Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Osher Courses

Courses & Events

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.

January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025

Finding the Forgotten: Lost Stories of Four American Soldiers

This class will examine three relatives of the instructor who served in the U.S. Army in World War I and II-and a fourth soldier (unrelated) who fought for the Confederacy. Each had a remarkable wartime story that had been largely forgotten. We'll see how in each case a single clue led to an understanding of their experiences and the sacrifices they endured, and a surprising discovery at the end of each search. 

Learn about the search for the forgotten story behind the photos, the letters, and the envelope to discover the "rest of the story" aspect. This class is not a full genealogical study, biographical work or military history but has aspects of each. Primarily, it is a glimpse into the process of discovering information with limited resources (online, archives, publications) when there's very little to start with or go on. Many records are lost or never existed, but enough remain that these four common "lost" soldiers are no longer entirely forgotten.

Instructor Bio: Kevin Boatwright is emeritus director of external affairs in the KU Office of Research. He has a bachelor's degree in English and master's degrees in journalism, history and higher education administration. He studied Canadian history at the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Manitoba, and is a past president of the Midwest Association for Canadian Studies.

June 12-26, 2025, Zoom Facilitated Sessions

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 Osher at osher@ku.edu.

This course contains no sessions

Hamilton and the Last Two Decades on Broadway

"Hamilton" (2015) by Lin-Manuel Miranda remarkable for its score based on rap and other African American musical styles, its statement about race, and its appeal to people from both sides of the political spectrum tells us about history and how we perceive it. We'll explore "Hamilton" and discuss other recent Broadway shows - including "Wicked," "Come from Away," and "Dear Evan Hansen."

Instructor Bio: Paul Laird is professor of musicology at the University of Kansas. He is a frequent Osher instructor and noted authority on the Broadway musical. One of Laird's recent books is a co-edited volume (with Mary Jo Lodge) on "Hamilton" entitled "Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical 'Hamilton'."

July 7-21, 2025, St Andrews Classroom

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.

August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025