All times listed are Central Time (CT).
EACH COURSE is identified by one of the following terms:
- ONLINE ONLY: Both the instructor and students will meet online for the class, live via Zoom, in the designated weekly time slot. Sessions will be recorded for review, if desired.
- HYBRID: The instructor teaches live from the Moss Building. Some students are in the classroom (limited availability), while others Zoom in. When registering, you may select either the IN PERSON or ONLINE version of the class – both options allow students to interact with the instructor. Sessions will be recorded.
- IN PERSON ONLY: The class will take place at the Moss Building, unless otherwise indicated in the catalog. These sessions will not offer online viewing and will not be recorded.
Important Semester Information:
- Printable course catalog (PDF)
- Printable Monday–Friday Course Calendar Grid (PDF)
- Special Interest Group (SIG) announcement page (Google Doc)
- Looking for the course document page? Check your confirmation email!
- Zoom basics (PDF)
Course listings by day of the week
Select a day of the week below to filter courses. Use Ctrl (⌘) + F on your keyboard or your browser's search function to search the entire page.
Monday Courses
- People of Columbia’s Past
- World Travels in Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Icons of Broadway and Hollywood Songwriters
- Military Service: History, Lived Experience and Lasting Impacts
- Sip and Savor! Wine and Food Pairings
People of Columbia’s Past
Mondays: March 2, 9, 16, 30; April 6, 13, 20, 27 (8 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $60
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Explore two centuries of Columbia personalities and learn about the unique individuals who influenced the development of the City of Columbia. Historian Matt Fetterly will cover: Richard and Ann Hawkins Gentry, James Rollins, John Lange Sr. and Jr., Blind Boone, Jefferson Garth, James Shannon, Mary Paxton Keeley, E.W. Stephens, Annie Fisher, Morris Frederick Bell, Odon Guitar, Lucilla St. Clair Moss, Frank Nifong, Pon Chinn and many more.
Instructor: Matt Fetterly is an eighth-generation Columbian who has spent over 20 years collecting (and sometimes reading) books and ephemera about Columbia, Boone County and Missouri. He speaks and writes about local history.
World Travels in Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Mondays: March 2, 9, 16, 30; April 6, 13, 20, 27 (8 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $60
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
NOTE: The March 9 and March 16 sessions have swapped places since the printing of the Spring 2026 catalog. The below dates are updated and correct.
In this team-taught course, faculty from MU’s School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (SLLC) will present in-depth discussions of unique cultural artifacts, traditions and events from around the world.
March 2: Chinese - Chinese Poetry and Chinese Culture Learning
The presentation will discuss the significance of learning classical poetry to improve the tonal pronunciation of Chinese as well as learning English Jueju poetry writing. English Jueju is an interdisciplinary poetry writing experimentation. Jueju poetry was originally from China and is like a Chinese cousin of Japanese Haiku, yet this genre is adapted by Dr. Jonathan Stalling to English for American culture. The presentation will introduce to the audience the newly launched platform www.juejupath.com by Dr. Stalling. The interactive site can lead students through the process of mastering the many skills of writing English Jueju poetry as they make their way up through the five levels of the Keju (Imperial Examination). There may be hands-on activity involved.
Instructor: Huichun Liang is an associate teaching professor in Chinese and has been teaching Chinese language, literature and poetry courses at the University of Missouri since 2010. She has written several Chinese poetry books as well translations.
March 9: German – Film and the Holocaust: A Case Study
After examining some broader issues about teaching films about the Holocaust, this talk will turn its attention to a couple of instances in which the Nazis filmed their prisoners in ghettos and camps, particularly in the Warsaw Ghetto and in Theresienstadt. Why are the histories of these film projects important today, what must be considered in order for us to better understand them now, and what can we learn from them?
Instructor: Brad Prager is a professor of German and Film Studies at MU. His areas of research include film history, Holocaust studies, contemporary German cinema, and the art and literature of German Romanticism. He is the author of many books including After the Fact: The Holocaust in Twenty-First Century Documentary Film (2015).
March 16: Russian – Narrating the (Russian) Easter Season: Anton Chekhov's "The Student" and "Easter Night”
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is better known to English speakers as a playwright (The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard). But Chekhov was also a prolific short story writer with over 500 stories to his name. He is considered one of the progenitors of the "modern" short story, with an influence that extends well beyond Russia, including to American prose writers Ernest Hemingway, Eudora Welty, Raymond Carter and Flannery O'Connor. For this session, we'll read two of Chekhov's stories dedicated to the Easter season and explore what makes a Chekhov story "Chekhovian.”
Instructor: Nicole Monnier is a teaching professor of Russian who has been at Mizzou since 2000. Her primary area of specialization is mid-19th century Russian prose and criticism. In recent years, she has shifted her attention to the late 19th century and the works of Anton Chekhov in particular.
March 30: French – Beyond Absurd: 21st Century French Theatre and Mohamed El Khatib’s Dramaturgy of the Real
Professor Scott Taylor will discuss trends in contemporary French theatre, focusing on Mohamed El-Khatib’s “dramaturgy of the real.”
Instructor: Scott Taylor is an assistant teaching professor of French. His primary research area is in French theatre and performance studies an theatre semiotics. He is currently working on a book tentatively titled, The Unholy Text: Liberated Textuality and Mise en Scène in French Theatre and Performance Studies.
April 6: Korean – The Miracle of Han River
This lecture examines how South Korea—once among the world’s poorest nations—achieved remarkable economic growth, a transformation widely known as the “Miracle on the Han River.” It also analyzes the contributions of the ROK–US alliance and its role in supporting this development.
Instructor: Siryung Jang holds a Ph.D. in International Politics from Fudan University in China and has been an adjunct instructor in the Korean program since the Fall Semester of 2025. Before coming to Columbia, he taught international relations and political philosophy in Korea. He currently teaches courses on East Asian Security Issues, North Korean Politics and Korean Cinema.
April 13: Italian – Bicycle Thieves, Neorealism and Post-World War II Italy
Professor Roberta Tabanelli will analyze and discuss the film “Bicycle Thieves” within the context of the Neorealism movement and Italy’s socio-political and economic conditions post-WWII.
Instructor: Roberta Tabanelli - Roberta's research interests are in 20th and 21st century Italian cinema and literature, with particular focus on Neapolitan cinema and literature, transnational cinema, adaptation studies, women's studies and posthuman theories.
April 20: Japanese (Title TBA)
Instructor: Eric Lancaster is an assistant teaching professor of Japanese. He teaches courses in Japanese language and culture, including courses such as “Religions of China and Japan” and “Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater.”
April 27: German – The Mobility of Africans in Antiquity: St. Maurice and the Spread of Christianity in Europe
Instructor: Dr. Kristin Kopp is an associate professor of German and the director of the Interdisciplinary Migration Studies Institute. Her research focuses on various forms of migrations to and from German-speaking Central Europe. This includes German and Austrian colonial and imperial discourses of the past, developing strategies for overcoming their legacies in the present, and addressing the long history of Africans and their descendants in Europe.
Icons of Broadway and Hollywood Songwriters
Mondays: April 6, 13, 20, 27 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
This is a one and ¾ hour course. Second four weeks of the semester.
The music of Broadway and Hollywood musicals comprise an art form in and unto itself. It takes a team of multitalented performers and an orchestra to produce these entertainment extravaganzas. At the heart of it are creative geniuses who set everything in motion; the songwriters. In this multi-media course, we will cover: Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Frank Loesser, Hornick and Bock, Irving Berlin, Jerry Herman and Burt Bacharach. Dozens of videos will illustrate their talents.
Instructor: Lee Kaufman has taught classical music listening courses for various St. Louis audiences, the Chautauqua Institution and many other Osher Lifelong Learning programs. He is the founder and secretary of the North American Chapter of the Elgar Society and has coproduced many theatrical performances. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from Emory University.
Military Service: History, Lived Experience and Lasting Impacts
Mondays: March 2, 9, 16, 30; April 6, 13, 20, 27 (8 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $60
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Join the veterans among us – four of whom are Osher members! – for an exploration of military life. What is it really like to serve? Participants will hear firsthand accounts of life in war zones, aboard aircraft carriers and in military hospitals, as well as stories of recovering and identifying those missing in action. The course will also examine the experiences of women in the military and the lasting impact of the draft. We’ll explore how military service has changed over time, along with enduring differences among service branches and types of assignments. Special attention will also be given to the impact of military life on families. The course also addresses mental health challenges faced by service members and veterans and introduce key resources, including the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Instructors:
Summer Allen is a former captain in the Navy. She served with the Joint Casualty Resolution Center in Thailand (1973-1975) and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Center in Japan (1975-1976). She later used the G.I. Bill to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology. She was an addiction therapist and later a psychologist at the VA Hospital in Columbia, until her retirement.
Hannah Eastland served as a Russian cryptologic language analyst in the Air Force (2016-2022) and in the Air National Guard (2022-2025), while attending law school. She now advocates for the veteran community as a staff attorney at the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic, a not-for-profit legal clinic that helps veterans navigate their VA disability compensation claims and discharge upgrades.
Kent Ford enlisted in the Navy in November 1968. He was deployed twice aboard aircraft carriers to the Gulf of Tonkin off Vietnam. After his discharge in the late summer of 1972, he attended the MU School of Journalism. Kent and his wife Sharon were married in 1970 after his first Navy deployment. He retired in 2014 from the Missouri Press Association, where he was an editor for 25 years.
Connie Johnmeyer is a retired psychologist and educator. She served as a clinical psychologist in the Air Force (1992-2012), overseas and stateside, and was deployed to Saudi Arabia, Iraq (twice) and Afghanistan. Since retiring from clinical work and teaching, she has studied pilgrimage and traveled frequently to Europe to walk the Camino de Santiago.
Carol Thompson A veteran by heart and calling, Carol enlisted to gain an education, see the world and find her way beyond the farm where she was raised. After service, she earned multiple degrees, and she began a Ph.D. more than once. She worked as a research engineer, then answered a call to ministry, eventually retiring from campus ministry. She now serves as chair of the Veterans Mental Health Council, advocating for veterans and their families.
Mike Trial graduated from the University of Missouri in 1969. He served in the Army, then worked for 30 years as a civil engineering manager at various locations in the U.S. and overseas. He now lives on the family tree farm near Columbia.
Sip and Savor! Wine and Food Pairings
Mondays: April 6, 13, 20, 27 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $65 (includes materials fee)
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; materials fee of $25
Limit of 23 participants. There is a $25 materials fee per registrant. Second four weeks of the semester.
Have you ever wondered how food and wine experts train their palates, learn what to look for in food and wine pairings and find the best pairings? Have you ever wanted to find just the right wine to pair well with your dinner? It’s all about understanding your palate, learning about wine’s aromas and flavors and how they interact with the flavors in food. With instructor-led formal tastings, lectures and guidance, you will refine your sensory abilities to identify complementary ingredients in food and wine. Join us as we sip and savor our way! Materials note: We ask registrants to bring four clean wine glasses to class each session.
Instructor: Kathleen Chesko has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and worked 23 years in business before earning a culinary arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College. Her culinary career includes work as a research chef as well as sensory training. During this time, she also learned how to make wine. After moving to Sonoma County, Calif., in 2002, she worked as a winery chef and taught culinary classes at Santa Rosa Junior College until her retirement in 2019.
Tuesday Courses
- Fiber Arts in Columbia: Part II
- Helping Missouri’s Native Bees: Restoring Habitat with Native Shrubs and Trees
- Destruction and Dispersion: The Burnt District's Enslaved Community, 1861-1862
- NextGen Precision Health Research
- The Tragedy of Richard the Third–The Movie (Richard III)
- Backyard Birding for Beginners
- The Gilded Age
Fiber Arts in Columbia: Part II
Tuesdays: March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 14 (6 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First six weeks of the semester. New students are welcome.
The Columbia Weavers and Spinners’ Guild will continue with another six-week program by their fiber artists. Each week will cover a different aspect of fiber art. Topics this session will cover wool processing and spinning, various weave structures, multistrand knitting/crocheting, basketry, book making and dyeing techniques. The format will include interviews, discussions and samples. Learn from the artists about how they create their art as they describe the tools and fiber they use. Each session builds on topics covered in the Fall 2025 Osher course.
Moderators: Pam Haverland and Tricia Kaufmann, artists/members of the Columbia Weavers and Spinners’ Guild.Helping Missouri’s Native Bees: Restoring Habitat with Native Shrubs and Trees
Tuesdays: March 3, 10 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First two weeks of the semester.
Bees are effective pollinators of flowering plants because they have coevolved over millions of years. Missouri has over 400 species of native bees, with populations threatened by loss of habitat, the use of pesticides, etc. The course will describe the five families of bees found in Missouri, showing how their seasonal foraging and nesting requirements align with the flowering periods and other characteristics of native shrubs and trees, providing abundant early season nectar and pollen sources as well as essential nesting and sheltering habitat for overwintering bees. We’ll also cover the requirements and care needed to incorporate native shrubs and trees into different landscape setting to support pollinating insects. Overall, the importance of flowering native woody plants as anchor plants for native bees and other pollinating insects will be stressed.
Instructors: Michael Chippendale is an emeritus faculty member in the Division of Plant Science & Technology at MU. He received his doctoral degree in entomology from the University of Wisconsin and had a research/teaching appointment in entomology focusing on insect-plant relationships.
Chris Starbuck is also an emeritus faculty member in the same division at MU. He received his doctoral degree in horticulture from Oregon State University and had a teaching/research/Extension appointment in horticulture focusing on woody ornamental plants.Destruction and Dispersion: The Burnt District's Enslaved Community, 1861-1862
Tuesdays: March 17, 31 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Weeks three and four of the semester.
On the eve of the Civil War, the Missouri Burnt District's enslaved community included 5,500 children, women and men. The approaching conflagration spurred anxious enslavers to transport enslaved people South. Those enslaved left behind in Missouri endured a cauldron of violence. In 1861, when the Civil War erupted, Kansas troops and Jayhawkers invaded Missouri’s border counties. Hundreds of enslaved people were liberated, transported to Kansas, then left to an uncertain freedom. This two-session course explores both journeys in detail, the forced migration to Texas and the liberation of slaves to Kansas. Each a one-way trip, the first was a dark trip deeper into slavery, and the second an uncertain road to freedom; together these exoduses destroyed the enslaved community, permanently ripping families apart.
Instructor: Tom Rafiner is an independent researcher. He has dedicated the last 22 years to retrieving the history of the Missouri Burnt District. The author of three books and a sought-after lecturer and storyteller, Tom focuses on individual, family and community histories. He has dedicated the last four years to uncovering the history of those enslaved in the Burnt District.NextGen Precision Health Research
Tuesdays: April 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 sessions)
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester.
NextGen Precision Health Research will highlight cutting-edge translational research (bridging the gap between the lab and the real world) across neuromuscular disease, pulmonary imaging, cardiovascular health and biomaterials engineering. Through expert-led sessions, participants will explore how precision health approaches integrate molecular, cellular, imaging and whole-organism studies to address complex human diseases. Topics include mechanisms of neuromuscular decline, genetic drivers of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, advanced lung imaging using MRI and hyperpolarized xenon, and translational cardiovascular research. Together, these sessions emphasize bench-to-bedside science, interdisciplinary innovation and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The course provides a comprehensive view of how NextGen Precision Health research advances the understanding, prevention and treatment of disease across the lifespan.
April 7: Biomaterials Engineering
Dr. Zheng Yan’s Soft Materials and Bio-Electronics Laboratory aims to advance science and technology of soft bioelectronics at the intersection of materials, mechanics, biology and electronics to solve challenges in human health care and robotic interface. Specifically, his research forms three interrelated clusters: 1) novel soft functional materials with built-in multifunctionality; 2) multimodal, closed-loop soft bioelectronics; and 3) cost-effective, scalable and customizable manufacturing of soft materials and bioelectronics.
As principal investigator of the Biomodulatory Materials Engineering Laboratory, Dr. Bret Ulery leads a team of researchers focused on the design, development and production of novel biomaterials for a variety of biomedical applications primarily in the fields of immunology and regenerative medicine. Inspired by healthy and aberrant biology, Dr. Ulery’s team creates polymer-based products from bioactive molecular building blocks for vaccine development, cancer treatment, immunosuppressive therapies and orthopaedic repair.
April 14: Cardiovascular Disease
Darla Tharp’s research is focused on investigating mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular disease and heart failure with the intention of discovering new therapeutic targets and testing those targets in clinically relevant large animal porcine models. By utilizing a translational approach, Dr. Tharp’s lab interrogates these mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, tissue, enabling their research to bridge the gap from bench-to-bedside.
Instructor: Darla L. Tharp, Ph.D. earned her B.S. in Biochemistry, summa cum laude, with a 3.92 GPA from the University of Missouri, Columbia and went on to complete her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences with a 3.89 GPA at the same institution, mentored by Douglas K. Bowles, Ph.D. Her academic training laid a strong foundation for her translational cardiovascular research career.
April 21: Imaging
Imaging Technology and Research-Robert Thomen’s research involves investigation of pulmonary structure-function relationships using various medical imaging modalities such as computerized tomography, proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hyperpolarized noble gas MRI of the lung. These studies are imperative to understanding how lung architecture relates to pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange and also are necessary for furthering development of treatments for various pulmonary abnormalities such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitic obliterans and others.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Thomen earned his PhD from Washington University in St. Louis, after completing both his MS and BS degrees at Creighton University. He further advanced his training with post-graduate work at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Thomen’s strong academic foundation in biomedical science and engineering underpins his research in pulmonary imaging and MRI physics as an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Medicine
April 28: Inherited Neuropathy
The NextGen neuroscience group has particular strength in neuromuscular disease, including the inherited nerve disorder Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Together, Dr. Moss and Dr. Castoro span the full bench-to-bedside research pipeline, working to understand and treat this common yet underrecognized neurological condition. While multiple clinical trials are underway, key gaps remain in defining disease mechanisms and identifying the most effective therapies for patients.
Instructors: Dr. Kathryn Moss earned her BS degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan and her PhD in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology from Emory University. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University studying CMT subtypes caused by PMP22 gene mutations. She began her position as an Assistant Professor with NextGen Precision Health at the University of Missouri in April 2024. Dr. Moss brings a unique perspective and dedication to her work due to her personal history as a CMT patient.
The Tragedy of Richard the Third–The Movie (Richard III)
Tuesdays: March 3, 10 (2 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Weeks one and two of the semester.
The Tragedy of Richard the Third (often shortened to Richard III) is one of Shakespeare’s most important plays and one of his most popular. In this class, we will watch the 1995 movie adaptation, which is one of the best, and contrast it with the play. The movie is true to the play, using Shakespeare’s dialogue but resetting the action to 1930s Britain. These two aspects work together beautifully to bring the story to life. The movie, like the play, has much to say about loyalty, love, ambition, war, murder and the rise of autocracy in government, points just as pertinent today as they were when Richard reigned. In this two-session course, there will be plenty of time for discussion of both the movie (with subtitles) and the play.
Instructor: Mike Trial graduated from the University of Missouri in 1969. He served in the Army, then worked for 30 years as a civil engineering manager at various locations in the U.S. and overseas. He now lives on his family tree farm near Columbia.
Backyard Birding for Beginners
Tuesdays: April 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester.
This course is both a continuation of the winter beginners' course and a chance to welcome new beginning birders. The spring session comes at the height of the spring migration, and the birds are in their brilliant breeding plumage. For first-time students, we will have a session covering the basics: binoculars, feeders, field guides, etc.
Instructor: Bill Clark has been an active birder in Missouri since 1972, when he knew only three species: Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas goose and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He has filed over 8,000 checklists from Missouri alone.The Gilded Age
Tuesdays: March 3, 10, 17, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28 (8 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
ONLINE, plus Watch Party in the Moss classrooms
Course Fee: $60
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
This is a continuation of Dr. Ward’s winter class; new students are welcome.
This course will explore the transition of the United States from a largely rural, agrarian, regional culture to an urban, industrial, national culture and economy.
Instructor: Dr. Jay Ward was born in Springfield, Mo., and raised in Lexington, Mo. He was an undergraduate at Northwestern University and received a medical degree from the University of Missouri. Upon retiring from medicine after 30 years, he received a master’s degree and doctorate in U.S. history from MU.
Wednesday Courses
- Whose Bible Is It?
- Cyber Hygiene for Everyday Life: Protecting Your Digital Legacy
- Making Home Happen in Columbia
- CoMo Civics Academy for Osher
- Climate Change in Missouri: Trends, Observations and Impacts; Why Climate Change is a Voting Issue/Potential Public Policies
- What Was Adam Smith Thinking?: The Many Faces of Capitalism
Whose Bible Is It?
Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (8 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Modified Hybrid*
Course Fee: $60
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
*Dr. Brown will take questions from the in-person audience live; online participants may email questions to be addressed in later sessions.
This course will be a study of the Christian use and misuse of Hebrew and Christian biblical texts for cultural, theological, economic and political purposes.
Instructor: Larry Brown is a retired MU assistant professor of human geography, with a Ph.D. in Policy Studies, an M.A. in Geography, a Master of Divinity and a B.A. in Sociology. Larry is a professional storyteller, musician and an ordained minister with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is a frequent MU Osher instructor on the topics of cultural and political geography, Missouri history and religious studies.Cyber Hygiene for Everyday Life: Protecting Your Digital Legacy
Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18, April 1 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First four weeks of the semester.
Cybersecurity is often seen as something handled by experts, but in today’s connected world, each of us plays a role in protecting our personal information. This four-session course uses clear, practical language to help participants strengthen confidence and build safer online habits. Participants will explore common scams and fraud tactics, gain insight into how manipulation techniques are used and identify practical ways to protect personal, financial and health care information. The focus is not on perfection, but on small, consistent cyber hygiene habits that support safer, more confident use of everyday technology. Through real-world examples, discussion and simple “do this tonight” actions, participants will leave with increased confidence, stronger habits and a clear path for continued improvement.
Instructor: Christina Hartman is the founder of banSHEE Cybersecurity and has over 15 years of experience in information technology and security. She works with organizations and individuals to improve cybersecurity awareness, reduce risk and build practical security habits. Christina is passionate about making cybersecurity approachable, empowering and accessible, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed by technology.Making Home Happen in Columbia
Wednesdays: Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester.
Many of us take the concept of home for granted. We live there, sleep and eat there, can be ourselves, maybe alone or with family or friends. But some in our community are searching for a place and a way to begin to create a home. How can we help them achieve that peace of mind? This class helps to understand the issues and shows how our community has and continues to provide essential support.
April 8: A Legacy of Service: Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church
Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church has been an integral part of the north central area of Columbia for 112 years. This summer, the church's Turning Point mission to help those experiencing homelessness will move to the new Opportunity Campus, and the church will close its doors. We will trace the history and impact of this small church as its years of service come to an end.
Instructor: Diane Peterson has been an Osher instructor for many years. She is a retired school librarian and historian for the Romance Writers of America. She is also the lay leader and treasurer for Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church.
April 15: The Criminalization of Homelessness
Over the past several decades, there has been a rise in the criminalization of homelessness, which is a process by which the behaviors patterned by unhoused individuals is coded and enforced by law. Processes involve using existing ordinances against unhoused persons vs. housed persons or creating new laws that target behaviors most often linked to unhoused individuals. We will discuss rates of homelessness and how communities engage with unhoused persons as well as alternative approaches to homelessness within communities.
Instructor: Olivia Hetzler obtained her Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from MU and is an associate professor of sociology at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Her areas of study center on systems of inequality, with more focused attention on gender and family.
April 22: The Opportunity Campus
Located in Columbia, the Opportunity Campus will be equipped with a shelter, community resource center, and medical clinic. For the first time in Boone County history, multiple agencies will come together in one place to empower our unhoused neighbors to start anew. This presentation provides an engaging overview of the programs, community partners and support services available at the Opportunity Campus shelter as well as time for Q&A. A tour of the Opportunity Campus will be scheduled at a later date.
Instructor: Jessica McNear is the Voluntary Action Center's shelter director for the Opportunity Campus in Columbia. She has 15 years of experience in the social services field, including at True North of Columbia and KVC Missouri, formerly Great Circle. She most recently served as the director of shelter services at Rape and Abuse Crisis Services in Jefferson City.
April 29: How We Can Help Cash-strapped Columbians Buy Homes of Their Own
Half the renters in Boone County are officially cost-burdened. More than a quarter pay so much in rent that it is “almost impossible for them to afford the rest of life’s necessities or to ever save enough to own a home.” This presentation will describe an innovative approach that gives working-class families a chance to step off the rental treadmill and avoid the need for repeated public subsidies. The urban land trust movement began in Burlington, Vt., when Bernie Sanders was mayor. It has now spread to 308 U.S. cities, including Columbia. We’ll discuss the advantages and the limitations of the land trust model. And we’ll talk about how we can work together to make it grow and prosper in our town.
Instructor: Doug Hunt is a retired University of Missouri professor who now serves on the board of directors for the Columbia Community Land Trust. He is also a local historian and the author of Black and White Justice in Little Dixie, an award-winning exploration of race relations in Columbia.
CoMo Civics Academy for Osher
Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (8 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $60
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Limit of 25. This is a repeat of the course offered during Osher’s Spring 2025 semester. New participants will be given priority. Each week the class will be held at a different Columbia government facility. Transportation will be the responsibility of the students.
Have you ever wondered how your local government is operated? What happens to your trash after it gets picked up? How does the city keep our streets clean and ensure that our residents and visitors are safe? This course will cover all of that and more as we delve into city services and hear from staff working to make Columbia the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.
This course will include presentations from city leadership, tours of various city facilities, and opportunities for hands-on demonstrations and simulations. Departments featured include: City Manager’s Office, Utilities, Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Housing and Neighborhood Programs, and more. Learn about the ways you interact with your local government every day and how you can make a positive impact on your community.
Climate Change in Missouri: Trends, Observations and Impacts; Why Climate Change is a Voting Issue/Potential Public Policies (Title updated after the catalog printing)
Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18; April 1 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First four weeks of the semester.
This course will offer a nonpartisan, science-based discussion of the climate in Missouri and how it is changing. Additionally, the discussion will cover how climatological measurements are recorded and tracked, which will be followed by a nonpartisan discussion of how Americans view climate change issues based on polls and surveys. Expanding on those findings, the course will discuss some of the policy decisions being made at various levels of government (i.e., local, state and federal) either to help stop or to worsen the climate crisis. There will be a brief update on the progress made in some states and countries that are using public policy effectively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Prepare yourself to vote in future elections and to discuss with others how climate change is impacting Missouri and why it is a voting issue.
Instructors: Zack Leasor, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri and the Missouri state climatologist.
Carolyn Amparan is a Climate Reality Leader, chair of the Mid-Missouri Group of the Sierra Club and an activist for climate action for 12 years. She was a member of the Mayor’s Taskforce that created Columbia's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and served as chair of Columbia's Climate and Environment Commission. She has a B.S. and M.B.A. and took climate change coursework at the University of Missouri.
What Was Adam Smith Thinking?: The Many Faces of Capitalism
Wednesdays: April 8, 15, 22, 29 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester.
Adam Smith was a social philosopher. His greatest work was the book A Theory of Moral Sentiments. In this work, he lays out a foundation for a just society. Smith’s most famous work is A Wealth of Nations has been the foundation for capitalism. In many ways, these two books by Smith are very different and make one wonder what exactly Smith envisioned as an ideal economic system.
This class will explore Smith’s vision of a moral society and of a capitalistic economy. Further, it will look at the variations of capitalism that are “alive and well” in the global economy today and explore some ideas about how capitalism will evolve in the future.
Thursday Courses
- Murder in Mesopotamia: Agatha Christie and the Importance of Female Archeologists– Museum of Art and Archaeology’s Art of the Book Club (ABC)
- All the News That's Fit to Broadcast: Significant Moments in Electronic News
- Planning Ahead: Navigating Care, Aging and End-of-Life Decisions
- Must Love Dogs
- Islam and Prophets of Our Time
- Civics in Action: Local, State and Regional Issues
Murder in Mesopotamia: Agatha Christie and the Importance of Female Archeologists– Museum of Art and Archaeology’s Art of the Book Club (ABC)
Thursdays: March 5, 12, 19; April 2 (4 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First four weeks of the semester.
In late January, the Museum of Art and Archaeology (MA&A) will have opened a new exhibition titled “Earth to Artist: Clay,” the second in a series highlighting materials from the earth. The exhibition emphasizes clay’s use in creating vessels, sculpture and other objects, from the ancient world to the present. As a pairing with the exhibition, the museum’s Art of the Book Club (ABC) has selected Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie as its next read. The book is a fictional murder mystery with Hercule Poirot, of course, and a nurse who takes care of the wife of a celebrated archaeologist in an ancient site in the Iraqi desert. The narrative will be explored in four classes and will include a free guided tour of “Earth to Artist: Clay” at the MA&A.
Materials Note: Murder in Mesopotamia is available at the Daniel Boone Regional Library and can be purchased at Skylark Bookstore (ask for the Art of the Book Club discount!).
NOTE: The March 5 and March 12 sessions have swapped places since the printing of the Spring 2026 catalog. The below dates are updated and correct.
March 5: The Importance of the Earliest Civilization in the World: Mesopotamia
MA&A Docent Valerie Hammons will present about the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia.
Instructor: Valerie Hammons is a retired teacher of Latin, world and American history, newspaper, speech and special education. She holds degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Valerie is a long-serving docent at the MA&A and is a lover of ancient and medieval history.
March 12: Watch the film “Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Murder In Mesopotamia”
Join us to watch the A&E adaptation of the book, Murder in Mesopotamia, featuring David Suchet as Hercules Poirot. Because the video is exactly 90 minutes long, we will discuss the film in a later week.
Instructor: Christiane Quinn is the founder and coordinator of the Museum of Art and Archaeology’s Art of the Book Club series and is a long-time supporter of the museum. Her combined love of art and books was the impetus for starting the museum’s book group.
March 19: Pioneering Archaeologist Katharine Woolley: The Real Louise Leidner and “Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Murder in Mesopotamia” Movie Discussion
Dr. James Terry will give a short illustrated talk on Katharine Woolley’s contributions to the Ur excavations, including how she and other female archaeologists did not receive adequate recognition in the early 20th century and even now. After that, we will break into small groups to discuss the movie.
Instructor: James Terry was born and raised in New York City and earned a Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from MU. He taught at Stephens College for 25 years, developing a wide variety of courses in art history and archaeology. He has participated in excavations in Cyprus, Israel, Tunisia and Jordan and has led student study tours in Mexico and France. Dr. Terry currently serves as interim curator of ancient art at MU’s Museum of Art and Archaeology.
April 2: Sneak Peek at the Exhibit “Earth to Artist: Clay” and Book Discussion
MA&A Docent Barb Montgomery will provide a quick look at items included in the upcoming exhibit, “Earth to Artist: Clay” and other artifacts in the museum. Afterward, the class will break into groups for a moderated discussion of the book.
All the News That's Fit to Broadcast: Significant Moments in Electronic News
Thursdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester.
As television programming found its footing during the 1950s, news broadcasts developed as a primary source of information for the American public. Four events in news history demonstrate the development and importance of TV news: the Murrow/McCarthy broadcast in 1954, news coverage of the JFK assassination in 1963, creation of the 24-hour news channel in 1980 and the rise of web-based journalism. These events inform our understanding of electronic news in 2026.
Instructor: Susan Brinson earned her doctorate in communication from MU. She taught media studies at Auburn University for 27 years and retired as an emerita professor in 2017. Her research specialties were broadcasting history, media law and media representations of race, class and gender.Planning Ahead: Navigating Care, Aging and End-of-Life Decisions
Thursdays: March 5, 12, 19; April 2 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First four weeks of the semester.
We often ask ourselves “What do I do now?” This is not a question to ask during a crisis, so let’s talk about it now. Let’s think about the difficult issues we face as we, or our loved ones, have challenges in living or dying. These presentations will help guide us to consider levels of care, financial and legal issues in planning future care, and the pitfalls of failing to plan. These speakers are friends and professionals in our community who can provide us with the background information as well as the courage we need to make good decisions ahead of a crisis.
March 5: Navigating Probate: What I Wish I Had Known
When Margie Sable's brother died recently in Vermont without a will, as next of kin, she found herself in the position of being the administrator of his estate. Margie will discuss the steps involved in administering a probate estate and what she wishes she had known. The Hon. Deborah Daniels, a retired probate judge, will give suggestions on navigating probate.
Instructors: Margie Sable is a professor and director emerita of the MU School of Social Work, where she taught for 23 years before her retirement. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Washington University. Margie is a member of Osher and wanted us to hear her story.
Deborah Daniels is a senior judge for the Boone County Circuit Court, a Court-Appointed Neutral, and an ASTAR (Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource) judge. She received her JD from MU and previously served as director of the Missouri Supreme Court research staff.
March 12: Understanding Levels of Care
As we age, we often have the desire or need to explore alternative ways of independent living or a variety of licensed levels of care such as assisted living, assisted living memory support, and long-term care. This session will explore these levels, the qualifications of each, what they look like now, and what they might look like in the future as a result of regulatory changes and the evolution of organizational care services.
Instructor: Charice Hilgedick is the administrator of Care Center and Assisted Living at EverTrue Lenoir Woods. Charice started at Lenoir Woods as their Director of Nursing in 2009. Previously she worked as a direct care nurse and was the Administrator of Home Health in Cooper County. Charice has nursing degrees from Central Methodist University and MU and her master's degree in healthcare administration from William Woods University.
March 19: Caring Hearts and Hands and Handling Emotions Relate to Aging, Illness and Death
Jackie Reed will provide a brief overview of Caring Hearts and Hands, Columbia’s end-of-life home, and how the organization could provide services to you and your family when end-of-life care is needed. Hank Schneider will provide insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of acknowledgement and discuss issues related to care, aging and end of life.
Instructors: Jackie Reed is a retired Boone Hospital palliative care nurse with 28 years of nursing experience and previous certifications in critical care registered nurse (CCRN) and gerontology. She is the co-founder of Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia, a home where people who are in the last 30 days of life can come and be cared for by caring and compassionate staff free of charge 24/7.
Hank Schneider is an Osher member with a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from MU and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who maintains a private practice in Columbia, specializing in trauma, illness and death.
April 6: Protecting Your Finances in the Next Chapter
This session covers practical steps to help reduce stress and protect independence as life changes. We’ll discuss keeping accounts and documents organized, beneficiary and account titling basics, planning tools like powers of attorney and trust. Attendees will leave with a simple checklist of actions to take (and questions to ask) to help safeguard finances and make future transitions smoother for themselves and their families.
Must Love Dogs
Thursdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 sessions)
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester. This is a repeat of the course offered during Osher’s Spring 2025 semester.
The connection between people and animals, also referred to as the human-animal bond (HAB), can have significant health impacts. In this course, we will explore (1) how the similarities and differences between dogs and people affect the way we experience life and our shared environments, (2) learn how to read behavioral cues of dogs, (3) discuss the science behind the positive effects of human-animal interaction and (4) develop a deeper appreciation for the varied roles of dogs in our society.
Instructors: Dr. Carolyn Henry is a veterinary oncologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, from general practice and emergency veterinary medicine to academic veterinary medicine. Carolyn was Dean of MU’s College of Veterinary Medicine for six years and now directs the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction. Her career reflects a deep dedication to the well-being of animals and the preservation of the human-animal bond.
Don Cherry is an animal behavior consultant with nine years of experience, specializing in aggression, reactivity and other complex behavioral issues. As the owner of a training facility and nonprofit organization, he has spent the past decade rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs deemed “unadoptable.” As a doctoral student at MU, Don aims to pioneer research on how service dogs experience their work, striving to enhance animal welfare and support their well-being.
Islam and Prophets of Our Time
Thursdays: March 5, 12, 19; April 2 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
First four weeks of the semester.
Islam is the message that was delivered by all the Prophets of God, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them). The essence of the message of Islam was always the same: have faith in one God and worship one God only. All prophets and their followers are simply called “Muslims” in the Quran. Hence, anyone who submits to God and strives to be a good person can be called a “Muslim.” Islam is not only a religion but a comprehensive way of life.
Instructor: Dr. Rashed Nizam is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has practiced in the Midwest for more than 24 years. He is a member of the Religious Program Advisory Committee for the Missouri Department of Corrections, serves as the chair for the Islamic Society of North America Founders Committee and has served as the chair for the Islamic Center of Central Missouri and the Islamic School of Columbia.Civics in Action: Local, State and Regional Issues
Thursdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees
Second four weeks of the semester.
These civics sessions break down how big decisions actually get made—and why they matter to you. From understanding how issues end up on the ballot, to unpacking gerrymandering, participants will explore the real-world mechanics of democracy. The sessions also take a closer look at school choice and what it means for public schools, taxpayers and families. Together, these sessions offer a practical, easy-to-follow look at civics in action.
April 9: School House Rock: Missouri Ballot Measures Edition
In recent years, Missouri voters have increasingly passed significant state policy changes, such as Medicaid expansion and recreational use of marijuana, by putting issues directly on the ballot for voters. What fuels the use of the initiative petition and referendum process rather than going through the traditional legislative process? Join this “School House Rock” class to learn about all the politics, policy, procedures and controversies that lead to issues being on the ballot.
Instructor: Advocating for clients is what Susan Henderson Moore enjoys most about her chosen profession. Susan represents clients with a variety of public policy interests, including in the areas of health care, financial services, economic development and transportation. Located in Jefferson City, she works with Missouri legislators and executive branch officials to achieve positive public policy results for clients. With over 15 years of public policy experience, Susan has the critical skills necessary to deliver results for clients in Missouri politics and policy. Prior to joining Polsinelli, Susan served for seven years as an attorney and assistant director for the Missouri Senate Division of Research. In this nonpartisan position, she advised and drafted legislation for all 34 senators of both political parties. She drafted hundreds of bills, prepared extensive research proposals and staffed several standing and interim committees. Susan maintains those positive professional relationships, giving her credibility with legislators and public officials of both political parties.
April 16: Districting for Advantage: The History and Implications of the Gerrymander
Districting for advantage is as old as the republic itself. This class will cover the U.S. origins of gerrymandering and other means of districting for political advantage. The class will review these practices from the founding to the current era. It will also discuss historical and current Supreme Court rulings on districting. Finally, the class will discuss the political implications of districting for advantage.
Instructor: Jay Dow is professor of political science and constitutional democracy at the University of Missouri. His research specializes in the development of the rules and processes of United States elections. Dow’s first book traces the adoption and institutionalization of the single-member district electoral system, from the founding to the modern era. His forthcoming book, The First Elections, traces the emergence and development of House of Representatives elections in the early United States.
April 23: School Choice: What Does It Mean and Why Should You Care?
In recent years, the institution of public education has come under scrutiny as private donors and lawmakers have touted school choice as a “parental right”. What does this mean for local public districts? Participants will learn the differences between a traditional public school, a charter school and a private school. This presentation will also explain how each of these systems is funded, what laws and regulations govern them in Missouri and how this affects you as a citizen and taxpayer. Bonus content may include The CPS Top 5, a video and slide presentation of some of the most unique and innovative ways the local school district serves students. This course is not intended to promote one type of school over another, but rather to explain the differences in regulations, oversight and funding.
Instructors: Dr. Jeff Klein is the superintendent of Columbia Public Schools (CPS) and has 23 years of experience in education. He spent 18 years in Park Hill School District, half of those as assistant superintendent for academic services. Additionally, he gained valuable leadership experience as director of North American operations for Satchel, an educational software company. As superintendent, Jeff’s goal is to cultivate a culture of connection, collaboration and transparency, ensuring that every student graduates prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Linda Quinley, senior director of school finance for the Missouri School Boards’ Association, has three decades of experience in finance and operations at multiple large school districts. Formerly the Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) of CPS, Linda was also the CFO of Kansas City Public Schools and has a wealth of knowledge about how schools are funded in Missouri.
Suzette Waters is a member and former president of the CPS Board of Education. She is a long-time resident of Columbia and a passionate advocate for public education. She has closely followed the Missouri legislature during her years on the board to understand the implications of education-related bills on our local school district and community.
April 30: TBD
Friday Value-Added Sessions
- 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. each Friday of the semester, March 6 – May 1
- All sessions will be offered in Hybrid format (you may choose whether to attend in person at the Moss building or online via Zoom) unless otherwise indicated.
Each semester, Osher@Mizzou offers a collection of one-time, 90-minute lectures that are open to all current Osher members. Yes, this is another value-added perk!
Not an Osher member yet? It costs only $30 to join and gain access to all the Value-added semester content. Join today!
March 6: Book Talk: Clarence Wolfshohl, Play-Like (poetry), Alien Buddha Press, 2025
Instructor: Clarence Wolfshohl, professor emeritus at William Woods University, taught for 45 years in Idaho, New Mexico, West Virginia, Texas and Missouri. He founded and operates two presses and has published in a wide variety of journals, having been nominated several times for a Pushcart Prize. Among his publications are a dozen books, the most recent being Play-Like. He has been associated with Osher since 2014 as student and teacher. Interesting fact: he is the only person we know of who has hit a ground-rule triple in an organized league baseball game.
March 13: Frederick Law Olmsted: A Most Interesting Person
If you know his name, you probably know that he designed Central Park in New York City and designed the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. But those are only two of the many remarkable things that this fascinating person accomplished in his lifetime, which spanned the 19th century. Join us for this value-added session to be inspired by this creative person's life!
Instructor: Lisa Isaacson is a Columbia native and has a Ph.D. in Philosophy and a Master’s in Religious Studies. She taught a variety of courses at Columbia College for 40 years, both in the evening and online. She enjoys reading, volunteering with Friends of the Library, cooking and traveling.
March 20: Images of Medicine in the History of Western Art
ONLINE ONLY
Dr. Blake presented on this topic in 2022. Some of the content will repeat, but he’ll incorporate new content as well.
In the history of Western visual art, there are many works that relate to illness, medical practices, healing and healers. This presentation will survey that history, with examples of art that address such themes as positive/negative depictions of physicians, illness or injury, medical treatments and advances, illness as metaphor, art designed to relieve suffering, and images that reflect the suffering of the artist. Artwork extending from the Northern European and Italian Renaissances to the contemporary period will be featured, and such artists as Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel, Rembrandt, Jan Steen, William Hogarth, Claude Monet, Thomas Eakins and Frida Kahlo will be included.
Instructor: Robin Blake is a retired family physician and docent at the MU Museum of Art and Archeology. With the assistance of his wife Cokie Blake, he has provided many Osher presentations on art history subjects.
April 3: Book Talk: Terry Allen, Preserving the Past for the Present (poetry), Kelsay Books, 2024
Instructor: Terry Allen is an emeritus professor of theatre arts at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he taught acting, directing and playwriting. He directed well over 100 plays during his 38 years of teaching. He is the author of five poetry collections and will focus on his latest book, Preserving the Past for the Present.
April 10: Not Just Silly Songs: The Artistry, Imagery and Literary Value of the Songs by “Weird Al” Yankovic
This presentation will provide numerous examples of “Weird Al’s” imagery, irony and social commentary that demonstrate how his lyrics are on the level of poets like Frost, Holmes, Poe and Longfellow. As one of the greatest satirists of our time, “Weird Al” should be studied in every Modern American Literature course. Take away his accordion, long and extremely curly hair, gaudy shirts and sometimes almost screaming, scratchy voice, and there is a poetic genius underneath, worthy of serious consideration as an American literary giant.
Instructor: Bryan Kasten has a B.S.Ed. and a Master’s in Mass Communications. Bryan taught for 40 years, 38 of which were at the high school level in the Archdiocesan of St. Louis Catholic Schools. American Literature was his major focus, where he taught the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at least three dozen times, and it easily became his favorite American novel.
Bryan and his wife Diane lived and worked in St. Louis all of their adult lives until they retired to Piedmont, Mo., in 2018. Bryan is a strong advocate of lifelong learning.
April 17: Meet and Interact With Your “Storymaker”
ONLINE ONLY
The “Storymaker” is the part of you that creates meaning in your life. By exploring Ellen Meredith’s newest book, Your Body Lives Your Story, we will experience a few of the exercises created to bring healing and balance to your “Storymaker.” Align with your inner truth. Live in more peace, joy and harmony. Become all that you can be in this lifetime!
Instructor: Karen R. Onofrio, M.D., artist and former pathologist, continues to deepen her knowledge and understanding of the the body, mind and spirit. She is an Eden Energy Medicine Certified Practitioner, Usui Reiki Master, Healing Touch Level 1 student, a Free Soul instructor, and a HealthRHYTHMS® trained facilitator. She continues to study Qigong with Master Mingtong Gu and and sound healing with Dr. John Beaulieu.
April 24: Body Language: Your Primary Language
IN PERSON ONLY
Communication experts agree that the actual words we speak account for well less than half of the messages we're actually sending to our listeners. One widely accepted estimate, called the "55-38-7 Rule," suggests that only 7% of human communication is conveyed in the actual words spoken, while 38% must be interpreted from the vocal tone and inflection, with 55% from other clues sent by body movements and positioning. In this session, we'll talk about (and demonstrate) what to look for in our efforts to catch as much of that 55% as possible.
Instructor: Bill Turley is a retired trial lawyer and now consults with practicing lawyers on the subject of insurance coverages and trial techniques. Fifty years ago, he was fortunate enough to recognize that to win cases presented to judges, juries, claims adjusters and opposing lawyers, he would need to know how to communicate effectively with them and recognize what both their words and their bodies were "saying.” And he’s never stopped studying the theories related to that topic.
May 1: Book Talk: Kandace Davis, Out of the Night That Covers Me (memoir), Editor 911 Books, 2024
Instructor: Kandace Davis is a St. Louis-based writer and culinary professional. Her debut novel, Out of the Night That Covers Me, was released in August of 2023 and quickly reached #1 in Midwest Releases on Amazon.