Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Courses & Events

50 Vice Presidents of the USA

This class brings our vice presidents out of their presidents' shadows. We'll get to know each VP with a short biography, other facts and trivia, and how they were elected or selected. Instructor Russ Hutchins will also cover vice presidential achievements and how the office developed over the years. 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.

September 10-24, 2026, Online

An Insider's NEW Guide to the Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve is in the news daily, as the media speculate on the Fed's next policy moves. But there is more to the Fed than its current policy actions. We'll study the Fed's many functions in the financial system, as well as its role in macroeconomic policy. As the nation's Central Bank, the Federal Reserve plays an important role in the U.S. economy and financial markets. Instructor Bio: Gordon Sellon is an economist who spent 30 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, retiring as senior vice president and director of research. At the Fed, his research focused on monetary policy, banking regulation and payments systems. He also taught economics at KU and other universities. Gordon has degrees in economics from Harvard College and the University of Michigan.

November 5-19, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility and Online

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. 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 to crypto, focusing on what crypto is, how it works and its broader implications for the financial system. Instructor Bio: Gordon Sellon is an economist who spent 30 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, retiring as senior vice president and director of research. At the Fed, his research focused on monetary policy, banking regulation and payments systems. He also taught economics at KU and other universities. Gordon has degrees in economics from Harvard College and the University of Michigan.

October 14-28, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Disability Issues: The ADA, Criminal Justice and End-of-Life Ethics

This class, taught by a disability law professor, will explore three different aspects of disability law and ethics. Topics include a review of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how the legislation has both evolved to meet the needs of people with disabilities as well as additional legislative changes that are needed to ensure equitable access. Students will also learn about how disabilities, including the insanity defense, play into legal defense, conviction and sentencing. The final class will explore how disability rights impact end-of-life decision making. Instructor Bio: Karl Menninger is a retired government lawyer who has found an avocation teaching courses on disability law, citizenship, comedy and James Bond, among other topics.

September 3-17, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Ethics in Modern Life: Dilemmas in Law & Journalism

In this interactive online discussion class, we'll explore ethical issues that journalists and lawyers face. For instance, what are the ethical issues that come up when journalists report on mass shootings? Should journalists ever publish stories based only on anonymous sources? And what should a lawyer do if their client wants to testify falsely at their trial? Come join the conversation! Instructor Bio: Sarah Rosenson holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in Jewish studies from the Spertus Institute. She practiced law, and then taught classes on ethics, philosophy and world religions at a private high school. She currently teaches adults both in person and on various online platforms, including several Osher classes.

November 5-19, 2026, Online

History of Modern Latin America

Discover the dramatic forces that shaped contemporary Latin America. This three-session course explores the region's journey from colonial aftermaths to global powerhouse status. We will analyze the political struggles, cultural triumphs and social movements that define the modern landscape. This class is perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our global neighbors. 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.

September 16-30, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

Malala Yousafzai: Courage and Compassion

<p>This one-session class will explore the life and legacy of Malala Yousafzai, the little girl who became an activist for girls' education in Pakistan and was shot by the Taliban for her views. She is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and remains one of the most influential women of her generation. Her voice continues to educate and inspire people all over the world.</p><br><p><b>Instructor Bio: Marlene Katz</b>, a University of Missouri graduate, was an adjunct professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City, 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. Marlene has performed in a five-state area and has lectured for various groups, often in costume and speech of the character she is portraying.</p>

Monday, October 12, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online

The World Comes to Kansas: U.S. Immigration and Refugee Stories

The course presents a history of immigration in the U.S. with emphasis on efforts in the Lawrence community to support immigrants and refugees in the resettlement process. We'll share case studies of immigrant stories, discuss how changes to current immigration laws impact the resettlement efforts in Lawrence today and get a chance to meet new refugee immigrants to the U.S. to hear their personal journey stories. Instructor Bio: Chuck Olcese is co-founder and president of Assistance for Immigrants and Refugees, a nonprofit organization in Lawrence, Kansas, dedicated to the resettlement of refugees and other immigrants in the area. He has trained in intercultural communication and presented workshops on these skills at numerous institutions. Before his retirement from the University of Kansas, Chuck founded Lawrence Interfaith Refugee and Immigrant Ministry (LIRIM), a communication network to facilitate assistance, advocacy and awareness of immigrants and immigrant issues in the area.

October 19, 2026 to November 2, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall

TV News: Then & Now

Why doesn't TV news feel like it did in the Cronkite era? This course explores how TV news evolved from a public service into a competitive, profit-driven industry. By tracing TV news from its local origins to its current fast-paced, 24-hour form, we'll explore how shifting priorities, politics, technologies and expectations transformed a shared source of trust into today's complex media landscape. Instructor Bio: Taylor Cole Miller is an associate professor of media studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and co-editor of the academic collection, "The Golden Girls: Tales from the Lanai." He also makes TikToks about TV history under the handle @tvdoc.

October 15-29, 2026, Online

World Issues Discussion Group: U.S. Domestic & Foreign Policy

This discussion-format class will focus on U.S. domestic policy, including such topics as implementation of artificial intelligence, how policy is addressing climate change, income inequality and lack of affordable housing as well as how the federal budget is evolving in the areas of Medicare/Social Security, defense spending and the budget deficit. Foreign policy topics include U.S. relations with China, Russia and the Middle East. Topics will include differing policy directions from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Each class will be structured with the instructor presenting material for 60 to 90 minutes and 30 to 60 minutes for class discussion. 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.

September 14-28, 2026, KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall & Online