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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
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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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
