Our Team
Jared Swerzenki
Director jared.swerzenski@asu.edu
Tracy Grewe Business Operations Manager tmgrewe@asu.edu
Kristi Schneider Program Coordinator kristina.schneider.1@asu.edu
Jolene Gosling Program Coordinator jolene.gosling@asu.edu
Susie Rego
Program Coordinator srego93@asu.edu
Lindsay Braun Program Coordinator lbraun21@asu.edu
Joanna Arteaga Ferrin Program Coordinator jferrin1@asu.edu
Registration
The OLLI Membership gives you access to class registration and member exclusive events and include these following benefits:
• Discounted tickets and special offers from our community partners
• Co-generational programs with ASU faculty and ASU students
• The opportunity to contribute to academic research projects
• Educational travel opportunities
$15 Summer Semester Membership Fee
The semester membership gives members access to purchase classes and events offered by OLLI at ASU for one semester. This membership will expire June 30, 2026. Annual members do not need to purchase a summer membership.
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).
Free Classes 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.
Madeline Yang Program Aide myang109@asu.edu
Check Out OLLI at ASU
In collaboration with our community partners, we are excited to offer FREE classes for our members and the general public. Invite a friend or family member to experience the power of learning with our expert-led free class. Space is limited, registration is required. If you don’t already have an account, you will need to create one before registering for free classes.
004A | Of Dogma & Desire: Saying What You Believe About the First Amendment
Instructor: Bob McWhirter, JD
Class Cost: Free
1 Session: Monday, May 18
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scottsdale Library - Mustang
To read the full description, go to the History & Government section on page 8.
004B | What the Founders Meant by Happiness: A Journey Through Virtue and Character
Created by: Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center Class Cost: Free 12 Sessions: Self-Paced On-Demand
Register to join us for a live Zoom session on Wednesday, Jun. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon , where Ted Cross will explore key highlights from the course.
This class invites learners of all ages to explore what early American leaders meant by happiness and why they believed it was essential to both a good life and a strong constitutional democracy. Drawing on ideas from ancient history, the Enlightenment, and the lives of the Founders themselves, this course examines how happiness was understood not as comfort or pleasure, but as building character, making ethical choices, and taking responsibility for oneself and one’s community.
This class is based on The Pursuit of Happiness, written by Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. It combines Arizona State University’s Principled Innovation framework with the National Constitution Center’s deep scholarly expertise and longstanding commitment to constitutional and civic education. Together, these perspectives equip learners of all ages with a richer understanding of American history and the enduring values necessary to sustain a constitutional democracy.
Thank You 2025-2026 Partners
OLLI at ASU thanks our partners across the valley for their generosity and their support of lifelong learning.
COMMUNITIES & SENIOR LIVING
CULTURAL & ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
CITIES
LIBRARIES & GARDENS
EDUCATIONAL & HISTORIC INSTITUTIONS
Support
Lifelong Learning
OLLI at ASU provides our community with opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. We need your help in expanding our support of lifelong 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 47% 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, Development Officer 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.
Donate Directly to OLLI at ASU
For more information, please contact: Nellie Nano, Program Specialist at nnano@asu.edu
To Give via Check: ASU Watts College 411 N Central Ave, Suite 750 Mail Code 3520, Phoenix, AZ 85004
ATTN: Nellie Nano
Please
To Give via Credit Card:
Scan the QR code with your phone camera, which will take you to our Donation page.
You can also visit our website: www.asuolli.org
Summer 2026 Class Catalog
Arts & Humanities
006 | Rob Reiner’s “The Princess
Bride” & “When Harry Met Sally”
Instructor: Dr. Kevin Sandler
Class Cost: $38
2 Sessions: Mondays, Jun. 1, 8
10:30 a.m. - noon | Tempe Public Library
Rob Reiner was one of the most beloved entertainers of the last fifty years. His films The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally represent cinema Hollywood just doesn’t make any more for the big screen: small character dramas that explore our capacity for kindness and growth as humans in the most outrageous or most ordinary of situations. We will look at the comedic timing, gentleness, and genrebending nature of these two films to help us understand why Reiner’s work remain eminently watchable and memorable.
011 | Grief in Life & Fiction: Shakespeare, Hamnet & Hamlet
Instructor: Dr. Cristiane Busato Smith
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Thursday, Jun. 11 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Zoom
This class explores Hamnet - Maggie O’Farrell’s historical novel and its recent Oscar-nominated film - alongside Shakespeare’s life and his most enduring work, Hamlet . How did the death of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet influence his writing of Hamlet ? We will compare short scenes from the film, excerpts from the novel, and passages from the play to investigate how this personal loss resonates throughout Hamlet , offering profound reflections on grief, memory, and the transformative power of art.
018 | The Hidden Musical Gems of Classic Cartoons
Instructors: Sam and Candy Caponegro Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 22
10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
Step back in time and discover the hidden musical gems of classic cartoons in this exciting class. While many of us grew up enjoying the music of Disney movies, there’s a whole world of iconic songs and soundtracks that came out of Fleischer Studios and Looney Tunes productions that are just as noteworthy. Join us for an exploration of the music and songs of beloved cartoon characters like Betty Boop, Popeye, Olive Oil, Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck. You’ll be surprised by the adult themes and sophisticated musical arrangements that accompany these timeless characters and stories.
022 | “Cats”: The Musical
Instructor: Stephen Hohendorf
Class Cost: $100
2 Sessions: Wed. & Sun., Jun. 24, 28
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | 12:00 - 4:30 p.m. Arizona Broadway Theatre
Join Arizona Broadway Theater’s Director of Education, Stephen Hohendorf, for a lecture class exploring the magic behind Cats , one of the most iconic musicals in theatre history. Based on the whimsical poetry of T. S. Eliot, Cats transports audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle cats during the night of the Jellicle Ball, where each cat shares their story through dynamic dance, acrobatics, and unforgettable music while hoping to be chosen for a journey to the Heaviside Layer and a new life. Participants will learn about the history and lore of the show, explore ABT’s unique makeup design process, and even create their own original cat character makeup. This class offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical artistry that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. This class includes the matinee showing of Cats and lunch on Sunday, June 28. *Excludes meal upgrades, alcoholic beverages, and dessert.
023 | Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
Instructor: Museum Docent
Class Cost: $25
1 Session: Thursday, Jun. 25
10:30 a.m. - noon | Phoenix Art Museum
Organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection, Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan celebrates the originality and virtuosity of 36 women artists who have explored sculptural expression outside the traditionally male-dominated field of Japanese studio ceramics. The exhibition’s 40 avant-garde works featuring motifs of flora, geology, human anatomy, and fantastical abstract forms illuminate the technical achievements and creativity of leading women ceramicists from post-World War II Japan. Led by Phoenix Art Museum Docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.
024 | Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
Instructor: Museum Docent
Class Cost: $25
1 Session: Friday, Jun. 26
10:30 a.m. - noon | Phoenix Art Museum
Class description same as above. Please see full description on class number 023.
Health & Wellness
010 | Movement & Poetry: An Exploration of the Mind-Body Connection
Instructors: Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski & Dr. Susie Bendix
Class Cost: $50
2 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jun. 10, 17
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Health Futures Center
Join us, along with Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski and Dr. Susie Bendix for this two-session interactive class, where we’ll explore the connections between physical movement and generative writing, as well as the healing power of both. We’ll also use movement as a portal to deeper selfdiscovery and expression, generating poetry (and/or short narrative) in the process.
015 | A Global Food Journey: The Story of Spices
Instructor: Kathleen Dixon
Class Cost: $25
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 16
10:30 a.m. - noon | Tempe Public Library
Spices once drove exploration, shaped empires, and transformed cuisines. In this flavorful session, we’ll trace the ancient spice routes that connected continents and cultures—from pepper and cinnamon to saffron and turmeric—while tasting examples that reveal how geography and trade influenced global cooking. Along the way, we’ll discuss how colonization, preservation, and modern culinary trends continue to shape the story of spice today.
017 | Tai Chi for Health & Wellness
Instructor: Ray Sol Class Cost: $38
2 Sessions: Fridays, Jun. 19, 26 10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
Join us for this class using tai chi martial arts for health and wellness. Emphasis will be on balance, flexibility, and relaxation skills. Each session includes stretching and balancing exercises. In the first session, students will learn tai chi moves that exercise both the body and mind. In the last session, students will expand their tai chi balancing skills and learn breathing techniques for relaxation related to the tai chi movements. Ample time to practice will be provided. Comfortable clothes and shoes recommended.
020 | The Neurobiology of Stress: Becoming the Responsive Leader in Your Life
Instructor: Jamie Valderrama Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 23 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Sun Health - La Loma Village
Stress is gaining increased attention across the U.S. and globally due to its significant impact on physical and mental health. At the same time, mindfulness is emerging as a powerful, evidence-based tool for wellbeing, demonstrating how the simple act of self-awareness can help downregulate the body’s stress response, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life. This presentation explores the neurobiology of stress and its effects on the brain and body, the science of neuroplasticity and our ability to rewire thought patterns, and practical, data-driven techniques to regulate the nervous system in the face of everyday and high-stakes stressors. With a dynamic blend of science, humor, and realworld application, this session will leave you thinking differently about stress, and empowered to lead your life with greater clarity, calm, and purpose.
History & Government
004A
| Of Dogma & Desire: Saying What You Believe About the First Amendment
Instructor: Bob McWhirter, JD
Class Cost: Free
1 Session: Monday, May 18
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scottsdale Public Library - Mustang
Ah, the First Amendment! Front and center of today’s culture wars. This dynamic, visually rich presentation traces the fascinating history of our right to speak and worship. From ancient civilizations, including the Persians, Greeks, Hebrews, and Romans, to the Puritans and the American founding, the program explores how ideas about speech, religion, and freedom developed and ultimately shaped the First Amendment. We will examine what the Framers believed about liberty and expression, the role of the press and early journalism at the founding, and enduring questions such as whether we truly “know obscenity when we see it.” The class also explores how speech has been treated during wartime and introduces the powerful concept of the “marketplace of ideas.” Blending history, constitutional insight, and lively discussion, this class helps illuminate how the speech and religion clauses of the First Amendment remain connected and why they continue to spark debate today.
008 | Social Security’s Architect: The Legacy of Frances Perkins
Instructor: Ken Sorensen
Class Cost: $14
1 Session: Wednesday, Jun. 3
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library
Frances Perkins was more than just the first woman to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet; she was the visionary behind the modern American labor system. Serving 12 years under FDR, Perkins championed the creation of a federal safety net and lasting legislation that transformed social welfare. Despite a life marked by personal hardship, her dedication to worker’s rights never wavered, leaving behind a legacy of protection and dignity for the American middle class.
012 | Abraham Lincoln & His Most Troublesome General
Instructor: Dr. George Rable
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Friday, Jun. 12
10:30 a.m. - noon | Sun HealthGrandview Terrace
This class will explore the fraught relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and General George McClellan. Focusing on their differences in background, personality, and strategic vision. We’ll look at the evolution of the relationship during several military campaigns, Lincoln’s decision to remove McClellan from command, and the irony of McClellan’s presidential candidacy.
014 | Hitler’s Soldiers in America: The Hidden History of German POWs in the USA
Instructor: Anette Isaacs
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 15
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Zoom
During World War II, almost 400,000 German soldiers were held in POW camps across the United States, a story few Americans know. Historian Anette Isaacs explores how these men lived among American communities, confronted Nazism within the camps, and formed relationships that challenge easy narratives of enemy and ally. From Texas to Florida, this lecture reveals a complex and surprising chapter of the American home front.
Social Sciences
016 | The Rational Animal: How Evolution Made Us Smarter Than We Think
Instructor: Dr. Douglas Kenrick
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Thursday, Jun. 18
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Friendship Village
When you or your family members decide how to spend your limited budget of time and money every day, are your choices rational or irrational? Classical economists assumed that we make wellinformed decisions, rationally designed to optimally maximize benefits. Behavioral economists amassed data suggesting our decisions are often shockingly irrational and oversimplified. Evolutionary psychologists suggest a third view: that our decisions are neither ultra-rational nor fecklessly irrational. Join Dr. Douglas Kenrick, President’s Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, to learn more about how evolution made us smarter than we think.
021 | Get Your Kicks at 100: A Route 66 Celebration
Instructor: Roger Naylor Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Wednesday, Jun. 24
10:30 a.m. - noon | Sun Health - The Colonnade
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 eateries thriving along Arizona’s stretch of the road. Don’t miss this chance to rediscover the road that shaped a nation.
Keep Up-to-Date:
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to follow our Facebook.
You can also visit: facebook.com/olliasu/
Science & Technology
005 | Modern Ethical Challenges with AI Applications
Instructor: Dr. Julia Inozemtseva
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 1
10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
Who should be responsible when an AI system causes harm? Should AI tools be allowed in classrooms or hospitals? Is large-scale data collection a fair price for convenience? This lecture invites you to explore the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and data collection in the modern age. Using real-world case studies and ethical frameworks, we will examine how AI shapes education, transportation, healthcare, social media, and everyday life. The class focuses on balancing benefits, harms, and social consequences while developing critical thinking skills.
007 | Hummingbirds of the Southwest
Instructor: Kurt Leuschner
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 2
10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
The Southwestern United States is home to an amazing array of different types of hummingbird. In this presentation, you’ll learn why this is so and you will get to see all of the fifteen or more species that occur here on a regular basis. We will also cover what makes the hummingbird one of the most unique members of the avian world. They have so many interesting behaviors and special adaptations. Finally, you will learn exactly where to go to see all of these hummingbirds!
009 | How to Protect Yourself from Your Computer
Instructor: Marc-Anthony Arena
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 9
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Zoom
Most technology headaches, security risks, costs, and electronic waste are preventable. This class explains the IT industry in plain English, including a look at recent trends such as the Windows 11 cash grab. Participants will learn the core components of computers and tablets, why traditional antivirus software is largely obsolete, and the four major modern threats. The class also covers proper backup practices, avoiding fake rental Wi-Fi, how to extend a computer’s lifespan to up to 15 years, ways to save money on printing, and includes time for questions.
013 | Planted at the Scene of the Crime: The Science of Forensic Botany
Instructor: Dr. Ken Sweat
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 15
10:30 a.m. - noon | Health Futures Center
In this class, with ASU’s Dr. Ken Sweat, we will examine the use of plants and other organisms, such as algae and fungi traditionally grouped with plants, as evidence in criminal investigations. Starting with the wood grain of the ladder left at the Lindbergh residence and continuing into modern genetic techniques, we will review how plant evidence has been in the past and can be expected in the future to help solve crimes, prosecute the guilty, and free the innocent.
019 | Arizona’s Tribal Water Rights: An Update
Instructor: Cora Tso, JD
Class Cost: $19
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 22
10:30 a.m. - noon | Health Futures Center
This class will provide an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its interconnection with Federal Indian Policy and history. It will include a look at where Arizona Tribes stand in securing their water rights within Arizona and the Colorado River Basin, as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso is a research fellow who analyzes and develops recommendations on Tribal Nations’ water interests, collaborating with Tribal leadership, government agencies, and stakeholders.
National Resource Center Osher Online
025 | Threads of History: The World of Oriental Rugs
Instructor: Sumru Krody
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Mondays, Jul. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Aug. 3, 10
noon - 1:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
What makes an Oriental rug so captivating— its elegant design, intricate patterns, or the mystery of its origins? In this richly illustrated class, we will discover the stories woven into these remarkable textiles. We will travel through the history and artistry of rug and carpet weaving, a tradition rooted in Asia and North Africa, with examples dating back to the 4th century BCE. Using stunning visuals and expert insights, we will explore major carpet-making cultures and regions including Anatolia, Iran, Transcaucasia, North Africa, and Central Asia. We will learn to recognize defining features of Oriental rugs: weaving traditions (nomadic and settled), key historical periods (from the Early Modern era through the
nineteenth-century), purposes (from prayer to decoration), and production contexts (from royal courts to bustling markets). We will also be introduced to basic methods for identifying weave structures and deepen our appreciation of these remarkable works of art.
026 | Children’s Literature: The Development of a Genre
Instructor: Blake Regnier
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
In this class, we will trace the evolution of literature specifically written for children - from its earliest forms to the modern era. We will begin with the oral traditions that underpin all storytelling, then follow the shift toward published works created specifically with young readers in mind. We will survey key moments and turning points that shaped the growth of children’s literature as a distinct field. We will conclude by analyzing how a well-known children’s literature has evolved over time.
027 | Discovering Portugal
Instructor: Alison Roberts
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
In this class, we will explore how a tiny nation – Portugal – played an outsized role in world history. We will examine Portugal’s fifteenth and sixteenth century maritime expansion (once called the “Discoveries”), as well as its central role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. We will trace how Portugal, once a fringe region of the Roman Empire, emerged as the only independent kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula as Castile grew into Spain. We will follow Portugal’s rise as a global power, with outposts stretching from Brazil to Japan, and then its decline as rival empires overtook it –culminating in twentieth century poverty under Europe’s longest dictatorship. Finally, we will consider how this past continues to shape Portuguese identity and culture in the decades since a revolution ushered in democracy. As we survey Portugal’s landscapes, art and architecture, and food, we will see why record numbers of Americans are now visiting the country.
028 | Horticulture A - Z
Instructor: Chris Baker
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
In this class, we will explore a wide range of horticultural practices with something to offer no matter our experience level or where we live. We will cover container gardening, aquatic gardens, ornamental and fruiting plants, bonsai, landscape design, and pest management. Each week, we will focus on a theme and examine design ideas, plant choices, and long-term care practices for success. Whether we garden on 10 acres or in an apartment, we will find plenty to learn and enjoy in horticulture.
029 | Canals & the Making of the Modern World
Instructor: Bernie Carlson Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Aug. 5, 12
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it revolutionized American travel and transportation, but its inspiration came from Europe’s earlier canal networks. In this Class, we will trace the development of French, British, and Irish canals in the 17th and 18th centuries. We will follow the story into the 19th century as we turn to American canals, especially in New York and Pennsylvania. Along the way, we will explore how canals reflect the politics and aspirations of different nations and why they still matter for global shipping today.
030
| Endless Grounds: Coffee’s Social, Economic, & Cultural Life
Instructor: Dr. Robert Thurston
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Thursdays, Jul. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 13
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
Coffee will provide a lively lens on major past and present issues, including climate change, social life, health, global North–South differences, social and economic justice, tourism, and slavery. We will begin “from the ground up,” tracing coffee from planting and processing through shipping and, ultimately, the beverage in our cupspart of nearly two billion cups consumed daily worldwide. We will explore coffee’s global history and its shift from an elite drink to an everyday staple. Drawing on current research, we will examine coffee, and health, as well as practical questions such as how more income might reach farmers and how coffee production might adapt to a changing climate. The instructor will share firsthand experiences from coffee farms around the world, discuss a range of brewing methods, and demonstrate how coffee is brewed. Sessions will be interactive, with time for questions throughout.
031 | Revolutionary Echoes in Washington DC
Instructor: Kasey Sease
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Thursdays, Jul. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 13
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
The Declaration of Independence is a pivotal American document, not just for eighteenth-century revolutionaries, but for people throughout US history. This Class will explore how individuals in Washington, D.C. used the Declaration and its ideas after independence was won. From the capital city’s planners to Union soldiers who defended Washington amid civil war, many evoked the Declaration to support their causes and shape a capital city. Spotlighting museum artifacts from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, this class will cover D.C.’s early history through 1876, the nation’s first centennial celebration.
032
| Deaf Culture & History
Instructor: Matthew Cooper
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Thursdays, Jul. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 13
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
This class introduces key aspects of Deaf Culture in the United States and the factors that define the Deaf community as a cultural minority. We will focus on awareness, cultural diversity, and the preservation of language. This class addresses the cultural identity, group norms, rules of social interaction, values, and traditions held by deaf members. Together we will explore the impact of modern technology, emerging issues, trends, and advocacy with the Deaf community. We will also address topics related to communication, terminology, educational alternatives, state and federal legislation, and community resources.
033 | The Indispensable Founder:
George Washington
Instructor: Dede Petri, JD
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Mondays, Jul. 13, 20, 27 & Aug. 3, 10, 17
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
As America celebrates 250 years of independence, this class will examine the indispensable founder, George Washington. We will explore Washington’s life and political leadership as well as his work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and architect. We will also review the groundbreaking work of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) which has owned and managed George Washington’s Mount Vernon since 1858. In that year, an intrepid group of women (who had no right to vote or own property) came together to save George Washington’s home, after both the Federal Government and Commonwealth of Virginia had refused to help. MVLA formation marked the birth of the historic preservation movement.
034 | Women Architects & Designers
Instructor: Eleanor Schrader
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul. 15, 22, 29 & Aug. 5, 12, 19
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
Often overlooked in traditional design and architecture class, twentieth century women designers profoundly shaped the way we perceive, experience, and enjoy our built environments, interiors, and decorative objects. In this class, we will explore the work and influence of such designers and architects as Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Lilly Reich, Charlotte Perriand, Dorothy Draper, Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and others. Their lives and the beauty of their enduring designs are documented within the context of the social and political issues they faced, as they left their unmistakable imprints upon twentieth century design.
035 | Hindu Traditions: Ritual,
Knowledge, Devotion
Instructor: Eileen Goddard Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul. 15, 22, 29 & Aug. 5, 12, 19
noon – 1:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
In this class, we will gain a comprehensive introduction to Hindu traditions, emphasizing the importance of ritual, knowledge, and devotion across Hindu traditions from classical to contemporary times. We will introduce Hinduism’s South Asian roots, that can be traced to the Vedic tradition, which provides key conceptual and religious foundations. We will consider early and classical expressions of Hindu thought and religious life through the complex term dharma. Major Hindu deities are then introduced alongside associated narratives, practices, and iconography. We will examine the six major schools of Hindu philosophy using both secondary and primary sources. We will then consideration bhakti (devotion) that has characterized diverse Hindu traditions across centuries. Finally, we will consider sacred space and places including temples and tīrthas, as well as the interrelationship of the concept of divine presence and pilgrimage practices the relate to these holy sites.
036 | The Digital Shift: How Computing Remade Media
Instructor: Rafael Davis Portela Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Mondays, Jul. 20, 27 & Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
The music we stream, the photos we swipe through, the real time news we consume, the books we read or listen to, all have been radically reshaped by digital technology. This class will explore how media is created, stored, and experienced in a digitized world. We will unpack fundamentals like text files, encoding and decoding, pixels, and algorithms in clear, easy-to-understand ways, no prior computer knowledge needed. Each session will focus on a different medium, comparing its analog origins with its contemporary digital version. We will also consider the impact of Generative AI and speculate on future trends. Topics will include text (books, e-books, news portals), images (photography and movies), music, video games, social media, and media ownership (physical media, streaming, and copyrights).
037 | Protecting Yourself as a Patient
Instructor: Dr. Hardeep Singh
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
noon – 1:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to keep ourselves and your loved ones safe when engaging with the healthcare system. Health care today is more complex, technical, and volatile than ever. Medical harm (unintentional, but often preventable) injures and kills hundreds of thousands of patients each year. In this class, we will learn how to prevent the most common types of medical harm including medication errors, patient care accidents, procedural and surgical complications, infections, and diagnostic mistakes. Patient safety experts and advocates will provide us with practical tips and insights to navigate the healthcare system confidently and safely. Through presentations, videos, and group discussions, we will come to understand the common sources of error and discover tactics, resources, and cautions to help protect ourselves and our loved ones.
038
| Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History
Instructor: Emanuel Abramovits
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
Musicals have been a major part of American theater, from the Tin Pan Alleydriven comedies of the early twentieth century to the integrated musicals that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury America. In this Class, we will explore book musicals, concept musicals, and the arrival of European mega-productions late in the century. We will profile some of the theater world’s leading composers, lyricists, writers, choreographers, directors, and performers. With the help of audiovisuals, we will study many of the most unforgettable shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Cabaret, Rent, Wicked, Hamilton, and more.
039 | History of Signs: How Signs Tell America’s Story
Instructor: Erin Holland
Class Cost: $95
6 Sessions: Fridays, Jul. 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
Explore 100 years of American history through objects often taken for granted in everyday life: signs. Led by the American Sign Museum (ASM) staff, this class introduces the Museum’s origins and features a conversation with ASM’s founder about why signs matter. We will examine how signs have evolved due to trends in commerce and technology. We will also explore case studies of three major food companies who used signage to shape their brands. In the final session, we will take a virtual visit to ASM’s neon shop to see how a neon sign is made.
All Classes Summer 2026
Listed by Date
004A | Of Dogma & Desire: Saying What You Believe About the First Amendment
1 Session: Monday, May 18
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Scottsdale Public Library - Mustang
005 | Modern Ethical Challenges with AI Applications
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 1 10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
006 | Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” & “When Harry Met Sally”
2 Sessions: Mondays, Jun. 1, 8
10:30 a.m. - noon | Tempe Public Library
007 | Hummingbirds of the Southwest
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 2 10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
008 | Social Security’s Architect: The Legacy of Frances Perkins
1 Session: Wednesday, Jun. 3
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Tempe Public Library
009 | How to Protect Yourself from Your Computer
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 9 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Zoom
010 | Movement & Poetry: An Exploration of the Mind-Body Connection
2 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jun. 10, 17 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Health Futures Center
011 | Grief in Life & Fiction: Shakespeare, Hamnet & Hamlet
1 Session: Thursday, Jun. 11 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Zoom
012 | Abraham Lincoln & His Most Troublesome General
1 Session: Friday, Jun. 12 10:30 a.m. - noon | Sun Health - Grandview Terrace
013 | Planted at the Scene of the Crime: The Science of Forensic Botany
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 15 10:30 a.m. - noon | Health Futures Center
014 | Hitler’s Soldiers in America: The Hidden History of German POWs in the USA
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 15 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Zoom
015 | A Global Food Journey: The Story of Spices
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 16 10:30 a.m. - noon | Tempe Public Library
016 | The Rational Animal: How Evolution Made Us Smarter Than We Think
1 Session: Thursday, Jun. 18 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Friendship Village
017 | Tai Chi for Health & Wellness
2 Sessions: Fridays, Jun. 19, 26 10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
018 | The Hidden Musical Gems of Classic Cartoons
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 22 10:30 a.m. - noon | Zoom
019 | Arizona’s Tribal Water Rights: An Update
1 Session: Monday, Jun. 22 10:30 a.m. - noon | Health Futures Center
020 | The Neurobiology of Stress: Becoming the Responsive Leader in Your Life
1 Session: Tuesday, Jun. 23 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Sun Health - La Loma Village
021 | Get Your Kicks at 100: A Route 66 Celebration
1 Session: Wednesday, Jun. 24 10:30 a.m. - noon | Sun Health - The Colonnade
022 | “Cats”: The Musical
2 Sessions: Wed. & Sun., Jun. 24, 28 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | 12:00 - 4:30 p.m. Arizona Broadway Theatre
023 | Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
1 Session: Thursday, Jun. 25
10:30 a.m. - noon | Phoenix Art Museum
024 | Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
1 Session: Friday, Jun. 26
10:30 a.m. - noon | Phoenix Art Museum
025 | Threads of History: The World of Oriental Rugs
6 Sessions: Mondays, Jul. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Aug. 3, 10 noon - 1:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
026 | Children’s Literature: The Development of a Genre
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
027 | Discovering Portugal
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
028 | Horticulture A - Z
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
029 | Canals & the Making of the Modern World
6 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Aug. 5, 12
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
030 | Endless Grounds: Coffee’s Social, Economic, & Cultural Life
6 Sessions: Thursdays, Jul. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 13
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
031 | Revolutionary Echoes in Washington DC
6 Sessions: Thursdays, Jul. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 13 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
032 | Deaf Culture & History
6 Sessions: Thursdays, Jul. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 13
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
033 | The Indispensable Founder: George Washington
6 Sessions: Mondays, Jul. 13, 20, 27 & Aug. 3, 10, 17
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
034 | Women Architects & Designers
6 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul. 15, 22, 29 & Aug. 5, 12, 19 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
035 | Hindu Traditions: Ritual, Knowledge, Devotion
6 Sessions: Wednesdays, Jul. 15, 22, 29 & Aug. 5, 12, 19 noon – 1:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
036 | The Digital Shift: How Computing Remade Media
6 Sessions: Mondays, Jul. 20, 27 & Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
037 | Protecting Yourself as a Patient
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 noon – 1:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
038 | Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History
6 Sessions: Tuesdays, Jul. 21, 28 & Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
039 | History of Signs: How Signs Tell America’s Story
6 Sessions: Fridays, Jul. 24, 31 & Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. | NRC Online - Zoom
All Classes Summer 2026
Listed by Location
Scottsdale Public Library
004A | Of Dogma & Desire: Saying What You Believe About the First Amendment
Zoom
005 | Modern Ethical Challenges with AI Applications
007 | Hummingbirds of the Southwest
009 | How to Protect Yourself from Your Computer
011 | Grief in Life & Fiction: Shakespeare, Hamnet & Hamlet
014 | Hitler’s Soldiers in America: The Hidden History of German POWs in the USA
017 | Tai Chi for Health & Wellness
018 | The Hidden Musical Gems of Classic Cartoons
025 | Threads of History: The World of Oriental Rugs
026 | Children’s Literature: The Development of a Genre
027 | Discovering Portugal
028 | Horticulture A - Z
029 | Canals & the Making of the Modern World
030 | Endless Grounds: Coffee’s Social, Economic, & Cultural Life
032 | Deaf Culture & History
031 | Revolutionary Echoes in Washington DC
033 | The Indispensable Founder: George Washington
034 | Women Architects & Designers
035 | Hindu Traditions: Ritual, Knowledge, Devotion
036 | The Digital Shift: How Computing Remade Media
037 | Protecting Yourself as a Patient
038 | Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History
039 | History of Signs: How Signs Tell America’s Story
Tempe Public Library
006 | Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” & “When Harry Met Sally”
008 | Social Security’s Architect: The Legacy of Frances Perkins
015 | A Global Food Journey: The Story of Spices
ASU Health Futures Center
010 | Movement & Poetry: An Exploration of the Mind-Body Connection
013 | Planted at the Scene of the Crime: The Science of Forensic Botany
019 | Arizona’s Tribal Water Rights: An Update
Sun Health
012 | Abraham Lincoln & His Most Troublesome General
020 | The Neurobiology of Stress: Becoming the Responsive Leader in Your Life
021 | Get Your Kicks at 100: A Route 66 Celebration
Friendship Village
016 | The Rational Animal: How Evolution Made Us Smarter Than We Think
Arizona Broadway Theatre
022 | “Cats”: The Musical
Phoenix Art Museum
023 | Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
024 | Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
Upcoming Opportunities
Domestic Travel
Prescott Film Festival Trip
Beat the heat and join Dr. Kevin Sandler, Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies at ASU, for the 16th Annual Prescott Film Festival from Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19, 2026.
The registration fee is $325.00 and includes the items listed below and will cover the stipend paid to Dr. Sandler for his planning, expertise, facilitation, and behind-thescenes access. The fee will be paid at time of registration with OLLI. It will become nonrefundable on June 15, 2026.
- Morning discussion led by Dr. Kevin Sandler in private meeting room
- 4 tickets for each registrant (1 for each of the 4 movies Dr. Sandler picks for discussion)
We are excited to partner with Springhill Suites by Marriott Prescott for a group discounted rate that includes a daily breakfast.
Reservations will be made by member directly through the group portal. For full details, navigate to www.asuolli.org and click ‘Travel Opportunities’ under the Member Benefits category, then click ‘Domestic Travel’.
To Register Online: Scan the QR code with your phone camera.
You can also visit: www.asuolli.org
Upcoming Opportunities
Don’t miss out on the international travel opportunities available to the lifelong learning community at OLLI at ASU.
Food & Landscapes of Ireland
ASU Featured Faculty: Kathleen Dixon 13 Days | May 17 - 29, 2027
Scan QR code below for the full itinerary
From Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to the windswept cliffs of the Atlantic coast, this culinary and scenic journey through Ireland connects you to the land, the people, and the flavors that define the Emerald Isle. Curated exclusively for OLLI at ASU, you’ll go beyond the postcard views: visiting working farms, savoring artisan tastings, and wandering landscapes that have inspired poets for centuries. Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway’s basalt columns, walk Derry’s historic walls, and stand in awe at Slieve League’s towering sea cliffs. Explore the Aran Islands’ Gaelic traditions, traverse the lunar-like Burren, and gaze from the Cliffs of Moher before ending in Dublin, discovering how history and culture come together in every bite.
For Full Itinerary:
Scan the QR code with your phone camera.
You can also visit: www.asuolli.org
Kathleen Dixon
Dr. David Schildkret
Mozart & Classical Music Across Central Europe
ASU Featured Faculty: Dr. David Schildkret
12 Days | Oct 7 - 18, 2026
Scan QR code below for the full itinerary
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 Mozartfilled 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. This trip has been uniquely designed to allow times for concerts that will be planned by OLLI at ASU when the concert schedules are available. The cost for the concerts are not included in the price paid for the trip to EF Go Ahead Tours.
For Full Itinerary:
Scan the QR code with your phone camera.
You can also visit: www.asuolli.org
Locations
Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W Paradise Ln, Peoria, AZ 85382
Sun Health - Grandview Terrace 14515 W. Granite Valley Dr, Sun City West, AZ 85375
ASU Health Futures Center
6161 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix 85054
Sun Health - La Loma Village 14154 W. Denny Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Friendship Village 2645 E Southern Ave, Tempe 85282
Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Sun Health - The Colonnade 19116 N Colonnade Way, Surprise, AZ 85374
Scottsdale Public Library - Mustang 10101 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Tempe Public Library 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe 85282