Jayhawk Global Courses & Events Directory

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Courses & Events

Beyond the Trenches: World War I Fronts in Italy, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Africa

You may be familiar with the World War I battles on the Western Front, where France and Great Britain (and later the U.S.) fought Germany in the trenches. But there was a reason it was called a World War. We will explore battles that were fought in other front, involving Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary and African colonies. We'll also discuss the Polar Bear Expedition: what were U.S. troops doing in Siberia? 


Instructor Bio: Karl Menninger is a retired government lawyer who seems to have found an avocation teaching courses on disability law, citizenship, comedy and James Bond, among other topics. 


March 19, 2026 to April 2, 2026, Santa Marta Retirement Community

Donation to the Osher Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at KU was established in 2004 by a grant for the Bernard Osher Foundation as an outreach program of the University of Kansas. Its mission is to offer noncredit enrichment courses and events to folks over 50 years of age, although we welcome learners of all ages. We rely on financial support from our members and the community to create a sustainable program. If you would like to support the Osher Institute, please click the link below. If you have questions, please contact Osher at osher@ku.edu. Thank you.

July 16, 2025 to December 31, 2025
December 8, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Fire Forum February 2026

This regional training event offers attendees an opportunity to learn from fire service trainers and thought leaders from across the American fire service.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Manhattan Fire Dept

Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute Goodland Fire School 2026

The Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) Goodland Fire School is a cooperative event that advances the knowledge and skills of Kansas firefighters. This event combines the annual fire schools normally held by KFRTI and Goodland Fire Department into one single event.

March 28-29, 2026, Northwest Kansas Technical College

Renée Fleming's "Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene" at the Lied Center

Renée Fleming is one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world's great opera houses and concert halls. A 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree, winner of five Grammy Awards and the U.S. National Medal of Arts, she has sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II to the Super Bowl. Ticket price includes an optional panel discussion with Ms. Fleming on April 16 that focuses on the connection between music and wellness, a pre-performance lecture with a KU School of Music professor, light refreshments and reserved seats for the performance on April 17. All reservations must be made by March 26. No refunds will be given after that date.

April 16-17, 2026, Lied Center

Walking Tour of Old West Lawrence

From its beginnings in 1855, Old West Lawrence has been home to socially and politically prominent families. The beautifully preserved neighborhood is the perfect backdrop to learn about the people who built and grew the city of Lawrence. We'll learn their stories and highlight the variety of architectural styles and building materials that make this area unique. Our guide is Dr. Bob Dinsdale, local Lawrence history aficionado and tour leader. This is a two-hour tour with a mostly flat terrain, but uneven brick sidewalks are a feature.

Saturday, April 25, 2026