Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses

01 SVSU Homecoming Tailgate

Show your Red Pride by joining OLLI for the SVSU Homecoming Tailgate Experience!

Saturday, October 21, 2023, Parking Lot E

02 A Jukebox for the Algonquin at the Purple Rose Theatre

Join OLLI members for another performance at an OLLI favorite theatre, the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea.

This course contains no sessions

03 Rum Runners Tour - The Story of Prohibition in Windsor & Detroit - PLEASE CALL OLLI OFFICE 989-964-4475 FOR POSSIBLE OPENINGS

Go back in time to the Roaring '20s as costumed actors tell the story of Prohibition and Windsor's connection to gangsters such as Al Capone and the Purple Gang.

This course contains no sessions

04 Let's Groove at Detroit Symphony Orchestra & Motown Museum Tour

Detroit's Motown defined an era. Not to be outdone, Philadelphia created its own essential listening.

Friday, October 6, 2023, Parking Lot J1

05 To Kill a Mockingbird at the Wharton Center

OLLI will travel to the Wharton Center in October to see To Kill A Mockingbird, the Academy Award-winner Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork.

This course contains no sessions

06 Elk Viewing Carriage Ride & Gourmet Lunch at Thunder Bay Resort

We're heading north to Hillman, Michigan, to enjoy the beautiful scenery and some fine dining. We'll arrive at the resort around lunchtime and your adventure will begin as you board a horse-drawn carriage that will take you through the wooded resort and into the Elk Preserve where you will get a close look at majestic bull elk.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Parking Lot J1

07 Penguins, Tigers and Bears at the Detroit Zoo

Established in 1928, the Detroit Zoo is situated on 125 acres with naturalistic habitats. It is one of the most favorite attractions in Michigan - home to more than 2,000 animals of more than 200 species.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Parking Lot J1

08 Albert Kahn Architectural Tour and Parade Company Studio Tour -UPDATED DESCRIPTION

This trip includes motorcoach transportation from SVSU, Parade Company tour, Albert Kahn Motorcoach Architectural Tour, and lunch at Shields Pizza Bar Pizzeria.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Parking Lot J1

09 A Christmas Carol at Meadowbrook and Big, Bright Light Show

Join OLLI to celebrate this holiday classic with adaptation and staging by Charles Nolte, running at Meadowbrook for the 38th year in a row!

Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Parking Lot J1

10 Starbright Christmas 2023 at Victoria Playhouse, in Petrolia, Ontario

Just in time for the holidays, this performance is filled with the glorious music of the season, Starbright Christmas, at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia and has all the makings of an old-time Christmas special.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Parking Lot J1

101 Art Appreciation: Modernism in Europe and America - LOCATION CHANGED TO A107

Join Andrea Ondish, the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum's curator of education, to learn about Modernism in Europe and America: Art Nouveau, Cubism, Expressionism, Dada, Surrealism and Futurism.

November 1-15, 2023, Aubury Fine Arts Center Room 107 (Near the Marshall Fredericks Museum)

102A Warmbier Farms Decor - HOLIDAY WREATH - NOVEMBER 8

A delightful mix of silk winter greens and berries, this wreath is a great way to welcome the holiday season!

Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Warmbier Farms

102B Warmbier Farms Decor - HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE - DECEMBER 6

The perfect size for your holiday table, this beautiful silk centerpiece will add just the right holiday cheer!

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Warmbier Farms

103 Create Your Own Original Christmas Delights!

You will use glass paints, chips of glass, frits, stringers and other materials to make your own original design and let your imagination go!

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Village Glass Works

104A Basket Making - JELLY JAR BASKET - OCTOBER 13

Join OLLI and make a beautiful and practical basket.

Friday, October 13, 2023, Gilbertson 113

104B Basket Making - MUFFIN BASKET - NOVEMBER 17

Join OLLI and make a beautiful and practical basket.

Friday, November 17, 2023, Gilbertson 113

105 Joy of Painting - LOCATION CHANGED TO A107

Create your own Bob Ross-style masterpiece in just one day!

Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Aubury Fine Arts Center Room 107 (Near the Marshall Fredericks Museum)

106 OLLI in the Kitchen: Let's Make Crepes

In this workshop, you will learn how to make a variety of crepes and discuss the best way to store them for future use.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Memorial Park Building - Freeland (Behind Taco Bell)

107 OLLI in the Kitchen: Mini Cheesecake Workshop

Learn to make a variety of mini cheesecakes from the same basic batter.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Memorial Park Building - Freeland (Behind Taco Bell)

108 Delicious - The Ultimate Mexican Cuisine Class

Join Alexandra as she shares with OLLI her talent for making authentic Mexican cuisine.

Monday, November 6, 2023, Memorial Park Building - Freeland (Behind Taco Bell)

109 Master the Art of Making Gourmet Candies

All you need is some chocolate, some imagination and Sue Smith, aka "Listen to the Mrs." We will use gourmet chocolate bark to make decadent truffles and other candies just in time for the holidays.

Monday, December 4, 2023, Gilbertson Hall South, Room 115

110A Senior Strength Training - Starting SEPTEMBER 5

This class is for beginners and anyone already strength training - but want a fun group class to kick it up a notch.

This course contains no sessions

110B Senior Strength Training - Starting OCTOBER 3

This class is for beginners and anyone already strength training - but want a fun group class to kick it up a notch.

October 3-26, 2023, Ryder Center, Auxiliary Gym

110C Senior Strength Training - Starting OCTOBER 31

This class is for beginners and anyone already strength training - but want a fun group class to kick it up a notch.

October 31, 2023 to November 30, 2023, Ryder Center, Auxiliary Gym

111A Free Senior Fitness Test - OCTOBER 12 - 9am to 10:15am

The Senior Fitness Test is an opportunity for seniors to participate in activities that provide data on personal fitness levels and is specifically designed for seniors 60-94 years of age.

Thursday, October 12, 2023, Ryder Fitness Center

111B Free Senior Fitness Test - OCTOBER 12 - 10:45am to 12pm

The Senior Fitness Test is an opportunity for seniors to participate in activities that provide data on personal fitness levels and is specifically designed for seniors 60-94 years of age.

Thursday, October 12, 2023, Ryder Fitness Center

111C Free Senior Fitness Test - OCTOBER 17 - 9am to 10:15am

The Senior Fitness Test is an opportunity for seniors to participate in activities that provide data on personal fitness levels and is specifically designed for seniors 60-94 years of age.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Ryder Fitness Center

111D Free Senior Fitness Test - OCTOBER 17 - 10:45am to 12pm

The Senior Fitness Test is an opportunity for seniors to participate in activities that provide data on personal fitness levels and is specifically designed for seniors 60-94 years of age.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Ryder Fitness Center

112 U.S. Supreme Court: Decisions and Key Issues - LOCATION CHANGED TO OTT AUDITORIUM IN GILBERTSON HALL

This course will first review some of the Court's decisions in its most recent term, then consider some of the key issues that will be before the Court in the coming months.

October 2-9, 2023, Ott Auditorium - Gilbertson Hall

113 Just the Facts, Ma'am - DATE CHANGED TO OCTOBER 23

We're tossing aside pretension and subjective, fancy tasting descriptions to begin our journey with the basics of wine character.

Monday, October 23, 2023, Nino's Family Restaurant

114 "Red (Blend)", She Said

We'll explore classic red blends from around the world.

Monday, November 6, 2023, Nino's Family Restaurant

115 Salute! Italia

We're focusing on wines from two regions of northern Italy: Tuscany and Piedmont.

This course contains no sessions

116 Leaman's Green Applebarn

Join OLLI as we tour and learn about Leaman's Green Applebarn.

Friday, October 20, 2023, Leaman's Green Applebarn

117 Bridge Power: Unlock Your Card Playing Potential - UPDATED DATES AND TIME

Whether you are just starting, returning to the game, or wanting to "test the waters" before playing, sign-up for this class for hands-on learning. Participants will need to purchase a textbook which will be available from the instructor with a price range of $6 to $25.

September 15, 2023 to November 10, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

118 The Geography of Greece

Join Evelyn Ravuri as she shares her knowledge of the geography of Greece.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

119 The Geography of South America

In this three-part class, Evelyn Ravuri will break down specific areas with concentration on Andean, South America; the Amazon; and the Southeast region - Rio, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

September 20, 2023 to October 4, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

120 The Geography of Alaska

This presentation provides an overview of Alaska's geography to provide valuable context for new cruisers to the Last Frontier.

This course contains no sessions

121 Simple Meal Planning

It's time to learn how to prepare simple meals so you don't give in to the temptation of "I eat what I see."

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

122 Keep Calm and Carry On

Learn about what stress does to your body and how to recognize it.

Thursday, November 2, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

123 Kick the Sugar Habit!

Join certified health coach Alina Warner to discover why you crave sugar at certain times and why sometimes those cravings feel out of control.

Thursday, October 12, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

124 Smash Therapy - LOCATION CHANGED TO C140

Come and learn how to blow off some of your stress, anxiety, anger, frustration (you get the idea) with Smash Therapy.

Thursday, November 2, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

125A Treating Pain without Drugs or Surgery - SEPTEMBER 12

You may be surprised to learn about conservative methods that can provide lasting relief without surgery or medications. Join us for a one-day workshop to learn more!

This course contains no sessions

125B Treating Pain without Drugs or Surgery - NOVEMBER 14

You may be surprised to learn about conservative methods that can provide lasting relief without surgery or medications. Join us for a one-day workshop to learn more!

Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

126 Living Well with Arthritis of the Hand

Join us to hear Certified Hand Therapist Christine Clements and Paige Rybak explain different types of arthritis and ideas to help you find relief and return to your favorite activities.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

127 Saginaw Black History - LOCATION CHANGED TO C100

Saginaw has a rich history of the "firsts" by African Americans, including outstanding contributions to the development of the Saginaw Valley in the later 1800s.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 100

128 How Technology Helped Shape Bay City

This class will highlight some of the technologies used by the companies that led to the local industries we see today.

October 17-24, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

129 Great Moments in the History of Medicine: Heroes and Scoundrels, Part 2

This new class will cover all new, feel-good stories about the heroes and cautionary tales about the scoundrels.

September 28, 2023 to October 12, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

130 History of the Holocaust, Part 2

This class will cover The Holocaust in Europe from 1942-1945.

September 14, 2023 to October 12, 2023, Brown Hall, Room 109

131 Nuremberg War Crimes Trial

The course will discuss the creation and implementation of the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial at the end of the Second World War.

October 19, 2023 to November 16, 2023, Brown Hall, Room 109

132 Living Behind the Iron Curtain

Alina Warner shares from her experience as a child growing up in communist Romania, witnessing the isolation of the people and the hardship of the totalitarian regime.

This course contains no sessions

133 War Crimes: Massacres and Atrocities

In this class, we will look at the crimes that were committed by both sides in World War II.

October 2-23, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

134 Overcoming Genealogical Brick Walls

All family historians encounter roadblocks in their collection of genealogical data. This class will cover five of the classic brick walls and tactics to overcome them.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

135 Tour of SVSU Zahnow Library

Join OLLI to learn about the unique features the SVSU Zahnow Library has to offer.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Zahnow Library

136 SK Siltron CSS

Siltron CSS manufactures a specialty wafer made of silicon carbide (SIC) that can be used in the semiconductor power components of electric vehicles.

This course contains no sessions

137 Saginaw County Road Commission - CLASS & LOCATION DIFFERENT THAN WHAT IS LISTED IN BROCHURE

Join OLLI as we tour and learn more about the Saginaw County Road Commission!

Monday, October 23, 2023, Saginaw County Road Commission

138 Glastender, Inc.

Join the guided tour of Glastender's manufacturing facility.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Glastender, Inc

139 Historic Masonic Temple - TIME CHANGED TO 1 PM TO 3 PM

The 130-year-old Historic Masonic Temple building is an architectural gem in the heart of Bay City.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Historic Masonic Temple

140 Active Shooter Preparedness

In an effort to enhance safety and preparedness, OLLI is offering a class for this situation.

This course contains no sessions

141 Self-Defense Training - This class is intended for female participants only

In this class, you will acquire the tools for better awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills, safety strategies and physical techniques that enable someone to avoid, escape, resist and survive a violent attack.

This course contains no sessions

142 Normal Aging or NOT Normal Aging

Participants learn some of the effects of aging on the brain and how to identify what is normal and what may be cause for concern.

This course contains no sessions

143 Sense of Aging - An Empathetic Dining Experience

Participants experience an assimilation of the aging process through a dining experience and using props that will help them understand what someone living with dementia may be experiencing.

Thursday, October 26, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

144 Self-Care for the Caregiver

Participants will learn the importance of self-care for the caregiver and some tips for the holiday season.

Thursday, November 16, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

145 Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation helps us learn to live in the present moment with nonjudgmental awareness and acceptance of what is.

September 19, 2023 to October 24, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

146 Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is a simple method during which we open ourselves to God and consent to God's presence and action within us.

Thursday, October 19, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

147 Aiding the Aging - LOCATION CHANGED TO C222

Instructor Sue Smith will discuss topics such as aging in place, dealing with grief and keeping occupied using these basic six components - spiritual, physical, social, exercise, emotional and occupational.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 222

148 Unlock Your Tap Dance Potential - LOCATION CHANGED TO C 181

This amazing new class is for those who have experience or always wanted to learn to tap dance.

This course contains no sessions

149 Learn How to Play a Guitar

Have you always wanted to play the guitar? This four-week course will provide you with all the fundamentals you need to start playing!

September 13, 2023 to October 4, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

150 Beginning Ukulele - DIFFERENT DATES - CLASS BEGINS OCTOBER 3 AND ENDS NOVEMBER 7

Johnny Hunt has taught over 250 people how to play by starting at ground zero - you will be playing your ukulele by the conclusion of these lessons!

October 3, 2023 to November 7, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

151 The Beatles - Story of Paul McCartney

This class will present fun facts about the Fab Four's Paul McCartney that you may, or may not, know.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

152 New Member Orientation

Let's get acquainted! We are inviting all new members (and veteran members too if you want a refresher) to learn the ins-and-outs of SVSU OLLI.

This course contains no sessions

153 Travel Orientation

From the streets of Detroit to the pastures of Ireland, OLLI will take you to the places you have only dreamed about before.

This course contains no sessions

154 The Forensic Science behind the JFK Assassination

We will examine the JFK assassination through the lens of forensic evidence: photographs and videos, autopsy reports and governmental documents.

December 4-11, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 224

155 "Technology Tuesday" - Everything You Need to Know About a Ring Doorbell

This Technology Tuesday session will demonstrate several Ring Home Security products.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 140

156 Password Manager - LOCATION CHANGE TO C141

This class will provide an overview of password managers available to manage all those pesky accounts.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 141

157 How to Buy and Sell on the Internet - LOCATION CHANGE TO C221

Buying and selling online is a lot different than your typical store interaction.

This course contains no sessions

158 Viruses and How to Clean Your Computer - DATES CHANGED TO OCTOBER 18 AND OCTOBER 25

Viruses, malware and spyware are all scary computer terms you may not be familiar with.

October 18-25, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 141

159 Cloud Storage - LOCATION CHANGE TO C221

Do you want to learn how to back up your important digital information to ensure it doesn't get lost?

Thursday, November 9, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 221

160 Microsoft EXCEL - LOCATION CHANGE TO C221

This course will introduce students to spreadsheets and the fundamental concepts.

November 7-14, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 221

161 Microsoft Word - LOCATION CHANGE TO C221

We will learn Word basics, creating and managing documents, entering and editing text, modifying text, adding simple graphics and inserting and modifying diagrams.

November 28, 2023 to December 5, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 221

162 A Lens on the World

We'll explore how to use photography to enhance your travel adventures and capture your most cherished moments. Please bring 10 of your favorite travel photographs to class, in either digital or print format.

Monday, October 16, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

163 Pack Your Bags

This class will discuss everything from packing lists, packing cubes, luggage, carry-ons, tech gear, travel documents, travel apps, roll vs. fold, as well as a variety of travel tips.

Thursday, October 5, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

164 Collette Compass Travel App

The Collette Compass travel app provides you with a wealth of travel knowledge.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

165 EF Go Ahead Travel App

Easily manage your travel experience on the go..

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

166 Everyday Helpful Travel Apps

The apps covered in this workshop may help make your trip a little less stressful.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

167 Star Trek: Watch and Discuss

Professor Christina De Clerck-Szilagyi will lead the 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.

October 17, 2023 to November 7, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

168 I, Claudius (Part II) - CORRECTED DESCRIPTION

Join instructor Christina De Clerck-Szilagyi as we continue to look at the 1976 BBC adaption of Robert Graves' classic novel telling the story of the Julio-Claudian Caesars, how much is fact, how much is fiction, and how did Claudius manage to survive.

September 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

169 Universal Monster Movie Dracula

Watch and discuss class will cover a generalized history of the character created by Bram Stoker and how this was adapted for the Silver Screen.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 128

170 Yoga - NEW DATES AND TIME: TUESDAYS SEPTEMBER 19, 26, OCTOBER 3, 10, 17 FROM 10 AM TO 11 AM

This class will include building strength in the core, increasing balance, flexibility, and range of motion.

September 19, 2023 to October 17, 2023

171 Cardio Dancing - TIME FOR CLASS HAS CHANGED TO 8 AM TO 9 AM

In this class, we will find creative ways to burn calories while moving around to the rhythms of various styles of music.

October 18, 2023 to November 22, 2023, Ryder Center, Room 244

172 Walking: A Fun, Low-Impact Workout - TIME CHANGED TO 10:30 AM TO 11:30 AM

Walking improves fitness, cardiac health, alleviates depression and fatigue, improves mood, creates less stress on joints and reduces pain.

October 6, 2023 to November 3, 2023, Ryder Center, Room 244

173 LIFE: A Participatory Discussion of Change and Growth - ADDED CLASS

In this class we will tap into a wealth of group knowledge and discuss how, if and why we modified our early standards and who we are today.

October 19, 2023 to November 2, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

174 Holidays in Michigan - ADDED CLASS

Learn about the people that made Michigan and the traditions we still have today, both brought from elsewhere and new traditions that started here.

Thursday, December 7, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

175 Historic Home Stories of Grand Rapids - ADDED CLASS

Barely saved from the wrecking ball during Urban Renewal, explore Grand Rapids' Heritage Hill, one of the largest historic districts in the nation.

Thursday, December 7, 2023, Curtiss Hall, Room 129

176 Healthy Moves - ADDED CLASS

Dance the time away to fun moves and exciting music!

This course contains no sessions

177 Pilates - ADDED CLASS

Learn how to create a daily movement regime that will build strength and flexibility.

September 18, 2023 to October 16, 2023, Ryder Center, Auxiliary Gym

178 Tone and Sculpt - ADDED CLASS

Lets have some fun while we burn, lift, tone, and sculpt!

This course contains no sessions

179 Stretching - ADDED CLASS

Never stop stretching! Begin a weekly practice of using your muscles to stretch and stay limber!

September 20, 2023 to October 25, 2023, Ryder Center, Auxiliary Gym

180 Unlock Your Tap Dance Potential - ADDITIONAL CLASS

This amazing new class is for those who have experience or always wanted to learn to tap dance.

November 1-22, 2023, Curtiss Hall Room 181

308 Art of Making French Macarons

This class is designed to help you succeed in mastering the macaron.

This course contains no sessions

315 MI Table

Come have a seat and taste Pure Michigan at MI Table, which is a farm-to-table style restaurant that highlights Michigan produce, fish, and game.

This course contains no sessions

346 The Goodridge Brothers of Saginaw

The presentation will discuss the lives of these nationally-recognized black photographers and will be followed by a walking tour using their images to explore the history of downtown Saginaw.

This course contains no sessions

37 Discover Holland: Holland Princess Lunch Cruise & Holland with Tour Guide Candice Smith

This trip package includes Holland Princess lunch cruise, guided motorcoach tour of Holland, and motorcoach transportation.

This course contains no sessions

38 Tour Michigan's Capitol Building & Battle Flag Collection

OLLI members will have the opportunity to view the nine acres of hand-painted decorative art throughout the building, and learn stories from Michigan's past. This tour will feature the public areas of the Capitol including the Rotunda and the Gallery of the Governors; a discussion on flag conservation; and may also include access to the Senate and House Galleries, depending on availability.

This course contains no sessions

Courses