Courses
You will discover your inner artist as you're introduced to various processes and applications of acrylic painting.

March 14, 2019 to April 4, 2019, Studio 23
Since man first flew in an airplane the military started planning on how to use the airplane in war. The Second World War instituted the development of airborne warfare.

February 4-18, 2019, Curtiss Hall - Room 102
CORRECTION TO CATALOG: THE CLASS TIME SHOULD BE 10 AM TO NOON
This exciting class offers a new look at some people and events that were important to this crucial part of American history.

April 2-23, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
If you own one of these devices but don't feel as though you're using it to its full potential, join us for this class.

April 5-12, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
Apple started it all with their computer, and in this class we cover Apple devices. We cover the basics of OS X and how to use your Mac.

January 25, 2019 to February 1, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
This course is a conversational exploration of personal worldviews. A worldview is a "belief system" behind all of a person's actions, feelings, and attitudes.

March 28, 2019 to April 25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
Learn about 18th Century art of the Rococo in Europe and America to present time (1700-2018) in the long-running OLLI Art Appreciation Series.

This course contains no sessions
Unleash your inner artist in this fun mixed media workshop as you bring a variety of thoughts and ideas to life.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Studio 23
Often overlooked, Barbara Pym wrote a series of exquisite novels focusing on British village life during the 1950s. Her characters are sometimes eccentric, and always intriguing.

April 9-23, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

Since the start of time, people from all cultures have woven plant materials together to make baskets for gathering and transporting goods. 


April 12-19, 2019, Gilbertson 113
Since the start of time, people from all cultures have woven plant materials together to make baskets for gathering and transporting goods. Here is your opportunity to learn how to weave two types of baskets. 

March 15-22, 2019, Gilbertson Hall South - Room 115
Join us for a different beginning Qigong and Tai Chi class with a new OLLI instructor. Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong are beneficial for the health of mind and body.

January 7, 2019 to February 18, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
March 4, 2019 to April 15, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
This strength training class is for anyone considering a stronger, healthier body, but maybe needs some guidance on how to make that happen!

January 22, 2019 to February 22, 2019, Ryder Center Room 246
March 12, 2019 to April 19, 2019, Ryder Center Room 246
This class will continue learning various watercolor techniques, color schemes, creating form, and adding texture.

This course contains no sessions
 Learn about the history of this numbers game and its popularity and how it has changed over the last several decades.

Monday, February 25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
Bob Dylan made a seismic impact on international pop culture as he fused folk tradition, rock and roll rebellion, political insight and poetic ability into a personalized, myth-making style that still resonates today.

January 30, 2019 to February 20, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The eight-week series is designed for those new to the game or those who wish to improve their bidding.

This course contains no sessions
Create your own Instagram-worthy cheese board! Learn simple techniques for cutting and plating, how to select the perfect cheeses and charcuterie, and how to select accompaniments to pull it all together.

Thursday, January 24, 2019, Artigiano's
It's time for another exciting greeting card class! Geared toward beginners or others who may be more advanced, this class is just plain fun!

February 5-19, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
April 9-23, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The instructor is an OLLI member and local family and marriage counselor. Join him as he summarizes his learning curve while caring for his wife for ten years and maintaining a heart-to-heart connection.

This course contains no sessions
This class will draw upon the video series Christianity, Cults & Religions by Paul Carden, a longtime specialist in the field of cults and new religions around the world.

February 21, 2019 to March 14, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
Join the Classic Legacy Band for an afternoon of music! This local group with musicians from high school age to OLLI age has been showcasing the talent of the Great Lakes Bay region for over 50 years.

Sunday, February 17, 2019, Rhea E Miller Recital Hall
Sunday, April 14, 2019, Rhea E Miller Recital Hall
Change "just coloring" into beautiful works of art! Learn shading, showing depth, and more.

This course contains no sessions
Change "just coloring" into beautiful works of art! Learn shading, showing depth, and more. 

March 8-22, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 130
Change "just coloring" into beautiful works of art!

January 4-18, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 130
This course will explore a concept known as "constructive insurgency"-the strategies and tactics that present the current duopoly with meaningful competition, forcing them to perform or be replaced.

This course contains no sessions
This class is for dancers who already know the basic steps. We will still do our favorite old dances, but we will go beyond what we learned this past year to learn more advanced dances.

January 17, 2019 to February 21, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
March 21, 2019 to May 2, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
If you participated in a past OLLI Qigong & Tai Chi Festival or Workshop, or have taken Tai Chi elsewhere, this class is for you.

March 5, 2019 to April 23, 2019, Ryder Center, Room 244
This class is for anyone already strength training but wanting a fun, group class to kick it up a notch.

January 22, 2019 to February 22, 2019, Ryder Center Room 246
March 12, 2019 to April 19, 2019, Ryder Center Room 246
This class is for you if you have taken the Beginners class or have been practicing yoga elsewhere and would like to keep up your practice.

January 10, 2019 to February 14, 2019, Ryder Center, Room 244
February 28, 2019 to April 4, 2019, Ryder Center, Room 244
Participants will explore a variety of writing, drawing, collage and other surprise media that will give a great start (and future ideas) to continue journal writing.

April 4-25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

Have you heard of Flooz, Beenz, or Digicash? Does Bitcoin sound familiar to you? These are all types of cryptocurrency-digital or virtual currency designed to work as a medium of exchange online. 


Thursday, April 25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 141
As television bills keep getting more and more expensive, people are "cutting the cord" or getting rid of cable and using streaming services.

March 22-29, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
Although each of the Tudor monarchs faced a major rebellion, it was their Stuart successors who experienced revolutionary challenges: a bloody civil war followed by the public execution of the king and abolition of the monarchy. After a series of failed experiments in government without a king, the Stuarts were restored and sent into exile in another revolution. Despite this chaos, England emerged from the 1600s as a major European power.

January 15-29, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
Andrew Jackson served two terms as president of the United States, elected in November 1828 and leaving office in March 1837. During these years, he established himself as one of the strongest and most consequential individuals in our political history.

February 26, 2019 to March 19, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 127
CORRECTION TO THE CATALOG: THE CLASS DATES SHOULD BE MARCH 19, MARCH 26 AND APRIL 2 - A TOTAL OF 3 SESSIONS
A continuing series of concert-lectures, Exploring the Great Piano Composers II will continue to explore the lives and music of the piano greats.

March 19, 2019 to April 2, 2019, SVSU Founders Hall
Over this 5-week class, students will explore a variety of tips and tricks with watercolor painting, while continuing to practice painting methods used in the beginning classes.

January 18, 2019 to February 15, 2019, Saginaw YMCA
This class is for individuals who have some watercolor painting experience. During this 5-week class students will focus on painting landscapes from photographs.

March 8, 2019 to April 5, 2019, Saginaw YMCA
Join us for an informative seminar that will walk you through the fundamental aspects of mapping out your financial future: It's never too early to get started on your path to financial freedom.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Brown Hall, Room 128
Learn to collage with paint and tools from around the house!

April 8-29, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
Are you interested in getting fit but want to do something that's low-impact and will be easy to learn to do? 

January 17, 2019 to February 28, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
March 7, 2019 to April 25, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
There are many styles of yoga but this class offered at OLLI is gentle enough to be practiced by those over 50.

January 10, 2019 to February 14, 2019, Ryder Center, Room 244
February 28, 2019 to April 4, 2019, Ryder Center, Room 244
In two short hours you can learn how to make inexpensive, simple foam stamps and create a few projects to take home.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
In this class, you will discover how to balance eating with the right foods, set attainable goals, and learn why rewards are important. We will also learn to deal with triggers for unhealthy eating.

This course contains no sessions
Over the years in our discussions including everything from the world's major religions to evolutionary psychology, there is one constant-a history of violence. Using the course guide from the Great Courses, "Thinking about Religion and Violence" by Dr. Bivins of North Carolina State University, we will look at religious violence historically as well at look at violence generically in other areas, such as politics, tribalism, economics etc.

January 10, 2019 to February 7, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
 Learn everything you want to know about computer networks in this new course.

February 22, 2019 to March 1, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128

This class goes beyond eBay! While in this class, you will learn how to establish an eBay account, search to find what you are looking for, and complete your transaction.


January 17-24, 2019, Curtiss Hall Room 221
This class will discuss ways to convert old format sources like cassettes, albums, VHS tapes, CDs, slides, and paper photographs into a digital format.

March 8-15, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
In this class you'll learn how to edit photos to make them look better, resize them, or even change the coloring.

February 14-21, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 141
Move beyond basic design tips and construction techniques with intermediate level jewelry making! You will learn advanced jewelry techniques with tips from a long-time jewelry designer.

February 12, 2019 to March 12, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
The iPad is the most popular tablet in the world. You may have just purchased yours or maybe feel like you're not using it to its full potential. In this class, we cover the basics.

January 11-18, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
Continuation from iPad 101 or for people who have a pretty good understanding about how to use their iPad.

February 8-15, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
In this class we cover the basics: how to download apps, get content, and make you feel more comfortable with your phone.

January 11-18, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
Continuation from iPhone 101 or for people who already have a good understanding of how to use their iPhones.

February 8-15, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
This class will discuss issues currently in the news.

February 5-19, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
You will learn to select bead colors, find out just what all of those jewelry making tools really do, and what exactly a jewelry "finding" is.

January 7, 2019 to February 11, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
Ready to bedazzle your neck, ears, or fingers? Or do you have a piece of jewelry you'd like to re-design and make more wearable? Each week in this jewelry workshop, choose what you will make or do!

This course contains no sessions
 Find out the mythic past of everyone's favorite dessert in this fun OLLI baking history class.

March 4-25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The objective of the class is to educate and entertain while introducing resource material to help people plan for a happy and healthy retirement.

This course contains no sessions
This class will utilize PowerPoint slides, videos, and handouts to answer at least the following questions: What is the science of bracketology? In what manner are the 68 teams selected to make the tournament? And how can you keep track of your favorite teams using cable television, satellite radio, the Internet, and digital streaming?

February 1-22, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 127

You've heard about Alexa, but what is it? Voice activated speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple's HomePod) are the latest,greatest technology craze. Join us as we discuss the differences between these devices and which one makes the most sense for you to consider buying.


Thursday, April 11, 2019, Curtiss Hall Room 221
Microsoft Publisher offers endless options for visual design of otherwise boring text documents. In this course learn the basics of Publisher and get started making exciting publications like The Adventurer on your home computer.

February 28, 2019 to March 7, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 141
Travel with your taste buds to the Middle East and avoid jet lag with this fun cooking class!

April 11-25, 2019, Pine Grove Kitchen, SVSU Campus
Microsoft Excel is a great program for organizing information and keeping track of financial information.

January 31, 2019 to February 7, 2019, Curtiss Hall Room 221
Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation creator that can be used to create stunning slideshows, slide presentations, handouts, transparencies, and much more! Learn how to create picture slide shows for weddings, retirement parties, and other celebrations.

March 14-21, 2019, Curtiss Hall Room 221
This is your chance to learn more about OLLI and SVSU. While not required for membership or to register for classes and trips, this orientation will give you an inside look at all the details of OLLI membership.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
You will learn the basics of oil painting or expand on your oil painting skills. You will learn brush work, color mixing and paint application using traditional and contemporary processes.

March 15, 2019 to April 5, 2019, Studio 23
Baby, it's cold outside - so let's read a good book!

January 23, 2019 to April 24, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
In this class we cover topics like two-factor authentication, VPNs, and how wireless payment systems work. "Organize Your Digital Accounts & Keep Passwords Safe" is recommended, but not required for this course.

March 8-15, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
In this class we cover how to keep your passwords organized and easy to remember with the use of a password manager.

January 25, 2019 to February 1, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
Learn how to create boxes, stars, flowers and animals by simply folding a piece of paper through the Japanese art of origami! Local origami aficionado Mark DeWolf-Ott will take you through the process to make paper creations using a system of intricate folding techniques.

April 3-24, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The Painterly Print Workshop will introduce participants to the unique possibilities of creating one of a kind prints without the use of a printing press.

April 5-12, 2019, Studio 23
Over the course of two class sessions, you will create a beautiful piece of art under the direction of a certified Mary Owens Pen & Ink/Oil Rouging instructor.

This course contains no sessions
Here's your chance to try something different - pen and ink with oil rouging! Over the course of two class sessions, you will create a beautiful piece of art under the direction of a certified Mary Owens Pen & Ink/Oil Rouging instructor.

April 5-19, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 130
Here's your chance to try something different - pen and ink with oil rouging! Over the course of two class sessions, you will create a beautiful piece of art under the direction of a certified Mary Owens Pen & Ink/Oil Rouging instructor. 

February 8-22, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 101
This course will look at the nature of personality and the fundamental psychological characteristics that contribute to differences in how people think, feel, and behave. 

March 5-26, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The course explores in each session one or two important poems from the past and one or two contemporary poems.

January 16, 2019 to February 13, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
This course explores the long tradition of the sports-politics nexus to better contextualize the highly contentious contemporary moment in the U.S.

January 7, 2019 to February 18, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

We cover how to backup your information in many ways including automatic backups and "cloud" services. 


February 22, 2019 to March 1, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
Join us for an informative seminar where we will explore: your relationship with money, how emotions affect your money habits, and strategies for changing the way you think, feel and act about money.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Brown Hall, Room 128
Join us for an informative, action-oriented seminar and learn: why it's important to start the dialogue early, how to prepare for a meaningful conversation about money, and what to talk about.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019, Curtiss Hall - Room 102
This class has been CANCELLED

This course contains no sessions
The history of the transition of Rome from Republic to Empire.

January 7, 2019 to February 11, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
Cork and white pine once decorated the Saginaw Valley to the north, creating a blanket of green as far as the eye could see.

This course contains no sessions
Scientists from the University of Michigan will present a hands-on lesson on the topic of Genetics.

Monday, March 25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
In this new OLLI course you will design not just a silk scarf, but a unique, one-of-a-kind wearable piece of art.

This course contains no sessions
Keep those vocal cords in shape! Join the group that sings for enjoyment. You'll receive a series of booklets focusing on various types of music, and will receive background information about each song.

This course contains no sessions
Join us and learn how to use Facebook to communicate and keep in touch with family or connect with friends from the past.

Thursday, January 10, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 141
Viewing and discussion of episodes of Star Trek in which the Roddenberry Ideal of a positive and humanist future was used to comment on the society of the era. Topics include conduct in wartime, racism, and genocide. 

March 4-25, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The government may store your samples in a database indefinitely, private companies may sell your DNA like any other "mailing list" to be used by other companies for tests or decisions on providing certain insurance coverage. Find out how you can avoid the legal pitfalls of giving away your DNA.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
In this OLLI session learn just what's required to teach an OLLI class as well as how to organize your information, put together a syllabus, and get started sharing your information to the rest of the membership.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
This event will be hosted by SVSU/OLLI's Tai Chi teacher and founding member of Cloud Hands Michigan, Jim Bush. The sessions focus on interesting aspects of these Arts, led by outstanding instructors from around Michigan.

Saturday, March 9, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Banquet Rooms
While we gather an appreciation of our fascinating English, we will explore the very nature of human language itself-oral and written, ever changing.

February 20, 2019 to March 20, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
In this class we cover the basics of technology and what products are best for you. So, come, jump in, and see that it's a whole new world! Great for non-techies.

March 22-29, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 128
There is much talk about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and how these skills will help with the economic development of our area.

January 8-22, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
Please join us for this useful Technology Tuesday session to learn about how to check your credit report and help prevent identity theft.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 127
CORRECTION TO CATALOG - TIME CHANGED TO 1:30-3:30PM
                                                          LOCATION CHANGE TO C129
In this course participants will explore the witch craze from its origins in the 1400s in Europe to, hopefully, its end in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1600s.

April 1-22, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
The course introduces the whys and hows of clearing the body of toxic food and the mind of toxic thoughts.

This course contains no sessions
This course offers a fresh and challenging insight into human societies through a look at the effects and roles of war

February 14, 2019 to March 7, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 129
 This course will explore the behind the scenes innerworkings of the most powerful yet mysterious branch of the federal government.

March 5-6, 2019, Curtiss Hall - Seminar Rooms F & G
This course concludes the series with the last 8 lectures from the Teaching Company's "The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age".

This course contains no sessions
Learn about the Universal Law of Attraction, and how to put it to use in our daily lives to create the life of which we dream.

March 4-18, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
If Fridays don't work for your schedule, try these Thursday art classes at the Saginaw Y!

This course contains no sessions
Is the guitar too hard? Is the piano too heavy to lug around? Well, then, learn to play the ukulele with the founder and leader of the Saginaw Ukulele Gurus and Rookies (SUGAR), Johnny Hunt.

January 16, 2019 to February 20, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
Be all that you can be (on the ukulele) and learn some more chords, techniques, and tricks in this continuation ukulele class that builds upon the foundation laid in the beginning ukulele class.

March 27, 2019 to May 1, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
In this class, we will discuss the medical marijuana regulations, the different chemicals inside marijuana, methods of ingestion, and how they act inside the body. If Proposal 1 (recreational marijuana) passes in November, laws related to that will also be presented.

March 7-14, 2019, Curtiss Hall - Seminar Rooms F & G
Computer viruses can destroy computer data, hard drives and make your computer completely unusable. Knowing how to prevent them and what to do if you get one is essential. 

March 28, 2019 to April 4, 2019, Curtiss Hall Room 221
Once again join Warmbier Farms and OLLI to create exciting decorations for your home.

This course contains no sessions
Join us for an informative seminar designed to help you identify and prioritize your objectives, and then begin to build a personalized plan that helps maximize your probability of achieving the goals you have for yourself and your loved ones, however life unfolds.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Curtiss Hall, Room 140
We will review the continued rise of China requiring an Asian pivot, the status of Iran, North Korea and the unraveling of the European Union.

April 16-17, 2019, Curtiss Hall - Seminar Rooms F & G
Get ready to burn some calories and have fun! Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness class that incorporates music and dance movements which creates a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system.

January 15, 2019 to February 26, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio
March 5, 2019 to April 23, 2019, Ryder Dance Studio