Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Courses Donation Special Events

Courses & Events

Osher Membership Fee

A required individual Osher membership fee of just $25 will be collected during the fall semester each year to grant participation in the Osher offerings for the next 12 months. Your paid membership allows you to attend Osher courses and special events. Membership in Osher helps to keep the cost of classes affordable for all. We're excited to nurture your ongoing quest to learn as you engage with and contribute greatly to the world around you.

July 16, 2025 to June 30, 2026

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

1865: The Union Restored

It's 1865, and the American Civil War has raged for four long years. We'll continue examining the military history of the war, including how the North and South each approached what would culminate in the war's end. We'll look at the evaluation of the ends, ways and means of both sides' strategy in 1865, and the course, conduct and outcomes of major operations. We'll also address strategic and political contexts that shaped military operations in Virginia, Tennessee and elsewhere, as well as the leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Joseph Johnston, Robert E. Lee, William T. Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant, whose decision and leadership influenced their handling of the war and its end results. * Please note: this class will be offered as a hybrid class but will not be recorded, at the request of the instructor.*


Instructor Bio: Ethan S. Rafuse received his doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is professor of military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His publications include "Robert E. Lee and the Fall of the Confederacy 1863 - 1865," essays in "The Chattanooga Campaign" and "The Chickamauga Campaign," and "U.S. Presidents During Wartime."


June 10-24, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

A History of Music in the White House From 1948 - 2016

Join us for a survey history of music in the White House from the Truman administration through the Obama years. Fun facts: President Truman was an accomplished pianist who started piano lessons at age seven! Yo-Yo Ma was seven when he performed at the White House for Presidents Kennedy and Eisenhower. Paul McCartney was approaching age 70 when he rocked the building performing "Hey Jude" for President and Mrs. Obama and their guests. Want to learn more?


Instructor Bio: Jean Hein recently moved to Kansas from South Carolina, where she was director and recorder performer with Columbia Baroque as well as a clarinetist. She currently teaches online recorder classes for seniors. Hein has served on the board of Early Music America. She holds music degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University.


June 9-23, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

Butterflies, Birds and Bees

We'll dive deeper into the biology and beauty of our favorite pollinators: butterflies, birds and bees! Monarch butterflies are an iconic insect that has experienced population decline in recent years. Learn more about monarch butterflies, from basic biology to less known and fascinating observations. We'll consider the facts in the context of monarch conservation and what you can do to support monarch. In addition, we'll get to see monarch eggs, caterpillars and butterflies up close so you can be prepared to identify any activity in your home garden. Birds are pollinators, too! But their interaction with pollinating insects tells a much larger story about the connections that sustain our natural ecosystems. Jennifer will give an overview of bird population trends in North America, dive into Audubon's Plants for Birds program and end with a demonstration of the tools available to help you identify and learn about birds on your own. The final session will "bee" engaging, too! We'll learn about the types of bees in our area and how their populations are doing, things we can do to help them thrive and more. All three sessions will include hands-on activities!


Instructor Bio: Kristen Baum is the director of Monarch Watch, senior scientist with the Kansas Biological Survey and professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on the effects of land use and management practices, and weather extremes on monarchs, native bees and other pollinators.


Jennifer Delisle is a researcher with the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, where she maintains information about the state's rarest plants and animals for the Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory. She served on the board of directors of the Lawrence Bird Alliance for more than 20 years.


Victor Gonzalez earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá and his doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Kansas. He completed his postdoctoral research at the USDA Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management and Systematics Research Laboratory in Logan, Utah. Victor's research focuses on bee phylogeny and evolution, documenting patterns of diversity and investigating how bees respond to environmental stressors.


April 13-27, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

Cartoons: From Disney to Saturday Morning to Pixar and Beyond

We started watching cartoons as children, either at the movies or on television on Saturday mornings. Many of us continue to watch them, even without children or grandchildren. We'll look at the invention of the animated cartoon in the Silent Era, the creation of a certain Mouse by a guy from Kansas City and the entertainment empire that spawned, cartoons from other studios (Betty Boop, Popeye, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tom and Jerry, Mr. Magoo, Mighty Mouse), how cartoons went to war in the 1940s and how they migrated to television, both on Saturday mornings and on "kiddie" shows on weekday afternoons. We'll review the Disney renaissance in the 1990s, with "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King," long-running prime-time cartoons such as "The Simpsons," recent Disney competitors (Don Bluth, Ralph Bakshi, DreamWorks), and Pixar, who led the way in computer-generated animation with "Toy Story" and "Frozen". We'll also share where we watched cartoons: the movies, television, VHS/DVD/BluRay and now streaming services like Disney+.


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. 


April 14-28, 2026, Brewster Place In Person
June 11-25, 2026, Beacon Mental Health (Clay County)

German Settlements and Culture in Kansas

German is the most prevalent language after English and Spanish spoken at home in 77 counties in Kansas. Since 1854, thousands of German-speaking immigrants have sought better lives here, including Pennsylvania Dutch, Volga Germans, Mennonites, Austrians and Swiss. German churches dot the prairie, and some rural Kansans still speak a dialect of German.


Instructor Bio: William Keel, Ph.D., is a professor emeritus of German at KU, having taught the history and culture of German settlements in Kansas and Missouri.

May 20, 2026 to June 3, 2026, Beacon Mental Health (Clay County)

Immortalized: Sports Museums and Halls of Fame

Why do sports mean so much to so many in our society? Sports museums and halls of fame help build these emotional connections by remembering, celebrating and commemorating iconic athletes, coaches and events. We'll learn about the field of sports heritage, discover the different types of sports museums and reflect on how legends are remembered.


Instructor Bio: Andrew Stockmann is curator of exhibitions at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence. He grew up visiting baseball stadiums and museums with his family, which sparked his love for history. Andrew is from Liberty, Missouri, and is a 2024 graduate of the museum studies master's program at the University of Kansas and holds a bachelor's degree in sport management from Wichita State University.


June 10-24, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

Introduction to the Ethics and Use of Generative AI

Generative AI is everywhere – in your social media accounts and word processing programs, in your search engine and your doctor’s office. What is it? Why is it everywhere? And should it be? This course will offer an introduction to generative AI, explaining how it works, what it can and can’t do, what ethical problems trouble it from development to deployment, and how to protect yourself if you or others choose to use it.

Kathryn Conrad is professor of English at the University of Kansas, where her current research focuses on technology and culture and critical AI studies. She is an associate editor for the journal Critical AI and has published on critical AI literacy, most recently with Sean Kamperman, with whom she co-directs the AI & Digital Literacy project in partnership with the Hall Center and the National Humanities Center Institute, and with Tania Duarte and Ismael Garcia, of the UK nonprofit We and AI. In 2024, she was the US representative on an international expert panel advising the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education. She is also a founding member of the international Library of Babel group for technocritical educators currently housed by the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology.


May 14-28, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

KU Mini College

Welcome to the 19th annual KU Mini College! This is an educational event for inquisitive adults offered in partnership with KU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. KU Mini College is a beloved program that has continued to bring adult community members, alumni, and non-alums from all over the world to the KU Lawrence campus to attend presentations from KU faculty and other professionals on current topics of interest. This year's event will be held on campus with most events being held at Slawson Hall in the Beren Conference Center. Our 3 day lecture series will feature many of KU's outstanding professors and faculty. Attendees will have time to explore the Lawrence campus and visit with friends old and new!


Existing Osher members pay a $185 fee and includes a light breakfast each morning, light snacks, three days of presentations and one lunch. Non-Osher members pay $210 fee and includes all the same benefits of an existing member plus access to sign up for additional Osher programming and includes access to numerous exclusive Osher Member benefits.


For more information on membership opportunities go to: https://jayhawkglobal.ku.edu/membership-discounts


June 1-3, 2026, Slawson Hall

Let's All Go to the Movies: Film Critique and Conversation

Learn how to watch a movie like a film critic with veteran film critic Abby Olcese and join other Osher students for a specially curated film screening and discussion. This is a three-part course explores the fundamentals of filmmaking and film criticism designed to help the everyday movie fan understand how critical thinking works when watching a movie - and how to apply those concepts to watching movies at home or with friends and expanding their cinematic horizons. To top it off, we'll meet on a Saturday to view a film curated by Abby. She'll lead a discussion following the screening. We'll bring the popcorn and candy!Includes three-session class, private film screening and refreshments.

June 9, 2026 to July 11, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In-Person

The "Iron Curtain" at 80: Missouri's Role in Winston Churchill's Famous Speech

Osher is hitting the road for a deep dive into Missouri's connection to Sir Winston Churchill and the end of the Cold War. We'll start the trip with a tour of the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. President Truman's endorsement of Westminster College's invitation was pivotal in bringing Churchill to Missouri to give the famous speech. After lunch, we' will head to Jefferson City, Missouri's state capital, for a tour of the domed Capitol building, home to many famous works of art. We'll enjoy dinner together before spending the night in Jefferson City. We'll make our way to Fulton the next morning to explore Westminster College's connection to Sir Winston Churchill, who gave the famous "Iron Curtain" speech there 80 years ago. We'll take a class on the Cold War, tour the National Churchill Museum and Library, and view a segment of the Berlin Wall that was moved to Westminster after the fall of communism. We will also tour St. Mary the Virgin Church, a church designed by Sir Christopher Wren that incorporated stones from the original church that was built in the early 12th century. The church stood in London until it was bombed during the Blitz and before being moved stone by stone to Westminster's campus. We' will return to the Edwards Campus and Lawrence that evening. This trip will feature considerable amounts of walking, but all venues are fully accessible. Trip includes roundtrip luxury coach transportation, overnight hotel accommodation in Jefferson City, hot breakfast at the hotel, one dinner, two lunches, a lecture class and admission to all sites and tours.

April 30, 2026 to May 1, 2026

The Development & Evolution of the United States Army: The Cold War Years 1947 - 1995

This class picks up where "The Growth and Evolution of the United States Army, 1775 - 1945" left off. Over three weeks we'll examine the changes of the U.S. Army during the Cold War years that focused on a doctrine of containing and limiting Communist expansion. In the first class we'll look at the Korean War and the planned deterrence of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact forces in Eastern Europe. Next, we'll focus on the Army's plans for continental defense in the nuclear/missile age and the restructuring of the Army's tactical organization from the 1950s Pentomic Division to the ROAD Division of the early 1960s. Lastly, we'll delve into the Army's operations during the Vietnam Conflict, its rebuilding and reequipping in the 1970s and its Land, Sea and Air doctrine of the Desert Storm era.


Instructor Bio: Robert Smith, Ph.D., is the recently retired director of the Fort Riley Museum. He has a doctorate in history from KSU and has published numerous articles on military history.


May 14-28, 2026, Brewster Place In Person

The History of John Brown

In life and death John Brown was called many things: hero, terrorist, martyr and criminal. This class puts his life and legacy in the context of the times, exploring Brown as an individual and a determined actor that could only have existed in the Antebellum United States. A life full of contradictions, a supporter of civil rights and freedom, yet able to justify murder, Brown's actions were part of a uniquely American life whose legacy still echoes to this day.


Instructor Bio: Aaron Margolis received his doctorate in history from the University of Texas at El Paso where he concentrated on Latin American and borderlands history. He is currently an associate professor of history at Kansas City Kansas Community College.


June 8-22, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

The Life and Music of George Gershwin

One of the leading musical figures in the history of the United States, George Gershwin (1898 - 1937) combined influences from Tin Pan Alley, classical music, jazz and blues into a distinctive musical style heard in his numerous Broadway musicals, songs for Hollywood films and concert works. This course explores his biography and each aspect of his musical output. Emphasis will be placed on two of his musicals ("Girl Crazy" and "Of Thee I Sing"); his opera "Porgy and Bess"; and the concert works "Rhapsody in Blue," "Piano Concerto in F" and the tone poem, "An American in Paris."

Instructor Bio: Paul Laird is professor emeritus of musicology at the University of Kansas, where two of his teaching specialties were Baroque music and music of the United States. He has published widely on such topics as Leonard Bernstein and American musical theater and won the 2021 KU Chancellor's Club Career Teaching Award. Paul has taught many Osher classes since the program's inception at KU.

April 27, 2026 to May 11, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

The Life and Wars of Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was the son of fabled Revolutionary War general "Light Horse" Harry Lee. In this course, we'll examine how this general's son became one of the most respected officers in the U.S. Army, only to forge a record in the Confederacy that made him one of the most respected commanders in history. We'll look at the great maneuvers that carried him to triumph at Chancellorsville in 1863, and then to complete defeat in 1865. We will consider the factors that shaped Lee's generalship both in victory and defeat, then look at how Lee dealt with the aftermath of defeat in his postwar endeavors. Please note this class will be presented in hybrid format but will not be recorded at the request of the instructor. 


Instructor Bio: Ethan S. Rafuse has many published works include Robert E. Lee and the Fall of the Confederacy, 1863-1865. He received his doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and teaches military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

July 13-27, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

The Many Sides of Sam Clemens and Mark Twain

Samuel Clemens had several pen names before he settled on the name by which he is best known: Mark Twain. In a sense, Clemens and Twain were two personalities embodied in one life. Twain grew up in Missouri, traveled the world and settled in Connecticut. Over the course of his life, he wrote short humorous stories, historical novels, fantasies and essays on social, religious, philosophical, literary and political issues. He worked in mines and on steamboats. Twain was one of the most popular public performers of his era. He was both a man of the people and friend of the elite. His work has at various times been censored for different reasons by different factions of American culture. Yet his works continue to be read; biographers continue to write about him. He suffered personal tragedies and received public acclaim. Join us to investigate the many sides of the man sometimes acclaimed as the "Father of American Literature." If you only know Twain from humorous quotations and "Huckleberry Finn," you'll be amazed by the scope and complexity of his life and thoughts. He was a man who contained multitudes. Think of this course not as a literary critique or complete academic biography but, rather, a chance to get to know and be entertained by one of America's first "standup comics" and great literary figures.


Instructor Bio: James Gaither, Th.D., holds a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Kansas and a doctorate from Holos University Graduate Seminary. For over 25 years he has taught courses on the history of Western thought, world religions, metaphysics and ethics and is currently "semi-retired."


March 24, 2026 to April 14, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online
April 21, 2026 to May 5, 2026, Beacon Mental Health (Clay County)

The U.S. Naturalization Process & the Path to Citizenship

The U.S. naturalization process has changed significantly since it started in 1790. We'll delve into the history of the process as well as walk through the steps of eligibility, application and interview processes and culminating ceremony.


Instructor Bio: Anita Tebbe is a retired professor in the legal studies department at Johnson County Community College. She earned an undergraduate degree in history, a graduate degree in education and a law degree. Anita is a Kansas-licensed attorney and has more than 40 years of teaching experience at the high school and college levels.


June 11-25, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

The Underground Railroad and Lawrence, Kansas: A Legacy of Freedom in Bleeding Kansas

A popular bus tour developed by the Watkins Museum of History, join us as we travel to historic sites around Lawrence and learn stories of heroism and tragedy from the city's early days as an important place on the Underground Railroad and the fight for a free Kansas. We'll explore homes, cemeteries and other sites that directly witnessed these events and learn about specific people who risked their lives in the cause of freedom. This tour involves several stops where we will walk and explore sites. Those preferring to stay on the bus may do so. We'll conclude our afternoon with a self-guided tour of the traveling exhibition, "Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad," on display at the Watkins Museum of History. Photographer Jeanine Michna-Bales has spent more than a decade meticulously researching "fugitive" enslaved people and the ways they escaped to freedom. From the cotton plantations south of Natchitoches, Louisiana, all the way north to the Canadian border, this series of photographs by Michna-Bales helps us imagine what the long road to freedom may have looked like as seen through the eyes of one of those who made this epic journey. Trip includes bus transportation, docent-led two-hour bus tour and access to the Watkins Museum of History's traveling exhibit.

Friday, May 8, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

The Willows Maternity Sanitarium and Kansas City: The Adoption Hub of America


This course will share the reunion of a mother and daughter 66 years after being separated at birth at The Willows Maternity Sanitarium. We will delve into the history of The Willows and dozens of other maternity homes that brought more than 100,000 young women shrouded in secrecy to Kansas City.


Instructor bio: KelLee Parr holds bachelor's degrees in agriculture and education plus a master's degree in adult and occupational education from Kansas State University. He has taught elementary school for many years in Topeka and now writes science curriculum for Nancy Larson Publishers.


May 7-21, 2026, Santa Marta Retirement Community

The World Cup Comes to KC

The Kansas City region will be in the world spotlight this summer when 650,000 fans come to town for six World Cup soccer matches. From the Fan Fest, where the teams will sleep, eat and practice, to how exactly all those people are going to get around, we will take a deep dive into all things related to the most popular sport in the world. Wear your favorite club's jersey and get ready to have fun!


Instructor Bio: Jason Booker is the deputy director for external affairs and revenue generation at the University of Kansas and the sport administrator for the Kansas Women's Soccer program. He recently served as the chair of the Kansas City Sports Commission where he was part of the team to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup and several NCAA Championships to the Kansas City region. He received his undergraduate degree in sports management from KUand his master's in sports administration from Wichita State University.


Ruth DeWitt is the manager of external affairs and sales operations at ExploreLawrence where she works to bring visitors, groups and events to Lawrence. Prior to her current role, Ruth was the communicationsmanager in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas and the marketing director at the Lawrence Arts Center. Ruth has worked closely with the Kansas City Sports Commission and the FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City committee to ensure that fans, teams and visitors have a superior experience during the matches.


Tuesday, April 21, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

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

"West Side Story": Its Creation, Music and Legacy

"West Side Story" is an icon of American popular culture. An update of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" with a plot that addresses issues of youth violence, racism and hatred, the show remains as topical today as when it opened in 1957. We'll first focus on the show's creation by four driven collaborators: Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim. Next, we'll consider the music, placing it in the context of American music of the time and how it helps with characterization and dramatic progress in the show. Finally, we'll look at the two films (1961, 2021) and the show's continuing international legacy.


Instructor bio: Paul Laird is professor emeritus of musicology at the University of Kansas, where two of his teaching specialties were Baroque music and music of the United States. He has published widely on such topics as Leonard Bernstein and American musical theater and won the 2021 KU Chancellor's Club Career Teaching Award. Paul has taught many Osher classes since the program's inception at KU.


April 15-29, 2026, St Andrews Classroom

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

Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)

Prime Minister Winston Churchill is well-regarded across the world for his long-reigning influence in British Parliament, but did you know he had ties to Missouri and the Kansas City area? Delve into the professional and personal life of Churchill and discover this famous Brit's unique impact in the Midwest.


Instructor Bio: Anita Tebbe is a retired professor in the legal studies department at Johnson County Community College. She earned an undergraduate degree in history, a graduate degree in education and a law degree. Anita is a Kansas-licensed attorney and has more than 40 years of teaching experience at the high school and college levels.


May 14-28, 2026, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person

World Issues Discussion Group: Artificial Intelligence

This unique class will give us insight into worldwide issues affecting modern society - and a platform for lively discussions related to them. (Come ready to share your ideas and engage your peers!)For the second installment of our discussion series, we'll focus specifically on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence may spark the fourth industrial revolution. How will AI impact the job market? What ethical safeguards need to be in place so AI serves the public good instead of running amok? How will AI's need for vast quantities of natural resources affect climate change?


Instructor Bio: Charles "Chick" Keller is a retired senior executive and retired professor. He worked 15 years each at Sprint and Black & Veatch in strategic planning and strategic marketing, rising to VP level both times. In 2000, he began a career as a professor in the University of Kansas engineering management program where he taught finance and strategic planning.


May 20, 2026 to June 3, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Broadway Musicals in the 1950's

The 1950s were a very special decade in the history of the musical with such figures as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Frank Loesser, Leonard Bernstein, and Jule Styne writing such shows as The King and I, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, and Gypsy for the Broadway stage. This will be survey of the decade's most popular shows, the people who wrote them, and the stars who played in them.


Instructor bio: Paul Laird is a Professor Emeritus of Musicology who taught at KU for thirty years. He has published widely on the American musical theater and taught dozens of Osher courses over the last three decades.


June 24, 2026 to July 8, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

Cryptocurrency: Beyond the Hype

In just a few years, cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, have emerged from near obscurity to a prominent place in the financial landscape. Major financial firms are now actively engaged in the development and promotion of Crypto products, and governments around the world are struggling with development of a regulatory framework to ensure that Crypto does not undermine the safety and stability of the financial system. This course will provide a nontechnical introduction and overview of Crypto, focusing on what Crypto is and how it works and on the broader implications of Crypto for the financial system.


April 20, 2026 to May 4, 2026, St Andrews Classroom