Digital - Spring 2026 Catalog

Stay Curious Spring 2026 Programs Catalog

www.asuolli.org | 602.543.6440

Registration Register Online

www.asuolli.org Questions? Contact us at 602.543.6440.

OLLI at ASU is a membership-based program. We have three membership options. OLLI membership gives you access to class registration and member-exclusive events.

001 | Annual Membership 2025-2026 – $75

*Not available until Aug. 2026 The Annual Membership gives members access to all in-person and Zoom classes and events offered by OLLI at ASU for three full semesters (fall, spring, summer).

002 | Spring 2026 Semester Membership – $35

Our Team Jared Swerzenski Director

jared.swerzenski@asu.edu

Tracy Grewe

Business Operations Manager tmgrewe@asu.edu

The Spring Semester Membership gives members access to all in-person and Zoom classes and events offered by OLLI at ASU for one semester.

Note: If you purchased an annual membership, you do not need to purchase a semester membership.

Nate Sawyer

003 | Annual Zoom Membership 2025-2026 – $65

Jolene Gosling

*Not available until Aug. 2026 The Annual Zoom Membership gives members access to all Zoom classes only and events offered by OLLI at ASU for three full semesters (fall, spring, summer).

Note: If you purchased an annual or semester membership, you do not need to purchase a separate annual Zoom membership.

In addition, all memberships include these benefits:

Discounted tickets and special member-exclusive offers from our Community Partners Educational travel opportunities Special Interest Groups Special Invitation to ASU events Co-generational programs with ASU faculty and ASU students Read and contribute to OLLI-led academic research projects

Refund Policy

Membership fees are non-refundable. Class fees are nonrefundable, except in the event a class is canceled. Refunds will not be available in instances of double-booking (selecting classes that take place simultaneously).

Senior Program Coordinator

nsawyer5@asu.edu

Program Coordinator

jolene.gosling@asu.edu

Susie Rego

Program Coordinator srego93@asu.edu

Kristi Schneider

Program Coordinator

kristina.schneider.1@asu.edu

Lindsay Braun

Program Coordinator lbraun21@asu.edu

Important Note

Registration for membership and class fees is per person, not per household. Please note that OLLI at ASU does not currently record classes and we cannot guarantee that instructors will share their presentations.

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Madeline Yang Program Aide

myang109@asu.edu

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 – 2026 SPONSORS On behalf of our entire learning community, OLLI at ASU thanks our partners across the valley for their generosity and support of lifelong learning!

LIBRARIES & GARDENS:

COMMUNITIES & SENIOR LIVING:

EDUCATIONAL & HISTORICAL INSTITUTIONS:

CULTURAL & ARTS ORGANIZATIONS:

CITIES:

KEEP US GROWING! #OLLI2k At OLLI at ASU, curiosity ignites discovery—invite a friend to join the journey!

We believe learning never stops—it thrives through curiosity, conversation, and community. This fall, we’ve had an incredibly strong start, and the momentum is only growing! We still need more new members this spring. We’re on a mission to grow our OLLI family to 2,000 lifelong learners—we need your help to make it happen!

Think of someone who loves new ideas and meaningful discussions—a friend, neighbor, or family member—and invite them to try a free OLLI event at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, Scottsdale Mustang Library, Glendale Foothills Library, and Westward Ho. No membership required! Just create a free account and register for your class(es) on our website to reserve your spots.

Let’s grow our community together—one curious, like-minded learner at a time. #OLLI2K | Stay Curious. Stay Connected.

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Spring Classes

Spring 2026 Semester Jan. 12 - May 15

Classes Beginning the Week of Jan. 12 Monday 004 | Geology of the Grand Canyon: Rocks & River

Instructor: Wayne Ranney 2 sessions: Mondays, Jan. 12, 19 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $38

Arizona’s Grand Canyon is the best place to learn about Earth’s history! Join geologist Wayne Ranney, who has backpacked, rafted, researched, and taught the geology of the Canyon for over 50 years. The first session of this two-session class will focus on the rock layers exposed in the walls of the Canyon—layers that reveal dozens of past landscapes that once existed here, such as Sahara-like deserts and shallow-water coral reefs. These landscapes come alive using state-of-the-art paleogeographic maps of the Four Corners region. The second session will shift to the carving of the Grand Canyon over the last 70 million years by the Colorado River and its ancestors. Although not every aspect of the Canyon’s cutting is completely understood to date, a survey of historic ideas—from John Wesley Powell to the present—highlights how scientists approach this large erosional “scar.” The class will inspire in attendees a deeper appreciation for the world-class landform that lies right here in our own backyard!

005 | The Color & the Movement: Western Art & Western Movies

Instructor: Dr. Andrew Nelson Cost $35 1 session: Monday, Jan. 12 Community Partner 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Western Spirit, Scottsdale Long before John Wayne rode the range, artists Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell were painting the drama, danger, and romance of the American frontier. This illustrated lecture explores the visual dialogue between Western painting and film, revealing how the compositions, themes, and storytelling techniques of these pioneering artists influenced Hollywood’s greatest directors. Through film clips and side-by-side comparisons, we’ll discover how John Ford translated Remington’s action-packed paintings into scenes from "Stagecoach" (1939) and "The Searchers" (1956)—and why both artists and filmmakers shared an ambivalent nostalgia for the vanishing West.

We’ll also trace Russell’s personal ties to early Hollywood stars such as William S. Hart and Douglas Fairbanks, and examine how the Western became America’s quintessential multimedia tradition—moving seamlessly from magazine illustrations to motion pictures. Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns, American art, or the mythology of the frontier, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how these art forms shaped—and continue to shape— our collective imagination of the American West. Course fee includes museum admission.

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006 | Endangered Species of Arizona & the American Southwest Instructor: Dr. Ken Sweat 1 session: Monday, Jan. 12 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

Arizona is home to unique and endangered animals, including charismatic fauna such as the Mexican wolf and California condor. This class will also explore the reasons biodiversity is threatened today and highlight successful conservation efforts in the state and the American Southwest. These examples will help students understand both the challenges facing wildlife and the strategies used to protect it.

Tuesday 007 | Fermi Estimates: Quick Math for Big Questions Instructor: Dr. Johnnie Hendrickson 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Jan. 13, 20 noon – 1:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $38

Could you guess how many piano tuners work in Phoenix?

How much a swimming pool full of jellybeans weighs? Or whether that startling statistic you just heard on the news makes any sense? This two-session class will introduce you to Fermi estimation: a playful, practical way to answer big questions using rough math, common sense, and clever shortcuts. We’ll also brush up—gently!—on a few essential math skills along the way (like scientific notation and volume estimation). No calculators, no panic—just engaging problems, good laughs, and surprising insights about how the world really works.

Wednesday 008 | Milestones in Medicine

Instructor: Dr. Gordon Josephson Cost $95 6 sessions: Wednesdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 11, 18 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Zoom – Osher Online This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

009 | The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies

Instructor: Mike Agron Cost $95 6 sessions: Wednesdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 11, 18 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Zoom – Osher Online Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles— jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions.

We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns.

From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.

012 | Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life

Instructor: Eliot Bathke Cost $95 6 sessions: Thursdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29 & Feb. 5, 12, 19 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Zoom – Osher Online

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence— and the possibilities ahead.

Thursday 010 | Finding Your Resilience

Instructor: Dr. Cynthia Lietz Cost FREE 1 session: Thursday, Jan. 15 10:30 a.m. – noon | Scottsdale Library – Mustang Have you ever wondered how some people manage to overcome a particularly high level of stress and adversity?

Resilience is a process of coping and adaptation that develops over time. Protective factors are the internal and external strengths that can be activated to ignite this coping process. In this presentation, you’ll learn about the 10 most important strengths identified through research that foster resilience. Because loss and other challenges are part of the human experience, this topic has relevance—and value—for all of us.

011 | The Fundamentals of Watercolor with Still Life

Instructor: Allen Reamer Cost $72 3 sessions: Thursdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29 OLLI Workshop 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | ASU Chandler Innovation Center This course is for those who are new to watercolors, have used watercolors to a limited degree, or wish to increase their knowledge and improve their skills. We'll begin by exploring essential terms, tools, tips, and techniques— covering both general painting concepts and those specific to watercolor. You'll be introduced to watercolor materials, including paper, paints, pigments, and brushes, and the instructor, Allen, will share helpful information about where to find supplies locally. Throughout the course, you'll learn practical tips starting with how to properly hold your brush and handle paper. Each technique will be clearly explained and demonstrated before you have a chance to practice it yourself, and as your skills grow, you’ll apply what you've learned to create your own watercolor paintings. We’ll continue adding layers of knowledge, experience, and creativity until the course ends. All supplies will be provided by the instructor.

Friday 013 | Smarter AI, Creative You: An Introductory Course on Generative Media

Instructor: Dr. Yezhou Yang 2 sessions: Fridays, Jan. 16, 23 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $38

Generative AI is revolutionizing the creation of images, videos, and digital stories. These systems can already create stunningly realistic content, but the real challenge and opportunity is learning how to guide them so that they become true creative partners. We’ll peek behind the curtain of today’s image and video GenAI tools to see how they work, where they shine, and where they stumble.

We’ll cover how AI is scaled up to reach millions, how new tools give us more control over editing and style, why trust and safety are so important, and how researchers measure whether progress is real. Along the way, we’ll examine everyday examples, from personalized art to movie effects, to illustrate how generative AI is shaping the future of creativity and communication.

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CHECK OUT THESE

FREE CLASSES Invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to experience the power of learning with our expert-led free classes and events this semester. These are the perfect no-cost, high-inspiration opportunities to see what OLLI is all about with some of ASU’s most outstanding faculty. Space is limited, registration is required!

010 | Finding Your Resilience See page 5 for full course description.

Thursday, Jan. 15 | 10:30 a.m. – noon Scottsdale Library – Mustang 026 | Wagons Ho: American Emigrant Trails, 1775-1880 See page 11 for full course description.

Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Glendale Foothills Library

098 | Outbreak: Tales & Lessons from a Disease Hunter See page 32 for full course description.

Tuesday, Mar. 24 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Glendale Foothills Library 128 | Notorious: Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, & Ingrid Bergman See page 42 for full course description.

Thursday, Apr. 16 | 10:30 a.m. – noon Scottsdale Library – Civic Center

132 | Arizona Public Lands & the Impact of Arizona Nature Heroes See page 43 for full course description.

Tuesday, Apr. 23 | 10:30 a.m. – noon | Westward Ho In partnership with

7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale

080 | Fabulous Females of the Fifties See page 29 for full course description.

Friday, Mar. 6 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

095 | Music & the American Experience at 250 See page 31 for full course description.

Fridays, Mar. 20, 27 & Apr. 10 & 17 10:00 a.m. – noon

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will still need to register for free classes when registration opens. Space is limited in these classes and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you “add to cart,” it will not charge you at checkout. We expect these classes to have waitlists so if your plans change and you cannot attend, please be sure to email olli@asu.edu so we can open spots to the waitlist.

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For MusicFest Zoom classes, the link for the direct registration will be in ‘My Class List’ link in your account after you register for free Zoom.

014 | Ancient Peoples of the U.S. Southwest: An Archaeological Overview Instructor: Al Dart 2 sessions: Fridays, Jan. 16, 23 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Zoom

Spring 2022 Semester

Beginning Week of Jan. 19 Jan. 24 – May 19 Cost $38

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the U.S. Southwest was home to a rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures. This class explores what archaeologists currently understand about these early peoples during “precontact” times, before non-Native settlers entered the region and began documenting its inhabitants. Much of what we know about earlier periods comes from archaeological evidence since there is a lack of written records for most of the region until the late 1600s. Archaeologists have pieced together the past using material remains, organizing this long history into cultural periods: the Paleoindian, Archaic, Early Agricultural, Early Ceramic, and Formative. It was during the Formative period, beginning around 200 CE, that the most prominent and widely recognized cultures of the Southwest emerged: Ancestral Pueblo, Mogollon, Hohokam, Patayan, Sinagua, and Salado. Join us for a journey through time as we uncover the lives, innovations, and enduring legacies of these ancient peoples whose influence is still visible across the landscape of the Southwest today.

Tuesday 016 | Tea Tasting at the Japanese Friendship Garden

Instructor: Eriko Saxon Cost $80 1 session: Tuesday, Jan. 20 Community Partner 10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Japanese Friendship Garden Tea holds a special place in Japanese culture, with centuries-old traditions shaping its cultivation, preparation, and enjoyment. While modern practices have evolved to include various schools of tea, contemporary cafés, and casual tea experiences, the cultural significance of tea remains deeply rooted in daily life. In Japan, sharing tea is more than just drinking a beverage—it is a way to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

It offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life, inviting both host and guest to connect through simplicity and mindfulness. We invite you to experience this timeless tradition at the Japanese Friendship Garden through our program: Tea Tasting. Join us in embracing the tranquility and cultural richness of Japanese tea.

017 | Exploring Jazz: Styles, Sounds, & Stories

Instructor: Dom Moio 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Jan. 20, 27 10:30 a.m. – noon | Mesa Arts Center

Cost $38

This course will explore the diverse styles of jazz, addressing the complexities that often arise for new listeners in distinguishing what constitutes jazz and what does not. We will examine the historical development of this great American art form, highlighting pivotal moments and key figures within each style. In addition to studying notable recordings and their respective timelines, we will delve into the contributions of influential innovators who have shaped the evolution of jazz.

018 | Arizona Water Policy: Where Do We Stand?

Saturday 015 | The American Revolution Beyond the British

Instructor: Dr. Rick Bell Cost $95 6 sessions: Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 & Feb. 7, 14, 21 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Zoom – Osher Online

This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces.

Each session focuses on a different group—Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others—revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course, and consequences.

Instructor: Sarah Porter, JD 1 session: Tuesday, Jan. 20 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Friendship Village

Cost $19

Do Phoenix and the rest of Arizona have enough water to meet future demand? How will the state’s agriculture, industry, and growth be affected by declines in Colorado River supplies? Are Arizona communities doing enough to secure water for the future? Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy, will provide an overview of Arizona’s water policy and the state’s outlook for long-term water sustainability—in Phoenix and beyond.

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Why Travel with OLLI? Traveling with OLLI at ASU offers our members a unique opportunity to deepen friendships, expand horizons, and learn in new settings beyond the classroom. Whether exploring cultural treasures, natural landscapes, or intellectually inspiring destinations, each trip is thoughtfully curated to combine expert-led learning with rich social experiences. You’ll traverse new terrain with people who share your curiosity and enthusiasm. You will create lifelong memories, spark fresh ideas, and come home with renewed energy for community and lifelong learning. Get more information about trips with OLLI by navigating to the ‘Travel Opportunities’ page under ‘Member Benefits’ on our website.

Coming in 2027 Ireland African Safari Spain

ASU OLLI CORPS GOES TO

When & Where May 15 – 24, 2026 Casablanca, Rabat, Fès & Marrakech

Cost $4,495.00 per person (double occupancy) Additional $895 for single occupancy

MOROCCO

On this immersive trip to Morocco, you'll uncover the bustling medinas and colorful markets of Fès, Rabat, and Marrakech, each offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant culture of the country. You'll have the opportunity to meet with pioneering organizations that are empowering Moroccan women and working to protect the environment, gaining insight into the impactful work being done across the nation. Please note that flights are not included in cost of the trip.

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Featured ASU Faculty: Dr. Mary Jane Parmentier

Questions? Email: info@discovercorps.com Call: 1-619-758-3030

ALASKA’S When & Where July 31 - August 9, 2026 Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward

Cost $6,329 per person (double occupancy) Additional $1,710 for single occupancy

NATIONAL PARKS: DENALI & THE KENAI FJORDS

Majestic glaciers, unique wildlife, and pristine views do justice to Alaska’s nickname as the Last Frontier. Learn about the history of famous traditions like the Iditarod, and experience the beauty of both Denali and the Kenai Fjords National Parks on this small group Wildlife Tour.

In quaint villages and in the untamed wilderness, picture-perfect landscapes will appear around every corner. Please note that flights are not included in cost of the trip but can be added for an additional cost.

Featured ASU Faculty: Dr. Ken Sweat

Call 1-800-438-7672 – Reference OLLI at ASU Alaska trip

MOZART & CLASSICAL MUSIC ACROSS

CENTRAL EUROPE When & Where

Oct. 7 - Oct. 18, 2026 Germany, Austria & the Czech Republic

Cost $5,344 per person (double occupancy) Additional $785 for single occupancy

Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic—where classical music echoes through gilded halls and cobbled streets. From Munich’s grand opera houses to Salzburg’s Mozart-filled squares, Vienna’s imperial palaces to Prague’s theatrical gems, this journey traces the footsteps of Europe’s greatest composers.

Along the way, explore cathedrals, castles, and concert halls that have shaped the soundscape of Central Europe for centuries. Please note that flights are not included in cost of the trip but can be added for an additional cost.

Featured ASU Faculty: Dr. David Schildkret

Call 1-800-438-7672 – Reference OLLI at ASU Central Europe trip

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Classes on Zoom

Wednesday

Thursday

019 | Poetry & Music at MIM: Explore, Create & Share

021 | From the Dugout to the Desert: The Legacy of the Cactus League

Instructors: Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski & Dr. Mike Silvers Cost $68 Community Partner 2 sessions: Wednesdays, Jan. 21, 28 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Musical Instrument Museum In this immersive course, we’ll go on a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum, explore and interact with instruments from across the globe, and learn about the relationship between poetry and music. We’ll read and discuss a selection of poems that engage with musical instruments and music in general—writing that’s commonly termed ekphrastic, meaning writing that engages with other forms of art. For our second meeting, we’ll compose poems that engage with an instrument or musical sound and share them in a celebratory reading at MIM. No prior writing experience is necessary.

Current MIM Circle of Friends members, please contact education@MIM.org for a special code to use during registration for this course.

20 | Frank Lloyd Wright & Modern Architecture Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Gray 1 session: Wednesday, Jan. 21 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Taliesin West

Cost $35 Community Partner

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was arguably one of the world’s most important modern architects, designing approximately one thousand buildings during his career, including Taliesin West, his winter home and studio and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Scottsdale, Arizona.

When you join Dr. Jennifer Gray, Vice President of the Taliesin Institute at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, you will survey Wright’s practice, including his renowned Prairie-style houses, famed buildings such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, as well as lesser-known projects for affordable housing and utopian urban schemes. The course will situate his work in the context of the cultural changes of modernism, such as the Industrial Revolution, new technologies, scientific advancements, and progressive social politics. Participants in this class will receive a discounted audio guide tour of Taliesin West that can be redeemed between January 22 and May 31, 2026. Members will be informed during the class how to receive this discount.

Instructor: Bridget Binsbacher Cost $30 1 session: Thursday, Jan. 22 Community Partner 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Peoria Sports Complex Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes of Arizona’s legendary Cactus League — the organization that represents the state’s world-famous Major League Baseball spring training. Join us for a special fireside chat with Bridget Binsbacher, Executive Director of the Arizona Cactus League, and Blake Englert, Venue Manager of Peoria Sports Complex, to explore how the League began, why it remains such an essential part of Arizona’s culture and economy, impacts charitable causes, and what it takes to host thousands of fans and players each spring. We will see how the Cactus League partnership strengthens Peoria and other Arizona cities by boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and driving economic growth. Following the discussion, enjoy a private, guided tour of the Peoria Sports Complex with Blake. Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or simply curious about one of Arizona’s most celebrated traditions, this event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at where professional athletes train and prepare for the season — an enlightening and entertaining experience you won’t want to miss!

022 | Technology Across Generations

Instructor: Dr. Duane Roen 1 session: Thursday, Jan. 22 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

Technology changes from one generation to another, and these days it changes rapidly within a single generation.

For example, in the United States farmers were still using workhorses into the 1940s, but tractors had pretty much replaced them by the 1950s. In the home and workplace, many forms of technology have changed in our lifetime—e.g., crank phones were still used in the 1950s. In this workshop, we will write about technologies that have changed during our lifetime and how those changes have altered our lives in ways that our parents or grandparents could not have imagined.

023 | Phoenix Rising: The Strange but True Stories of an Improbable Metropolis

Instructor: Dr. Eduardo Pagán Cost $19 1 session: Thursday, Jan. 22 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Sun Health – Grandview Terrace From down-on-their-luck hobos who struck pay dirt with cow manure to lost English gentlemen who found their way out West, ASU Professor and History Detective Eduardo Pagán will provide an overview of the fascinating people who contributed to the rise of Phoenix from the ruins of the Hohokam settlements.

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026 | Wagons Ho: American Spring 2022Emigrant Semester Trails, 1775-1880 Jan. 24 – May 19

Beginning Week of Jan. 26

Instructor: Jim Turner 1 session: Tuesday, Jan. 27 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Glendale Foothills Library

Monday 024 | Brain & Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology

Instructor: Dr. Elena Labkovsky Cost $95 6 sessions: Mondays, Jan. 26 & Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Zoom – Osher Online Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions.

We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Contact Us for Support!

Tuesday Instructor: Dr. David Schildkret 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Jan. 27 & Feb. 3 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

For more than a century between 1775 and 1880, America was a nation on the move. It was one of the greatest mass migrations in human history, as hundreds of thousands left their homes in the East to forge new futures in the West. This presentation explores the complex network of routes that shaped the nation’s identity. We will follow Daniel Boone’s footsteps through the Cumberland Gap—blazing the Wilderness Road—travel the Oregon Trail’s vast, dusty prairies that led farm families to the fertile Willamette Valley; the California Trail, which drew hundreds of thousands of gold seekers; and the Santa Fe Trail, a commercial highway that linked the US and Mexico through profitable trade. The journey was fraught with danger, demanding resilience and claiming many lives to disease, starvation, and unforgiving terrain. This presentation also acknowledges the profound, and often tragic, impact that westward expansion had on the Native American tribes who had long inhabited these lands.

Wednesday

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025 | On the Road with Mozart

Cost FREE

Cost $38

027 | Relevance & Purpose in your Third Act: A Journey of Discovery Instructor: Winslow McIntyre 1 session: Wednesday, Jan. 28 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

An interactive, exploratory workshop focused on the reasons and opportunities for post-retirement community engagement. As you navigate the transition into your third act—after careers, after kids—you may find yourself asking, “What’s next?” Retirement is rich on opportunities, but it does have its challenges and remaining an integral and relevant part of your community can be easier said than done. Personal fulfillment is as important at the end of your career as ever, and your experiences tell a tale that we want to help you share! This interactive workshop helps you explore how to turn your skills, experience, and passions into purposeful community involvement. Discover local opportunities, navigate the transition into your "third act," and find personal fulfillment in your Third Act. Retirement is just the beginning of your next chapter—and volunteering can make it your most meaningful yet.

In October 2026, OLLI travels to Central Europe in the footsteps of Mozart. In preparation, we explore Mozart’s music through the lens of locations significant to his career: Munich (where his opera Idomeneo premiered), Salzburg (his birthplace), Vienna (where he spent his last decade), and Prague (where he enjoyed extraordinary popularity). Open both to travelers and non-travelers alike, the class offers a unique insight into the composer's music and four cities that supported him.

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Classes on Zoom

Thursday

Sunday

028 | DETAINED: Voices from the Migrant Incarceration System

031 | Unveiling the Universe: Discoveries from Rubin Observatory

Instructor: Dr. Anita Huizar-Hernandez 1 session: Thursday, Jan. 29 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

Instructor: Alec Warren Cost $15 annual, $30 semester 1 session: Sunday, Feb. 1 Community Partner 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Arizona Science Center

Join us for a conversation about public memory and immigration detention. We will discuss the digital archive "DETAINED: Voices from the Migrant Incarceration System"—a collaboration among the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Salvavision, the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP), and formerly detained individuals—that collects and publicly archives the stories of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants incarcerated by immigration authorities in Arizona. Since 2020, "DETAINED" has recorded, contextualized, and shared the oral histories of dozens of system-impacted migrants and asylum seekers, illuminating how immigration detention dehumanizes, silences, and isolates. Through this public-facing archive, the project preserves a vital primary record of detention from the perspective of detainees, presented through multilingual text, audio, and visual art.

Step into the brand-new era of sky-watching in the Dorrance DOME as the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory unveils its first images and discoveries— from sweeping nebula mosaics and galaxy swarms to thousands of newly found asteroids captured in just hours.

Alec Warren, Director of Dorrance DOME Experiences at Arizona Science Center, will lead our journey as we decode how Rubin’s 3,200-megapixel camera will create the highest resolution timelapse of the Universe ever produced, transforming how we find supernovae, near-Earth asteroids, and clues about the very fabric of existence. This 25-minute-long, interactive and livepresented program will be followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Admission to Arizona Science Center is included with the experience.

029 | Unlocking the Keys: The Hidden Power of Keyboard Instruments

Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Peterman Cost $19 1 session: Thursday, Jan. 29 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church This class offers an enchanting, in-depth look at four keyboard instruments and how they work—from the portative organ (12th–16th centuries) to the invention of the harpsichord and its evolution into the piano, and finally a leap forward to the modern grand organ, featuring Arizona’s largest in-use church pipe organ at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church. Several pieces will be performed on each instrument to demonstrate their unique capabilities.

Friday 030 | The Mind Behind The Music: Discovering Beethoven

Instructor: Dr. Nurit Jugend 1 session: Friday, Jan. 30 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

Beethoven is one of the most significant composers of the 18th century, thanks to his ability to explore new ideas and expand the boundaries and aesthetics of his time. One of his greatest contributions as a composer was leading the music of the Classical era into the Romantic era. Join Dr. Nurit Jugend, composer and music educator, to examine Beethoven's three main periods as a composer and discuss two of his most significant and well-known works: the majestic Symphony No. 5 and the nature-inspired Pastoral Symphony No. 6. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of Beethoven’s music and his unique artistic voice.

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Beginning Week of Feb. 2 Monday 032 | Valley Fever: Dangerous Dirt in the Desert

Instructor: Dr. Doug Lake Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Feb. 2 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center Valley fever is a fungal infection that is very prevalent in Maricopa County. In this lecture, ASU's Dr. Douglas Lake, professor in the School of Life Sciences, will cover the fungus that causes Valley Fever, where it grows, how people and animals get infected, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.

Tuesday 033 | Geopolitics Today: New Dawn or Just Chaos?

Instructor: Dr. Braden Allenby 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Feb. 3, 10 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $38

From conflict in Europe, the Middle East, and SubSaharan Africa, to a global economy under strain and rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, today’s world can feel increasingly unsettled. Add to that a divided America and a rapidly shifting international order, it's easy to feel both confused and concerned. But is this moment in history truly unique? Or are we simply living through another turbulent chapter, much like those that have come before? This course will explore whether the challenges we face today signal a deeper, more fundamental transformation in the global order. Join us as we examine the roots of today’s crises, assess whether we’re approaching a historic tipping point, and consider what this might mean for the future, both in terms of risks and opportunities.

Wednesday 034 | Immigration, Assimilation & Antisemitism: The History of Jewish Life in the Americas

Instructor: Dan Fellner Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 4 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center

Fleeing religious persecution in Europe, Jews first arrived in the New World in the 17th century and have since built vibrant and influential communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. This highly visual presentation by leading travel journalist Dan Fellner will take us to historic synagogues in the Caribbean, South America, and the United States, including three of the oldest Jewish congregations in the U.S., all of which received letters from President George Washington affirming religious freedom in America. From Charleston to Curaçao, and Alaska to Argentina, we’ll explore the survival and resilience of Jewish life in places you might least expect to find it.

035 | Joe DiMaggio: The "Yankee Clipper"

Instructor: Ken Sorensen 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 4 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $14

Joe DiMaggio was born into a family of fishermen, but he had no interest in that life. He dropped out of his San Francisco high school and took on odd jobs before discovering baseball. DiMaggio went on to have a legendary career with the New York Yankees, winning nine World Series titles. His smooth play in Yankee Stadium’s vast center field earned him the nickname “The Yankee Clipper.” Off the field, he married Marilyn Monroe, the world’s most famous woman at the time. Throughout his life, DiMaggio was admired for his poise, dignity, and classic sense of style.

036 | State Birds of the West

Instructor: Kathe Anderson 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 4 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Cost $19

Focusing on the state birds of the area west of the Mississippi, Kathe Anderson, a community scientist and conservation educator, explores what a state bird should be, along with the state nickname and other quirky state symbols of the ‘wilder’ West. Find out why the California gull is Utah’s state bird, which bird is shared by at least five states, and which state also has a state raptor..

037 | Frida Kahlo: Art, Identity, & Spring 2022 Semester Resilience Jan. 24 – May 19

Instructor: Susan Roemer 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 4 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Sun City Fairway

Cost $19

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” Her paintings are more than art—they are a visual autobiography, rich with symbolism, emotion, and personal history. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of this iconic Mexican artist, whose bold self-portraits continue to captivate and inspire across generations. From her close relationship with her father to the devastating bus accident that shaped her physical and emotional world to her passionate and turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, each chapter of Frida’s life is vividly reflected in her work.

Thursday 038 | Geology of Arizona Landscapes & Rocks

Instructor: Dr. Steve Semken 1 session: Thursday, Feb. 5 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

Step into breathtaking terrain as we explore the diverse rocks and landscapes of Arizona. Using maps, images, and rock samples we'll uncover the nearly 2-billion-year narrative of our state's geologic history. Steve Semken was appointed an ASU President's Professor in 2025. Join us!

039 | Arizona History: Statehood to Suburbia

Instructor: Jim Turner 1 session: Thursday, Feb. 5 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Desert Foothills Library

Cost $19

Join Jim Turner to explore Arizona’s history from its admission as the 48th state in 1912 through the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. We will trace the legacies of frontier mining and cattle ranching alongside the rise of early Progressive politics, Native American reservations, boarding schools, and the trading posts that connected diverse communities.

The class will examine Arizona’s role in national and international events, including General Pershing’s punitive expedition along the border, the arrival of health seekers and tourists drawn to dude ranches and ranch schools, and the emergence of auto tourism and early motionpicture production. By connecting Arizona’s frontier past with its modern identity, participants will gain insight into how cultural diversity, economic opportunity, and environmental limits have shaped one of the fastestgrowing states in the nation.

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YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS! We gratefully acknowledge Rick & Janet Knopf, as OLLI Visionaries, for their generous contribution in support of OLLI and our mission to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Member Support

OLLI at ASU provides our community with opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. As we continue to expand the ways that we can support lifelong learning, we need your help!

Membership and class fees cover just 25% of OLLI's operating costs. While ASU is extremely generous with its infrastructural support for our program, ASU’s annual support and the support from the Bernard Osher Foundation Endowment contribute only 28% of our operating costs. That means the remaining 48% of our essential costs come from donations from members like you. We can't do any of this without your support!

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

Charitable contributions for OLLI at ASU are accepted through the ASU Foundation. For questions regarding donations to the OLLI Excellence Fund or the Richard C Knopf fund please contact Kristine FireThunder, Program Specialist at kristine.firethunder@asufoundation.org. If you are interested in the IRA Qualified Charitable Donation or any other estate & gift planning options, please contact Jason Sprinkle, Executive Director from ASU Foundation at jason.sprinkle@asu.edu.

Use the QR code below to donate directly to OLLI at ASU. You can also visit our website “Donation” button for more information.

OLLI at ASU only exists because of your support!

To give via check:

To give via credit card:

ASU Watts College 411 N Central Ave, Suite 750 Mail Code 3520, Phoenix, AZ 85004 ATTN: Nellie Nano Please make checks payable to ASU Foundation Memo: G03708 For more information please contact: Nellie Nano, Program Specialist

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Scan the QR code or visit our website https://bit.ly/3Oh6Yzd

All funds will be deposited with the ASU Foundation for a New American University, a separate nonprofit organization that exists to support ASU. The full amount of your contribution may be considered a charitable contribution. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions. G03708 FD320

Classes on Zoom Beginning Week of Feb. 9

Monday

040 | Exploring the Kingdom of Morocco

Instructors: Donna Hartz & George Hartz Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Feb. 9 Community Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center The ancient Kingdom of Morocco has a fascinating history, beautiful and historic cities, a mix of cultures, remarkable artistic and architectural achievements, fantastic food, friendly people, and an incredible natural setting of mountains, deserts, and Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches. It is an easy and enjoyable place to visit and explore. This session will include an overview of the Kingdom of Morocco and a travelogue showcasing its wonders. Morocco is well worth the time and energy. Scottsdale even has a long-standing sister city relationship with Marrakech, with regular cultural and community activities. Come and explore!

041 | Hiroshima & the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bomb

Instructor: Dr. Mary Jane Parmentier Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Feb. 9 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Chandler Innovation Center This interactive lecture focuses on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, its aftermath, the rebuilding process, and future implications. We will also explore the global ramifications of nuclear weapons technology. Mary Jane Parmentier, a professor at ASU with a PhD in International Studies and an MA in International Relations, recently attended the 80th memorial of the bombing in Hiroshima, Japan.

She will share her experiences, incorporating Japanese perspectives and contemporary analysis, during the class.

042 | Quantum Physics

Instructor: Dr. Johnnie Hendrickson 2 sessions: Mondays, Feb. 9, 16 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Tuesday 043 | Hands-On at Cosanti: Tile Glazing & Guided Tour

Instructor: Dakota Petersen Cost $120 1 session: Tuesday, Feb. 10 Community Partner 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Cosanti Additional class and time on page 16.

Join us at Cosanti in Paradise Valley for a unique chance to participate in our long tradition of ceramic artisan crafts.

Begin with a tour of our active workshop, an experiment in desert materials and community organization, now an Arizona Historic Site. After the tour, students will learn techniques for forming and glazing decorative ceramic tiles, choosing two pre-formed tiles to paint with vibrant liquid glazes. Each tile will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, fired, packaged, and returned within two weeks.

Waterproof and durable, the tiles are perfect for display, practical use, or as a unique keepsake or gift.

044 | Behind the Scenes at Chase Field

Instructor: Chase Field Staff 1 session: Tuesday, Feb. 10 10:30 a.m. – noon | Chase Field

Cost $30 Community Partner

Step onto the home turf of the Arizona Diamondbacks and experience Chase Field like never before! This exclusive guided tour for OLLI members offers a behindthe-scenes look at one of Major League Baseball’s most unique ballparks – complete with a retractable roof, poolside areas, and air-conditioned comfort in the heart of downtown Phoenix. During this 90-minute experience, participants will walk through the main concourse, dugout, and suite level, visit the luxury suites and Diamondbacks Hall of Fame exhibits, and tour the premium season ticket locations where Advantage Members sit. The experience also includes a Q&A session with members of the Diamondbacks ticket sales staff (TBD). Bring your curiosity, comfortable walking shoes, and your love of baseball – or simply a love of seeing how things work behind the scenes! Parking will be free at the Chase Field Parking Garage.

Cost $38

Join Dr. Hendrickson (an erstwhile quantum mechanic) for a journey into the strange world of quantum physics.

This branch of modern physics focuses on light and very small particles, which behave very differently from familiar, macroscopic objects. This is not a class in metaphysics (the philosophical study of time and space) nor will we cover quantum mechanics, the mathematical, how-to side of quantum theory. Instead, we’ll be tourists admiring the view, with no prerequisite knowledge of physics or math required.

Member ID Cards

045 | The Wyeth Family: Three Generations of American Art

Instructor: Allen Reamer 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Feb. 10, 17 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $38

The Wyeths are a remarkable family. N.C. Wyeth, though not born into an artistic family, became a nationally known illustrator whose work transcended mere illustration to become fine art. His son, Andrew, and grandson, Jamie, are the most well-known, both achieving immediate success in New York. This class will explore the lives and art of these three men and, time permitting, will also highlight other talented members of the Wyeth family.

Spring semester ID cards will be mailed at the end of February. Bring your member ID card with you and present it at the counter to take advantage of discounts with our select partners!

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046 | Hands-On at Cosanti: Tile Glazing & Guided Tour

Instructor: Dakota Petersen Cost $120 1 session: Tuesday, Feb. 10 Community Partner 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Cosanti Additional class and time on page 15.

Join us at Cosanti in Paradise Valley for a unique chance to participate in our long tradition of ceramic artisan crafts.

Begin with a tour of our active workshop, an experiment in desert materials and community organization, now an Arizona Historic Site. After the tour, students will learn techniques for forming and glazing decorative ceramic tiles, choosing two pre-formed tiles to paint with vibrant liquid glazes. Each tile will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, fired, packaged, and returned within two weeks.

Waterproof and durable, the tiles are perfect for display, practical use, or as a unique keepsake or gift.

048 | The 25 Top Film Scores of All Spring 2022 Semester Time Jan. 24 – May 19 Instructor: Emanuel Abramovits 2 sessions: Wednesdays, Feb. 11, 18 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $38

The American Film Institute released a list of the best film scores that includes many well-known classics and some surprises. The composers of those scores had fascinating lives and solid careers. With the help of plenty of audiovisuals, stories and anecdotes, let’s enjoy the ride through the process of creating those historical pieces that convey what the movie is trying to say without words and evoke an emotional response even the most brilliant bit of dialogue cannot. With the participation of the students, we'll build our alternative top 25 film scores of all time!

Thursday 049 | From Cave Walls to City Streets: The Surprising History of Graffiti Art Instructor: Dr. Deborah Robin 2 sessions: Thursdays, Feb. 12, 19 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $38

Humans have been making unauthorized marks on walls for thousands of years. From ancient Roman political messages to today’s elaborate street murals, this visual journey explores our timeless urge to leave a mark. In this two-part course, we’ll travel through centuries of unsanctioned art—from medieval church graffiti to the explosive street art movement of the 1980s. Discover how outlaw artists like Basquiat and Keith Haring jumped from subway walls to museum galleries, and how modern masters like Banksy turn vandalism into million-dollar art.

You’ll never look at a spray-painted wall the same way again!

050 | Dr. Danny's Crime-Busting Lab: Computer Crime

Wednesday 047 | Understanding Cancer: From Mystery to Medical Breakthroughs

Instructor: Dr. Joshua LaBaer Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 11 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center Cancer has long been one of the most feared diagnoses, and with good reason—it remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. For many years, the disease was shrouded in mystery, leaving doctors and scientists searching for answers. Today, that picture has changed. We now understand the biological hallmarks that distinguish cancer from normal cell behavior and have identified many of its causes. In this class, Dr. Joshua LaBaer will introduce the fundamentals of cancer: what it is, how our understanding has evolved, and—most importantly—the encouraging ways in which science and medicine are making progress in the fight against it.

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Instructor: Dr. Danny Kneer 1 session: Thursday, Feb. 12 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

By the age of 14, Dr. Danny, a lifelong enthusiast of computers and mathematics, envisioned a world shaped by “computer crime”—a phrase that would not enter public consciousness for another 15 years. Over the course of his career, Dr. Danny has gained firsthand experience with computer crimes, from innovative pranks as a college freshman to work that may have influenced historical outcomes in museums. In this engaging course, Dr. Danny draws on his expertise to introduce participants to the critical thinking and investigative skills necessary for solving crimes – “Criminology 101” in action.

We will examine real-world cases ranging from money laundering schemes involving $30 billion, to the curious disappearance of over one hundred $15,000 trees, to ATMs mysteriously dispensing Euros. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their problem-solving skills and step into the role of investigator to solve these crimes firsthand.

A Day of Connection, Wine, and Purpose Wednesday, February 4, 2026 This intimate fundraiser offers a rare opportunity to spend the day with a small group of OLLI members, OLLI leadership, and Cynthia Lietz, Vice Provost of the Downtown Phoenix Campus and Dean of Watts College.

Dean Cynthia Lietz

The Experience Morning Connection | Begin your day with a refreshing walk through the serene Bubbly Ponds Fish Hatchery, setting the tone for reflection and camaraderie.

Afternoon Discovery | Journey through the heart of Cornville for curated tastings at three celebrated wineries: Cove Mesa, Page Springs, and DA Ranch — each offering a unique taste of Arizona’s wine country and Cove Mesa will include a catered lunch.

Evening Celebration | Conclude your day with a private dinner at the elegant Mountain Modern Hotel in Sedona, Arizona, surrounded by stunning red rock views and inspiring conversation.

Registration Details — $1,275 per person | $2,000 per couple A portion of your registration directly supports OLLI programming and may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor.

Optional Stay Extend your experience! Mountain Modern Hotel is offering a group discount on overnight accommodations.

(Hotel reservations are not included and should be booked directly with the hotel through the link provided after you make your pledge.)

Your Impact This is more than a day of wine and discovery—it’s an opportunity to: Deepen your connection to OLLI at ASU Engage with university leadership Support lifelong learning and healthy aging Your participation helps OLLI at ASU continue to enrich minds, foster connection, and inspire curiosity for years to come.

How to Give Submit your pledge of $1,275 (individual) or $2,000 (couple) using the link on our website at www.asuolli.org. Click ‘Member Events’ under the ‘Member Benefits’ button. The ASU Foundation will invoice you and collect funds between December 30 and January 7. We must have a minimum of 8 participants to 17 offer event.

Classes on Zoom Beginning Week of Feb. 16

Monday 051 | Expedition Cruising in Alaska

Instructor: Dan Fellner Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Feb. 16 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center Looking for a cool summer getaway? Perhaps you’ve already cruised to Alaska but want a more authentic, less crowded experience. Expedition cruising takes you to places the big ships can’t reach—small villages inhabited

by Indigenous people, tidewater glaciers, remote fjords, and Alaska’s abundant wildlife in its natural habitat.

Instructor Dan Fellner, a veteran travel journalist and photographer, has written extensively about Alaska and cruise destinations around the world. Join him for an insider’s look at exploring Alaska the expedition way.

052 | Water in the Desert: The Role of Reclamation in the Valley

Wednesday 054 | Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert

Instructor: Rich Cochran Cost $38 2 sessions: Wednesdays, Feb. 18, 25 Community Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon & 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. | ASU Health Futures Center & McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning—arthropods are the most diverse and numerous group of animals on the planet. From scorching deserts to the icy edges of Antarctica, they’ve conquered nearly every habitat on Earth. Though some people are uneasy around these creatures—especially the creepy, crawly, or stinging ones—they are essential to the health of ecosystems everywhere. In this presentation, we’ll take a closer look at the fascinating world of arthropods and explore the vital roles they play in the unique environment of the Sonoran Desert. A field study for the second session of this class will take place at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Gateway Trailhead. The address and meeting location will be provided to registered members during the first week of class. Duration: 2 hours; Distance: 1 mile. ADA compliant.

Instructor: Marissa Sotomayor Cost $25 1 session: Monday, Feb. 16 Community Partner 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | SRP Heritage Center Water sustains life, and though the scale at which humans access it in the Valley has changed, much of the methodology behind its transportation has not. Beginning with an acknowledgment of the Huhugam’s invaluable contributions to the eventual creation of modern water delivery infrastructure, this course examines how the need for a consistent and reliable water supply by Anglo settlers in the late 1800s drove the creation and implementation of the Federal Reclamation Act of 1902. This act – and the federal reclamation projects it inspired – forever changed settlement patterns and possibilities, paving the way for the booming metropolitan area we now know as Greater Phoenix. Accompanying the presentation will be an interactive tour of SRP’s Heritage Center, a multifunctional space that showcases the company’s history and legacy.

Tuesday 053 | Advanced Analytics: Real-World Applications via Excel

Instructor: Dr. Danny Kneer Cost $19 1 session: Tuesday, Feb. 17 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Chandler Innovation Center

Analytics isn’t just for data scientists—it’s all around us, and Excel puts some of the most powerful tools right at your fingertips. In this course, Dr. Danny introduces participants to regression analysis, often called the “Holy Grail” of analytics, and shows how to apply it practically to a wide variety of situations. You’ll learn how to run regression models and interpret the results to make smarter financial, business, and personal decisions—from detecting fraud and reducing waste, to budgeting, buying a home, and lowering insurance premiums. This is realworld math after college – “After-Math”—made accessible and actionable. We will be using Excel, so come with some familiarity with how it works. Computers will be provided for you. Cases will be pre-uploaded or accessible via on18 site flashdrive.

055 | Slavery in Late Medieval Italy

Instructor: Dr. Hannah Barker 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 18 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Cost $19

This class examines the ideology and practice of slavery in late medieval Italian cities such as Venice and Genoa. ASU professor Dr. Hannah Barker will discuss the laws that defined slave status, the demographics of the enslaved population, the types of labor associated with slavery, and some of the consequences of this practice for medieval Italian society.

Thursday

Spring 2022 Semester

056 | Global Food Journeys: The Story of Cheese

Instructor: Kathleen Dixon Cost $30 1 session: Thursday, Feb. 19 OLLI Workshop 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library Travel the world through cheese! Sample a curated selection from different regions while learning how geography, culture, and trade have shaped their distinct flavors and traditions. We’ll also explore how climate, sustainability, and globalization continue to influence this beloved food today.

Friday 057 | Evolution vs. Creationism: Is There Room for Compromise?

Instructor: Dr. David Pearson 1 session: Friday, Feb. 20 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Beginning Week of Feb. 23 Jan. 24 – May 19 Monday 059 | Legendary Duos

Instructor: Dr. Richard Carlson 2 sessions: Mondays, Feb. 23 & Mar. 2 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $38

Let’s delve into the lives and loves of history’s most legendary couples—from the mythic romance of Antony and Cleopatra to the passionate entanglement of Napoleon and Josephine. We’ll spotlight iconic literary figures like the Brownings, as well as famous royal duos, musical geniuses, and pioneering partners in science.

And, of course, no tale of love would be complete without revisiting the grandparent of them all—Romeo and Juliet.

Cost $19

In this thought-provoking lecture on science versus religion, Dr. David Pearson, a retired research professor from ASU’s School of Life Sciences, explores how the divide between science and religion developed—and whether it is sustained only by extremists on each side or if common ground exists. Dr. Pearson will trace the history of science and examine how its role evolved into the modern era. He will also discuss how influences from Judeo-Christian traditions contributed to the rise of modern science. Does the scientific method preclude faith, or must religion reject science? Can a scientist believe in God—and if so, how? Join the discussion as we explore these enduring questions and invite new ones of your own.

Saturday 058 | Storytileing: Tiles & Tales (The Clay Connection Project)

Instructor: Allie Thurgood Cost $30 2 sessions: Saturdays, Feb. 21, 28 OLLI Workshop 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | School of Art, Tempe

Join OLLI Intergenerational Scholar Allie Thurgood, ASU School of Art MA candidate, for a two-part, hands-on, heart-centered workshop where creativity and connection meet. This intergenerational class introduces participants to the basics of tile making with clay—including slab building, carving, and relief—while exploring how to tell stories through visual art. In the first session, each participant will create a personal story or memory as a tile mosaic. Then, partnered with another participant, they’ll co-create a second tile reflecting their shared conversation and emerging themes. In the second part of the workshop, participants will explore the basics of color mixing and painting on clay, bringing their tiles from the first session to life with color and detail. Rooted in community building and intergenerational exchange, this workshop emphasizes both the technical fundamentals of ceramics and the power of shared experiences. No prior clay experience is necessary—just bring your hands, your stories, and your curiosity!

060 | History & Archaeology Behind the Formation of the Christian Nicene Creed

Instructor: Dr. Matthew Knopf Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Feb. 23 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center Discover the history behind the Christian proclamation of the Nicene Creed—a unifying statement of faith for Christians worldwide. Pastor Matt Knopf will explore the background of the creed’s establishment and creation, tracing the events of the historic Council of Nicaea under Emperor Constantine. You’ll also learn about the archaeological excavations currently underway in the ancient city of Nicaea, which offer new insight into this pivotal moment in Christian history. Join us for a fascinating exploration of one of the most significant developments in Christian proclamation.

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Classes on Zoom 061 | Memory & Cognitive Flexibility: Our Brain's Executive Functions

Instructor: Dr. Billie Enz 1 session: Monday, Feb. 23 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Cost $19

Join Emerita Professor Dr. Billi Enz for an interactive session exploring the components of executive function (EF)—including attention span, working memory, planning, mental flexibility, physical inhibition, and emotional regulation (self-control). The discussion will examine how and when EF skills develop, as well as strategies for maintaining these essential brain functions throughout life. Practical tips for preserving memory and enhancing problem-solving abilities will also be demonstrated.

Tuesday 062 | Women of the Ancient World

Instructor: Dr. Sarah Bolmarcich 1 session: Tuesday, Feb. 24 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Friendship Village

Cost $19

Women of the ancient world were not just “goddesses, whores, wives, and slaves,” but were often powerful political, cultural, and economic influences that were essential to the functioning of the societies of Greece and Rome. How much power did women have? The answer might surprise you!

063 | Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause

Wednesday 064 | The Geography of American Security

Instructor: Captain (Ret.) Barney Rubel Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 25 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center This presentation by Captain Barney Rubel, USN (Ret.), Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, explores the geography and geometry of American security using world maps and Venn diagrams. It examines the relationship between the world’s oceans and U.S. security interests, linking maritime strategy to the broader framework of national security strategy. The session also reviews major theories of geopolitics, key provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and foundational statements of U.S. security strategy.

065 | Laser Engraving: An Introduction to Laser Cutting

Instructor: Hawkins Pendragom Cost $35 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 25 Community Partner 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Arizona Science Center

Add laser cutting to your toolbox of creative skills with CREATE! In this beginner-level workshop, Makers will explore the process of etching designs using lasers. Our expert CREATE techs will guide you through tool safety, material exploration, preparation of etching areas, and how to cut lines in CorelDRAW—culminating in a laser-cut creation you can take home.

Instructor: Dr. Kevin Sandler Cost $30 1 session: Tuesday, Feb. 24 Community Partner 1:00 – 3:15 p.m. | Harkins Shea 14 Theater Join us at Harkins 14 as OLLI at ASU and the Greater Jewish Film Festival proudly collaborate for a special screening of the new documentary Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause. Beloved actor, comedian, and talk show host Charles Grodin charmed audiences with his signature dry wit and deadpan delivery in classics such as The Heartbreak Kid, Catch-22, and Midnight Run. Yet beyond his comedic talents, Grodin was a passionate advocate for social justice, dedicating much of his life to freeing wrongly convicted prisoners. This compelling documentary celebrates his remarkable life and career through rare archival footage and interviews with stars including Adam Arkin, Carol Burnett, Robert De Niro, and Martin Short. ASU Film and Media Studies professor Dr. Kevin Sandler will introduce the film and lead a 30-minute post-screening discussion. The class fee includes a specially discounted ticket.

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066 | Pondering the Presidency

Instructor: Dr. Laura Smith 1 session: Wednesday, Feb. 25 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Cost $19

Following Presidents’ Day, we will explore how to understand the office of the presidency in 2026.

Presidential power is often associated only with post– World War II America—but is this accurate? We will examine the differences between executive authority in foreign policy and domestic policy, and consider how a president’s ability to act is influenced by party support.

Midterm elections are often viewed as a referendum on the presidency. In this election year, we will also ask whether presidential campaigns have always been long in America, how campaigning tactics have changed since the founding generation, and whether partisanship and gridlock are unique to modern history. Join us for this timely discussion, which uses presidents from various periods to deepen our understanding of America’s—and the world’s—most powerful office.

Thursday 067 | Monuments & Memory: Exploring National War Memorials

Instructor: Dr. Kelly Nelson 1 session: Thursday, Feb. 26 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

Join this virtual tour of national war memorials in the U.S. and beyond, examining them as public art, cultural history, sites of dark tourism, and spaces of collective memory.

Cultural anthropologist Kelly Nelson will share six different purposes that war memorials can serve and invite participants to compare realistic and abstract elements in monuments. We will also explore what the upcoming national memorial for the post–9/11 war on terrorism might look like.

Friday 068 | Behind the Robes: Inside the U.S. Supreme Court

Instructor: Dr. Terry McAteer 1 session: Friday, Feb. 27 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $24

Join Dr. Terry McAteer for this two-hour class that will take you inside the highest court in the nation and demystify its inner workings. We’ll explore how cases reach the Court, what criteria the Justices use to decide which ones to hear, and the deliberative process that leads to landmark rulings. We will pull back the curtain on the often misunderstood third branch of government.

Whether you're a news follower, history buff, or simply curious citizen, this course will leave you with a deeper appreciation for how the Supreme Court influences nearly every aspect of American life.

Beginning Week of Mar. 2 Monday 069 | From Town Crier to X & Beyond: The Media & the American Presidency

Instructor: Steven Cooper Cost $38 2 sessions: Mondays, Mar. 2, 9 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center

This class will explore how and why the press became a protected “business” and examine the early relationship between the Founders and the media. We will discuss Presidents and the media in wartime—how presidents have “used” the press, from party newspapers to radio, television, and now digital platforms. The class will also cover the rise of right-wing media in the 1980s and how the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine enabled Rush Limbaugh and his acolytes to dominate the airwaves.

Additionally, we will investigate how Twitter (now X) and other online platforms have influenced presidential communication. Finally, we will examine current threats to press protections and how the courts are responding.

070 | Bumble Bee Conservation Through Community Science Instructor: Amy Dolan 1 session: Monday, Mar. 2 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $19

Join Amy Dolan from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to learn about bumble bee biology and conservation, and how community science volunteers across the U.S. are helping to map and protect these important native pollinators. Amy is an Endangered Species Conservation Biologist with the Xerces Society and the coordinator of the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, which covers Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

She is based in Grand Junction, CO.

071 | Geology: The Deep History of the Valley of the Sun

Instructor: Mike Nolan Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Mar. 2 Community Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center

Join McDowell Sonoran Conservancy docent and former executive director of the MSC, Mike Nolan, as he explains, through the eyes of a geologist, the “deep” history of the Valley of the Sun. The rocks and landscape around Phoenix reflect a long and complex geological history dating back more than 1.5 billion years. From ancient continental collisions to more recent volcanic activity, the physical world around us is the result of our geological past. This lecture will explore how geological forces acting on a continental scale created the present-day landscape and shaped the rocks exposed in the mountains and landforms of the region.

072 | Coping With Stress for Mental & Physical Health

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Rabin Cost $76 4 sessions: Mondays, Mar. 2, (skip 9), 6, 23, 30 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center An immune system that functions properly during aging is important for staying healthy as we continue to age.

The primary purpose of the immune system is to prevent diseases caused by infections. Examples of infectious diseases that the immune system can prevent are influenza, COVID, polio, tetanus, and pneumonia. However, in addition to preventing disease, the immune system can also cause disease by looking at the body and reacting against one’s own body. When this occurs, diseases termed autoimmune diseases result. Thus, the immune system can be our friend, but also our enemy. This class will teach you, in understandable terms, how the different parts of the immune system function to prevent disease and the health consequences of when they don’t work properly.

Donate to the Scholarship Fund!

The Richard C. Knopf OLLI Scholarship Fund provides support for students and intergenerational work within OLLI at ASU in honor of Dr. Knopf – please consider making a gift today to sustain this vital program!

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Tuesday

Wednesday

073 | The First Amendment: Roots & Realities

076 | The Shape of the Story: How Film Formats Change the Movie Experience

Instructor: Dr. Joe Russomanno 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Mar. 3, 10 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $38

Instructor: Dr. Andrew Nelson Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Mar. 4 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center

The First Amendment’s speech and press freedoms are cornerstones of American democracy. Their presence—or absence—affects who we are as individuals, as a nation, as a culture, and as a species. A common question arises: Do we stand for principles that encourage or limit these freedoms? Just as journalists ask “Who? What? When?

Where? Why? How?” to evaluate a story, we’ll do the same with this topic. Finding answers will take us into the realms of law, history, philosophy, journalism, and politics. As the title suggests, this two-session course will examine the origins of free expression as a value—how it developed in the United States—and the current realities of speech and press freedom in contemporary America.

Why do some movies fill your entire TV screen while others leave black bars? Why are filmmakers like Christopher Nolan embracing IMAX—a format once reserved for natural history museums? And whatever happened to 3D—was it a fad, or a future that never quite arrived? This lively, visually rich class traces how the “shape” of movies has evolved from early Hollywood to the present day. We’ll explore why studios pushed widescreen technologies in the 1950s, how letterboxing and pan-andscan transformed home viewing, and why directors like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson are reviving vintage formats such as 70mm and VistaVision. By the end, you’ll see movies with new eyes, understanding the artistic, technological, and even economic choices behind what fills, or doesn't fill, the frame.

074 | Sweet & Simple: The Art of Easy Dessert Making

Instructor: Chef Larry Canepa Cost $25 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 3 OLLI Workshop 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Desert Foothills Library You don’t need to be Betty Crocker or a professional pastry chef to whip up desserts that look and taste amazing. Impressive sweets aren’t reserved for TV kitchens or high-end bakeries. With just a few simple techniques, a dash of creativity, and some basic ingredients, anyone can create stunning treats right at home. A swirl of whipped cream, a scattering of fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate can completely transform a simple dessert into something eye-catching and elegant. All it takes is a willingness to try, a sense of fun, and maybe a sweet tooth or two to share. So, roll up your sleeves, open your pantry, and remember – the best desserts come from the heart, not a textbook.

075 | Understanding & Maintaining Memory

Instructor: Dr. Billie Enz Cost $19 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 3 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Sun Health – La Loma Village Join Dr. Billie Enz, ASU Emerita professor, in this interactive session. We will discuss our intertwined memory systems, including sensory, working- and long-term memory. We will also review factors that enhance and inhibit memory and review practical ways to strengthen our memory throughout our lives. Finally, we will clarify the differences between age-related memory loss and dementia.

Instructor Biographies You can browse the instructor biographies by navigating to 'Browse Current Classes & Memberships' and hovering over the instructor name. You can also do this in 'My Class List'.

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077 | The Impact of the Holocaust on Survivors: Diverse Profiles of Luck & Resilience

Instructor: Dr. Ettie Zilber 1 session: Wednesday, Mar. 4 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Cost $19

What is the definition of “Survivor” and what were the common denominators for almost all Survivors? Certainly, fear, food insecurity/starvation, and trauma. But, it would be erroneous to paint all “Survivors” with one brush. In fact, each Survivor is very different. Clearly, the diversity is based on pre-war, war, and post-war experiences. These would start with age, geography, socio-economics, and family status, and lead into the endless variety of wartime experiences. The lesser-known post-war experiences also had a huge impact on the Survivors. This presentation details more of the above, with examples from the speaker’s family, among others.

Thursday 078 | Unlocking the Past: Exploring Archaeology Through Modern Technology

Instructor: Dr. Matt Peeples Cost $26 1 session: Thursday, Mar. 5 Community Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon | Deer Valley Petroglyph Additional class and time on page 29.

Join Dr. Matthew Peeples, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, for a one-of-a-kind class designed by an OLLI at ASU Intergenerational Learning Service Scholarship recipient. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of archaeology and discover how modern technology is transforming the way we study the past. Throughout this course, you will learn how archaeologists use new technologies to record and collect data from rock markings left behind by prehistoric Indigenous peoples. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a powerful tool to document and interpret rock markings and understand the valuable role of technology in advancing archaeological knowledge.

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SPRING 2026 CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHT:

AI & TECHNOLOGY Apr. 6-10, 2026 108 | Navigating the AI Era: Wisdom, Wonder, & What Comes Next Instructor: Lev Gonick, Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology 1 session: Monday, Apr. 6 | Cost: $19 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center This keynote by ASU CIO Lev Gonick explores how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era with curiosity and purpose. Drawing on his experience in education, innovation, and public service, Gonick offers insights into where AI is headed, why it matters, and the important role lifelong learners play. The talk sets the stage for a week of exploration and dialogue about technology’s impact on our world. See full description on page 36.

109 | Life in a Sci-Fi Novel: Technology, Humanity, & Transformation Instructor: Dr. Braden Allenby, Lincoln Professor of Ethics & Engineering, Lincoln Center Applied Ethics 1 session: Tuesday, Apr. 7 | Cost: $19 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Peoria Rio Vista This course examines how emerging technologies like AI, brain–computer interfaces, and life-extension science are transforming human experience and blurring boundaries between mind, reality, and life itself. It encourages critical reflection on the psychological, political, economic, and social implications to help shape a future that promotes human well-being. See full description on page 36.

110 | The Human Element of War: Why Technology Can’t Eliminate Destruction Instructor: Dr. Amos C. Fox 1 session: Tuesday, Apr. 7 | Cost: $19 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Zoom As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems advance, many futuristic technophiles predict a future where machines will fight wars for us thereby reducing human suffering and political risk. Yet history and strategy suggest otherwise. Dr. Amos C. Fox argues that the increasing reliance on unmanned and autonomous systems may actually make future wars longer, more destructive, and less decisive. See full description on page 36.

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AI & TECHNOLOGY 111 | The Paradox of GenAI: Smart, Drunk, Biased & Sycophantic Instructor: Punya Mishra, Director & Professor, Mary Lou Fulton College, Teaching & Learning Innovation 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 | Cost: $19 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Helios Education Center Generative AI has entered our classrooms and conversations at lightning speed—promising innovation while raising serious questions. In this engaging session, Dr. Punya Mishra examines the paradoxes of AI tools that can be smart, biased, and sycophantic all at once. Blending insight and storytelling, he unpacks how these systems both inspire and mislead, amplifying human creativity and bias in equal measure. Participants will move beyond hype or fear to develop a deeper, more critical understanding of AI’s role in education and everyday life —and how to engage with it thoughtfully, creatively, and responsibly. See full description on page 37.

112 | Student Innovation: Using AI Tech for Good Instructor: Colleen Schwab, Global Digital Innovation Lead, Amazon Web Services 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 | Cost: $55 | OLLI Workshop 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | ASU AI Cloud Innovation Center Join us at ASU’s Artificial Intelligence Cloud Innovation Center to explore how students are leveraging AWS cloud technology and artificial intelligence to address real-world community challenges. In this engaging session, you’ll hear directly from the students driving innovative public service projects, see cloud technology in action, and have the opportunity to interact with program leaders. Designed for anyone curious about how technology is improving daily life and preparing the next generation for the workforce, no technical background is needed to participate. See full description on page 37.

113 | Everyday AI: Practical Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence Instructors: Roxi Thompson & Drew Olsson 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 | Cost: $25 | OLLI Workshop 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Helios Education Center Curious about artificial intelligence and how it might fit into your everyday life? In this interactive session, you will explore what AI is, how it works, and how it can help you approach everyday tasks with more confidence and creativity. Using tools like ChatGPT, you will practice real-world applications such as writing messages, planning trips, organizing information, and exploring creative ideas. The session will focus on simple, approachable ways to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly in daily life. Please bring a laptop or iPad for guided hands-on practice and exploration. Participants are encouraged to create a free ChatGPT account before class to maximize the benefits of the hands-on activities. See full description on page 37.

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AI & TECHNOLOGY 111 | The Paradox of GenAI: Smart, Drunk, Biased & Sycophantic Instructor: Punya Mishra, Director & Professor, Mary Lou Fulton College, Teaching & Learning Innovation 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 | Cost: $19 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Helios Education Center Generative AI has entered our classrooms and conversations at lightning speed—promising innovation while raising serious questions. In this engaging session, Dr. Punya Mishra examines the paradoxes of AI tools that can be smart, biased, and sycophantic all at once. Blending insight and storytelling, he unpacks how these systems both inspire and mislead, amplifying human creativity and bias in equal measure. Participants will move beyond hype or fear to develop a deeper, more critical understanding of AI’s role in education and everyday life —and how to engage with it thoughtfully, creatively, and responsibly. See full description on page 37.

112 | Lifelong Innovators: Discovering How AI Works for Good Instructor: Colleen Schwab, Global Digital Innovation Lead, Amazon Web Services 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 | Cost: $55 | OLLI Workshop 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | ASU AI Cloud Innovation Center Join us at ASU’s Artificial Intelligence Cloud Innovation Center to explore how students are leveraging AWS cloud technology and artificial intelligence to address real-world community challenges. In this engaging session, you’ll hear directly from the students driving innovative public service projects, see cloud technology in action, and have the opportunity to interact with program leaders. Designed for anyone curious about how technology is improving daily life and preparing the next generation for the workforce, no technical background is needed to participate. See full description on page 37.

113 | Everyday AI: Practical Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence Instructors: Roxi Thompson & Drew Olsson 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 | Cost: $25 | OLLI Workshop 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Helios Education Center Curious about artificial intelligence and how it might fit into your everyday life? In this interactive session, you will explore what AI is, how it works, and how it can help you approach everyday tasks with more confidence and creativity. Using tools like ChatGPT, you will practice real-world applications such as writing messages, planning trips, organizing information, and exploring creative ideas. The session will focus on simple, approachable ways to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly in daily life. Please bring a laptop or iPad for guided hands-on practice and exploration. Participants are encouraged to create a free ChatGPT account before class to maximize the benefits of the hands-on activities. See full description on page 37.

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OLLI AT ASU INVITES YOU TO THE

117 |Celebration of Excellence FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026 12:30 – 3:30 P.M. ASU HEALTH FUTURES CENTER | COST: $30

The OLLI Celebration of Excellence celebrates our members and their commitment to learn, grow and explore. We will reflect on the wonderful connections, events and classes that we have had this year.

We thank our sponsors, community partners and our OLLI instructors for the special classes and programs they provide us. We recognize the university and Watts College for all their support. We honor our OLLI at ASU donors and their financial contributions. This combined support ensures the long-term sustainability of our enriching educational and social programming that touches so many lives.

12:30 p.m.

1:00 - 2:00 p.m

OLLI Showcase 2026 Catalysts of Creativity: ASU’s Human + AI Collaboration

Tina Miller, Executive Director, Creative x Communications, Enterprise Technology Lindsay Kinkade, Managing Director, Creative Strategy, Enterprise Brand Strategy and Management Kelly DeVos, Communications Specialist, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence Carrie Peterson, Associate Director, EdPlus Voice Strategist, EDPLUS Strategic Communications At Arizona State University, artificial intelligence is redefining what’s possible. Rather than viewing AI as a challenge to education or creativity, ASU embraces it as a catalyst for innovation. This panel explores how university teams are using AI to expand imagination, design, and storytelling. Through collaboration, storytelling, and experimentation, these teams are redefining creation in the age of intelligent technology— where imagination and AI unite to shape the future of possibility.

2:00 - 2:30 p.m.

OLLI at ASU Recognition & Year in Review Presentation

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Reception

108 AI | AI & Technology Week Bundle & Save! – $120 ($43 Savings) This bundle is only available to the first 40 registrants! Package Includes: 108 | Navigating the AI Era: Wisdom, Wonder, & What Comes Next 109 | Life in a Sci-Fi Novel: Technology, Humanity, & Transformation 110 | The Human Element of War: Why Technology Can’t Eliminate Destruction 111 | The Paradox of GenAI: Smart, Drunk, Biased & Sycophantic 114 | Technology & the Changing Character of Irregular Warfare 115 | From Bookshelves to Breakthroughs: Inside Amazon's Innovation Engine 116 | Law & Governance of AI 117 | OLLI Celebration of Excellence & The Art of AI: Creativity, Storytelling, & the Human Touch Join us for an entire week of innovation and inspiration!

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At Friendship Village Tempe, we don’t live undercover. We live out loud.

Under an umbrella of equality. We like to think we exemplify what life at a senior living community (and, really, life in general) should be.

If you’re ready to eschew the expected and live life on your terms, we’d be elated if you joined us.

Call 480-405-3341 or visit FriendshipVillageAZ.com to learn more about our eclectic, exuberant brand of living.

079 | Unlocking the Past: Exploring Archaeology Through Modern Technology

Instructor: Dr. Matt Peeples Cost $26 1 session: Thursday, Mar. 5 Community Partner 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Deer Valley Petroglyph Additional class and time on page 22.

Join Dr. Matthew Peeples, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, for a one-of-a-kind class designed by an OLLI at ASU Intergenerational Learning Service Scholarship recipient. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of archaeology and discover how modern technology is transforming the way we study the past. Throughout this course, you will learn how archaeologists use new technologies to record and collect data from rock markings left behind by prehistoric Indigenous peoples. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a powerful tool to document and interpret rock markings and understand the valuable role of technology in advancing archaeological knowledge.

Friday 080 | Fabulous Females of the Fifties

Instructors: Steve Bergsman & Brian Rosner Cost FREE 1 session: Friday, Mar. 6 Community Partner 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Arizona MusicFest "Steve Bergsman Presents Fabulous Female Singers of the Fifties" is a 90-minute multimedia presentation that combines discussion of the songs and singers of the 1950s with on-screen visuals and, of course, audio of the era’s greatest tunes. The show is based on two books Bergsman wrote: "All I Want Is Lovin’ You" (about white female singers of the era) and "What a Difference a Day Makes" (about Black female singers of the era).

The program moves chronologically. With the recent passing of Connie Francis, Bergsman has updated the presentation to highlight her contributions. It begins with songs like Teresa Brewer’s "Music! Music! Music!" and Patti Page’s "Tennessee Waltz" from 1950 and concludes with Connie Francis’s "Where the Boys Are," which is actually from the 1960s.

Sunday 081 | Winston Churchill Live: A Portrait of Resilience & Leadership

Instructor: Randy Otto Cost $60 1 session: Sunday, Mar. 8 Community Partner 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Kerr Cultural Center Join Randy Otto for a one-hour class and a 90-minute performance portraying Winston Churchill. The class runs from 2:00–3:00 p.m., followed by the show from 4:00– 5:30 p.m. Whether delivering Churchill’s iconic speeches or engaging in one-on-one dialogues during “Ask Winston,” Otto conveys the essence of quick Churchillian wit, fierce tenacity, and the “never give in” resolve that inspired not only the British people but also rallied the free world in defense of liberty and freedom. Through his dedication, research, and passion for storytelling, Otto brings to life the complexities of this remarkable leader, highlighting the enduring relevance of Churchill’s legacy and the lessons it offers for future generations. During the class, Randy will discuss the history behind Churchill and explain how he prepares and recreates the character. The session also includes his renowned “Ask Winston Anything” segment.

Beginning Week of Mar. 9 Tuesday 082 | Driving Change: The Remarkable Journey of Bertha Benz Instructor: Anette Isaacs 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 10 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

In 1888, Bertha Benz made history as the first person to undertake a long-distance journey by automobile, showcasing the potential of her husband Carl Benz’s groundbreaking invention. Her daring 65-mile trip not only proved the practicality of the automobile but also ignited a global transformation in transportation. Join German historian Anette Isaacs as she brings to life the remarkable story of Bertha Benz—a courageous and visionary woman who helped drive the world into the modern age.

Wednesday 083 | Travel & Pop Culture: Places Featured in Your Favorite Movies & TV Shows

Instructor: Dan Fellner Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Mar. 11 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Community Center Town of Fountain Hills From "Jaws" to "The Graduate," "James Bond" to "The Birds," "Midnight Express" to "Breaking Bad," take a journey with a leading travel journalist to explore the places around the world where some of the most iconic movies and TV series were filmed. We’ll also visit the childhood haunts of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Buddy Holly, and uncover a British pop star’s surprising connection to the Alamo.

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Thursday 084 | Food for Thought: The Fascinating Origins of Food Idioms

Instructor: Chef Larry Canepa Cost $25 1 session: Thursday, Mar. 12 OLLI Workshop 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center Join Chef Larry Canepa for a flavorful journey into the quirky, colorful world of food idioms! From “bringing home the bacon” to “spilling the beans,” many of the expressions we use every day have surprisingly rich—and sometimes downright bizarre—histories. These idioms often trace back to historical events, cultural traditions, and legendary figures, revealing how food has shaped not just our meals but our language and storytelling. You will discover the origins and meanings behind some of the most curious and creative food-related phrases in English. Along the way, we’ll enjoy tastings of a few delicious favorites that tie into the idioms we explore. Come hungry for knowledge and snacks as we mix language, history, and a pinch of humor in this one-of-a-kind culinary adventure!

085 | Religion & Health: EvidenceBased Insights

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Rabin 1 session: Thursday, Mar. 12 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Mirabella

Cost $19

There is a positive relationship between an individual’s participation in religious or spiritual activities (R/S) and their overall health. This presentation provides the most reliable scientific information documenting the effects of religious and spiritual activities on mental and physical well-being, applicable to all faiths.

Beginning Week of Mar. 16 Monday 086 | Alaska: The Miracles of Nature & Foibles of Man

Instructor: Dr. Ken Sweat Cost $19 1 session: Monday, Mar. 16 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center From the top of Mt. Denali to the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska is a place of raw natural beauty and power, home to glaciers, tundra, caribou, and both polar and grizzly bears. Alaska also has a colorful political history that began as Seward’s Folly, progressed to a front line of the 20th-century Cold War, and today serves as a stage where the entire climate change debate plays out on a landscape rapidly experiencing the warming effects of fossil fuel combustion – while also being developed for the extraction of those same fuels. This class will explore both the marvels of nature and the foibles of our own species as they have shaped the largest and northernmost state in the union.

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087 | Heard Museum Presents: Kay Walking Stick & Hudson River School

Instructors: Dan Hagerty & Roshii Montaño Cost $35 1 session: Monday, Mar. 16 Community Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon | Heard Museum Come experience Indigenous creativity at the Heard Museum! Dan Hagerty, Chief Advancement Officer, will welcome you with a 30-minute presentation about the museum. Following the welcome, enjoy a guided tour with Heard Museum Assistant Registrar Roshii Montaño (Diné) of Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School, which showcases landscape paintings by the renowned contemporary Cherokee artist Kay WalkingStick in conversation with classic works from The New-York Historical Society’s 19th-century Hudson River School collection. The exhibition examines contemporary Indigenous art within the changing discourse of American art history while also sparking critical discussions on land dispossession. After your tour, stay for lunch at the Heard Museum Courtyard Café and visit the newly remodeled Heard Museum Shop.

088 | The Magic of (Micro) Memoir

Instructor: Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski 2 sessions: Mondays, Mar. 16, 23 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $38

This class will cover the basic tools of literary memoir with a focus on micro and flash memoir—memoirs in the 250-1000 word range. We'll read, discuss, and write micro-memoirs, which we'll share in class and with your permission, publish on the ASU OLLI Community Blog. No prior writing experience is required.

Tuesday 089 | The World in a Cup: A Global History of Caffeine

Instructor: Dr. Julia Sarreal 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 17 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Sun City Fairway

Cost $19

For many of us, one of the first things we do in the morning is drink a cup of coffee or tea. This class encourages us to think more deeply about these caffeinated substances and their meaning. We will discuss what led to the globalization of these substances in the early modern era, the first, second, and third waves of coffee, and we’ll learn about efforts to promote fair trade coffee based on a Global Intensive Experience in Guatemala that Dr. Sarreal leads at ASU. We will also learn about the third most popular caffeinated beverage— yerba mate, which is widely consumed in southern South America and the subject of Dr. Sarreal’s book, Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation. Why did coffee, tea, and chocolate globalize in the early modern era while yerba mate did not? Join us as we uncover the hidden histories behind your morning cup and sample some yerba mate.

Wednesday

Thursday

090 | Youth Has No Age: Ageing, Ageism & Contribution

093 | There Will be Blood! Measuring Violence in the Old West

We live in a society that values youth more than the elderly. As a result, older Americans may feel discounted and are likely to personally experience age discrimination.

Mature people can be their own worst enemy by buying into the false notion that they have less to offer society.

Join Dr. Jack Gilbert, a Clinical Professor in the College of Heath Solutions at ASU, to find ways to challenge these assumptions and learn more about pathways for contribution and purpose according to your own wishes.

We will focus on valuable research and a first-hand appreciation of the challenges faced from Dr. Gilbert's lived experience as a working 79-year-old.

Dr. Eduardo Pagán, Bob Stump Endowed Professor of History at Arizona State University, will delve into the nature of Violence and Order in Territorial Arizona. Taking 1874 as a case study, he explores what essentially was a low intensity warfare amid weak civil institutions, which illustrates how violence enforced territorial settlement and mirrored wider Western trends of high per capita homicide rates in sparsely populated frontiers. He also examines spatial patterns to determine where violence is most likely to occur, under what circumstances, and with what means.

Finally, by examining the per capita death rates, he will also investigate which populations were most affected by frontier justice.

Instructor: Dr. Jack Gilbert Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Mar. 18 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Chandler Innovation Center

091 | Arizona's Tribal Water Rights: A Status Report

Instructor: Cora Tso, JD Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Mar. 18 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center This class provides an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its connection to Federal Indian Policy and history. It will examine where Arizona Tribes currently stand in securing their water rights within the state and across the Colorado River Basin, as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso, a research fellow, analyzes and develops recommendations on the water interests of Tribal Nations, collaborating with Tribal leadership, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

092 | The Pacific Ocean in Global History

Instructor: Dr. Tobias Harper 1 session: Wednesday, Mar. 18 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Cost $19

Grand narratives of global history often emphasize human movement across the Atlantic—when they consider oceans at all. Yet the Pacific Ocean has long been a vital arena of human activity, rich in stories of migration, cultural exchange, and ecological transformation. In this engaging talk, Dr. Toby Harper presents the Pacific not merely as a backdrop but as a central force in shaping global history. Together, we’ll explore how the Pacific has connected peoples, plants, animals, ideas, and artistic traditions across vast distances—revealing a world history that is deeper, broader, and more interconnected than the familiar Atlantic-centered view.

Member Discounts Enjoy exclusive savings through our community partners. Simply show your OLLI membership card to receive your discount! Go to 'Member Discounts' under 'Member Benefits' on our website for full list.

Instructor: Dr. Eduardo Pagán Cost $19 1 session: Thursday, Mar. 19 10:30 a.m. – noon | Rio Vista Rec Center – Peoria

094 | The History & Intersection of Sports & Politics Instructor: Ben Feinberg 3 sessions: Thursdays, Mar. 19, 26 & Apr. 2 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $57

Sports and politics have always been connected, even when athletes and fans try to claim they’re separate.

From the original Olympics to Jesse Owens competing in Nazi Germany in 1936, to Muhammad Ali’s resistance to the Vietnam War draft, the two have been intertwined— whether we like it or not. This course explores the historical relationship between sports and political movements, as well as how politics has shaped the world of sports. We’ll examine how teams, leagues, and athletes have navigated race, gender, laws, and nationalism in a seminar setting that encourages discussion and participation.

Friday 095 | Music & the American Experience at 250

Instructor: Dr. Jeff Kennedy Cost FREE 4 sessions: Fridays, Mar. 20, 27 & Apr. 10 & 17 10:00 a.m. – noon | Arizona MusicFest Community Partner This four-week series explores the music of America and how it both shaped—and was shaped by—the nation’s identity from its infancy to the present day. We’ll begin by examining what America inherited musically from the European roots of its colonists and how the people and the land they encountered influenced and expanded that musical language. How did different approaches to religious life shape the music used in rituals and ceremonies? Regional influences also played a major role in the development of American music, and we’ll explore those contributions. Along the way, we’ll ask: “Is there an American sound, and if so, what might it be?” Audio, video, and visual art examples will illustrate this journey, covering the creation of popular music, jazz, country, American concert music, theatre music, rock and roll, and contemporary sounds.

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096 | Exploring the Masters of Jazz: The Great Big Bands

Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Libman Cost $38 2 sessions: Fridays, Mar. 20, 27 10:30 a.m. – noon | ASU Chandler Innovation Center In 1935, with the breakthrough of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, jazz became the most popular music in the United States. Big bands existed before Goodman, and at this point, we have around 100 years of this music to investigate, dating back to the 1920s with early exemplars such as Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington and continuing to today, with modern masters like Maria Schneider. This class is intended for jazz aficionados and those who would like to learn more about jazz!

Instruments not required! The class will consist primarily of active listening to exemplary recordings with interspersed guided discussion.

Thursday 099 | Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection at the Phoenix Art Museum

Instructor: Museum Docents Cost $25 1 session: Thursday, Mar. 26 Community Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon | Phoenix Art Museum

Beginning Week of Mar. 23

The Phoenix Art Museum presents more than 30 examples of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts drawn from the most important Florentine Baroque art collection outside of Italy, assembled over more than 40 years

by Houston-based art collector and co-founder of the Medici Archive Project, Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl. Featured artworks by local Florentine artists and artists across Europe reflect Florence’s flourishing art industry, as well as the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Medici Grand Dukes on the Renaissance and Baroque movements.

Led by Phoenix Art Museum docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Tuesday

Beginning Week of Mar. 30

097 | Pros & Cons: AI in Medical School Education & Research

Instructor: Dr. Eric vanSonnenberg 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 24 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Friendship Village

Cost $19

Undoubtedly, AI will become deeply integrated into medical education as well as clinical and research medicine. While there are many advantages, there are also challenges and details that remain to be refined. This talk will highlight controversies surrounding AI, including educational, ethical, and legal issues.

098 | Outbreak: Tales & Lessons from a Disease Hunter

Instructor: Dr. David Englethaler 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 24 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Glendale Foothills Library

Cost FREE

In 1993, a mysterious deadly disease outbreak struck the Four-Corners area, killing young Navajos. In what came to be understood as a novel hantavirus, this represented a wave of new emerging infectious diseases around the world. We will get an inside look into the life of an epidemiologist investigating notorious disease outbreaks from hantavirus to West Nile, from Valley fever to the plague, and from covid to bird flu. We will go into the deep past to understand how pathogens have moved around the world, explore the threat of bioterrorism and manmade disease outbreaks, and learn what it might all mean for responding to future pandemics.

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Monday 100 | Crown Jewels of Northern Italian Cuisine

Instructor: Chef Larry Canepa Cost $25 1 session: Monday, Mar. 30 OLLI Workshop 10:00 a.m. – noon | ASU Health Futures Center Italy's most populous and economically powerful regions, with a legacy rooted in a long history of independence, trade, and industry, tell a story of division and unification, shaped by Roman roads and papal influence. These regions are now powerhouses of culture, learning, and culinary excellence. The cuisine of Northern Italy is distinctly different from that of the South, often emphasizing butter, cream, rice, and polenta rather than the South’s olive oil- and tomato-based fare. Heartier flavors reflect the cooler climate and influences from neighboring countries. Northern Italy is considered the country’s “culinary capital”—home to balsamic vinegar, focaccia, pesto, Parmigiano–Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, truffles, and many of Italy’s finest wines.

101 | Alfred Hitchcock’s "Lifeboat" Instructor: Dr. Kevin Sandler 1 session: Monday, Mar. 30 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-nominated 1944 drama Lifeboat is a masterfully composed allegory of the Allied forces during WWII and their need to unite to defeat the Nazi enemy. The film’s powerful interplay of suspense and emotion is all the more remarkable given that it is set entirely on a lifeboat and shot on the backlots of 20th Century Fox. This class explores the innovativeness of Lifeboat as well as its controversies: John Steinbeck, who wrote the original story, denounced the film as racist and anti-labor; the Production Code Administration navigated concerns over gruesomeness and vulgarity; and several prominent critics claimed it was anti-democratic.

Thursday 104 | JFK’s Quest for Peace: Lessons for Turbulent Times

Instructor: Charles Blum Cost $95 6 sessions: Thursdays, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Zoom – Osher Online

Throughout his 1000-day presidency, John Kennedy pursued peace through a broad spectrum of initiatives.

He saw a connection between learning and leadership and sought to use military deterrence, diplomacy, and soft power in novel ways. In this course, we will explore how his character and life experiences were the origins of those efforts. We will evaluate his powers of persuasion by listening to key speeches, and we will assess his successes and failures and their relevance to today’s world.

102 | Ghosts in the White House: The People Behind Presidential Speeches

105 | The Wizard Behind Oz

Have you ever wondered who writes presidential speeches? This course traces the evolution of speechwriting from George Washington’s administration to today. Yes, Hamilton helped draft Washington’s Farewell Address, but no, Lincoln did not scribble the Gettysburg Address on an envelope. We will study the writing process presidents used and examine drafts from FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and George H.W. Bush. We will view clips from speeches and from former White House speechwriters describing the process.

Step behind the curtain and meet L. Frank Baum, the imaginative mind who brought "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" to life. We’ll explore Baum’s prolific storytelling career, with special attention to the theatrical adaptations that helped turn his fantasy world into a stage spectacle. From early stage productions and silent films to the beloved 1939 musical film, discover how Baum’s vision evolved in the limelight. We’ll also trace Oz’s enduring influence on pop culture—from Broadway hits and reimaginings to countless references in music, fashion, and film—proving that, more than a century later, the Yellow Brick Road still leads somewhere magical.

Instructor: Dr. Diana Carlin Cost $95 6 sessions: Mondays, Mar. 30 & Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4 noon – 1:30 p.m. | Zoom – Osher Online

Tuesday 103 | Get Your Kicks at 100: A Route 66 Celebration Instructor: Roger Naylor 1 session: Tuesday, Mar. 31 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Desert Foothills Library

Cost $19

In 2026, Route 66, America’s iconic “Mother Road,” celebrates its 100th anniversary. Join acclaimed author and travel writer Roger Naylor as he takes us on a lively and insightful journey through the history, culture, and enduring charm of this legendary highway. Discover how Arizona played a pivotal role in preserving Route 66, becoming its greatest champion and caretaker. Roger will share stories of the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant small towns, and quirky mom-and-pop eateries that still thrive along Arizona’s stretch of the road. Don’t miss this chance to rediscover the road that shaped a nation and continues to inspire wanderers today.

Instructor: Chris Hamby Cost $70 2 sessions: Thursday & Saturday, Apr. 2, 11 Comm. Partner 10:30 a.m. – noon & 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Peoria Theater Works

106 | Truth or Treason? Conspiracy Theories in the Ancient World Instructor: Dr. Sarah Bolmarcich 1 session: Thursday, Apr. 2 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

From poisoned cups to daggers in the dark, the ancient world was rife with rumor, suspicion, and political intrigue. Was Alexander the Great murdered by his generals? Did Nero set the Great Fire of Rome to build his Golden House? Were the Bacchic rites really a secret underground cult? Who mutilated the sacred herms of Athens, bringing on military disaster? This class explores famous conspiracies—real, imagined, and exaggerated— from Greece and Rome. Together we’ll sift fact from legend, see how ancient writers shaped stories of treason, and consider why conspiracy theories held such power then—and why they still capture imaginations today.

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THE BERNARD OSHER FOUNDATION Osher Online is a non-governing center of excellence, hosted by Northwestern University, benefiting older adults through the national network of 120+ Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs). They offer high-quality, synchronous courses to members of participating OLLIs. We are excited to provide this opportunity to our members to learn with experts and peers nationwide. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials. Space is limited.

WINTER 2026 CLASSES 008 | Milestones in Medicine Instructor: Dr. Gordon Josephson Cost $95 Wednesdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 11, 18 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Zoom This course explores major medical and public health breakthroughs from the 18th century to the present, highlighting key innovations, their pioneers, and their impact on human health and longevity.

See page 4 for full course description.

009 | The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies Instructor: Mike Agron Cost $95 Wednesdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 11, 18 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Zoom This course examines how film music enhances storytelling and emotion across genres, tracing its evolution from early cinema to modern scores and highlighting iconic composers and styles.

See page 5 for full course description.

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012 | Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life Instructor: Eliot Bathke Cost $95 Thursdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29 & Feb. 5, 12, 19 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Zoom This course explores how AI shapes our lives through six real-world case studies. Students will examine how AI systems work, the ethics of machine decisionmaking, and the technology’s current and future impact on society.

See page 5 for full course description.

015 | The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire Instructor: Dr. Rick Bell Cost $95 Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 & Feb. 7, 14, 21 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Zoom

024 | Brain & Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology Instructor: Dr. Elena Labkovsky Cost $95 Mondays, Jan. 26 & Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Zoom

This course examines the American Revolution as a global event shaped by international rivalries, focusing on diverse groups like the French, Spaniards, Germans, and South Asians.

See page 7 for full course description.

This course explores how digital technologies and AI influence the brain, behavior, and mental health, affecting attention, memory, emotions, and decisionmaking. It also addresses ethical concerns and highlights how neuroscience and psychology can promote well-being in the digital age.

See page 11 for full course description.

SPRING 2026 CLASSES 102 | Ghosts in the White House: The People Behind Presidential Speeches Instructor: Dr. Diana Carlin Cost $95 Mondays, Mar. 30 & Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4 noon – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom This six-week class will explore the history and craft of U.S. presidential speechwriting, tracing how presidents and their speechwriters—from Washington to George H.W. Bush—developed and delivered influential addresses, using drafts, videos, and insider perspectives to illuminate the process.

See page 33 for full course description.

123 | The Lost Generation Instructor: Dr. Ferdâ Asya Cost $95 Wednesdays, Apr. 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 13, 20 noon – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom This course explores the cultural and intellectual transformations of the 1920s in America and Western Europe, focusing on the works of Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Stein to examine how the era reshaped modern values and left a lasting legacy.

See page 41 for full course description.

104 | JFK’s Quest for Peace: Lessons for Turbulent Times Instructor: Charles Blum Cost $95 Thursdays, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. on Zoom This course examines John F. Kennedy’s 1,000-day presidency, exploring how his character, experiences, and leadership shaped his use of diplomacy, military strategy, and persuasion, while evaluating his successes, failures, and lasting relevance.

See page 33 for full course description.

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Friday

Tuesday

107 | Nature Journaling: Observing, Reflecting, & Creating in the Natural World

109 | Life in a Sci-Fi Novel: Technology, Humanity, & Transformation

Instructor: Monro Obenauer Cost $38 2 sessions: Friday, Apr. 3 & Saturday, Apr. 4 OLLI Workshop 10:30 a.m. – noon & 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. | ASU Health Futures Center Nature journaling is a practice that blends observation, curiosity, reflection, and creativity to deepen our connection with the natural world. Spending time in nature offers numerous physical and psychological benefits, and journaling enhances these effects by encouraging mindfulness and intentional engagement. In this twopart class – Friday in the classroom and Saturday in the field – participants will learn what nature journaling is, its purpose, and the benefits it provides. You will explore a variety of observational techniques to record details about the natural environment, including plants, animals, geologic landscapes, and weather. Through hands-on exercises, you will test out different journaling methods, such as drawing, labeling, mapping, and descriptive writing, discovering which approaches resonate most with your own style. In addition to recording observations, you will reflect on personal experiences in nature, deepening your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. The goal is not to become an expert artist or naturalist, but to cultivate a sustained practice of curiosity and wonder. By the end of the course, you will have the tools to slow down, notice more, and create a meaningful, mindful connection with your environment.

Previous technologies such as the railroad and electrification transformed human, natural, and built environments on regional and global scales. Yet those changes may seem minor compared to today’s rapid and accelerating evolution across the entire technological frontier. AI already writes music, novels, and dissertations, and creates striking images and videos from simple prompts. It is becoming difficult to know whether a picture, video, or voice is real or fake. A phone call that sounds like your mother could actually come from an AI using your voice to scam friends or access bank accounts.

Meanwhile, start-ups are developing “brain chips” that could enable telepathic communication and merge human and artificial cognition, potentially exceeding even the most gifted minds. Scientists are also treating aging as a curable disease, envisioning lifespans of 150 to 200 healthy years—or more. These are glimpses of a future where our planet and humanity become design spaces open to deliberate transformation in ways never before possible. The psychological, political, economic, and social consequences are vast, but we are not powerless. By thinking critically and preparing thoughtfully, we can help guide this turbulent era of change toward outcomes that serve human well-being.

Instructor: Dr. Amos C. Fox 1 session: Tuesday, Apr. 7 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Zoom

Monday 108 | Navigating the AI Era: Wisdom, Wonder, & What Comes Next

Cost $19

We are living through a moment of extraordinary transformation—one shaped by artificial intelligence, global connectivity, and rapid technological change. In this engaging keynote, ASU CIO Lev Gonick invites us to explore how we might navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era with curiosity, purpose, and wisdom. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of education, innovation, and public service, Lev will offer a big-picture perspective on where AI is taking us, why it matters, and how lifelong learners of all ages have a vital role to play. This talk sets the tone for a dynamic week of conversation and discovery.

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Cost $19

110 | The Human Element of War: Why Technology Can’t Eliminate Destruction

Beginning Week of Apr. 6

Instructor: Lev Gonick 1 session: Monday, Apr. 6 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Instructor: Dr. Braden Allenby 1 session: Tuesday, Apr. 7 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Peoria Rio Vista

Cost $19

As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems advance, many futurisict technophiles predict a world where machines will fight wars for us, thereby reducing human suffering and political risk. Yet history and strategy suggest otherwise. Dr. Amos C. Fox argues that the increasing reliance on unmanned and autonomous systems may actually make future wars longer, more destructive, and less decisive. Drawing on his recent research on attrition and decision-making in war, Dr. Fox explains that when policymakers no longer bear the full political cost of losing soldiers, they may be less inclined to end conflicts quickly. Destroying a fleet of drones does not carry the same emotional or political weight as losing human lives. Thus, wars may extend into multiple “phases,” compounding destruction and exhausting national resources. This talk explores the limits of technology in changing human behavior and strategic decision-making.

Ultimately, Dr. Fox contends that war remains a deeply human endeavor – shaped by will, emotion, and political purpose. Machines may characterize the battlefield, but much of what we know about war will remain.

Wednesday 111 | The Paradox of GenAI: Smart, Drunk, Biased & Sycophantic Instructor: Dr. Punya Mishra 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Helios Education Center

Cost $19

Generative AI has entered our classrooms and conversations with remarkable speed—promising innovation, raising alarms, and sparking debates. But how should we make sense of tools that can be, as Dr. Punya Mishra puts it, smart, drunk, biased, and sycophantic all at once? In this thought-provoking session, Dr. Mishra explores the contradictions at the heart of GenAI in our daily lives. These tools dazzle us with intelligence yet stumble in unexpected and sometimes troubling ways. They generate brilliant insights alongside confident nonsense, amplify existing biases while claiming objectivity, and eagerly agree with us even when we’re wrong.

Drawing on his deep expertise in educational technology, Dr. Mishra will unpack both the possibilities and pitfalls of working with these paradoxical systems. Through stories, insights, and provocations, this session invites participants to move beyond surface-level fascination or fear and develop a more nuanced understanding of AI’s role in our world. Whether you’re an educator, professional, lifelong learner, or simply curious about AI, you’ll explore what it means to navigate an age where AI is no longer science fiction but part of daily life—and how we can engage with these tools thoughtfully, critically, and creatively.

113 | Everyday AI: Practical Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence

Instructor: Roxi Thompson & Drew Olsson Cost $25 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 OLLI Workshop 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Helios Education Center

Curious about artificial intelligence and how it might fit into your everyday life? In this interactive session, you will explore what AI is, how it works, and how it can help you approach everyday tasks with more confidence and creativity. Using tools like ChatGPT, you will practice realworld applications such as writing messages, planning trips, organizing information, and exploring creative ideas.

The session will focus on simple, approachable ways to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly in daily life. Please bring a laptop or iPad for guided hands-on practice and exploration. Participants are encouraged to create a free ChatGPT account before class to maximize the benefits of the hands-on activities.

112 | Lifelong Innovators: Discovering How AI Works for Good

Instructors: Colleen Schwab & Rachel Hayden Cost $55 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 OLLI Workshop 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | ASU AI Cloud Innovation Center

Join us for an engaging session at Arizona State University’s Artificial Intelligence Cloud Innovation Center.

See firsthand how ASU students are using Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology to solve real community challenges. In this session, you’ll hear from the bright minds behind innovative public service projects and learn how artificial intelligence is making a difference in our community. Experience real-world examples of cloud technology in action and chat directly with students and program leaders. Perfect for anyone curious about how today’s technology is improving our daily lives and how students are preparing to enter the workforce – no technical background needed! A lunch break with provided lunch thanks to the generosity of the ASU Cloud Innovation Center will be provided for participants!

Locations OLLI at ASU serves over 15 locations across the Valley. Reference the back of the catalog or visit our website, www.asuolli.org, for locations and addresses.

114 | Technology & the Changing Character of Irregular Warfare Instructor: Dr. Jan K. Gleiman 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 8 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

While most discussions of modern conflict focus on tanks, drones, and great-power competition, the majority of today’s wars are irregular – struggles waged by states and non-state actors for power, influence, and legitimacy among populations. This session explores how rapidly advancing technologies – artificial intelligence, social media, cyber operations, and autonomous systems – are transforming the way such contests are resourced, fought, and won. Drawing on recent lessons from across the globe, Dr. Gleiman examines how these tools and trends empower both governments and insurgent movements to mobilize supporters, manipulate narratives, and compete for control, sometimes without firing a shot. He will also discuss how the Department of Defense and allied nations are rethinking doctrine and education to adapt to this evolving landscape of conflict. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of how technology is reshaping not just warfare, but the very nature of political struggle in the 21st century.

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Thursday 115 | From Bookshelves to Breakthroughs: Inside Amazon's Innovation Engine Instructor: Colleen Schwab 1 session: Thursday, Apr. 9 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | ASU Skysong

Beginning Week of Apr. 13 Cost $19

From its humble beginnings as a bookseller in 1994, Amazon has transformed into one of the world's most innovative enterprises. In this session, an Amazon senior leader and certified Culture of Innovation expert will reveal the deliberate strategies behind this remarkable growth. Discover the core principles and organizational systems that drive Amazon's continued success, including its Leadership Principles and Day 1 culture. Through compelling insights and firsthand experiences, learn how Amazon consistently fosters innovation across its global operations.

116 | Law & Governance of AI Instructor: Dr. Gary Marchant 1 session: Thursday, Apr. 9 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Skysong

Cost $19

Artificial intelligence holds almost unlimited potential benefits for individuals and society, but it also presents many risks. These risks include threats to safety, security, privacy, fairness, inclusiveness, autonomy, and democracy.

This presentation will briefly discuss these risks and the need for governance. However, due to factors such as the “pacing problem,” traditional government regulation is incapable of keeping pace with AI and managing its risks.

Two other systems will be needed to supplement—or even stand in for—government regulation in managing AI risks.

The first system is comprehensive AI risk management frameworks promulgated by standard-setting organizations such as ISO, IEEE, and NIST. The incentives and pressures needed to encourage companies to align with such private standards will be explored. The second system is criminal and civil liability, and the dimensions, opportunities, and challenges of holding AI companies accountable for harms they inflict will be discussed.

The effectiveness of these two alternative systems of governance will be critical for achieving the safe and beneficial implementation of AI.

Friday 117 | Celebration of Excellence

1 session: Friday, Apr. 10 Cost $30 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Join us for the annual OLLI Celebration of Excellence, honoring our members’ commitment to lifelong learning while expressing gratitude to our sponsors, partners, instructors, donors, and the university for their vital support in sustaining our program. This special event will also feature a presentation by Tina Miller, 'Catalysts of Creativity: ASU’s Human + AI Collaboration' exploring the intersection of technology, imagination, and human connection. For full details and schedule see page 27.

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Monday 118 | Unpacking the Declaration of Independence Instructor: Dr. Heather Dudley 3 sessions: Mondays, Apr. 13, 20, 27 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $57

It has been 250 years since the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, and it remains the best-known document in American history. Explore the Declaration as more than a founding document – discover it as a powerful work of language and revolutionary ideas. This course examines how Jefferson’s words on equality, liberty, and happiness have shaped American identity and inspired global movements.

We’ll analyze its philosophical roots, rhetorical brilliance, and political arguments, asking what these ideals meant in 1776 – and what they mean today.

119 | From Hydrogen to Gold: The Tales of the Elements Instructor: Darcy Kimball 1 session: Monday, Apr. 13 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

We can all probably recall our high school science classes, where a periodic table of the elements almost certainly hung on the wall. This simple chart represents the handful of discrete substances responsible for the makeup of everything in the universe. Each element has a unique set of properties – but each also has a story to tell. In this class, we will spend time with a few of these elements, exploring their place in our world – from those that have shaped human history to ones that make for spectacular parlor tricks!

120 | Fortunato Film School: Superman Instructor: Dr. Joe Fortunato 2 sessions: Monday & Tuesday, Apr. 13, 14 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $38

"Superman" (1978)—the classic big-screen treatment of the Man of Steel—ushered in the modern superhero genre and made audiences believe a man could fly. ASU film professor Dr. Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on this 1978 classic. The class will begin with a brief discussion about the background and making of the film. During the screening, live commentary will offer insights into the filmmaking process and guidance on how to read a film creatively. After the film, we’ll discuss what we’ve learned and debate whether it lives up to its reputation as one of the great superhero films and a landmark in American cinema.

MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE EVENT FEB. 1, 2026

1:00 - 2:30 P.M.

031 | UNVEILING THE UNIVERSE: DISCOVERIES FROM RUBIN OBSERVATORY

Presented by the Arizona Science Center Step into the brand-new era of sky-watching in the Dorrance DOME as the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory unveils its first images and discoveries—from sweeping nebula mosaics and galaxy swarms to thousands of newly found asteroids captured in just hours. Alec Warren, Director of Dorrance DOME Experiences at Arizona Science Center, will lead our journey as we decode how Rubin’s 3,200megapixel camera will create the highest resolution timelapse of the Universe ever produced, transforming how we find supernovae, near-Earth asteroids, and clues about the very fabric of existence.

This 25-minute-long, interactive and live-presented program will be followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Admission to Arizona Science Center is included with the experience.

Go to our website under ‘Member Benefits’ and click ‘Member Events’ to register.

Annual Member Discounted Price: $15 | All other members: $30

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! INSPIRE MINDS. ENRICH LIVES.

OLLI at ASU extends our heartfelt gratitude to all of our incredible volunteers. Your dedication, energy, and generosity are the heartbeat of our community!

Today, we celebrate and honor five extraordinary individuals who recently retired from their leadership roles but whose impact will continue to inspire us for years to come. Jacalyn Askin, Judith Bailey, Raymond Sol, Nancy Wolter, and Dana Woods (left to right) have each contributed their time, talent, and spirit in ways that have profoundly shaped OLLI at ASU. Though they are stepping back from their official roles, they will forever remain an essential part of the OLLI family. Thank you for your lasting legacy, your friendship, and the countless ways you’ve made OLLI thrive.

OLLI at ASU invites you to join

VIVO ONLINE STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASSES Maintaining muscle strength and balance is essential for preserving health and independence as we age. Vivo is a live, interactive online strength-building program designed for older adults to maintain muscle strength, balance, and overall health. Led by certified trainers experienced with seniors, the small-group classes offer personalized attention and modified exercises based on individual fitness levels. The program includes two 45-minute sessions per week, with one-on-one assessments at the beginning and end to track progress. Whether you're new to fitness or already active, Vivo supports your goals and promotes long-term independence and well-being.

Vivo for 2 classes per week for 12 weeks (Feb. — Apr.) Go to our website under ‘Member Benefits’ and click ‘Member Events’ for more info!

Learn More at a FREE 1-Hour Webinar Information Session Title: The Benefits of Strength Training for Life's Journey (2 date options, same presentation) Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 1:00 p.m. or Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 10:00 a.m.

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Classes on Zoom

Tuesday

121 | Invisible Worlds: Infrared & the Secrets of Light Instructor: Dr. Phil Christensen 3 sessions: Tuesdays, Apr. 14, 21, 28 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $57

The light visible to human eyes represents only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light—although we cannot see it, cameras equipped with special detectors can. In this class, we’ll explore electromagnetic energy and demonstrate an infrared camera in action. Infrared observations are invaluable for studying the Earth, as well as other planets, moons, and asteroids. We will also discuss their role in monitoring global warming and greenhouse gases on our planet.

Wednesday 122 | Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Instructor: Allen Reamer Cost $19 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 15 10:30 a.m. – noon | Sun Health – The Colonnade In this talk, you will discover how the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings are connected to unwashed socks. We will take a detailed look at the Sistine Chapel artworks, uncovering fascinating facts and sharing funny and informative stories about the people and scenes depicted on the ceiling. The session will also cover a brief history of the Sistine Chapel and explore Michelangelo’s thoughts and poetry regarding the painting of the ceiling.

124 | Musculoskeletal Imaging: From Diagnosis to Future Technologies Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Wachs 3 sessions: Wednesdays, Apr. 15, 22, 29 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Musculoskeletal disease is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, as well as degenerative disc disease, are the major conditions that result in musculoskeletal disability.

Diagnosing these conditions often involves complex imaging modalities, including X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). This class, led by Dr. Rebecca Wachs, Associate Professor in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, will explore how these imaging modalities work and how they are used alongside other information to make diagnoses.

Current research into imaging will also be discussed, highlighting potential future modalities. Participants will gain a better understanding of how imaging is used to diagnose musculoskeletal diseases and what the future of imaging may hold.

125 | Rewriting the Brain's Story: How Experience & Healing Shape Our Biology Instructor: Dr. Candace Lewis 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 15 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Instructor: Dr. Ferdâ Asya Cost $95 6 sessions: Wednesdays, Apr. 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 13, 20 noon – 1:30 p.m. | Zoom – Osher Online

This course will examine the cultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression.

Known as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, and the Lost Generation, this period redefined values and norms.

We will explore the vibrant world of 1920s Paris through F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Babylon Revisited and Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, considering the lasting legacy of the era.

Cost $19

Our life experiences leave lasting marks – not just in our memories, but deep within our biology. In this class, Dr. Candace Lewis, a neuroscientist at ASU, will explore how stress, connection, and even powerful therapeutic experiences can influence the brain and the tiny chemical tags on our DNA that help control how genes are expressed. This emerging field, known as epigenetics, reveals that our biology is not fixed—it is responsive, resilient, and capable of change throughout our lives. Dr. Lewis will also discuss her research on how new treatments, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, may help people heal from trauma and depression by promoting epigenome changes that underlie the brain’s ability to adapt. The talk will be uplifting, easy to understand, and focused on how science is uncovering the biological roots of renewal and emotional well-being.

126 | America & the Rule of Law 123 | The Lost Generation

Cost $57

Instructor: Robert McWhirter, JD 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 15 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

This discussion examines the Rule of Law in American history. We will begin with concepts of Natural Law and the Rule of Law, trace its development through Greek and Roman courts, and explore its relationship with democracy. The course will also cover the Rule of Law and individual rights, concluding with a focus on the Rule of Law as a promise. This topic is as important now as ever.

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Thursday 127 | Only Hope: My Mother & the Holocaust Brought to Light Instructor: Irving Lubliner 1 session: Thursday, Apr. 16 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Spring 2022 Semester

Beginning Week Jan.of 24 Apr. – May20 19 Cost $19

Before she died in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland—powerful stories later published by her son. Irving Lubliner, professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University, will share excerpts from "Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust," shedding light on his mother’s fortitude and indomitable spirit, as well as his own experience as a child of Holocaust survivors.

Participants will gain insight into the Holocaust through the eyes of a survivor and learn how the instructor, the child of two survivors, was shaped by his parents’ experiences.

128 | Notorious: Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, & Ingrid Bergman

Instructor: Dr. Kevin Sandler Cost FREE 1 session: Thursday, Apr. 16 10:30 a.m. – noon | Scottsdale Library – Civic Center

The 1946 film "Notorious," set during World War II, features director Alfred Hitchcock and actors Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman at the height of their talents. In this twisted spy thriller and anguished love story, Hitchcock evokes darker shades of suspense and passion than in his previous works by casting two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars boldly against type. On one hand, "Notorious" tells the story of a man in love with a woman who must seduce and then marry another man as a spy for the U.S. government. On the other hand, the film is a tale of geopolitical intrigue that blends myth and reality, exploring themes of Nazism, the atomic bomb, and America’s Good Neighbor Policy.

Monday 129 | Essential Strategies for Thriving Landscapes in Hot, Dry Regions Instructor: Noelle Johnson 1 session: Monday, Apr. 20 10:30 a.m. – noon | Tempe Public Library

Cost $19

Gardening in hot, arid regions presents unique challenges that differ significantly from other climates. This class, taught by horticulturist Noelle Johnson (“AZ Plant Lady”), provides practical guidance on creating and maintaining a vibrant, sustainable desert landscape. Topics include avoiding common design and maintenance mistakes, selecting appropriate plant species, and implementing effective strategies to ensure a thriving garden in hot, dry environments.

130 | Art in War: Soviet Artists During World War II Instructor: Carol Rudie 1 session: Monday, Apr. 20 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $19

The Great Patriotic War reached deep into the Soviet landscape, both physically and culturally. Artists capturing the efforts and effects of the conflict before, during, and after the war helped shape the Soviet perspective on its role in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. Using the siege of Leningrad as an example, this presentation highlights some of those artistic contributions.

Tuesday 131 | CBD, Fish Oil, & Vitamin D: The Science of Supplements Instructor: Dr. Johnnie Hendrickson 2 sessions: Tuesdays, Apr. 21, 28 noon – 1:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $38

The supplement industry thrives on promise—but how much of it is backed by science? In this course, we’ll examine the evidence behind some of the most popular products, from vitamin D to CBD (a best-seller that’s technically illegal to market as a supplement). Along the way, we’ll explore the regulatory gray areas, discuss why supplements remain largely unpoliced, and learn how smart consumers can separate hype from health—and spend their money where it matters.

Help us spread the word!

Follow us on these FREE social networking apps: Instagram: @olliatasu Facebook: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at ASU

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Classes on Zoom Beginning Week of May 4

Thursday

132 | Arizona Public Lands & the Impact of Arizona Nature Heroes Instructor: Dale Larsen 1 session: Thursday, Apr. 23 10:30 a.m. – noon | Westward Ho

Cost FREE

Who are your heroes? Why did they influence your life in nature and conservation? Come learn about famous conservationists and nature leaders who inspired others to become today’s ardent and passionate advocates. We will discuss why Teddy Roosevelt is considered the most powerful voice in the U.S. conservation movement and why Arizona is arguably the richest state in public lands.

Together, we will explore these questions: Why are these individuals examples of leadership, and why is their impact important today? Where are the modern-day leaders that your children and grandchildren can recognize and celebrate as nature legacies?contributions.

Beginning Week of Apr. 27

135 | WWII Los Alamos: Its Impact on Nuclear Policy Today Instructor: Galina Vromen 1 session: Monday, May 4 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $19

Discover what life was like in World War II–era Los Alamos, New Mexico—the secretive site where the world’s first atomic bomb was developed. Drawing from research for her historical novel Hill of Secrets, author Galina Vromen explores the key decisions behind the use of the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and examines how those choices shaped post-war nuclear policy and continue to influence global nuclear proliferation today. Through historical insight, Vromen brings this pivotal moment in history to life.

1979.

Wednesday

Wednesday 133 | Painting Architectural Wonders: "Bryggen"

Instructor: Jana Peterson Cost $40 1 session: Wednesday, Apr. 29 OLLI Workshop 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Arizona-based artist Jana Peterson creates striking images that range from earthy abstractions and portraiture to futuristic galactic visions. Coming from a family of artists and teachers, she holds an M.A. in Art Education from A.S.U. and has been teaching and painting for over 30 years. Jana is a professional painter with the soul of Matisse—her work is dramatic, vivid, and bold, merging art and technology. Peterson is joining us to celebrate her works on display—and to make art with us!

We’ll be painting "Bryggen" (the dock), a historic harbor district in Bergen, one of Norway’s oldest port cities on the west coast and a center for Hanseatic trade. Bryggen has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

Friday 134 | The Ninth Amendment: Still A Mystery After All These Years Instructor: Bob McWhirter, JD 1 session: Friday, May 1 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | ASU Health Futures Center

Monday

Cost $19

Your high school civics teacher, Glenn Beck, and Bob Marley all urge you to stand up for your rights—but what are they? The original Constitution lists very few. Although the Bill of Rights adds several, many rights—such as the right to vote and public education—were never included by the framers. You might think of the Ninth Amendment: all those rights not listed, we still get to keep, right? The problem is, as Justice Robert H. Jackson quipped, “[T]he Ninth Amendment rights which are not to be disturbed by the Federal Government are still a mystery to me.” This presentation examines the “mystery” of what rights are, their origins, and how we balance them in law and society.

136 | Where Will Arizona Get Its Next Bucket of Water Instructor: Jennifer Davidson 2 sessions: Wednesdays, May 6, 13 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Zoom

Cost $38

Water is Arizona’s lifeline; however, that lifeline is under strain. As Colorado River water supplies shrink, groundwater levels decline, and cities continue to expand, the question becomes urgent: Where will Arizona find its next bucket of water? This clear and engaging twopart presentation series examines the state’s current water supplies and highlights innovative strategies that experts and communities are developing to meet future demand. Topics include desalination, advanced water recycling, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, water importation, cloud seeding, and groundwater recharge.

Participants need no scientific background—only curiosity and concern for Arizona’s future. Whether you have lived in Arizona for many years or recently arrived, you will gain insight into the challenges ahead and the critical choices that will determine Arizona’s water future.

Thursday 137 | Art in Captivity: Japanese Incarceration Camps of WWII Instructor: Denny Kato 1 session: Thursday, May 7 10:30 a.m. – noon | Zoom

Cost $19

Join Denny Kato, a third-generation Japanese American and retired U.S. Army lieutenant, for an exploration of the rich and varied artistic practices that emerged within the Japanese incarceration camps of World War II. From visual art and handmade crafts to vocational training and cottage industries, this course examines how creativity became both a form of resistance and a vital means of survival. Through a multidisciplinary lens, you’ll uncover the resilience and cultural expression that flourished under some of the darkest conditions in American history.

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SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS SIGs are member-driven and peer-facilitated groups made up of OLLI members who share an interest in exploring a particular topic. They do not replace OLLI classes, but are a different type of participatory group that allows members to delve deeper into subject matter or interests. SIGs are open to all OLLI members and foster fellowship and active learning.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are listed online under the ‘Member Benefits’ section. Register for a SIG as you would for any OLLI class by adding it to your cart. Each SIG is unique, so please review its description carefully.

Your SIG facilitator will email you a welcome message with any additional information. For questions before receiving your welcome email, contact Kristi Schneider at kschne20@asu.edu.

SIG Registration opens Dec.15. Please register by Jan. 2. Any registrations after this date, please email Kristi Schneider at kschne20@asu.edu directly.

Volunteer With Us

Facilitator: Kim Thomas | Various Locations Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 8 Our SIG has a simple purpose - to help with OLLI classes.

As a volunteer with the OLLI Volunteer Special Interest Group (SIG), your role would involve assisting with various aspects of OLLI classes, such as: Classroom Setup: Preparing the classroom environment to ensure it is conducive to learning.

Attendance Management: Taking attendance allows the coordinator to focus on the presenter and address participant questions.

Off-Site Class Assistance: Providing support for classes held at external locations like Taliesin West, Kerr Cultural Center, or Phoenix International Raceway.

World Tastes

Facilitator: Joanne Henning | Various Locations Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 8 |11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Join our delightful culinary journey designed for members ready to step out of their food “comfort zone.” We will explore diverse cultures through their cuisine in our unique classrooms, meeting for lunch at various ethnic restaurants throughout central Phoenix and the West Valley. Savor authentic flavors, make new friends, and enrich your understanding of global traditions. Perfect for food lovers seeking adventure and connection! This SIG will meet once a month, on Thursdays through May. The restaurant for the first meet-up will be shared after registration. Subsequent Thursday lunch dates will be determined by the group. SIG fee $0. Each member will be responsible for their own lunch

OLLI Hikes the Valley

Facilitator: Sarah Levine | Various Locations Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. | First Hike Join us for a fun, monthly hiking group exploring easy to moderate trails (3–6 miles) around the Valley. We’ll meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at designated trailheads, with the first location shared after registration. Some hikes may be led by volunteer trail docents who will share insights about local desert plants and wildlife. Future trail locations will be selected by participants during the first hike. Hiking sticks, snacks, and water are recommended. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, stay active, and make new friends while discovering the beauty of our desert surroundings. Hikes run once a month through April — come explore with us! Fee for SIG - $0.

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SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Pen & Paper Writer's Circle

Facilitator: Carol Kubota | Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m | First Meeting If you’re passionate about creating fiction, memoirs, journalism, travel writing, poetry, or nonfiction, this is the group for you! Open to all writers from beginner to experienced, we’ll offer a platform for growth, discussion, collaboration, and connection with other OLLI students. The group will meet via Zoom, once a month through the end of the semester.

Additional information about our first meeting will be sent to registered members.

Subsequent meeting dates/times/places to be discussed at first meeting. SIG fee $0.

Being Present – Mindfulness Practice for Stress Reduction Facilitator: Aimee Shramko | Hospice of the Valley, Dementia Campus Meeting: Saturday, Jan. 17 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | First Meeting

If ruminating on the past can lead to depression and stressing about the future can lead to anxiety, what’s the answer? The practice of mindfulness involves choosing to focus on the present moment. It doesn’t ask that you attempt to quiet your mind – by design, our brains are meant to be active – but it does encourage you to relax, focus, and breathe, thus calming the mind and body. Otherwise known as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), this meditative practice has been found to improve physical symptoms such as chronic pain, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and insomnia. It has also been shown to decrease emotional and psychological distress such as depression and anxiety. Come practice with us! We will meet once a month for a 30-minute meditation at the Dementia Campus (3811 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018) followed by several readings and poems. We’ll leave time afterwards for sharing thoughts and discussing the practice. We’ll also explore mindful walking and eating. SIG fee $0.

Great Expectations

Facilitator: Jim Stephens & Kathleen Adamson | Tempe Public Library, Connections Room Meeting: Saturdays, | 10:00 a.m. – noon A discussion (SIG) using materials provided by the Foreign Policy Association (fpa.org) facilitated by Kathleen Adamson and Jim Stephens, Ph.D. This SIG is a discussion group where all members are expected to prepare in advance and willingly share experiences, readings, and cultural perspectives in a civil environment. This is a small group of fewer than 20 with opportunities for all to share in the discussion. The first topic in the 2026 Great Decisions Reading Booklet is: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy. The reading booklet is purchased at www.fpa.org/great_decisions for $35. Spring 2026 Great Decisions—Current Affairs meets at the Tempe Public Library (3500 South Rural, Tempe), the fourth Saturday of each month: January 24, February 28, March 28, and May 16 (skip April) at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sessions start promptly at 10:00 a.m. SIG fee - $10 – Payable at first meeting.

Let’s ‘Listen to the Music’ Together

Facilitator: Jo Ellen Alberhasky | Various Locations Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 22 | 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Calling all music lovers! Like to hear live music in all kinds of venues – big, small, local talent, world acclaimed, club or MIM acoustic; interested in all kinds of music or maybe jazz is your groove; craving a little education or trivia on your favorite vocalist – this SIG is for you. We will meet 1-2 times a month to find some music activity that ‘rocks’ your soul. This SIG is for those folks who are tired of going to concerts alone, love to swap tips on where to find great music, or just want more music in their life! First meeting will be at the Vig at 10199 E Bell Road, at the SW corner of Bell and Thompson Peak Rd. Future locations depend on activity. Subsequent events to be decided by the group. Fee for SIG - $0 - All members must pay for their own ticket/cover charge for individual events.

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Spring 2026 Classes by Location Classes listed in chronological order

Tempe

006 | Endangered Species of Arizona & the American Southwest 013 | Smarter AI, Creative You: An Introductory Course on Generative Media 025 | On the Road with Mozart 028 | DETAINED: Voices from the Migrant Incarceration System 035 | Joe DiMaggio: The "Yankee Clipper" 038 | Geology of Arizona Landscapes & Rocks 045 | The Wyeth Family: Three Generations of American Art 056 | Global Food Journeys: The Story of Cheese 059 | Legendary Duos 067 | Monuments & Memory: Exploring National War Memorials 073 | The First Amendment: Roots & Realities 088 | The Magic of (Micro) Memoir 101 | Alfred Hitchcock's "Lifeboat" 106 | Truth or Treason? Conspiracy Theories in the Ancient World 119 | From Hydrogen to Gold: The Tales of the Elements 124 | Invisible Worlds: Infrared & the Secrets of Light 126 | America & the Rule of Law 129 | Essential Strategies for Thriving Landscapes in Hot, Dry Regions

ASU – Tempe Campus

058 | Storytileing: Tiles & Tales (The Clay Connection Project) 085 | Religion & Health: Evidence-Based Insights

Desert Foothills Library – Cave Creek

039 | Arizona History: Statehood to Suburbia 074 | Sweet & Simple: The Art of Easy Dessert Making 103 | Get Your Kicks at 100: A Route 66 Celebration

Sun City

037 | Frida Kahlo: Art, Identity, & Resilience 089 | The World in a Cup: A Global History of Caffeine

Friendship Village

018 | Arizona Water Policy: Where Do We Stand?

62 | Women of the Ancient World 097 | Pros & Cons: AI in Medical School Education & Research

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Zoom

004 | Geology of the Grand Canyon: Rocks & River 007 | Fermi Estimates: Quick Math for Big Questions 008 | Milestones in Medicine 009 | The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies 012 | Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life 014 | Ancient Peoples of the U.S. Southwest: An Archaeological Overview 015 | The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire 022 | Technology Across Generations 024 | Brain & Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology 027 | Relevance & Purpose in your Third Act: A Journey of Discovery 030 | The Mind Behind The Music: Discovering Beethoven 033 | Geopolitics Today: New Dawn or Just Chaos?

048 | The 25 Top Film Scores of All Time 049 | From Cave Walls to City Streets: The Surprising History of Graffiti Art 050 | Dr. Danny's Crime-Busting Lab: Computer Crime 068 | Behind the Robes: Inside the U.S. Supreme Court 070 | Bumble Bee Conservation Through Community Science 082 | Driving Change: The Remarkable Journey of Bertha Benz 094 | The History & Intersection of Sports & Politics 104 | JFK’s Quest for Peace: Lessons for Turbulent Times 108 | Navigating the AI Era: Wisdom, Wonder, & What Comes Next 110 | The Human Element of War: Why Technology Can’t Eliminate Destruction 114 | Technology & the Changing Character of Irregular Warfare 118 | Unpacking the Declaration of Independence 120 | Fortunato Film School: Superman 123 | The Lost Generation 127 | Only Hope: My Mother & the Holocaust Brought to Light 130 | Art in War: Soviet Artists During World War II 131 | CBD, Fish Oil, & Vitamin D: The Science of Supplements 135 | WWII Los Alamos: Its Impact on Nuclear Policy Today 136 | Where Will Arizona Get Its Next Bucket of Water 137 | Art in Captivity: Japanese Incarceration Camps of WWII

Mesa

017 | Exploring Jazz: Styles, Sounds, & Stories

Spring 2026 Classes by Location Scottsdale

005 | The Color & the Movement: Western Art & Western Movies 010 | Finding Your Resilience 029 | Keys to the Keys: An In-Depth Look at Keyboard Instruments 112 | Student Innovation: Using AI Tech for Good 115 | From Bookshelves to Breakthroughs: Inside Amazon's Innovation Engine 116 | Law & Governance of AI 128 | Notorious: Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, & Ingrid Bergman

ASU Chandler Innovation Center

011 | The Fundamentals of Watercolor with Still Life 041 | Hiroshima & the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bomb 053 | Advanced Analytics: Real-World Applications via Excel 090 | Youth Has No Age: Ageing, Ageism & Contribution 096 | Exploring the Masters of Jazz: The Great Big Bands

Phoenix

016 | Tea Tasting at the Japanese Friendship Garden 019 | Poetry & Music at MIM: Explore, Create & Share 031 | Unveiling the Universe: Discoveries from Rubin Observatory 044 | Behind the Scenes at Chase Field 065 | Laser Engraving: An Introduction to Laser Cutting 087 | Heard Museum Presents: Kay Walking Stick & Hudson River School 099 | Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection at the Phoenix Art Museum 111 | The Paradox of GenAI: Smart, Drunk, Biased & Sycophantic 113 | Everyday AI: Practical Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence 132 | Arizona Public Lands & the Impact of Arizona Nature Heroes

ASU Health Futures Center

032 | Valley Fever: Dangerous Dirt in the Desert 034 | Immigration, Assimilation & Antisemitism: The History of Jewish Life in the Americas 036 | State Birds of the West 040 | Exploring the Kingdom of Morocco 042 | Quantum Physics 047 | Understanding Cancer: From Mystery to Medical Breakthroughs 051 | Expedition Cruising in Alaska 054 | Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert

055 | Slavery in Late Medieval Italy 057 | Evolution vs. Creationism: Is There Room for Compromise?

060 | History & Archaeology Behind the Formation of the Christian Nicene Creed 061 | Memory & Cognitive Flexibility: Our Brain’s Executive Functions 064 | The Geography of American Security 066 | Pondering the Presidency 069 | From Town Crier to X & Beyond: The Media & the American Presidency 071 | Geology: The Deep History of the Valley of the Sun 072 | Coping With Stress for Mental & Physical Health 076 | The Big Picture: Understanding Movie Screen Formats 077 | The Impact of the Holocaust on Survivors: Diverse Profiles of Luck & Resilience 086 | Alaska: The Miracles of Nature & Foibles of Man 091 | Arizona’s Tribal Water Rights: A Status Report 092 | The Pacific Ocean in Global History 100 | Crown Jewels of Northern Italian Cuisine 107 | Nature Journaling: Observing, Reflecting, & Creating in the Natural World 108 | Navigating the AI Era: Wisdom, Wonder, & What Comes Next 117 | Celebration of Excellence 120 | The Art of AI: Creativity, Storytelling, & the Human Touch 124 | Musculoskeletal Imaging: From Diagnosis to Future Technologies 125 | Rewriting the Brain’s Story: How Experience & Healing Shape Our Biology 133 | Painting Architectural Wonders: "Bryggen" 134 | The Ninth Amendment: Still A Mystery After All These Years

West Valley – Peoria & Glendale

021 | From the Dugout to the Desert: The Legacy of the Cactus League 026 | Wagons Ho: American Emigrant Trails, 1775-1880 093 | "There Will be Blood! Measuring Violence in the Old West 098 | Outbreak: Tales & Lessons from a Disease Hunter 105 | The Wizard Behind Oz 109 | Life in a Sci-Fi Novel: Technology, Humanity, & Transformation

Sun Health Campuses

023 | Phoenix Rising: The Strange But True Stories of an Improbable Metropolis 075 | Understanding & Maintaining Memory 122 | Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling

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PO Box 37100, Phoenix, AZ 85069-7100

Locations ASU Health Futures Center 6161 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix 85054

Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria 85382

ASU Chandler Innovation Center 249 E Chicago St, Chandler 85225

Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria 85381

Desert Foothills Library 38443 N School House Rd, Cave Creek 85331

Scottsdale Public Library – Civic Center 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Fairway Recreation Center 10600 W Peoria Ave, Sun City 85351

Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang 10101 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center 5600 W Union Hills Dr, Glendale 85308

Sun Health – Grandview Terrace 14515 W. Granite Valley Dr, Sun City West, AZ 85375

Foothills Library 19055 N 57th Ave, Glendale 85308

Sun Health – La Loma Village 14154 W. Denny Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Friendship Village 2645 E Southern Ave, Tempe 85282

Sun Health – The Colonnade 19116 N Colonnade Way, Surprise, AZ 85374

Mesa Arts Center 1 E Main St, Mesa 85201

Community Center Town of Fountain Hills 13001 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Mirabella at ASU 65 E University Dr, Tempe 85281

Tempe Public Library 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe 85282