofill-health,decline, anddisability,butratheranewerarichwithexperiences, adventures,andarenaissanceinourbeing.Usingthe instructor’sbook,“CelebratingtheArtsofLiving:Pathways toJoyandFulfillmentinLaterLife”asourfoundation,this interactivepresentationoffersamorepositiveperspective aboutaging.We’lltakeanin-depthlookintothecreative expressionsofothersexperiencingmidlifeandolderageto discoverwaystostayengaged,effectivelycope,andrealize ourownpersonalgrowthandself-actualization. Inspiredbythelifestoriesofmusicians,artists,poets, writers,andeverydaypeople,you’llbeencouragedtoshare yourowninterestsandexperiencesthroughstorytelling andcreativeprojects.We’llalsodiscussresearchcentered aroundage-relatedandpathologicalchangesinhealth,the utilityofintegrativearttherapies,processesofresilience andgrowth,andthepersonalrenewalthatmany experienceatmidlifeandinolderage.

Itisrecommended,butnotrequired,thatstudentsreadthe book,“CelebratingtheArtsofLiving:PathwaystoJoyand FulfillmentinLaterLife”(2024),byDeanD.VonDrasand ScottF.Madey;ISBN:979-8990088412priortothecourse.

Drawing Your Future: Planning for Your Best Life as You Age

Allison Hammond, Thurs 2/27. 9 to 11 a.m.

Friendship Village, Clubhouse Classroom

Come learn a new way to plan for the life you want to live as you age through Visual Facilitation. This course will teach you new ways to consider planning for your later years of life. Many people have made financial plans, chosen a power of attorney, and other technical things that need to be in place for smooth transitions as they age, however, many families have not had intentional conversations about the wishes of their elders or how family members can support them. You’ll learn about a simple visual tool called a Solution Circle that you can use to facilitate your own future planning with family and friends.

The

History and the Literature: “The Librarian of Burned Books”

Diane and Stan Henderson, Fri 2/28. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Portage Zhang Senior Center, Community Room West

Using “The Librarian of Burned Books” by Brianna Labuskes as our foundation, we will explore the turning points in history of the period covered in the novel— World War II. Specifically, we will examine the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, including book burnings and the persecution of Jews in Germany and France, as well as reflect on the politics of the United States in the penultimate year of the war, the impact of Roosevelt’s campaign for a fourth term in 1944, the conservative opposition, and the Armed Services Edition (ASE) project to distribute books to soldiers serving overseas.

Rags to Riches: Rise of South Korea and a Peace Corps Experience

Michael Robinson, Fri 2/28, 3/7, 3/14.

10 a.m. to Noon.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1087

This three-session course traces the rise of South Korea from an impoverished developing country to its current position as an important member of the global economy as observed through the lens of the instructor’s experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1968 to 1971 and as a university-level Professor of Korean history and culture for 35 years. Beginning with discussing the impact of the cross-cultural Peace Corps experience on a young MidWesterner navigating the unfamiliar society and culture of Korea, you’ll learn how the instructor adapted and came to appreciate the country’s intricate language, complicated interpersonal dynamics, deeply rooted culture influenced by a long historical connection to China and Japan, and their fantastic drive toward self-determination and economic and social development. We’ll then chart the evolution of U.S.-Korean relations, from Korea’s early client/ dependency on the United States to its transformation into an important and strategic ally to counter the rise of Chinese military and economic power. Finally, we’ll contextualize what we’ve learned into a modern framework by analyzing the current dynamics of power politics in East Asia and Korea's unique position within it.

March 2025 Courses

Jane Austen: So Much More Than Mr. Darcy

Carol Hodges, Mon and Wed 3/3, 3/5, 3/10.

10 a.m. to Noon

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1087

Although author Jane Austen died more than 200 years ago, her books have an enduring fascination for many of us. In this class, we will look at some of the issues of her day. What effect did agricultural reform have on her writing? What about the British slave trade? Or the picturesque movement? We will explore the background knowledge her contemporaries brought to her novels, providing crucial context that is often missing for modern readers. In addition, we will look at her struggles as a female author.

Hearts on Fire: How Higher Education Impacts Incarcerated College Students

McGwire Hidden, Dale Brown, and Ann Miles, Mon 3/3, 3/10, 3/17. 2 to 4 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 2089

WMU's prison education program, Higher Education for the Justice-Involved (HEJI), began as a volunteer, non-credit program in 2018. In 2023, 22 incarcerated Broncos started a 5-year journey towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in an interdisciplinary curriculum firmly rooted in the liberal arts and humanities. Although some may wonder about the efficacy of these degrees, particularly in the carceral setting, plenty of evidence supporting this approach has emerged in the year since HEJI began providing credit-bearing programming. Over the course of three sessions, HEIJ’s leaders, Dr. Ann Miles, Director of WMU's Center for the Humanities, Dale Brown, the program's director, and McGwire Hidden, the program's coordinator, will present information regarding higher education in prison generally, as well as the details of WMU's program. Further, they will share details of their successful launch of a second cohort, bringing the total number of incarcerated Broncos to 44.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Shukurani Nsengiyumva, Tues 3/4. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Online via Webex

Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause changes in memory, thinking, and behavior that interfere with daily life. In this free, virtual course, you’ll learn ten common warning signs, as well as what to watch for in yourself and others.

Ethics and War

Jonathan Milgrim, Tues 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25. 5 to 7 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035

Why do we go to war? When conflicts break out, how can they be resolved with the intention to minimize as much death and destruction as possible? And when the dust settles, what is the best way to move forward? In this course, we’ll explore the three primary components of just war theory—jus ad bellum (the moral reasons to go to war), jus in bello (the just way to fight a war), and jus post bellum (the ethical requirements at the conclusion of a war)—as well as the practical issues that cause tension in each of these three areas.

The Amazing Adventures of the Abernathy Brothers

Fred Colgren, John Burton, and Robin Nott, Wed 3/5. 2 to 4 p.m.

The Gilmore Car Museum

Accompanied by live music, the unique course, “The Amazing Adventures of the Abernathy Brothers,” tells the fascinating—but true—story of two brave young boys who traveled alone on horseback from the border of Texas and Oklahoma to New York City in 1910 to see Teddy Roosevelt upon his return from Africa before making their way back home in an automobile they bought for themselves while there.

After the class, interested students can purchase a ticket for admission to the Gilmore Car Museum for $20. The instructors will give two private tours of the earliest cars in the Gilmore Collection in the steam barn as well as those in the Carriage House. These tours will also include a discussion on Gilmore Museum History, and students will be free to explore the campus on their own following the tour. In case of inclement weather, this class will be re-scheduled.

Beginning Calligraphy Fundamentals

Robert Hosack DDS, Wed 3/5, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The Bellflower

We will be studying the fundamentals of calligraphy by using the hand commonly known as Copperplate. Starting with posture and how to hold a pen, we’ll transition into the specifics of nibs, writing paper, shading, spacing, making lines, flourishing, and corrections. You’ll also learn about Titivillus, light tablets, laser lines, pencil layouts, computer layouts, erasing shields, and workable fix. Students should expect to take home calligraphy homework throughout this six-part course. Those writing with a LeftHanded Hook should contact instructor Robert Hosack at rlhosack967@gmail.com before registering.

Decluttering for Seniors

Niki Nimmo, Thurs 3/6, 3/20, 3/27. 10 a.m. to Noon Friendship Village, Clubhouse Classroom

Decluttering websites and books tell us to divide things into “keep” or “donate” piles and suggest tons of other tips and tricks about how to better organize. But after living such long lives with our homes and belongings, it's never this simple—emotions, commitments, and our identities get in the way. This series of classes will focus on how we can meet the task of decluttering without feeling deprived of memories or pressured to drop down to the bare necessities. We’ll explore the best questions to ask ourselves while discovering how to distinguish between life treasures and mere possessions carrying memories that are no longer relevant to today.

Ancient DNA and Genetics: The Story of Human Evolution

Dr. Leonard Ginsberg, Tues 3/11 and 3/18. 10 a.m. to Noon.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1057

When did modern humans appear and how did they evolve? Religious, political, and commercial interests staked their claim to the correct answer long ago and often cut off education and discussions about human evolution. Today, roughly 40% of people believe that humans appeared 10,000 years ago, without evolution or mating with other primates and “protohumans.” During the last 100 years, however, paleontologists have discovered many fossils from Africa, Europe, and Asia that are beginning to tell a more complex human story. For example, as a geneticist, the instructor was able to develop a simple unified explanation and may have even found Adam and Eve. Additionally, the recent study of ancient DNA from the bones of our ancestors has provided new information about the interaction between early human types, which has led to controversies with some paleontology theories. This course will provide background information to be able to discuss these theories, as well as up to date information about how and when the evolution of modern humans occurred.

Dig Up That Latent Dream

Carol Lacey, Tues 3/11, 3/18, 3/25. 10:30 a.m. to Noon College of Health and Human Services, Room 1093

At any age, a transformed or enlightened life can awaken your unique, dormant gifts and talents you may have forgotten about or not yet discovered. After recently writing and publishing a Biblical, historical fiction series at 89, instructor Carol Lacey revisited and reflected on the life lessons that brought about conflict, change, and challenges. These realities of life are the basis of this Christianitycentered course, with the hope that you’ll walk away inspired to pursue your God-given purpose.

A Glimpse Into Deep Space: Discovering Black Holes, Exoplanets, and a New Frontier

Erin Lewis, Wed 3/12. 10 to 11 a.m. Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum

Over 30 years have passed since the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and the secrets of our Universe began to come to light. The first exoplanets were also discovered in the early 90’s, inviting us to speculate further about what we might find in other solar systems. Today, we have the tools to see beyond what Hubble showed us and truly explore the atmospheres of exoplanets, delve into the details of ancient galaxies, and even take images of blackholes! Discover how far we’ve come in just three decades and learn about the latest equipment astronomers are using, including NearInfrared imaging and Spectroscopy, that lets us see farther into deep space than ever before.

A Woman’s Place is Under the Dome

Valerie Marvin, Wed 3/12 and 3/19. 2 to 4 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 2089

Read the news after an election cycle, and you’ll see reports heralding the number of women serving in state government. What we often forget is that Michigan women have been making a place for themselves at the Capitol since the early days of statehood as public speakers, lobbyists, advocates, librarians, clerks, custodians, telephone operators, and curators. In this course, you’ll learn about prominent female state officials that led the way, such as State Librarian Harriet Tenney (1869-1891), State Board of Agriculture member Dora Stockman (1919-1931), Senator Eva McCall Hamilton (1921-1922), and Representative Cora Reynolds Anderson (1925-1926), in addition to exploring the invaluable work done by dozens of clerks and secretaries who made up the bulk of departmental staff by the 1920s. This class will also examine causes Michigan women lobbied for in the 1840s-1920s, including the right to vote, access to higher education, improved public health, and mothers’ pensions (an early form of welfare).

The Challenging Dark Humor and Religious Vision of Flannery O’Connor

David Isaacson, Mon 3/17, 3/24, 3/31. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friendship Village, Clubhouse Classroom

This interactive class will analyze three short stories by Flannery O’Connor, who, next to William Faulkner, is the most complex fiction writer of the American South. Conversation topics will center around O’Connor's dark humor, Christian faith, and her idiosyncratic portrait of downtrodden and morally blind inhabitants of the rural South. As this is more of a discussion-based class than a lecture, students must read these stories before class— “The Displaced Person” on March 17, “Good Country People” on March 24, and “Revelation” on March 31—all of which can be printed off from the internet for free.

Public Information Belongs to You: A Freedom of Information Act Workshop

Reid Williams, Mon 3/17. 6 to 8 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1057

Public information should be, well, public. It belongs to all of us. But for a variety of reasons, sometimes our government would rather keep certain information hushhush. Fortunately, there are laws like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act. These are laws that journalists make use of every day,

19 OLLI at WMU

but they can also be used by private citizens just as easily—if you know how. As part of Sunshine Week, a national awareness effort centered around openness and transparency in government, staff from NowKalamazoo and The Local Journalism Foundation of Kalamazoo County will teach you all of the ins and outs of the FOIA process, including how it works, what you can and can't ask for, how to write a FOIA request, how a government body might try to resist fulfilling it, and more. This will be both an educational session and a hands-on workshop for those who have ideas for information requests they'd like to investigate.

Golden Information for Your Golden Years Series: Get to Know Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Miranda Grunwell, Tues 3/18. 10 a.m. to Noon. Milestone Senior Services

The Disability Network Southwest Michigan (DNSM) are people with disabilities that are advancing justice, access, and inclusion for the disability community and are committed to providing many services that support individuals in our community living with disabilities. In this class we will focus on some of the free programs that the DNSM offers for people with disabilities and their families in Southwest Michigan. We will also share information on the do’s and don’ts of service animals and highlight the differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy animals. If you don't know what DNSM does, or how they can help you or a loved one, this is the course for you!

A Deep Dive into August Wilson’s Play “Two Trains Running”

Shannon Huneryager, Tues 3/18 and 3/25. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035

A Pulitzer Prize finalist, the play “Two Trains Running” explores the racial tensions of the Civil Rights era in 1969 through the story of the hardworking Memphis Lee and the lives of regulars at a soon-to-be-demolished diner. Written by August Wilson, dubbed “theater's poet of Black America” by the New York Times, “Two Trains Running” is the seventh of ten plays in Wilson’s series “The Pittsburgh Cycle.” This course will explore background information about the story and overarching themes of the cycle, as well as learn about the design elements that bring a production to life. While this course is being offered in conjunction with the OLLI group attendance of the performance on March 21, all theatre-lovers will enjoy learning about one of America's

best plays of the 20th century. The final session of this twopart course will be a conversation about the experience of seeing the performance live.

Rooting Ourselves: The Exploration of Genealogy and Family History

Denise Miller, Donna Odom, and Shannon SykesNehring, Tues 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8. 1 to 3 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1416

This course will focus on the exploration of our genealogical roots and family history. You’ll discover where to start investigating by utilizing several useful research techniques, as well as learn how to develop deep-diving questions, overcome research barriers, and form a family narrative. Together, we will find the extraordinary in the ordinary!

Tai Chi: Road to Balance and Relaxation Session 2

Cheng Tao, Wed 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23. 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 4010

Tai Chi is one of the Chinese traditional martial arts, which was originally designed as a unique self-defense technique, but later evolved into a self-efficacy health exercise. Characterized as flowing, graceful, and being well balanced, Tai Chi’s movements strengthen the body as well as the mind from within, promoting a complete body-mind harmony. Through practicing Tai Chi, the balance of Yin and Yang—the essentials of nature and relaxation— will be embedded into the practitioner. Unrestrained by age, gender, and health status, Tai Chi can serve as an ideal physical exercise for many. This course will introduce some essential Tai Chi principles such as controlled relaxation, mental quietness, breathing in-depth, and intent first. As a starting class, we will learn and practice 5 to 8 basic, yet classic, Tai Chi movements. By the end of the session, the participants are expected to grasp these essentials and be able to practice basic Tai Chi movements independently.

The Unflinching Honesty of Kate Chopin: A Great American 19th Century Author

Jeanette Barry, Thurs 3/20 and 3/27. 11 to 1 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1093

Shockingly ahead of her time, Kate Chopin believed that women should have the ability to make the same life choices as men. Her writings focus on fiercely independent women who intelligently and thought-provokingly experience life, societal pressures, and complex emotional journeys

during a time in which women were encouraged to silence themselves in the name of propriety. In this twosession course, we will delve into these themes with lively discussions of Chopin’s novella “The Awakening” for our first class, and two short stories, “The Story of an Hour” and “Desiree’s Baby,” for our second class. All these stories can be found online by typing the title and then “full text;” reading the specific texts before each class will certainly enrich your learning experience.

Mollies and Wobblies and More, Oh, My!Dissident Voices

from America's Past

Tom Dietz, Fri 3/21, 3/28, 4/4. 9 to 11 a.m.

Portage Zhang Senior Center, Meeting Room 2A/2B

There have always been groups and individuals who have dissented from mainstream political, economic, and social views. In this course, we will explore labor advocates, civil rights activists, and supporters of women’s rights, such as the Mollie Maguires and the Industrial Workers of the World. Emma Goldman and Victoria Woodhull offered differing perspectives on women’s role in society, prolific writers Ida Barnet-Wells and W. E. B. DuBois were vigorous champions for African American rights, and Robert Ingersol’s challenge to the status quo led him to be dubbed the 19th Century's “Great Agnostic.” We will explore these and others who raised their voices to create change and the impact their actions have had on American society.

Artificial Intelligence: What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?

Winston Smith, Fri 3/21 and 3/28. 1 to 3 p.m. Online via Webex

Artificial Intelligence has become somewhat of a buzzword in modern society, but many people are left unclear on what it really is or capable of doing. This beginner-friendly course will provide a basic overview of what AI is, what it can do, and perhaps most importantly, what it can't do. You are not required to have any background in coding, computer science, or technology, and this course will not teach you how to code or make AI. Instead, we will focus on how to see through the hype around AI and make informed decisions with Artificial Intelligence in mind. Additionally, because AI is a very hot topic among the scientific community that continues to rapidly develop, we will also discuss some speculations about what advancements we are likely to see in the near future. No external materials will be required unless they are provided at no charge by the instructor.

March 2025 Courses April 2025 Courses

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body

Shukurani Nsengiyumva, Tues 3/25. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Online via Webex

Come learn what research has shown about how the lifestyle choices you make now may help keep your brain and body healthy as you age. You’ll also discover practical ways you can incorporate simple changes into everyday life as you develop a game plan for a thriving future.

April 2025 Courses

LEGO: Over 90 Years of “Playing Well”

Adam Weiner and Johnny Walker, Tues 4/1, 4/8, 4/15. 2 to 4 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035 and Bricks and Minifigs, Party Room

Almost all of us have played with LEGO bricks during our lives, but do you know the real story behind one of the most popular companies and creative art mediums in the world? In this course, we will dive into the 90-plus year history of The LEGO Group—from its humble beginnings in the wooden toy industry to its transformation into the mega toy-behemoth that is popular with all ages and backgrounds today. You’ll learn all the basic techniques of a MasterBuilder, including how to build terrains, trees, and other landscapes. We’ll also study buildings and other modular work, and you’ll walk away from this course knowing the difference between plates and tiles, what the “SNOT technique” is used for, and the best way to incorporate BURPs (Big Ugly Rock Pieces) into your MOCs (My Own Creations)! We will also examine the fascinating world of LEGO collecting. With some LEGO Minifigures— little plastic figures that can reach thousands of dollars in value—the hunt for these small but expensive commodities has become an industry in itself. This course will teach you how to navigate the LEGO collecting world to help yourself or someone in your family become a savvy buyer and smart seller. And, of course, we'll have some fun and compete in some LEGO engineering challenges that will really test your mettle!

The Dust Bowl

Fred Colgren, John Burton, and Robin Nott, Wed 4/2. 2 to 4 p.m.

The Gilmore Car Museum

“The Dust Bowl” integrates music and storytelling to reflect on “America's Worst Hard Time,” when the dust storms of 1931 to 1939 destroyed farm crops and the livelihoods of many Americans. Accompanied by the famous dust bowl ballads of Woody Guthrie, we will examine the causes and course of this man-made natural disaster, the challenges residents had to overcome, and actions of government to address the impact of this devastating era in American history.

After the class, interested students can purchase a ticket for admission to the Gilmore Car Museum for $20.

The instructors will give two private tours of the earliest cars in the Gilmore Collection in the steam barn as well as those in the the Carriage House. These tours will also include a discussion on Gilmore Museum History, and students will be free to explore the campus on their own following the tour.

Turbulent Decade: A History of the 1960s

Ronald Kramer, Wed 4/2, 4/9, 4/16. 3 to 5 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1087

This course provides a comprehensive history of the 1960s, analyzing the social and political impacts of this turbulent decade first through the contextual lens of post-World War II American culture and events between 1945 and 1960 before pivoting our focus to the “Long Sixties” from 1960 to 1974. Setting the stage with the impact of the atomic bomb and the beginning of the Cold War, the 60s saw an intense reevaluation of our country’s ideologies through the birth of the Civil Rights and Antiwar movements; the rise of feminism and environmentalism; and backlash against the murders at Kent State, increased violent crime in urban areas, and overwhelming corporate commercialization. Politically, Kennedy’s New Frontier, Johnson’s Great Society, the emergence of the New Left, and Nixon’s Watergate scandal all introduced new perspectives, challenges, and problem-solving attempts. American society also experienced an incredible cultural shift through the development of a Youth Counterculture, the influence of television, the transformation of the musical landscape by Beatles and rock music, and the optimistic spirit gained from the moon landing.

Sampling Swedish Death Cleaning: Collaging Memories

Sue Caulfield, Thurs 4/3 and 4/10. 1 to 3 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1284

Swedish Death Cleaning is about decluttering our space to simplify our own lives, but also to help make it easier for those who have to clean up once we have passed away. This two-session course focuses on collaging photographs and documents onto 12x16 flat canvasses, so as to preserve the memories, but get rid of frames, boxes, envelopes, or other containers. No experience is needed, and all supplies will be provided, except for your memorabilia.

A Plague on All Your Houses: The Black Death

James Wright, Thurs 4/3, 4/10, 4/17. 9 to 11 a.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 2089

Widely considered to be one of the most fatal pandemics in history, the outbreak of bubonic plague—often referred to as the Black Death—devastated the human population in the 14th century. We’ll analyze the origin, nature, and spread of this deadly illness, and the tragic inability of contemporary medicine to comprehend, let alone treat, the Black Death. We’ll also explore the varied cultural responses to this bewildering disease, such as the discovery and eradication of “the enemies within” accused of spreading the plague and the religion-focused actions of the Flagellants. Additionally, we’ll examine the impact, aftermath, and consequences of the Black Death on a global scale.

Brain Games

Norm Bober, Mon 4/7. 10 a.m. to Noon

Portage Zhang Senior Center, Meeting Room 2B

We have creative brains, able to tap into a lifetime of experience and education that can be used to “think outside the box.” Games are an easy way to activate problemsolving strategies such as brainstorming ideas or a shift in perspective that may lead to grins, groans, giggles, and guffaws. For example, everyone knows the 50 states in the U.S., but can you name the twelve states that begin with the letter “N” in just two minutes? A playful, mind-stimulating experience will be had by all!

Mary Hadrich: Governor Osborn's Female Chief of Staff 1911-1912

Valerie Marvin, Mon 4/7. 2 to 4 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035

In 1911, Mary Hadrich made history when she became the first woman to serve as Private Secretary—the historical equivalent for Chief of Staff—to Michigan Governor Chase Osborn. Both Yoopers, Hadrich and Osborn brought a unique perspective to the Capitol throughout their intriguing decades-long partnership. There, prohibition, state spending, and suffrage were hot topics, and Governor Osborn placed remarkable professional and personal trust in Hadrich, who deftly steered his business ventures and political aspirations, all while helping soothe complicated family dynamics.

Myths, Mistakes, Miscalculations, and Mayhem in Early American History

John Geisler, Mon 4/7 and 4/14. 1 to 3 p.m.

College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035

Errors, misjudgments, and mayhem were part of the decisions that were made in early American history. Familiar names from our nation’s founding, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and George III were just some of the many people who, at times, were on the wrong side of history. We’ll explore how these mistakes and miscalculations came together to form the foundation of our country as we know it today.

Refugee Workforce Integration: Building Community Support

Rohullah Wahidi, Tues 4/8, 4/15, 4/22. 10 a.m. to Noon College of Health and Human Services, Room 1057

This course explores the vital role community support plays in helping refugees successfully integrate into the workforce. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of the refugee experience, including the causes that lead to displacement and the challenges they face upon resettlement. Through global and local statistics, we’ll examine the scale of refugee movements and highlight the economic benefits they bring to the communities they join, from filling workforce gaps to driving entrepreneurial activity. We’ll also discuss the many ways we as individuals can make a positive difference, with a focus on volunteer opportunities to mentor, guide, and support refugees as they build skills and search for employment. By the end of this three-session course, you’ll walk away empowered with knowledge and actionable steps to become effective allies, fostering a more inclusive workforce and strengthening community ties. Join us to discover how you can play a meaningful part in welcoming and integrating our new neighbors into a shared economic future.

Making Life Histories Come Alive: Learning to Do Oral Histories

Donna Odom, Thurs 4/10, 4/17, 4/24. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Goodwill Industries of SW Michigan, 420 E Alcott St, Kalamazoo MI

Whether you’re planning to develop a community-based oral history project or hoping to preserve family memories by capturing the stories of individual lives, this course will teach you the basics for creating a plan and implementing it with step-by-step guidance. You’ll learn the importance of doing oral histories and what it means to be an oral historian hands-on by developing an oral history project of your own—including how to choose interview subjects; preparing for, organizing, and conducting interviews; and following up with your subject afterward.

Golden Information for Your Golden Years Series: Getting the Last Word, Obituary Writing Basics

Lynn McFarlen, Tues 4/15. 10 a.m. to Noon Milestone Senior Services

The joke is two things in life are certain, death and taxes, and we have control over neither. Wouldn’t it be nice to at least get the last word? Obituary writing can be left up to your funeral home, or you can tell your own story. Traditional obituaries include essential information many genealogists are happy to see, but some obituaries do more than give lineage details—they entertain! This class will cover traditional obituary writing and nontraditional forms of sharing your life’s story. We will look at examples, and you’ll receive a template to use for capturing the story of your life. This repeat course has updates and new information.

WMU’s Werner Sichel Lecture Series Part 2: Refugees and Asylees Post-Lecture Discussion

Susan Pozo, Thurs 4/17. 4 to 5:30 p.m. College of Health and Human Services, Room 1057

This experience-driven, multi-part course is a collaboration between OLLI and WMU’s Department of Economics, where you’ll attend two free lectures from their 58th Werner Sichel Lecture Series, then join OLLI instructor Dr. Susan Pozo, Professor of Economics at WMU and local migration scholar, for a follow-up discussion. The overarching theme of this year’s Werner Sichel Lecture Series is “Forced Migration, Refugees and The Economy;” the two lectures we will focus on in this three-session learning experience are “Mapping the Journey: A Decade of Refugee Flows to the U.S.” with Dr. Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes from the University of California-Merced, and “The Impacts of Displacement and Refugees on Host Communities” with Dr. Jackline Wabha from the University of Southhampton in the United Kingdom.

First, on March 27, Dr. Amuedo-Dorantes, who has made a name for herself by consistently obtaining access to U.S. administrative data through freedom of information petitions concerning the tracking of immigration inflows at the Southern U.S. border, will inform us about her findings with respect to asylees, a special category of refugee. Refugees are individuals who are outside of their country of origin but cannot return due to a credible fear of persecution. According to the U.S. Office of Homeland Security, asylees meet the conditions of a refugee, but petition for said status either while physically present in the

U.S. or at a U.S. port of entry. Second, on April 10, Dr. Wabha will speak about the refugee crisis in Europe, informed by an impressive body of research on immigration, including important studies on return migration, migration selection, migration and entrepreneurship, and the occupational mobility of migrants, among other topics.

To capstone the experience, learners will join together for a roundtable conversation featuring additional background information about the topics presented in both lectures with instructor Dr. Susan Pozo on April 17. Please note: All presentations in the Werner Sichel Lecture Series will be held on-campus in Dunbar Hall, Room 1303 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.; the OLLI course will be held in College of Health and Human Services, Room 1057 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Parking for the lecture series is free in the Miller parking ramp; a parking permit will be issued to participants for the OLLI course.

AZO 100: A History of the Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek International Airport

April Bryan, Mon 4/21. 10 to 11 a.m. Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum

In 2026, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) will celebrate its 100th birthday. As we look ahead to the airport’s centennial, let’s also look back over AZO’s interesting history! We’ll begin in the 1920s with the airport’s first scheduled flights, regular air mail service, and original name. Next, we’ll explore expansions and architectural changes that took off in the 1950s, including discovering how the airport helped to launch a museum! You’ll learn about the airlines that served the airport through the years, see AZO-related archives and artifacts from the Air Zoo’s Collection, and hear (and share your own) stories about those who worked at and traveled in and out of our community’s historic airport.

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Plays

Bolero,

Iberia, and Carmen

Jane Rooks Ross, Wed 4/23, 4/30. 10 a.m. to Noon College of Health and Human Services, Room 1035

How did Maurice Ravel construct the hypnotic Boléro? What makes Debussy’s Ibéria so vivid? Why are the famous arias of Bizet’s opera Carmen so emotionally powerful? We will explore how Spanish rhythms, folk songs, and dances infused the intriguing and colorful pieces of these three French composers with listening maps, historical information, and musical recordings. Rounding out this two-session course, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra rehearsal as well as their

performance the following weekend. Please note that tickets for the concert are sold separately; to purchase, call (269) 387-2300 or online at www.kalamazoosymphony.com.

Pétanque, an Outdoor Game to Enjoy!

Martha Beverly and Stan Sackett, Mon 4/28. 10 a.m. to Noon KVCC Main Campus, Service Road Parking Lot

Come ready to play because playing is the best way to learn this game! Pétanque and bocce are similar in that the goal is to be closer to the target than your opponent, scoring with as many of your team’s boules as possible. Pétanque doesn’t require a strong athlete to toss the baseball-sized boules, which are smaller, lighter, and made of steel. Played outside on a gravel terrain, teams of two or three players work together using six balls per team. You’ll learn the terms, rules, throwing techniques, and strategies hands-on during gameplay.

Behind the Scenes of “The Book of Silence”: Transforming a Medieval Romance into a Modern Performance

Lofty Durham, Wed 4/30 and 5/21. 1 to 3 p.m. Gilmore Theatre Complex

The “Book of Silence” is a 13th century story about the “knight who was a girl,” an important text in the Western European tradition that focuses on gender identity and explores in an allegorical way whether gender is “nature” or “nurture.” This story, which surprises many people when they learn of its age and its subject, is the center of a new play adaptation crafted and directed by theatre professor Lofty Durham, which will premiere during the 2025 International Congress on Medieval Studies and run through the end of May. This two-session course provides a behind-the-scenes peek at the process leading up to the final performances, including adapting a narrative into a dramatic form; managing the different historical perspectives on gender and identity; and the design and rehearsal processes. Professor Durham will be joined by other members of the artistic team for the sessions.

May 2025 Courses Osher Online Courses

Live Performance of Music From the Civil War, Reconstruction Period, and Minstrel Era

Howard Steiner and Band, Fri 5/2. 3 to 5 p.m.

Portage Zhang Senior Center, Community Room West

The past comes alive through music in this unique course that features an old-time string band who will perform songs from the 19th century while explaining the hidden history embedded in these familiar melodies. You’ll hear the stories behind several of the tunes associated with the American Civil War, as well as learn how the cultural currents reflected by this music connected to the rise of racist tropes in the Minstrel Era and Reconstruction Period that followed.

Transparent Eyeballs: The Transcendentalists and Their Worlds, 1803-Present

Anthony Antonucci, Tues 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Transcendentalism is an umbrella term that refers to a complex and profoundly influential philosophical, spiritual, and literary movement that emerged in the 1820s and 1830s. The intellectual, social, and political ideas generated by Transcendentalist thinkers, writers, and activists transformed Americans’ understandings of nature, God, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual to themselves and to society in ways that continue to reverberate across US politics and culture in our own times.

This course will examine the ideas, writings, political activism, and legacies of contributors to the Transcendentalist movement including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Herman Melville, and beyond. Our investigations will aim to help each of us actualize Emerson’s definition of freedom as “an open-ended process of self-realization by which individuals [can] remake themselves and their own lives."

First Class: A History of the Post Office in the United States

Caroline Nappo, Tues 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

What comes to mind when you think of the post office? Is it the unique beauty of a stamp, the thrill of an awaited delivery, or an iconic blue collection box? Do you equate the post office with obsolescence or do you think of recent coverage of controversial austerity measures? As the country's second-largest employer, the US Post Office has a fascinating history that showcases the best and worst of American society. In this course, we will explore what precipitated the creation of the Post Office, its role in fostering and hindering democratic communication, and numerous examples of innovation over the centuries up to the present-day USPS. We will conclude by considering what the future of the post office might look like, with a renewed appreciation for the democratic ideals for which

it stands.

Buddhist Philosophy, Meditation, and Ritual: In India and Beyond

Eileen Goddard, Tues 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

This course introduces the key philosophical concepts (meditation practices, and rituals) that have defined Buddhist traditions in India and beyond. We will analyze central Buddhist teachings and their relationship to these three important domains, which interweave theory and practice. First, we will explore the historical figure of the Buddha. We will then examine the three phases of Indian Buddhist traditions: (1) Theravāda, which emphasizes ascetic ideals and monasticism; (2) Mahāyāna, which prioritizes compassion, wisdom, and the ideal of the bodhisattva; and (3) Vajrayāna, the tantric tradition that claims the human body as central to enlightenment and explores the relationship between each living being and the cosmos. We will explore the contrasts among the meditative and ritual practices across these three traditions and analyze how these practices reflect varying philosophies. We will discuss Buddhist iconography, ritual objects, and art.

Osher Online Courses

Reclaiming Native Ground: Native America Since 1900

Matt Jennings, Wed 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

This course will explore Native American history in the late 19th and 20th centuries, a time punctuated by the violence of American expansion and consolidation, the boarding school systems that sought to erase Native cultures, and the effects of imperialism, which conspired to keep Native people in a subordinate status compared to their white neighbors. Yet, at this time, Native Nations began to rebuild and reclaim the United States as Native ground, drawing on ancient traditions to revitalize communities and fight for their rights in the American court system, the political system, and the court of public opinion. Together, we will explore how, in this history, Native peoples have proven themselves to be resilient and powerful.

Wisdom

David Smith, Thurs 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the real world in a constructive way—to enrich our individual lives and to make the world a better place. Wisdom is often found at the intersection of theory and experience. How does modern expertise benefit all of us, and how can we convince the general population to value it? How does life experience create wisdom? In this course, we will explore the biological, philosophical, social scientific, and experiential aspects of wisdom and analyze what ancient and contemporary sources have to say about it.

The Next Generation’s Legacy of the Holocaust

Ruth Wade, Joy Wolfe Ensor, and Rita Benn, Thurs 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

How does one honor the legacy of parents who survived the Holocaust while at the same time recognizing the ripples of the inherited trauma they experienced? Growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust, the adult children of survivors are striving to find ways to keep their parents’ stories alive. Using their unique intergenerational lens, authors of the recent award-winning anthology, The Ones Who Remember: Second Generation Voices of the Holocaust, will reveal the variety of ways in which their parents' history of survival seeped into their souls and affected their lives as children and adults.

The goal of this course is to explore the challenges that resulted from this trauma and the gifts that came forth –gifts of resilience, tolerance, fortitude, and compassion. Each week our instructors will explore and share reflections around themes of their lived experience.

Storytelling and Self

Jen Baker, Thurs 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

In this course, we will explore the internal stories we tell ourselves and the external stories we tell others. Our internal stories define us, and our attitudes and emotions toward ourselves. Our external stories are outward-focused and lean toward a conversational resume, to some extent. We will consider our life as a series of chapters, or phases, and spend time investigating what our current story/stories are. We will also explore how we envision our future story. Our course will be interactive and discussion-based, and by the end of our six weeks together, participants will have a future story to share.

My Native Land in Memory: Stories of a Cuban Childhood

Olivia Espin, Fri 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Using Dr. Espín’s memoir of childhood and adolescence, which was the recipient of the San Diego Book Award in 2021, we will discuss the Cuban political landscape in the mid-20th century. This memoir recreates a world that no longer exists: pre-revolutionary Cuba in the 1940s and 50s. Cuba’s fraught history and political instability are interwoven with a personal story to create a web of history, family, and cultural analysis. This is a young woman’s individual struggle for identity and independence against the background of the country’s national struggle. Family photographs and site photographs will illustrate the details of the story. We will also explore the process and meaning of memory and memoir for authors and readers. Reading some excerpts will illuminate the narrative. It is not necessary to have read the memoir in advance.

Osher Online Courses

Huck Finn’s America

Jeffrey Walker, Mon 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is often misunderstood as a boy's adventure book or merely a dialogue on race. Instead, this classic novel addresses youth violence and bad boys, schools and parents, and civil rights and minstrel shows. The novel, banned in New England, needs to be read and discussed anew for a better understanding of America, then and now. Join this course for a new and fresh analysis of this highly criticized and misunderstood novel.

Immigrants in America: Stories of Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Popular Culture

Emanuel Abramovits, Mon 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

In this course, we will document the fertile interaction between minorities that transformed not only 20th century music but the entire entertainment industry. We will examine how minorities significantly impacted American popular culture and explore their contributions to various musical genres, record labels, booking agencies, venues, innovations, and production. With strong support from audiovisuals, anecdotes, and the instructor's decades of experience as a concert promoter working with some of the biggest names in the industry, we will learn about Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Norman Granz, Bob Dylan, Milt Gabler, Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed, Al Kooper, Adam Sandler, Avishai Cohen, Kiss, and many more.

Color and Symbolism in Art History

Eleanor Schrader, Mon 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Artists use color to create an array of symbolism, emotions, and sociopolitical meanings within the context of the time period in which they created their works of art. Additionally, within these works, artists utilized their knowledge of color to portray mood, light, depth, and point of view. Progressing through the colors of the rainbow each week, we will discuss a variety of paintings throughout art history to understand the artists’ intention and the stories behind the paintings within their respective color spheres. We will also discuss the histories of color, their meanings in various societies and cultural contexts, and the materials and processes used to make colors.

27 OLLI at WMU

Modern War: What Is It Good For?

Jeff Rice, Tues 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Vietnam, viewed by many as a turning point between old and new approaches to war, raised many questions about the role of superpowers, asymmetrical resources, and counterinsurgencies on the world stage. In this course, we will look at the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Gaza. All of these wars are asymmetrical, but what else do they have in common, and how are they informed by Vietnam? We will discuss how superpowers are central players in these conflicts by way of their supplies and support. In this course, we will examine human ways of evaluating the politics and strategies, particularly what happens when three vectors cannot agree: the public, politicians, and the military.

A Tourists Tour of the Wider Universe

Andrew Fraknoi, Tues 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

For more than two years, the James Webb Space Telescope, orbiting a million miles from Earth in the deep freeze of space, has sent back remarkable information and dramatic images of the faint heat rays that come from objects in the universe. The Hubble Telescope continues to observe some of the same stars and galaxies with visible light. Never before have we had images of the cosmos so rich in color and detail. In this profusely illustrated course, we will be taken on a guided tour of the wider universe as astronomers understand it today. Fraknoi will cover this information in everyday language and without any math. We will look at star birth and star death, the organization and structure of the Milky Way, cosmic mergers and collisions, and the great web of galaxies that gives us clues about the beginning and development of our cosmos.

The Secret Lives of Familiar Birds

Elizabeth Burnette, Wed 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

We share the earth with birds who live among us, yet they remain mysterious. In this course, we will examine the fascinating characteristics, habits, and lives of North American birds including how they keep warm; how they fly; when, why, and how they sing; and more. Our classes will be broken down into these categories: bird ancestry and anatomy; diet and nesting; flight and migration; threats; behavior and songs. We will cover birds of prey, songbirds, waterfowl, and the common loon. Join this interesting exploration of how birds live, move, breathe, and think.

The World of Musical Satire

David Misch, Wed 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Satire is one of the oldest forms of humor. Adding music seems to make it even more powerful. In early Germanic and Celtic societies, people who were mocked in songs would break out in boils and even commit suicide. In this course, we will explore the art of musical satire in a variety of genres, cultures, and eras, especially America since 1950. This multimedia course covers Yankee Doodle, Gilbert and Sullivan, the Gershwins, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, South Park, and Key and Peele. We will also cover a bountiful bevy of B’s: Leonard Bernstein, the Beatles, Bo Burnham, and Bugs Bunny. Because satire is often dependent on social and historical events, this course is as much cultural history as music appreciation. And while words are preeminent in musical satire, we will also discuss the music and its interactions with lyrics. But please—no students who are prone to boils.

Science Everyone Needs to Know

Kjir Hendrickson, Thurs 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Evolution. Vaccines. Global Warming. Regardless of one’s choice of news media, it is nearly impossible to navigate today’s information-heavy world without coming across stories on evolution, vaccines, and global warming. Each of these topics is the subject of various conspiracy theories and misinformation campaigns. How do we make sense of what we hear on the news when so much information comes from unvetted and non-neutral sources, such as the Internet and the media? This course is a nontechnical introduction to these three critical matters in modern science. We will examine what scientists know, how they know what they know, how certain they are, and why there is such a disconnect between scientific understanding and the public’s perception of the science.

Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing: Innovative Care from the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health

Lisa Howard, Fri 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

This course provides a unique opportunity to learn from the experts in the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health, an international group of eleven academic health centers funded by The Bernard Osher Foundation to study, teach, and practice integrative healthcare. The eleven Osher Centers are located at highly respected medical schools and medical centers and emphasize integrative healthcare approaches to promote health and well-being. Each Osher Center focuses on whole-person health and wellness using healing strategies such as acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, massage, meditation, physical activity, and nutrition. In this course, Osher Collaborative practitioners, researchers, and educators will discuss the science behind integrative healthcare remedies and explain its impact.

Women: The Forgotten “Men” in History

Juliette Wells, Mon 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Many individuals contribute to history but never get their due. Women and other marginalized groups traditionally received less ink in history books than the "great men" of history who were mainly white males. This course looks at nine women--three each session--whose achievements are not commonly known. Among the nine women are a scientist, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a pioneering pilot, a suffragist, a candidate for the US presidency, an activist for women's and African-American's rights, a British anthropologist, and a pioneering politician from the Western US.

The Essential Jane Austen

Juliette Wells, Mon 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, we will explore her life, works, and legacy from a fresh perspective. Both seasoned readers and those new to Austen will appreciate experiencing the story of her authorship through images of original documents and artifacts. Austen began writing fiction in her teenage years, warmly supported by her family, especially her clergyman father. Yet she had to wait until she was in her thirties to see her first book in print. In this course, we will discover what happened in between, as well as how a household of creative women made it possible for her to focus on her writing and achieve publication. We will consider how and why her literary reputation grew after her death, and we will take a tour of the contemporary adaptations and retellings that continue to broaden her readership.

Bonsai, An Ancient Art in Modern Times

Chris Baker, Mon 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Bonsai is a centuries-old practice of training trees in containers to resemble those in nature. In this course, we will explore the key components of bonsai: horticulture, design, and technical skills. By the end of the course, you will understand how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. Whether you are new to bonsai, have experience, or are simply curious, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of this fascinating art form.

Mainstreaming the Margins: A History of LGBTQ+ America

Adam Kocurek, Tues 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Online via Zoom

Over half a century after the Stonewall Uprising, the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and movements in the US remains a focal point of rich discussion and political relevance. In this course, we will immerse ourselves in the intricate history of LGBTQ+ Americans, examining their political organizations, cultural contributions, and the profound ways they have helped shape the nation. This course offers a comprehensive overview of key LGBTQ+ figures, events, and cultural shifts beginning in the early 20th century to the present, highlighting the emergence and evolution of LGBTQ+ identities and activism, and the challenges they have historically faced. We will uncover how a marginalized community has become a powerful force for social change, impacting every facet of American life—from grassroots politics and art to society at large. Together we will gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ history and gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US.

Jinas, Jivas, and The Three Jewels: The Jain Tradition and Its Legacy of Nonviolence

Eileen Goddard, Tues 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the path to enlightenment is through nonviolence and reducing harm to living things (including plants and animals). This course provides an introduction to Jain traditions and their historical roots in South Asia from the time of Mahāvīra (fifth century BCE) to the present. We will begin with a historical overview of key religious figures and ethics in Jainism, followed by an exploration of Jain philosophies to understand their views on existence and reality. This course will then examine ascetic practitioners, laypeople, sacred places, and objects, including temples and art. We will conclude with a focus on gender roles and the relationship between Jain ethics and environmental activism.

The Soundtrack of Rock and Pop in the 50s and 60s: The Magic of the Brill Building Era

Michael Agron, Tues 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

The adventure begins in New York City, where the echoes of Tin Pan Alley's Great American Songbook still resound. We witness a new generation of talented songwriters, singers, and groups, who filled the airwaves and shaped the soundtrack of our lives. This course is a journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. We will discuss the music of legendary songwriters such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Neil Diamond, and others. Together we will rediscover the tunes from Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, the Ronettes, the Shirelles, the Animals, the Monkees, Manfred Mann, Andy Williams, the unforgettable Righteous Brothers, and many others.

Future Proofing Your Healthspan and Longevity

Scott Fulton, Wed 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Longevity comes down to one simple truth: our ability to weather the inevitable challenges life unexpectedly drops in our lap. Resilience is our ticket to extended healthspan. Western society is entering a phase of significant transformation that will change how we age. This course is a condensed version of Fulton’s Healthspan Masterclass which focuses on the five foundations for extending healthspan and looks at societal changes that will impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science for a general audience and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values.

Crossword Puzzle Creation

Steve Weyer, Wed 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Have you wondered how crossword puzzles are created? This course will appeal to those who want to construct their own crosswords, those who are simply curious about the process, and those who want to be better solvers. We will explore all steps of the crossword puzzle creation process including tools, formats, themes, grid block arrangement, challenging clues, and more. We will even discuss how to submit a puzzle for publication. After a brief intro to freeform style puzzles, we will focus on US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles like the NYT crossword, and an OLLI-themed puzzle. Throughout the course, we will construct several crossword puzzles together.

Russia Beyond Russians

Asya Pereltsvaig, Thurs 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

This course focuses on recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. The Russian Federation is home to 180 nationalities, many of which have long been in conflict. We will examine how the Russian state—under the Tsars, Soviets, and President Vladimir Putin—has sought to impose uniformity, often diminishing ethnic groups. Through a historical lens, we will explore the struggles of these groups, from peaceful movements like the Circassian movement to violent resistance like Chechnya. Contemporary Russian culture, including music, cinema, cuisine, and humor, will also be discussed to illuminate current events.

Science Charcuterie

Kjir Hendrickson, Thurs 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8.

5 to 6:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Some topics don’t fit neatly into OLLI science classes—too big, too small, too little, too much, too off-topic—and often end up on the proverbial cutting room floor. In this course, these intriguing bits and ends are gathered up and presented like a charcuterie board of tasty science snacks. This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine including a little bit of color theory, a morsel of genetic testing science, a dash of airplane physics, some lightning theory, a mouse that turns scorpion venom into a painkiller, current scientific thoughts on origins of life, and a lot of time to explore topics of interest to you. Bring your questions and we will explore some of the exciting nooks and crannies of science together.

Cinema in Transition: Exploring Change through Classic Films

Jeremy Fackenthal, Tues 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Spring is a time of new life, as we watch the world around us change from dormant to full of life. This course is an introduction to film movements and styles. We will watch several classic films all of which have a theme of change. We will begin by discussing film genres, film history, and how films are made. We will also explore what to look for as you watch the films selected for the course. Films are watched on your own outside of the classroom (at least one film will be assigned per week beginning week 2) and are available on Plex with a free account, through Turner Classic Movies, or with a Max subscription. Some titles may also be available through your local public library. During each class session, we will unpack the film in terms of its style, story, filmmaking technique, and how it fits with the theme of change. During this course, we will discover great films that help us see and think about change in our world.

Revealing the Wonders of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture: An Expedition through Time, 1100-1500

Ilya Dines, Tues 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13.

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Embark on a captivating exploration of the architectural wonders of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. This course offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of architectural styles, from the sturdy simplicity of Romanesque structures to the soaring heights and intricate details of Gothic cathedrals. Uncover the historical context, technological innovations, and cultural influences that shaped these magnificent edifices. Engage in enriching discussions, immersive experiences, and insightful lectures that unveil the craftsmanship and symbolism inherent in these masterpieces of stone and glass. Whether you are an avid history buff, an art aficionado, or simply curious about the past, join us on this exhilarating journey through the architectural marvels of the medieval era.

Car Crazy: 1950s Onward

Pandora Paul, Wed 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14. 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

In this course, we will explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. We will discuss the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette, and the appeal of visionary concept cars like the Ford Nucleon – all of which highlight the creativity and innovation of each era. We will discuss how global car cultures, from America’s muscle cars to Japan’s futuristic designs, reflect the unique identities and values of their societies. These vehicles have become symbols of creativity, status, and technological progress. Whether it's Germany’s precision-engineered sports cars or Italy’s exquisitely crafted performance masterpieces, each region brings its own distinct flavor to the world of automotive design. Learn how the worldwide car scene showcases the diversity of human innovation and cultural expression, cementing automobiles as both a tool of progress and a reflection of societal evolution.

Neurology in a Nutshell: The Brain Explained

Paul Schanfield, Thurs 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

This course begins by unraveling the mysteries of the brain. We will explore how to navigate the complex and fragmented healthcare system and discuss strategies for advocating for personalized care. In addition to simplifying common neurological conditions—such as headaches, dizziness, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss— we will examine testing and imaging of the nervous system. The course will also focus on illness prevention through healthy lifestyles and provide an intimate discussion of end-of-life issues.

Bella Napoli: Italy's (Other) "Eternal City"

Anthony Antonucci and Hilary Haakenson, Fri 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16. 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

The Southern Italian port city of Naples is home to a rich and complex history stretching back to its foundation by Greek colonists in the 8th century B.C.E. Across the centuries, Naples evolved into a vibrant cultural, political and economic center of the Mediterranean world, first as a part of Magna Gracia, and later, under successive periods of Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Angevin, and Spanish rule, on route to becoming the capital of the independent Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816. In 1861, Naples’s incorporation into the newly unified Italian nation-state as a part of the Risorgimento initiated an era of modernization and adaptation that persists to the present day.

In this six-week class, we will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli—a city famously pieno di contradizione (“full of contradictions”). Aimed at students and travelers alike, the course offers a virtual “grand tour” of Naples through a close examination of a dozen Neapolitan monuments/historic sites reflective of milestones in the city’s historical development from its origins through today, including: Castel dell’ Ovo, Spaccanapoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Castel Nuovo, the Duomo, Santa Chiara, i musei Capodimonte e Archeologico Nazionale, Palazzo Reale, Teatro San Carlo, and the Galleria Umberto I among others (including “side visits” to the city’s best pizzerias, food stalls, pastry shops and cafes!)

Virtuosos in Classical Music

Emanuel Abramovits, Wed 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Online via Zoom

Using anecdotes, stories, humor, and audiovisuals, we will explore the legacy and artistry of influential performers whose technical brilliance, richness of tone, and showmanship have shaped music history. We will contrast performers who strike a balance between showmanship, intensity, passion, and bold elegance. We will examine talents whose impressive ability, charisma, and distinctive sound have captivated audiences in the last 150 years like Arthur Rubinstein, Jascha Heifetz, Vladimir Horowitz, Yuja Wang, Itzhak Perlman, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Lang Lang. We will also explore emerging talents such as Alma Deutscher.

Meet the Instructors

Osher Online instructor bios can be viewed within the OLLI at WMU course registration system.

Seth Abramson

Seth Abramson is the Director of Jazz at The Gilmore, as well as a Grammy Award Winning Producer and both the President and Founder of Rabbit Moon Productions, Inc., a live music presentation and production company. He was also the founding Artistic Director for Jazz Standard, the renowned New York City jazz club; the sole Artistic Director and Music Producer for The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party’s music stage for nine years; and curated and produced The Oval Lawn Music Series in Madison Square Park for the New York City Parks Department and the Madison Square Park Conservancy for 15 years. Additionally, Seth has held various positions at major record labels; was an agent for numerous jazz luminaries such as Abbey Lincoln, Terence Blanchard, Roy Haynes, Mose Allison, and Joe Lovano; and has taught at The New School, Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and The Julliard School. He graduated cum laude with a degree in music from New York University.

Nancy Lee Bentley

Nancy Lee Bentley, also known as “That Gutsy Lady,” is a wholistic nourishment expert, visionary, speaker, author, and mentor. ’’For over five colorful decades, she has dedicated her career to inspiring mature men and women to become conscious, transformational leaders as they overcome feelings of disconnection; eat, feel, and be healthier; reconnect with themselves and each other, and remember who they truly are. A Grandmother of the Organic Movement and founder of The Food Circle, Nancy has done “just about everything imaginable” with food. “With mouse in one hand and spoon in the other,” she has become a best-selling author, co-authored “Beyond Coincidence” and “Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program,” and has self-published other books. In her soup-to-nuts career, Nancy has had some incredible experiences—from creating organic products and restaurants, feeding people at Woodstock, and helping organize the Organic Trade Association and the First National Food Day—to serving the team on the TV show “Ancient Aliens,” creating wheatfree recipes for Cher, and baking Prince’s purple birthday cake.

Martha Beverly

Martha Beverly attended Kalamazoo College in the mid-1960s and studied abroad in Munster, Germany. She retired from Parchment Public Schools as a librarian, served on the Kalamazoo Public Library board and is an active community volunteer. She serves on the OLLI Membership/Marketing Committee.

Norman Bober

Norman Bober has worked with books in a university, in government, and in a local public school system. He has two master's degrees and an unending curiosity. In his spare time, Norman has embraced the many vicissitudes of country living. He was also a leading member of several Senior Odyssey of the Mind teams that were successful in State competitions for multiple years.

Dale Brown

Dale Brown is the Manager of Humanities Outreach at WMU’s Center for the Humanities. His primary role is to reach out to bureaucrats in an effort to create change in both higher education and the carceral system. After helping launch Higher Education for the Justice Involved (HEJI) when he was a graduate student, Dale now focuses on solidifying and expanding WMU’s HEJI prison education program with the goal of becoming a leader in Michigan’s nationally recognized prison education efforts.

April Bryan

April Bryan is the Exhibits and Interpretation Manager at the Air Zoo, responsible for overseeing exhibit and collections programs. The Air Zoo's education programs are focused on creating interactive educational programs that not only stimulate and engage audiences during their presentation, but also inspire them to continue their exploration of science and history long after the program's conclusion.

John Burton

John Burton, Fred Colgren, and Robin Nott have served as part of the Gilmore Education Team for the past 12 years. These gentlemen have taught for over 40 years in high school and educational programs, and have led numerous community, school, and library presentations throughout the state each year in conjunction with their role as instructors at the Gilmore Car Museum.

James Carter

James W. Carter, MD is a retired internal medicine physician. After retirement, he trained as a docent at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and is very active doing tours and giving lectures on various art related subjects. He is particularly interested in the intersection of medicine and art.

Sue Caulfield

Susan Caulfield has been teaching at the university level for 38 years, 32 of them at WMU. She has a Ph.D. in criminology, as well as graduate certificates in holistic health, and spirituality, culture, and health, and a master's in spirituality, culture, and health. For the latter degree, her focus has been on death and dying and spiritual assessment. Sue is currently co-editing an anthology on dying, death, and after death. She will retire from WMU in the next few years and plans to open her own business as a death planner/educator.

Fred Colgren

Fred Colgren, Robin Nott, and John Burton have served as part of the Gilmore Education Team for the past 12 years. These gentlemen have taught for over 40 years in high school and educational programs, and have led numerous community, school, and library presentations throughout the state each year in conjunction with their role as instructors at the Gilmore Car Museum.

Thomas Dietz

Tom Dietz is the retired Curator of Local History at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. He has a master's degree in American History from Wayne State University and was a part-time instructor in the History Department at Western Michigan University for many years. He has taught numerous OLLI courses on local history and other topics.

Michael A. Dombos

Michael A. Dombos, a life-long resident of Kalamazoo, earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School, master’s degrees in both arts and business administration from Western Michigan University, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College. At Lewis, Reed & Allen P.C., Michael’s practice primarily focuses on estate planning, estate (decedent’s estate) settlement, trust administration, as well as guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Kalamazoo County Bar Association as well as an adjunct faculty member at WMU, where he teaches the estate planning course in the Haworth College of Business. Michael actively volunteers for a number of non-profit and philanthropic boards and organizations, and is married to Ann Soukup, with whom he has two children.

Lofty Durham, Ph.D.

After a career in professional theatres and nonprofit organizations, Lofton L. Durham earned a Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh and is now a professor of theatre at Western Michigan University, where he has won awards for his writing, teaching, and research. ’Lofty is also an internationally published scholar, a leader in the field of early theatre studies, and the Artistic Producer and Founder of the Mostly Medieval Theatre Festival.

Joy Wolfe Ensor

Joy Wolfe Ensor is co-editor and contributing author to the award-winning, recently published anthology, “The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust.” She is a retired psychologist who spent over 45 years centering her clinical, teaching, and leadership activities around the social determinants of health and the multigenerational legacy of trauma. Joy remains active in Michigan Psychological Association, of which she is a Fellow and past president. She attended the New York City public schools, earned her undergraduate degree at Sarah Lawrence College, and received her doctorate from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Joy is on the Founding Committee of the Irene Butter Fund for Holocaust and Human Rights Education based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is involved in a variety of social justice groups. Joy and her husband Doug, a fellow psychologist, have two grown daughters (both academics in English and creative writing) and one granddaughter.

John Geisler, Ed.D.

Dr. John Geisler flunked out of one college but was quite successful during his second effort at earning a bachelor’s degree when he headed to Adrian College, where he was an athlete, scholar, and thespian. He then earned his master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Toledo.

John was a public school teacher in mathematics and science, as well as a college counselor and a counselor educator at two universities—Central Michigan and Western Michigan. He has also been an NCAA referee and served as president of three counselor professional groups at the local, state, regional, and national level. John is married to Candace Ross, a psychotherapist in Kalamazoo, and is the father of three adult children, grandfather to seven, and has three great grandchildren.

Instructors Continued

Leonard Ginsberg, Ph.D.

Dr. Leonard Ginsberg received his Ph.D. in developmental biology with research in early pre-implantation mouse development followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in human genetics. He came to Kalamazoo to become a faculty member at Western Michigan University, where he taught and conducted research about cell biology and genetics, including teaching graduate courses in embryology and development, for over 35 years. He retired as a full professor and briefly joined the medical school as an instructor. Leonard is also passionate about promoting science education, particularly in the area of increasing minority participation in STEM careers, and has been awarded multiple federal grants to support this endeavor.

Sam Grossman

Samuel Grossman is a retired pediatric care physician and former college instructor. He has practiced as a general pediatrician for over 30 years and served five years as the medical director of a community health center. In a previous career, he was a college level instructor for 10 years. Currently Sam is a KIA docent and a "reformed" darkroom photographer with a long-time interest in photography.

Miranda Grunwell

Miranda Grunwell is a dedicated advocate and educator with over two decades of experience in the disability rights field. Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University, Miranda currently serves as the Community Education Program Manager for Disability Network Southwest Michigan. As a person with a learning disability, she knows first-hand the challenges people with disabilities face living in an ableist world. Miranda is dedicated to building a community where all people benefit from full access and inclusion, and her expertise spans educational presentations for young adults with and without disabilities, professional development, and DEI staff training.

Allison Hammond, Ed.D.

Allison Hammond, Ed.D., provides opportunities to help families avoid confusion, conflict, and chaos as parents age. As a Visual Facilitator, Dr. Allison has conducted numerous Visual Facilitation Sessions for people with disabilities, youth, small businesses, non-profits, and families of all kinds. She has a Doctor of Education Leadership from Western Michigan University, and her visual facilitation training includes MAPs and PATHs through the Inclusion Network, Charting the Life Course at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and The Agerbeck Method in Chicago.

Diane and Stan Henderson

Stan and Diane Henderson are avid readers—Stan reads history, Diane fiction. In other lives, they would have been History and English professors. Now they team up to share their passions with us. Pre-retirement, Stan was the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane was an educational program planner and consultant. They say they are now both “failing” retirement!

McGwire Hidden

McGwire Hidden is a Graduate Assistant in the Philosophy Department at WMU. After serving as a Teaching Assistant for an OLLI-Undergraduate hybrid course, as well as teaching one himself, this semester McGwire was inspired to design his first OLLI specific course. McGwire focuses on textual and conversation-based learning as a journey undergone by both teachers and students as well as on fostering a communal and engaging environment in the classroom. Upon graduating from WMU in May, McGwire plans to go on to pursue his PhD in fall 2024.

Carol Hodges

Carol Hodges is a retired Kalamazoo Public Schools science teacher. A graduate of Carleton College in Minnesota, she has also done graduate work in geology at WMU. As an employee of the Battle Creek Math Science Center from 2010-2020, she trained teachers around the state in the new national science standards. Her work as a school volunteer on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona led her to get training in the area of cultural competency. In earlier semesters, she has taught OLLI classes on the author Jane Austen, on plate tectonics, and on divergent thinking in the sciences.

Max Hornick

Max Hornick (they/them) is a Community Education Coordinator for Disability Network Southwest Michigan, where they have worked since 2018. They are a graduate of Western Michigan University and are certified as a Nonprofit Professional, Emotional CPR Practitioner, and an ADA Coordinator at the national level. Max’s lived experience as a disabled, neurodivergent person informs their work providing education about disability-related topics and facilitating Disability Network’s Autistic adult peer support group.

Robert L. Hosack, DDS

Robert Hosack—or “Dr. Bob” as his students call him—has been teaching and studying calligraphy for over 40 years. He began his career as a schoolteacher and teaching is his avocation. Bob is a member of Pen Dragons of Kalamazoo and IAMPETH (International Association Master Penman, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting).

Shannon Huneryager

Shannon Huneryager is a singer, music theater artist, musician, actor, teaching artist, and writer. She is also the Coordinator of Programs for OLLI at WMU. Currently residing in Chicago and Kalamazoo, Shannon continues to perform at venues across the country. Her favorite roles include Emma Goldman in “Ragtime” at SSMT, Sonia in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” at HRT, and Clara Gordon in “Paradise Lost” with The Agency Theater. She also appeared in the award-winning film, “Coming Up for Air.” A passionate teaching artist and alumna actor/ teacher with the Missoula Children’s Theatre, Shannon was Director of Education and Outreach at PCPA Theaterfest and has taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Play In A Book, and Columbia College’s Project Aim. She has a B.A. from Butler University, an MM in vocal performance from the University of Massachusetts, and is an alumna of Columbia College’s Teaching Artist Development Cohort of 2015.

Natalie L. Iglewicz

Natalie L. Iglewicz was raised in suburban Detroit. Her loving parents, both Holocaust survivors, led by example in valuing hard work, respect for others, and kindness. Natalie received degrees from the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Wayne State University. Recently retired, Natalie was an educator for 38 years. Her students included adjudicated youth and those with learning differences. Natalie and her husband, Reed Newland, live with their two children and two dogs in Ann Arbor.

David Isaacson

David Isaacson taught college English composition and literature for five years before embarking on a thirty-threeyear career as a Reference and Humanities Librarian at Western Michigan University. He was responsible for acting as a liaison to the English, Foreign Languages, Religion, Communications, Art, and Theater departments, helping professors with their research and assisting students in these disciplines with library assignments. He has an Honors degree in English from Indiana University, a master’s degree in American Studies from Claremont University, and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois. David has also been a discussion leader for a monthly book group called Classics Revisited as well as a facilitator for a monthly short story discussion at Friendship Village retirement community for the last twenty years.

Ron Kramer

Ron Kramer is a longtime peace and social justice activist and a professor in the WMU Department of Sociology. Ron and fellow OLLI instructor Don Cooney are also co-hosts of the award-winning Public Media Network television program, “Critical Issues, Alternative Views.”

Carol Lacey

A long-time West Michigan resident, Carol Lacey graduated from Portage High School and attended Western Michigan University. As a stay-at-home mom in the ‘50s and ‘60s, Carol developed and taught Bible Studies for fifteen years. At age 60, the Lord redirected her to follow her passion to write, and she was published in several Christian magazines nationally and abroad. At age 89, she published a third novel in her historical fiction series, based on an incident in the life of an obscure Biblical character. A widow after 67 years of marriage, Carol is a mom and grandmother to many. Her love of golf, water, and cross-country skiing have given way to writing, walking, reading, or blogging about her life’s journey.

Instructors Continued

Ben Lando

Ben Lando, a 4th generation Kalamazooan, became a journalist more than 20 years ago covering both Kalamazoo city and county governments as well as writing about the community for local radio stations and newspapers. Based in Washington, D.C., from ‘06 to ‘09, he was a reporter and editor for United Press International, covering U.S. and global news centered around energy, politics, and security. Ben moved to Baghdad in ‘09 as a reporter for multiple outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Time, among others. He founded www. iraqoilreport.com, which remains the premier outlet for information about economic, security, and political developments. Ben returned home in 2013, started a family, and launched NowKalamazoo in 2019.

Erin Lewis

Erin Lewis, a member of the Air Zoo’s team of world-class educators and docents, joins us as an OLLI instructor this semester. The Air Zoo’s education programs are developed by licensed Michigan teachers who are focused on creating affordable, interactive educational programs that not only stimulate and engage audiences during their presentation, but also inspire them to continue exploring science long after the program’s conclusion. Volunteer docents are trained members of the community who are passionate about aircraft, history, teaching, and the Air Zoo. These docents, some of whom are retired pilots, veterans, local history buffs, teachers, and students, are all committed to inspiring and educating their guests about the museum’s collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts.

Irving Lubliner

Irving Lubliner is a professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University (SOU), where his specialty was mathematics education. He has earned degrees from two University of California campuses, Berkeley and Davis. During his 40-year career in education, Irving taught mathematics at all levels, from kindergarten through graduate school; led seminars for teachers in 39 states; and delivered over 350 conference presentations, including several keynote addresses. Since his retirement in 2014, he has taught math, blues harmonica, and literature classes for the OLLI program at SOU, where he also served on the Council of Directors. In 2019, Irving created Felabra Press and published his mother’s writings about her experiences during the Holocaust. This book, “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” serves as the theme for his course, which, over the last four years, he has delivered to 85 different OLLI programs nationwide.

Valerie Marvin

Valerie Marvin is honored to serve as the historian and curator of the Michigan State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies and earned her Master's of Science in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University in 2009. Valerie lives with her husband David in a 1906 home in downtown Lansing.

Lynn McFarlen

Lynn McFarlen is the Outreach Partner with Milestone Senior Services and a returning OLLI instructor. Every day, Lynn helps our community learn about all of the many programs and services Milestone offers to help adults “age in place.” If staying in your own home as you get older is one of your concerns, she is ready to help you gather information and understand what you can do to stay where you feel happier and healthier! When Lynn is off the clock, she enjoys spending time with her family, birdwatching, rock hounding, or gardening—but if it’s too hot outside, a good Netflix “weird show” (as her family calls it) will have her attention.

Ann Miles

Ann Miles is the Director of WMU’s Center for the Humanities and has taught at Western for close to three decades. An anthropologist by training, Ann has studied Cuenca, Ecuador throughout her career and now shares what she learned as an educator on WMU-Main Campus as well as in her instruction at WMU-Coldwater to further support the Higher Education for the Justice-Involved (HEJI) program through her role as the Center’s director.

Denise Miller

Denise Miller’s passion for equity and shared power is reflected in the work they choose to do and the art they choose to make. To that end, Denise creates and holds spaces that support participants in mining individual, institutional, social and national history, memory, identity, and community to sensitively but insistently engage in transformational work. Denise knows that so often communities lack businesses and organizations that equitably share power or center the knowledge and lived experience of the people they serve. Therefore, they have chosen to work as a partner with the Truth & Titus Collective, a business that is dedicated to fostering, co-creating, and sustaining organizational change with equity at the core; and the Institute of Public Scholarship, a Kalamazoo nonprofit where they serve as cofounder and Program Director for the Art of Fact genealogy program.

The Institute’s mission is to advance knowledge and create impactful, interdisciplinary collaborations that address complex societal challenges and promote the well-being of Black and Brown communities. The Art of Fact genealogy program is just one component of the Institute’s dynamic and people-centered approach to justice work. It is in this capacity that Denise helps carry out the Institution’s mission and vision, which includes the goal of generating just, restorative, and sustainable solutions through the integration of the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. Denise is also a poet, fiction writer, artist, and vegan chef who prefers the coffee shop to the office.

Jonathan Milgrim

Jonathan Milgrim is a Faculty Specialist in the philosophy department at Western Michigan University. He holds dual master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and the University of Washington. His research is rooted in applied ethics with a particular emphasis on the ethical implications of climate change, geoengineering, and just war theory. Jonathan’s work explores the intersections of these critical issues, seeking to develop frameworks for ethical decision making in global and national policy.

Niki N Nimmo

Niki Nimmo has a master’s degree in teaching and was a certified diabetes educator RN. Her interest in decluttering came as a result of inheriting four households from siblings, parents, and a grandparent. Niki is sentimental and has learned from experience the many ins and outs (literally) of the decluttering process—including when she downsized from a 2,300 square foot house with a 12x12 ft storage unit to a 700 square foot house.

Robin Nott

Robin Nott, Fred Colgren, and John Burton have served as part of the Gilmore Education Team for the past 12 years. These gentlemen have taught for over 40 years in high school and educational programs, and have led numerous community, school, and library presentations throughout the state each year in conjunction with their role as instructors at the Gilmore Car Museum.

Shukurani Nsengiyumva

Shukurani Nsengiyumva currently works as a Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, focusing on addressing disparities in dementia care affecting our Black and African American communities in Kalamazoo County. Her background is in community advocacy at the local level, working with families, children, adults, and family caregivers. Shukurani enjoys engaging with the community and advocating for health equity for all. She is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health at Western Michigan University’s School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs

Donna Odom

Donna Odom holds a B.A. from Kalamazoo College and an M.A. from Loyola University of Chicago. She is the founder and retired executive director of the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE) and is a member of the Oral History Association (OHA). Donna has served for several years on the boards of the Historical Society of Michigan, the Kalamazoo County Historical Society, and the Midwest Oral History Association (MOHA). She is also a founding member of the Kalamazoo Oral History Association (KOHA). Donna presents on topics such as Creating a Family History, Developing Oral History Projects, Conducting the Oral History Interview, and Memoir Writing.

Dave Paul

Dave Paul has been teaching philosophy courses at WMU and elsewhere since 1994. His focus is biomedical ethics but he has a particular additional interest in existential philosophy. He is currently the chair of the philosophy department at WMU and continues to teach undergraduate courses.

Dr. Zaide Pixley

Zaide Pixley’s work as an educator began at P.S. 58, Bronx and continued at Interlochen and the University of Michigan, where she earned a Ph.D. in musicology. As a member of the faculty at Kalamazoo College, she taught a wide range of courses—from music theory and history to rock and roll—served as Dean of the First Year and Advising, and received the College’s Lux Esto Award for Excellence. Zaide was Executive Director and President of the Board of the Kalamazoo Bach Festival and a regular concert reviewer for the Kalamazoo Gazette. She is the author of “Great Ensemble,” a history of the first seventyfive years of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, and (with Jane Rooks Ross) has written “100 Years of Great Music,” celebrating the orchestra’s centenary in 2021. She is best known to Kalamazoo audiences for her program notes, pre-concert talks, and courses for OLLI at WMU.

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Instructors Continued

Susan Pozo

Susan Pozo received her Ph.D. in Economics from Michigan State University, earned one tour as a Fulbright Research Scholar, and has been a faculty member at Western Michigan University since 1982. She teaches internationally themed courses, including international economics, the economics of migration, and Latin American economies, and has led students on study abroad classes to Uruguay, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic. Susan is an international expert on remittances, which are the international flows of workers’ earnings, and her latest research is about refugee migration involving populations in Asia and Latin America. In 2018 she was named a WMU Distinguished University Scholar, and in 2024 she received the American Society of Hispanic Economists Academic Achievement Award. Susan is frequently contacted to comment on cross-country events and topics from organizations such as the NPR Marketplace, Business Insider, El País (Madrid), and the Aspen Institute. She also has extensive experience living abroad, with residencies in six locations across Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

Kathie Ragains

Kathie Ragains taught high school and junior college students for 33 years. Her master’s degree in counseling drew her to examine the myths of retirement and to design a course for individuals who were surprised at how different life was after leaving the workforce compared to the dream they had envisioned. After her own retirement and experiences living in a retirement community in Florida, Kathie returned to Kalamazoo to begin a new stage in her life’s journey.

Michael Robinson

Michael Robinson was born in Detroit and educated in public schools. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1968, he entered the Peace Corps as an English teacher at a state university in South Korea. Upon his return in 1971, he began graduate training at the University of Washington, completing a Ph.D. in East Asian History in 1979. Michael taught courses about Korean history, culture, politics, and international relations at both the University of Southern California and Indiana University for over 35 years. After retiring in 2015, he moved with his wife Donna to Kalamazoo, where they enjoy hiking, spending time with friends, and the local performing arts scene. They are both active in community theater as volunteers and have even snagged some roles in various productions over the years. Michael and Donna also enjoy spending time up North on family property (the "farm") near Traverse City in the summer.

Jane Rooks Ross

Jane Rooks Ross is the founding Director of Education for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and, most recently, established Marvelous Music. A lifelong educator, she has taught in the WMU Honors College, KVCC, Kalamazoo College, and area schools. Her consulting work includes workshops, grant panels, and writing educational materials including the popular Listener’s Guide to the Orchestra. Ms. Rooks Ross holds a M.M. in music education cum laude from WMU. She was honored with the 2003 Community Medal of Arts Award and as a 2018 YWCA Woman of Achievement.

Stan Sackett

Stanley Sackett’s professional career involved training new employees, so he considers himself to have years of experience as a teacher. Over the past six years, Stanley has played and enjoyed the game of pétanque with clubs in Georgia and Florida, competed in several tournaments, and even won a prize as a finalist! He is enthusiastic and passionate about the game and its growing presence in the United States. Stanley previously taught our OLLI members how to play pétanque in 2022 and has continued playing with those pétanque students, excited to see them become better at the game over time.

Adam Schumaker

Adam Schumaker is the Director of Education at The Gilmore. For over 12 years he has directed and expanded The Gilmore’s education programs, including multiple community piano labs, robust year-long programming, and an expanded Gilmore Festival Fellows residency program. Mainstay education programs include The Gilmore Family Concerts, Piano Camp, KeysFest, and Piano Labs. Adam also launched the livestreaming initiatives for The Gilmore in 2013. He is a visiting professor at Kalamazoo College, a freelance composer, a college speaker, and regular contributor to NewMusicBox. Adam received his B.A. in music from Principia College and his MM in composition from Western Michigan University.

Winston Smith

Winston Smith is a Ph.D. student in the field of robotics at Arizona State University. His research interests include multi-agent systems, decision theory, and robotic planning, and he has published several papers on robotics for top conferences, such as the International Conference on Robotics and Automation. Winston has an M.S. and B.S. in computer science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and he has been teaching for seven years.

Howard Steiner and Band

Howard Steiner has no ethnomusicology credential other than being an avid banjo player and collector of tune history. He hosts jam sessions and house concerts of oldtime string band musicians, occasionally plays in bands for contra/square dances, and attends old-time music festivals where he delights in learning different versions of tunes.

Shannon Sykes-Nehring

Shannon Sykes-Nehring is the genealogy coordinator for the Institute of Public Scholarship and a partner at the Truth & Titus Collective. In her roles, she guides diversity, inclusion, and healing initiatives at the intersections of history, equity, and imagination. A former community organizer and City Commissioner, Shannon believes that personal and community transformation are rooted in the places where our knowledge of the past and dreams for the future collide. She attended Wayne State University, where she studied Black Social and Political Thought. Shannon currently resides in Battle Creek with her husband and six kids, where she enjoys co-stewarding her Quiet Creek Homestead with dozens of chickens, ducks, geese, goats, peacocks, and Kota, the horse.

Cheng Tao

Cheng Tao is a professor of education at Jiangsu Maritime Institute, Jiangsu, China, and a Visiting Scholar at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, Western Michigan University. Tao has more than 30 years of teaching experience. He joined Jiangsu Maritime Institute in September 2005 and has taught English, Tai Chi, and other subjects there ever since. Tao has received several accolades, including the “Most Popular Teacher Award” in June 2011, the “Outstanding Teacher Award” in February 2014, and the “Excellent Teacher Award” in September 2017. Tao also worked as an English teacher for grades 7-12 from September 1988 to July 2002 in Jiangsu, China. Along with his academic instruction, Tao has practiced Tai Chi for over 20 years and has taught the practice to a wide range of age groups. Tao’s wife is currently pursuing her Ph. D. degree at WMU, and his two boys are attending elementary school in Kalamazoo, MI.

Keith Thompson

Keith Thompson has been the chief meteorologist at WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo for 23 years and has been a weathercaster at the station for 29 years. He has won an Emmy award for best weathercast in Michigan and has been honored as best in the state three times by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Keith holds an M.A. in communication from Western Michigan University and is a member of the American Meteorological Society.

Dean VonDras

Dean D. VonDras has been a professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay since 2000. He was awarded a B.A. in music from Southern Illinois University and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Dean has served as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Duke University Behavior Medicine Research Center and as a Research Associate at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis. He has published articles focusing on a variety of adult development and aging topics, and his special research interests include the intertwining of health and psychological processes in adult development and aging. Dean’s books include “Celebrating the Arts of Living: Pathways to Joy and Fulfillment in Later Life” (2024), “Music, Wellness, and Aging: Defining, Directing, and Celebrating Life” (2021), and “Better Health through Spiritual Practices: A Guide to Religious Behaviors and Perspectives that Benefit Mind and Body” (2017).

Instructors Continued

Johnny Walker

A native of the West Michigan area, Johnny Walker has held many positions over the years, a number of them in the food and service industry. Additionally, his passion for LEGO and pop culture led him to an audition for the FOX television series LEGO Masters. Alas, Johnny and his partner didn’t make the final contestant cut, but the experience opened a new door to becoming the manager of Bricks & Minifigs in Kalamazoo, where he is able to share his experience and knowledge with everyone. Johnny is an expert at modular buildings, tree and rock work, and will teach you the basics to make your unique LEGO creations sparkle with creativity and originality!

Adam Weiner

Adam Weiner, a returning OLLI instructor, was thrilled to previously share his knowledge on a number of occasions when he was the Executive Director of the Farmers Alley Theatre from its founding until 2022. Producing, directing, even acting in a number of productions over the years, Adam fulfilled a lifelong dream of bringing professional theatre to Kalamazoo and is thrilled that it is continuing to thrive to this day. However, the pandemic drove Adam to a new passion in his life: LEGO. The rekindling of this childhood favorite led him down the rabbit hole of the worldwide LEGO community, and he soon discovered the model of a retail store that he thought would be a wonderful addition to the Kalamazoo area. In June of 2022, Adan opened Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo in Oakwood Plaza, and since then this space has been the go-to place for LEGO products both new and pre-owned. With always something new to see, Adam loves the way that LEGO brings everyone together no matter the age or background.

Dr. Pierre van der Westhuizen

Dr. van der Westhuizen is a seasoned arts administrator, concert pianist, and academic. He joined The Gilmore in January 2018 after leading the Cleveland International Piano Competition for six years. He and his wife, Sophié, taught at Heidelberg University in Ohio and developed a piano competition and festival during their tenure. Recruited to the Cleveland International Piano Competition in 2011, van der Westhuizen transformed the competition from a single event into a full-fledged arts organization. A native of South Africa, he earned his Bachelor of Music from Northwest University in Potchefstroom, South Africa, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

D. Terry Williams

Dr. D. Terry Williams is professor and chair emeritus of theatre at WMU. He has taught script analysis and theatre history for over 50 years and has directed almost 100 productions for university, community, and professional theatres. Dr. Williams is a founding member of OLLI at WMU, a current member of the Advisory Board, and is directing the Farmer’s Alley production.

Reid Williams

Reid Williams is a Kalamazoo resident helping build all aspects of NowKalamazoo’s operations, especially audience engagement, events, and civic programs, in addition to serving as the secretary of the board of directors of The Local Journalism Foundation. Reid has built his career in the field of journalism and media since his first newspaper job in 1999 and has worked as a reporter, editor, and photographer. In Michigan, he was the Regional Digital News Director supervising the Lansing State Journal, Battle Creek Enquirer, and Port Huron Times Herald; and was Vice President of Innovation and Product Development for the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News. Most recently, Reid worked at USA TODAY, leading a team of journalistsoftware developers.

James Wright

James Wright double majored in History and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where he went on to receive an M.A. in British Imperial history. After working for two years in a greenhouse, James earned his MAT from Northwestern University and began a 40-year career teaching Western Civilization at Triton College in Illinois. Now, Bobbi the Cat tolerates James and his wife Diana living in “her” house in South Haven.

Trips, Events, & Special Interest Groups

Premier World Discovery 2025 Trips

Cuba Discovery

February 24 to March 2, 2025

Black Hills, Badlands & Mt. Rushmore

September 10 to 16, 2025

Visit wmich.edu/olli/trips for additional details

New England Rails & Trails

October 1 to 9, 2025

Events

January Thaw Wed, 1/29. 1 to 3 p.m. People’s Church, 1758 N 10th St.Kalamazoo, MI

Special Interest Groups

EDISON: The EDucation IS ON

-Resident Scholars

Group Dates TBD, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, 420 E. Alcott Street, 49001

Play Pétanque Monday Mornings!

Martha Beverly and Stanley Sackett

Mondays weekly beginning May 5th, 10 a.m. to Noon

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus

Introduction to Film

Michael Marchak

Celebration Cinema, 6600 Ring Rd, Portage, 49024

German Conversation

Gail Ledbetter Fridays, ongoing, 10 a.m. to noon, location varies

Readers Theatre Comes Alive

Sharon Wade, Dr. D. Terry Williams, and Mary VanDerMaas weekly on Wednesdays 1 to 3 p.m. Parkview Hills Clubhouse