Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Alumni Discount Codes

We offer discounts for our three alumni association partners: KU, K-State and Washburn. These discounts are only available for paid alumni association members and can only be applied to courses; they cannot apply to special events:

  • KU Alumni Association Member Discount - KUAASUMMER2023
  • KSU Alumni Association Member Discount - KSUAASUMMER2023
  • Washburn Alumni Association Member Discount - WUAASUMMER2023
Courses Donation Special Events

Courses & Events

Anne Frank's Life

We will study the life of Anne Frank through her diary. As a young Jewish girl, her family moved to the Netherlands when Adolph Hitler came to power in 1933. As Jews, the family went into hiding until 1944 when they were discovered and taken to a concentration camp. Ann's diary survived. 

Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz, a graduate from the University of Missouri was an adjunct professor at UMKC where she taught English and literature. Marlene has a 28-year teaching career and has been involved in storytelling for 20 years. Women in History is her specialty and Marlene has performed in a five-state area and has lectured at various groups, often in costume and speech of the character she is portraying.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online

Beyond the Beauty of Japanese Garden

The beauty and serenity of Japanese Gardens never cease to amaze and delight! What draws us to these wonders? Are they representations of nature recreated or are they intended to manipulate our view of nature in natural and unnatural or altered ways? In this course, we'll look beyond the exquisite beauty of Japanese gardens and learn to identify and more deeply appreciate the common elements that comprise a Japanese garden while exploring their various styles. Dianne will once again wow you with visuals, videos, culture, history, and insights through this tour of prominent and lesser-known Japanese gardens in Japan as well as in our own backyard.

Instructor Bio: Dianne Daugherty holds master's degrees in education and contemporary East Asian studies. She lived and worked in Japan for three years, and taught Japanese to high school and college students.

July 18, 2023 to August 1, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online

Bond. James Bond: 70 Years of Weapons, Women and (foiled) World Domination

We'll review the best-known intelligence agent in the world. From the first novel (Casino Royale) in 1953 to the 25th "authorized" film (No Time to Die), many of us keep coming back to the exotic locales, the Bond women, the latest devices from Q Branch, the supervillains with plans to conquer the world and their formidable enforcers. We'll look at the changes to Bond over the years, his cultural impact, and his continuing appeal. Even if you know the make of Bond's first sidearm and the recipe for a Vesper martini, you may still learn a few things about this fictional character. 

Instructor Bio: Karl Menninger retired from a legal career in federal and state government, mostly dealing with issues concerning persons with disabilities. He teaches courses on disabilities and the law and the insanity defense at the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law.

June 5-19, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online
July 6-20, 2023, Mission Chateau In Person

Crossing the Color Line: Interracial Marriage in the 19th Century American West & Beyond

In 1967 the United States Supreme Court struck down state bans on interracial marriage in the historic Loving v. Virginia decision. During the 19th century interracial couples and families created communities and cemented alliances between people of color and Anglo Americans and Europeans in the West. Join historian Michelle Martin as she explores the lived experiences and challenges faced by interracial couples and their families in the American West. Delving into the lives of these 19th century interracial families helps us understand the rich diversity of the region not only in the past but also our present. 

Instructor Bio: Michelle M. Martin earned her doctorate in history from the University of New Mexico. She has spent nearly 20 years researching Kansas, Indian Territory and Oklahoma history. She lived in Kansas and Oklahoma and considers both locations home. Michelle has been a living history interpreter and speaker at historic sites across Kansas.

July 18, 2023 to August 1, 2023, Zoom Facilitated Sessions

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 Linda Kehres at 785-864-1373 or linda.k@ku.edu. Thank you.

March 17, 2023 to August 4, 2023

Dr. Naismith Talks Basketball and KU

Dr. James Naismith invented the game of "Basket Ball" in 1891. Join us as we hear Dr. Naismith himself in a historical reenactment by Kansas City historian Bill Nicks, recounting Naismith's life and his invention of the game. We'll learn about his education, philosophy, family, military service, coaching at KU and more. He will join us on the bus to see his Lawrence homesites, where KU played its first home game, Naismith's memorial and his and Phog Allen's graves. Then our final stop will be KU's Booth Family Hall of Athletics and the DeBruce Center where we'll view the "Original Rules of Basket Ball" and enjoy lunch before returning home. 


Tuesday, June 27 


9:00 a.m. - Exclusive presentation at the Osher Institute, 1515 Saint Andrews Drive, Lawrence


 9:40 a.m. - Guided Bus Tour 


11:30 a.m. - Lunch at DeBruce Center 


1:00 p.m. - Return to the Osher Institute 


$125 fee includes coach transportation, guided tour and presentation and lunch. 


Refunds will be honored on or before June 12 minus a $40 administrative fee.


Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Eleanor Roosevelt: Her Private Struggles and Public Triumphs

Recognized among the most admired people of the 20th Century, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt first had to overcome an affluent-but-unhappy childhood when both parents and a younger brother died before she was 10 years old. Sent to school in London, she returned in 1905 to marry her distant cousin, Franklin Roosevelt, and was given in marriage by her uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt. Her marriage combined a complicated personal life--involving a controlling mother-in-law, six children and FDR's affair--with an extraordinarily successful political role as FDR's surrogate, the nation's longest-serving First Lady, an ardent civil rights activist and respected international diplomat. 


Instructor Bio: Jim Peters, J.D., is the director emeritus of the Osher Institute at KU. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the New England School of Law. He teaches courses on John Brown, the Underground Railroad, Arlington National Cemetery, Harry Truman, Teddy Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, George Washington Carver, and Presidential Assassins, among others.

July 18, 2023 to August 1, 2023, Brewster Place Event Center In-Person
July 20, 2023 to August 3, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Far-Right Politics Today

"The far right is back with a vengeance," declares a recent book by a leading expert on right-wing politics. Following decades on the fringes, far-right politicians, movements and ideas have become increasingly prominent around the world. This course will explore the fate of far-right politics after World War II and attempt to explain its recent global resurgence. We will discuss how experts understand the relationship between "mainstream" and "extremist" politics. We will also consider how national context shapes far-right movements. And we will pay attention to the tactics and strategies used by far-right actors. 


Instructor Bio: Eliah Bures holds a Ph.D. in history from UC Berkeley. He is a fellow at Berkeley's Center for Right-Wing Studies and the author of multiple essays and scholarly articles on far-right politics.

June 29, 2023 to July 13, 2023, Zoom Facilitated Sessions

Films from the Middle East and North Africa

Come explore the various aspects of the cultures, religions and the set values of the Middle East and North Africa through cinema. We'll learn about urban settings of the Arab World, mass media, gender dynamics, social interactions and politics in the region. We'll study the many ways in which the "East" has had a formative and foundational impact on conceptions of "self" and "other." We will rely on both readings and films to understand the complexities and nuances of several topics related to the Middle East and North African cinema. 


Instructor Bio: Asmaa Ben baba is an Arabic and Islamic studies lecturer for the African and African-American Studies Department. She earned her doctorate in adult and continuing education and master's in urban and community planning from Auburn University and an additional degree in cultural studies and bachelor's in English literature from Mohamed V University in Morocco. Dr. Ben baba's research interests include online learning communities, online distance education learning environments in the foreign language classrooms, and the incorporation of cultural forms (films, literature, space, built environment, music and popular culture) in second language teaching and learning. Further teaching interests include Middle Eastern and North African sub-cultures, gender and diaspora.

June 6-20, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

From Friends to Foes to Partners: Revisiting 250 Years of German American Relations

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Berlin airlift and the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy's iconic visit to Berlin. These pivotal events present us with the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the history of German American relations. We'll the achievements and challenges of this remarkable affiliation. 


Instructor Bio: Anette Isaacs, M.A., a German historian and public educator, has been presenting hundreds of programs on more than 30 different topics (all pertaining to her native country's history, politics, and culture). She holds master's degrees in American studies, political science, and history and is an adjunct faculty member at many OLLI Institutes.

June 7-21, 2023, Zoom Facilitated Sessions

Fun in the Flint Hills

Join us as we experience the natural wonder and rich history of the Kansas Flint Hills with Rex Buchanan providing onboard commentary about geology, local history, culture, ranching and the Santa Fe Trail. We'll visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve where a National Park ranger will guide us on a short hike through this rare remnant of the tallgrass prairie and its grand vistas. While there, we'll also visit the 11-room Jones Family limestone mansion built in 1881, its historic barn and the one-room Fox Creek School. 


Then it's on to Council Grove and lunch at the historic Hays House. Afterwards we'll enjoy an exclusive presentation and tour of the newly restored Kaw Mission State Historic Site and visit the Last Chance Store, an old trading post built in 1857. We'll be joined by a local historian as we drive to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park to see the Kanza Monument, a 35-foot limestone tower erected in 1925 in memory of the Kanza's presence in the area. Finally, we'll discuss the history of the Kaw Nation's I 'zh je 'waxóbe, a sacred red rock soon to be moved from Lawrence to the park. 


Friday, June 23 


7:00 a.m. - Coach departs the Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Rd., Overland Park and returns 8:30 p.m. 


8:00 a.m. - Coach departs the Osher Institute, 1515 Saint Andrews Drive, Lawrence and returns 7:30 p.m. 


A $175 fee includes coach transportation, exclusive presentations, guided tours, museum fees, snacks, and lunch.

 

Refunds will be honored on or before June 8 minus a $65 administrative fee. 




Friday, June 23, 2023

George and Martha Washington

Special event presented by Brandon Woods at Alvamar 


Osher members are invited to attend a special appearance by George and Martha Washington as reenacted by nationally known performers William and Sue Wills, presenting the personal side of our country's first couple. The Wills have toured the nation for 26 years reenacting 35 presidential couples. Did a marriage of convenience lead to our "First" First couple? If true love wasn't the spark of the marriage, it certainly grew as Martha shared the struggles of George during the Revolution and then his Presidency. This event is free to Osher members as a gift from our partner, Brandon Woods at Alvamar. Refreshments will be served. Limit 40.


Thursday, July 13 

10 a.m. - noon 


Brandon Woods at Alvamar 

1501 Inverness Dr, Lawrence, KS 


No admission fee, but reservations are required by completing the Osher registration form.


Thursday, July 13, 2023, Brandon Woods at Alvamar

George and Martha Washington

Special event presented by Brandon Woods at Alvamar 


Osher members are invited to attend a special appearance by George and Martha Washington as reenacted by nationally known performers William and Sue Wills, presenting the personal side of our country's first couple. The Wills have toured the nation for 26 years reenacting 35 presidential couples. Did a marriage of convenience lead to our "First" First couple? If true love wasn't the spark of the marriage, it certainly grew as Martha shared the struggles of George during the Revolution and then his Presidency. This event is free to Osher members as a gift from our partner, Brandon Woods at Alvamar. Refreshments will be served. Limit 40. 


Thursday, July 13 

2-4 p.m.


Brandon Woods at Alvamar 

1501 Inverness Dr, Lawrence, KS 


No admission fee, but reservations are required by completing the Osher registration form.


Thursday, July 13, 2023, Brandon Woods at Alvamar

George Washington and the American Presidency

More than 230 years ago George Washington became the first president of the United States, and today his imprint is still felt on the Oval Office. We'll look at his development as a leader, his role in the revolution, and his indispensable service as the first president. We'll examine the Constitution's brief description of the presidency and explore how Washington took those principles and developed the office we know today. This course looks to understand Washington as a person, his importance to the newly created nation, and why he has become the beloved "Father of Our Country." 


John Sullivan retired from Ally Financial in 2021. Prior to working at Ally, he had 20 years' experience in the utility industry. While at Ally he taught leadership development classes and utilized Presidential leadership as a primary training source. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas.

July 17-31, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Gettysburg: One Day at a Time

In July 1863, the Army of the Potomac and Army of Northern Virginia fought one of the great battles in American military history. Gen. Robert E. Lee led his army into Pennsylvania attempting to achieve a decisive victory and prevent the mitigation of the army upon which Confederate hopes for victory rested. At Gettysburg, George Gordon Meade denied Lee a victory in what many considered the war's turning point. We'll look at the three days of battle, the men who commanded it, the soldiers who fought it, and the factors that shaped its outcome. Finally, we'll consider how Gettysburg shaped the course and outcome of America's bloodiest war. 

Instructor Bio: Ethan S. Rafuse's 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 20, 2023 to August 3, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Historic Kansas City Bus Tour

This guided tour will visit many historic sites with photo stops. You'll be treated to a first-person account by Octave Chanute, the civil engineer who designed and built the 1869 Hannibal Railroad Bridge, mentored the Wright Brothers and got a town in Kansas named in his honor. We'll view the Santa Fe Trail Ruts, Satchel Paige's Grave, Case Overlook Park, the Missouri River Boardwalk, Lewis and Clark campsite, and others. We'll also learn the stories behind KC's 8th Street cable car tunnel, William Quantrill, Union Station Massacre, KC's first skyscraper, the murder of Thomas Swope, the kidnapping of Nell Donnelly Reed, the Battle of Westport, Political Boss Tom Pendergast, the NFL's longest game, and KC as the BBQ Capital of the World. We'll enjoy lunch at Minsky's pizza located in the historic downtown City Market. 


Friday, August 4 


8 a.m. - Coach departs the Osher Institute, 1515 St. Andrews Dr., Lawrence and returns by 4 p.m. 


9 a.m. - Coach departs Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Rd., Overland Park and returns by 3 p.m. 


$135 fee includes coach transportation, tour guide, and lunch. 


Refunds will be honored on or before July 20 minus a $50 administrative fee.


Friday, August 4, 2023

How Hitler Came to Power

Amidst the frequent fears today for democracy's survival, this course shows how Adolph Hitler was able to transform Germany's Weimar Republic into a world-threatening dictatorship. It describes his rise, his use of propaganda, the world-wide depression, and the machinations of politicians that enabled him to turn a democratic country into the Nazi dictatorship. 

Instructor Bio: Vincent Clark holds a doctorate in modern European history. His graduate work included a Fulbright Graduate Fellowship at Germany's University of Heidelberg. He was history professor and chair of the history department at Johnson County Community College and has published articles and books in his field.

July 19, 2023 to August 2, 2023, Northland Innovation Center In-Person

Indigo: Story of Blue Dye in the South

Indigo was called the Blue Gold from 1740-1790 during the colonial period in America borne on the backs of Black slaves from West Africa and the Caribbean to South Carolina. The process of making indigo cakes from the plant is time consuming and labor intensive. Many white plantation owners became rich off the profits from indigo. For 50 years it was England's biggest import from the American Colonies. The rich and powerful got to wear the dark blue clothing made from indigo of South Carolina. We will explore the process from the indigo plant to dyed cloth and how the process is making a comeback today. 


Instructor Bio: Russ Hutchins teaches U.S. history, Western civilization, economics, business, philosophy, and business management at Friends University. He is a retired public-school administrator and educator.

July 17-31, 2023, Zoom Facilitated Sessions

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

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

June 29, 2023 to July 13, 2023, Riley County Seniors' Service Center In-Person

King Coal in Kansas

We'll explore the development of sub-surface coal mining in Crawford and Cherokee counties, making them the center of "King" Coal and resulting in milestones such as Pittsburg reaching 50,000 residents and UMWA membership exceeding 16,000, making it the world's zinc smelting capital. We'll also examine the emergence of area tycoons such as Mackie, Clemmons, and Spencer. 


Instructor Bio: Ken Crockett was born in Pittsburg, Kansas in a second-generation family of coal miners. He was educated at Central Missouri State University (BA degree) and Washburn University of Law (Juris Doctor). He is the author of two books relative to Kansas mining (Missouri Coal Miners Strike and Kenneth and Helen Spencer, Champions of Culture & Commerce In The Sunflower State).

June 28, 2023 to July 12, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Lessons and Legacies: What the Preservation of Historic Kansas Landmarks Teaches Us

What are some of the historic landmarks of Kansas and why are they important to us today? In this course, we will begin by learning about the federal and state historic preservation laws, discover historic structures both before and after statehood in 1861, and survey some of those buildings and structures that are now historic landmarks. The goal of the class is to learn what stories our ancestors tell us through the built environment and how we pass that knowledge on to future generations of Kansans. 

Instructor Bio: Paul Post, a native Kansan, received a B.A. in History from KSU and a law degree from the KU Law School in 1974. Now retired from the practice of law, he is a member of the Shawnee County Historical Society and an amateur beekeeper. He has authored essays on the history of SBA Hill/ former Menninger Campus in Topeka; Topeka's Bates Family; The Fred Harvey Company; and on Duke Ellington.

June 7-21, 2023, Aldersgate Village In Person

Let's Explore Independence, Missouri

Join us for an Osher Independence Day as we explore the legacy of Harry Truman with a visit to the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence. Through engaging exhibits and access to historical materials, the library aspires to keep President Truman's life and legacy alive, emphasizing his ideals of citizenship, learning and service. We'll drive by the Truman and Noland houses with our step-on guide before enjoying lunch at The Court House Exchange, which has been serving burgers since 1899. Then we'll stop by Vaile Mansion built in 1881 for our guided tour of the 31-room mansion with 9 marble fireplaces, a built-in 6,000-gallon water tank and a 48,000-gallon wine cellar. This mansion, one of the best examples of Second Empire style architecture in the U.S., is sure to delight! Our last stop will be the 1859 Jail Museum. We'll stroll through the big house and explore the old lockdown with tour guide. Jim Peters joins us on the bus for Truman commentary along the way.


Friday, July 14 


7:30 a.m. - Coach departs the Osher Institute, 1515 Saint Andrews Drive, Lawrence and returns 6:00 p.m. 


8:30 a.m. - Coach departs the Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Rd., Overland Park and 5:00 p.m. 


$165 fee includes coach transportation, exclusive presentations, guided tours, museum fees, and lunch.


Refunds will be honored on or before June 29 minus a $60 administrative fee.



Friday, July 14, 2023

Meet the Beatles You Thought You Knew

The Beatles were more than just another rock band. They were a cultural tsunami that forever changed fashion, manners, humor, media, values and style, while influencing musical genres and future musicians long after the group's demise. Their 213 songs, 28 albums and five films over seven years as a group were a mere prelude to their cultural impact that continues to this day. In addition to reviewing their origin story and "Beatlemania," we will try to understand how these four became so fabulous. Participants will be asked to engage in trivia quizzes and discussions of their legacy. 


Instructor Bio: Steve Lopes, AE, BA, MA, M Ed, was an educator for 15 years prior to 30 years of advocating for teachers as a Kansas-NEA organizer. He enjoys researching Rock 'n' Roll history and sharing it with Osher participants.

June 6-20, 2023, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person
July 19, 2023 to August 2, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Meet the Beatles You Thought You Knew - Tallgrass Residents

New Year's Eve 1970, Paul McCartney initiated legal action that led to the demise of the Beatles and their amazing era of creative music. Was music innovation dead or was 1971 the beginning of a renaissance? Many record labels were open to creative singer/songwriters experimenting with production techniques that laid the groundwork for disco, punk, indie, new wave, and electronica. All the while, introducing some pretty good sounds. Come join the conversation. 


Instructor Bio: Steve Lopes, AE, BA, MA, M Ed, was an educator for 15 years prior to 30years of advocating for teachers as a Kansas-NEA organizer. He enjoys researching Rock 'n' Roll history and sharing it with Osher participants.

June 6-20, 2023, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person

Music Inspired by the Natural World

Classical music composers have found inspiration in many places. In this course you will explore classical music inspired by works of nature. The first class will focus on music inspired by the wonders of the earth, such as mountains, valleys, oceans and nature occurrences. The second class will explore music inspired by the plant kingdom such as trees, flowers and forests. The third class will be devoted to music representing the animal kingdom, such as birds, swans, fish, bears, elephants, monkeys and even whales. Come prepared to look at classical music from a whole new perspective.


Instructor Bio: Don Dagenais has been a preview speaker for the Lyric Opera for more than 20 years and he teaches classical music and opera courses for local organizations. Among other pursuits, he enjoys studying American political history and has compiled an extensive collection of memorabilia from presidential political campaigns from 1840 - the present. He recently retired as a real estate attorney.

June 6-20, 2023, Claridge Court In Person

Osher Institute Gift Certificate

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas offers noncredit short courses and special events developed especially for folks over 50. Give the gift of learning through an Osher Gift Certificate which enables the recipient to attend one Osher course for free! Our courses are taught two hours each week for three weeks. To give someone an Osher Gift Certificate, please click the link below. If you have questions, please contact Linda Kehres at 785-864-1373 or linda.k@ku.edu.

March 17, 2023 to August 4, 2023

Otzi, the Iceman

Join us as we explore the findings of a well-preserved 5,000-year-old frozen mummy found in the Alps in 1991. Ötzi's discovery gave evidence of the clothing, weapons, diet and illnesses of the time. His demise resulted from an arrow wound to the back and may hint at the violence of the period. 


Instructor Bio: Daniel Cudnik is a retired board-certified Plastic Surgeon. He formerly served as President of the Medical Staff and sat on various boards of trustees He has a passion for history and shares his knowledge with others, actively presenting for civic groups on historical topics mixing medicine with history.

Friday, June 16, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Presidential Assassins: Men and Women Driven to Kill

John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald are notorious for their assassinations, but who were Charles Guiteau and Leon Czolgosz, and why did they murder Presidents Garfield and McKinley? There have been 28 documented assassination attempts on 22 sitting or former presidents or presidents-elect. In Milwaukee, Teddy Roosevelt was shot in the chest, but finished his campaign speech. In Miami, Guiseppe Zangara fired five shots at FDR, but killed Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. And we'll discuss attempts to assassinate Presidents Obama and Trump. We'll uncover them all and closely examine the men...and women...who killed (or tried to kill) the president of the United States.

Instructor Bio: Jim Peters, J.D., is the director emeritus of the Osher Institute at KU. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the New England School of Law. He teaches courses on John Brown, the Underground Railroad, Arlington National Cemetery, Harry Truman, Teddy Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, George Washington Carver, and Presidential Assassins, among others.

June 28, 2023 to July 12, 2023, Village Shalom in Person

Prohibition: The Noble Experiment

We all think we know the story of Prohibition, but it was more complicated than most of us realize. This course traces the American temperance movement, exploring how middle-class women shaped it into a winning progressive cause, and how it shaped the era known as the Roaring Twenties. Was Prohibition an "awful flop" or a "noble experiment" starved of support? As we'll see, the glass was both half empty and half full! 

Instructor Bio: Will Haynes has a doctorate in history from the University of Kansas. He plans, manages, and promotes public programming at the Watkins Museum of History, the headquarters of the Douglas County Historical Society.

June 26, 2023 to July 10, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Rollin' Down the River - Exploring the Entire Missouri River

This course grows out of a Summer 2016 seven-week exploration/adventure "trip of a lifetime" along the Missouri River, from its official source in Three Forks, Mont., to its confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Louis. It will interest everyone from armchair travelers to history buffs, especially Lewis and Clark enthusiasts. We'll explore scenery, geography, culture, fascinating people, and all the magic along the 2,341-mile route of arguably the most unique river in the world! And discover why Atchison, Kan., was the most unique stop of the trip.


Instructor Bio: Larry Campbell spent 35 years teaching mathematics and mathematics education at two institutions in southwest Missouri. He won several college, university and state-wide teaching and service awards during his career. Since his retirement he has been running AfterMath Enterprises, LLC, an umbrella organization of his various activities.

June 6-20, 2023, Northland Innovation Center In-Person

Spencer Museum of Art New Redesign and Presentation by Janice Stuerzl

See what's new at the Spencer Museum of Art. The $4 million project includes a complete reimagining of the Spencer's 48,000-object collection. The guided tour begins in the Debut gallery on the main floor to view new artwork and exhibits and explore the Brosseau Learning Center. Enjoy the airy, new redesign of the 4th floor as we tour the newly re-installed galleries to visit several exhibitions, including Intersections, Illumination, Displacement, and Empowerment and Dissent, Discontent, and Action: Pictures of U.S. by Accra Shepp located on the Marshall Balcony. After the tour we'll enjoy a catered lunch while Osher instructor Janice Stuerzl reviews the major periods of European art history, providing valuable context for the objects we viewed. 


Tuesday, June 20 


9:30 a.m. - Leave St. Andrews 


10:00 a.m. - Arrive Spencer Museum of Art


12:00 p.m. - Lunch at St. Andrews with exclusive presentation 


1:15 p.m. - Depart St. Andrews 


$80 fee includes transportation, guided tour, lunch, and exclusive presentation by Janice Stuerzl 


Refunds will be honored on or before June 5 minus a $25 administrative fee.


Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Osher Institute

Summertime and the Cookin' is EASY

We dream all year of long, hot summer days so why be chained to the stove? Learn simple summer dishes to make your mundane weeknight dinners as summery as possible. The perfect summer meal must be easy, quick and showcase all the best summer produce. When the sun's out, these summer appetizers, mains, sides, and treats are IN. Don't worry-everything is simple to make, so you'll have plenty of time to relax which means lots of picnics, BBQs, and days at the beach. 


Instructor Bio: Chef Larry Canepa Chef Larry Canepa is a Certified Culinary Educator with over 40 years of food and beverage experience and 20 years of teaching cooking, food and culture, and STEAM-focused classes. He has taught culinary classes at Le Cordon Bleu, the International Culinary School at the Art Institute, corporate wellness events, libraries, community centers and other venues.

Monday, June 26, 2023, Zoom Facilitated Sessions

The Adventures of Lewis and Clark

We will relive one of the most spectacular journeys in American history, the Lewis and Clark "Corps of Discovery" expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. This exciting human drama, which lasted from 1804 to 1806, began in St. Louis, reached the Pacific Northwest, and then returned, adding to our knowledge of the region while generating stories and adventures. We will view the beautifully produced Ken Burns/Dayton Duncan PBS video, listen to music played during or inspired by the trip, and read brief commentaries of trip participants and observers. 

Instructor Bio: Carl Graves, Ph.D., holds a master's degree in US history from KU and a doctorate from Harvard. He taught at the university and community college levels, and at Kansas City's Pembroke Hill School.

June 8-22, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person

The Art and Culture of Napoleon and Josephine

We'll take a fresh look at one of history's most fascinating power couples, Napoleon and Josephine. We'll learn about the birth of archeology and Egyptology, the exploration of Australia, and the Golden Age of Botany. We'll visit their home, Malmaison, and see Josephine's art, furnishings, fashion, jewelry and unique gardens and greenhouse. We'll also discuss Napoleon's reforms in law, education, religious freedom and other areas, and see how they affect us today. 

Instructor Bio: Janice Stuerzl enjoys art history. After retiring from a 20-year career in social work, she became a docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She has contributed research on French decorative arts for interior design books and has been field editor for interior design articles in national magazines.

July 19, 2023 to August 2, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online

The Plate Tectonics History of the World as Seen in Northern Scotland

In the almost unfathomable depths of geologic time, the tectonic plates of the earth's crust have skated far and wide over the globe. They are driven into massive collisions with one another by the earth's internal heat in convection currents over a thousand miles deep. The three-billion-year-old rocks of northern Scotland preserve vivid, visible evidence of more collisions than almost anywhere else in the world. Evidence in the rocks can be correlated with the magnificent ballet of the plates' movement through much of geologic time. Photos and rock samples will be shown to illustrate this magnificent geological realm.


Instructor Bio: Bill Shefchik has a Bachelor and Master's in Science degrees in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He worked as a geologist for Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company for more than 36 years and has contributed geological expertise to over 500 projects across the U.S. He served as an expert witness in geology and hydrogeology cases providing litigation support.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online

The Psychology of Happiness

What makes a young person happy often differs from what makes an older adult happy. This course explores thoughts, feelings and behavioral roots of older-adult happiness through the lens of empirical research. Learn to measure and improve your own level of happiness, utilizing evidence-based, happiness-increasing strategies. Happiness can be a mood. It can also be a compass pointing you to greater meaning, purpose and engagement. This course offers a microscopic investigation of the component parts of happiness and ideas to bolster your own happiness. Join your older-adult classmates in sharing strategies for mining happiness gold from your golden years.


Instructor Bio: Sandra Lyke, M.A., M.S.W., is a retired psychiatric social worker. Her work history includes Johnson County Mental Health, clinical supervisor; Missouri Department of Mental Health, supervisor; Park University, psychology teacher; Kansas City Hospice, supervisor; hospital chaplain; licensed Unity teacher.

June 6-20, 2023, Osher Institute In-Person

The Tallgrass Prairie Origins, Inhabitants and Remnants

The North American Tallgrass Prairie is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Less than four percent of the original prairie still exists and most of that is in eastern Kansas. This course will increase your appreciation of what we have here. We will explore the geologic and climatic factors that created the prairie and discuss key inhabitants, from bison to butterflies to meadowlarks. We even discuss the first humans and indigenous tribes! Prairie remnants, starting with the long struggle to establish the National Prairie Preserve, are examined. A brief review of prairie-inspired literature concludes this course. 

Instructor Bio: Thomas Luellen recently retired after 31 years in hospital administration and 14 years as an adjunct instructor at Washburn University. He has a master's degree in geography from the KU. His personal interests have always been his native state and its history.

June 23, 2023 to July 7, 2023, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging In Person

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Distinctly American Fairy Tale

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow, was published in 1900 and has been inextricably linked with our culture ever since. The book gave rise to a series of 40 novels. The story was soon produced on the stage and then by the movie industry beginning with silent films. MGM's 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, is ranked 10th in the American Film Institute's top 100 films. Learn about the author, the series of books, the 1939 MGM film and its stars, and how the classic fairy tale has impacted our lives today. 


Instructor Bio: Chris Glasgow is Curator for the OZ Museum/Columbian Theatre Foundation in Wamego, Kansas.

June 28, 2023 to July 12, 2023, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging In Person

Three Great Musical Plays: West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and A Chorus Line

The American musical play became an important genre on Broadway in the 1940s and 1950s. Such works tend to tell a serious story with music-and often dance-playing major roles in propelling the drama and aiding in characterization. In this course we will consider the creations of these landmark shows and the use of music and dance in each. 

Instructor Bio: Paul Laird is Professor of Musicology in the KU School of Music, a courtesy faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Film, and a long-time instructor for Osher. His two most recent books include: West Side Story, Gypsy, and the Art of Broadway Orchestration (2022) and West Side Story in Spain: The Transcultural Adaptation of an Iconic American Show (2022), the latter co-written with Gonzalo Fernández Monte.

June 8-22, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Three Ship Disasters of the 20th Century: The Titanic, the Lusitania, and the Andre Doria

Ocean liners were the primary mode of intercontinental travel from the mid-19th century until they began to be supplanted by airliners. Advances in design and technology resulted in steamship companies proclaiming their ships to be "unsinkable," a claim proved false by the sinking of these three ships. We'll study the ships and the hubris underlying these claims. Instructor Bio: Paul Post, a native Kansan, received a B.A. in History from KSU and a law degree from the KU Law School in 1974. Now retired from the practice of law, he is a member of the Shawnee County Historical Society and an amateur beekeeper. He has authored essays on the history of SBA Hill/ former Menninger Campus in Topeka; Topeka's Bates Family; The Fred Harvey Company; and on Duke Ellington. Lenexa seniors pay $15 for this class but you must register on the City of Lenexa website www.lenexa.com/getactive.

July 20, 2023 to August 3, 2023, Lenexa City Hall at City Center, In Person and Online

Three Significant American Military Campaigns

We'll explore George Washington's 1776 campaign for control of New York, pitting a British Army of 32,000 troops against Washington's 14,000. We'll study General William T. Sherman's 1864 Atlanta campaign where more than 100,000 Union soldiers fought for four months against Joseph E. Johnston's 60,000 troops to control the Confederate city. Finally, we'll focus on World War II's Battle of the Bulge. The last major German offensive attempted to drive a wedge between the U.S. and British armies in an effort by Hitler to force a negotiated peace. The month-long campaign incurred nearly 61,000 American and 120,000 Germans casualties. 


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

June 29, 2023 to July 13, 2023, Washburn University Henderson Learning Center and Online

Triumph of a Heretic: The Philosophy and Influence of Spinoza

"I believe in Spinoza's God, who reveals Himself in the lawful harmony of the world, not in a God who concerns Himself with the fate and doings of mankind." - Albert Einstein. The philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) was regarded as a dangerous heretic by both his Jewish community and Christians of his time. Yet he was widely regarded by his contemporaries and later historians as a man of admirable character. Much of what others considered dangerous in his thought has become part of modern secular values. This course explores Spinoza's extraordinary life and influential philosophy. 


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

June 7-21, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online

United States Vice President: Insignificant Position or Second Most Powerful Office?

We'll explore U.S. Constitutional requirements and powers given to U.S. vice presidents as we study the evolution of the position from someone "waiting in the wings" performing ceremonial duties, to becoming an influential and respected advisor. We'll examine how the relationship between the president and vice president has changed over the years. 

Instructor Bio: Anita Tebbe is a retired professor of the Legal Studies Department at Johnson County Community College. She earned an undergraduate degree in history, a graduate degree in education and a juris doctor degree in law. Anita is a Kansas licensed attorney and has more than 40 years at the high school and college levels.

July 18, 2023 to August 1, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

USA Megatrends

We'll study megatrends over the last 200 years, including the movement from farmer to office worker, the first three industrial revolutions, and the changing roles of women and minorities. We'll explore more recent trends, focusing on globalization, climate change and immigration. We'll also examine trends involving China, Russia and U.S. relationships, and the fourth industrial revolution.


The course schedule has changed and it will not meet on July 7. The revised schedule is June 23, 30 and July 14. 


Instructor Bio: Charles "Chick" Keller is a retired senior executive and retired professor. He worked 15 years at each Sprint, and Black and Veatch in strategic planning and strategic marketing raising to the VP level both times. In 2000 Chick began a career as a professor at the University of Kansas, Master of Engineering Management program where he taught Finance and Strategic Planning.

June 23, 2023 to July 14, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In-Person

Visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum and World War I Museum

Voted "Favorite Kansas City Hidden Gem" by Visit KC, the Arabia Steamboat Museum is one of Kansas City's most popular attractions. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the largest single collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world, featured by National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian Magazine, PBS, Antiques Roadshow, Good Morning America, Southern Living, CNN, and the History Channel. What was discovered when the Arabia sank will amaze you! With more than 200 tons of treasure on display, the museum brings history and science to life. Before departing we'll browse the gift shop where you can discover your own treasures. 


Next, we'll head to the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial to enjoy lunch at the Over There Café before a docent-guided tour through one of the world's largest collections of World War I artifacts. We'll experience the Great War through the eyes of those who lived it with interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies. We'll also have time to visit the museum store with its great collection of WWI-themed creations. 


Friday, July 28 


8:15 a.m. - Coach departs the Osher Institute, 1515 Saint Andrews Drive, Lawrence and returns 6:30 p.m. 


9:15 a.m. - Coach departs the Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Rd., Overland Park and returns 5:30 p.m. 


$155 fee includes coach transportation, museum fees, guided tours, and lunch at the museum.


Refunds will be honored on or before July 13 minus a $60 administrative fee.


Friday, July 28, 2023

What Makes a Great Speech: Historic Examples of Memorable Oratory

We all listen to many speeches in our lives, especially from public figures and well-known personalities, but few of them register as truly great. So, what makes a speech great - one that we can quote or remember how it affected us? This course explores some of the greatest speeches ever given throughout history and why they are still studied or quoted and still have impact today. The course examines the techniques used, the language chosen, the strategies enacted, and the delivery that all contributed to their greatness. For modern speeches, we will listen to or view segments of the speeches and will look at the list of 100 best speeches of the 20th century and discuss some of the most memorable. 

Instructor Bio: Diana Carlin, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Communication at Saint Louis University and a retired professor of Communication Studies at KU. Dr. Carlin has written several articles and co-authored a book on gender and politics. She also taught courses on women as political leaders, the rhetoric of women's rights and communication and gender.

June 20, 2023 to July 11, 2023, Brewster Place Event Center In-Person

Why Are We Here? A Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy

We humans have often wondered about the nature of the universe and our place in it. Religion, philosophy, art, and science have emerged from this wondering. Human wonder can be summed up in the question, why are we here? The ambiguous meaning of that question suggests most questions that philosophy has attempted to answer. We'll explore rational attempts to arrive at satisfactory answers to questions such as Where did everything come from? What does it all mean? What are we? What is our purpose? How can we live a good life? and how can we know the truth about it all? 

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

July 18, 2023 to August 1, 2023, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person

Why Are We Here? Philosophy - Tallgrass Residents

We humans have often wondered about the nature of the universe and our place in it. Religion, philosophy, art, and science have emerged from this wondering. Human wonder can be summed up in the question, why are we here? The ambiguous meaning of that question suggests most questions that philosophy has attempted to answer. We'll explore rational attempts to arrive at satisfactory answers to questions such as Where did everything come from? What does it all mean? What are we? What is our purpose? How can we live a good life? and how can we know the truth about it all? 

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

July 18, 2023 to August 1, 2023, Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community In Person

Women in Nigeria - An Introduction

This broad overview of Nigerian women will focus on the changes that have taken place from about 1800-2000. Recognizing the various nationalities that constitute Nigeria, we will examine women's roles, power navigation and negotiation within the overarching patriarchal structure, and the concept of "Double Patriarchy." Three women, one from each period will be highlighted for in depth discussion. 

Instructor Bio: Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department, and Theatre & Dance Department at the University of Kansas. An interdisciplinary scholar, she has published articles on women and gender in Africa, including "Thoughts on Double Patriarchy," and is co-editor of Reflections: An Anthology of New Works by African Women Poets.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility, In Person and Online

Your Space-Enabled Life

Imagine a day without space-based capabilities. What would happen to your television? How do you forecast the weather? Global finance grinds to a halt. The stock markets crash. Your credit card becomes useless. Air travel stops. The trucking industry falters. Space-based capabilities touch your everyday life in so many ways that are normally unperceived. This course will examine the American and global dependency realized through space-based capabilities and how your daily life depends on those systems. We will look at the answers to several questions to include: Where are satellites? How do they orbit? How are they impacted by solar weather? Do solar flares really cause problems on earth? How does GPS really work? How critical are satellites to national security and commerce? And in all of those movies, what is reality and what is director's license?

Instructor Bio: As one of the Army's first 9 Space Operations Officers, Thomas A. Gray, MSA, is an education and training specialist working for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command teaching at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth as well as other institutions across the country.

June 7-21, 2023, KU Edwards Campus, 163 Regnier Hall, In Person and Online