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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.

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

Live Fire Instructor in Charge National Certification

CERTIFICATION EXAM for Live Fire Fire Instructor in Charge, accredited by IFSAC and ProBoard

This course contains no sessions
Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Personal Vitality and Fulfillment

Join us in this interactive discussion class as we actively explore and consider our own personal vitality and fulfillment. Vitality is a necessary component to finding happiness and fulfillment. It involves not just physical health but also mental and emotional wellness. During class you'll assess your mental and physical energy, consider the definitions of personal vitality and ascertain what contributes to your own liveliness. We'll conclude with developing an understanding of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that contribute to creating your own vibrant and fulfilling life.

Instructor Bio: Cathie Peterson earned a doctorate in education from the University of Kansas. She explored the notion of vitality while conducting research at the University of Kansas.

February 19-26, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall

Powwow 101 and KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival

Learn about the history and traditions of a Native powwow with Jancita Warrington, the KU Powwow director. We'll learn about powwow etiquette, the cultural significance of patterns and colors in regalia, different styles of powwow dancing and more. Then, on Saturday morning, we'll meet back at the St. Andrews classroom for a lunch catered by The Native Chef, Jason Champagne, and a deeper dive into the beauty and symbolism of Native powwow regalia as worn by dancers participating in the day's event. Parking at the powwow is extremely limited so we'll provide bus transportation to and from the Lied Center to attend the annual KU Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival. Please note that seating at the powwow is also limited, so please bring a folding chair. Includes Powwow 101 class, catered lunch, transportation to and from powwow and regalia fashion presentations.

April 8-11, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

Ren�e Fleming's "Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene" at the Lied Center

Ren�e 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

The JFK Assassination: 63 Years Later

Let's jump into the political and social climate of the early 1960s and the circumstances involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963. Over three weeks we'll consider the major theories as to who was likely behind the assassination. You'll see numerous photographs which were not available to the public in 1963during the course, too. We'll conclude with an in-depth examination of an eyewitness - who was ignored by the federal government - who observed a man shoot at the president from behind a picket fence.

Instructor bio: Brian Edwards has researched the Kennedy assassination for five decades. During that time, he has interviewed hundreds of individuals connected with the case. He has given numerous presentations on the assassination throughout the United States. Brian co-authored three books on the assassination: "Beyond the Fence Line: The Eyewitness Account of Ed Hoffman and the Murder of President John Kennedy" (2008), "Blueprint for Murder" (2020) and "Admitted Assassin" (2024). In 2019, he collaborated with and appeared in Oliver Stone's four-hour documentary on the assassination, "JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass."

March 23, 2026 to April 6, 2026, Beacon Mental Health (Clay County)

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

What Really Happened? Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence, Kansas-Revisiting the Evidence

Join James C. 'Chris' Edwards as he discusses and reads from his new book, "What Really Happened? Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence, Kansas; Revisiting the Evidence." He will provide firsthand survivor accounts of Quantrill's raid that are at odds with each other. Topics include access to weapons, fortifications, troop strength, town preparedness, and conspiracy theories. The class juxtaposes popular survivor testimony of the attack with conflicting accounts from other witnesses.

Instructor Bio: Chris Edwards earned his master's degree in history from the University of Missouri-Columbia where his focus of study was the Border War between Missouri and Kansas (1854-1865).

Monday, May 18, 2026, St Andrews Classroom
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online