Osher Course Information

Monday Courses

• Collecting and Curating Rare Books: An Introduction
• The Nutrient-dense Whole Foods Diet: What It Is and Why You Should Follow It
• “Voices of Arrow Rock”: A Stage for Underrepresented Voices
• Build Strong Bones: Exercise and Lifestyle Strategies for Lifelong Skeletal Health
• From Mash to Meaning: Lessons in Patience, Purpose and Building Value Over Time

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Collecting and Curating Rare Books: An Introduction

Mondays: June 1, 8 (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.

The world of rare book curating and collection can feel unapproachable as it is often riddled with misconceptions and assumptions about these mystifying fields. The popularity of shows like “Antiques Roadshow” and “Pawn Stars” have helped reveal important aspects about collecting and acquiring rare books that have piqued the interest of the general public in these fields. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the concepts of rare book collection and curation, describe how book collections are acquired and discuss the basics of book description and identification. Collecting and curating rare books often occurs within institutional settings, but it can also be a satisfying personal hobby for anyone who loves books.

Instructor: Marian Toledo Candelaria has been the head of Special Collections at Mizzou Libraries since May 2025. She collaborates closely with faculty, students and other librarians to develop the library’s special collections, provide primary source instruction for undergraduate and graduate courses, and preserve MU's collections.

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The Nutrient-dense Whole Foods Diet: What It Is and Why You Should Follow It

Mondays: June 15, 22 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester.

Many people have heard the terms "nutrient dense" and "whole foods" but have no idea what they mean. The truth is, eating a nutrient-dense, whole foods diet can have profound benefits for our health and well-being, but it’s difficult to access those benefits without knowing what those terms mean and why they are important. This class will give you that knowledge and also provide practice on how to identify whole foods in the store, farmers market, online and from local farms.

Instructor: Shayna Fasken, D.C., graduated from MU with a B.A. in English and a minor in anthropology. She then attended Logan University, where she received a doctorate in chiropractic and a B.S. in Life Science. She also earned a postgraduate certification in acupuncture from Logan. She now has her own practice in Columbia where she sees patients for chiropractic, acupuncture, natural movement and body alignment instruction as well as nutrition counseling.

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“Voices of Arrow Rock”: A Stage for Underrepresented Voices

Mondays: June 1, 8 (2 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees

First two weeks of the semester. If you’ve enjoyed this series in the past, come experience the most current “Voices of Arrow Rock” episodes. New students are welcome.

Storytelling is a valid and important way to convey knowledge. In this workshop, participants will explore how personal narrative can acknowledge racial injustice, work to eliminate it and create empathetic understanding by working through a Moral Map and Growth Continuum. Each week, after exploring the Map and Continuum, participants will view and discuss an episode of “Voices of Arrow Rock.” In “What She Inspired,” Mirandy Williams, a fictional character from the 1938 novel Persimmon Creek, comes to life to guide Nancy Hupp Blossom through the challenges of desegregation in 1950s Saline County. 𐓏𐓘𐓯𐓪𐓯𐓟 (Brave) brings to life a young Osage woman named Me-ho’n-ga who survives a perilous early 19th-century journey from Arrow Rock to Europe and back, aided by an unexpected French ally.

Instructor: Dr. Michael Kateman enjoyed a 38-year career in communications, constituent relations and fundraising. Beyond his professional experience, his academic inquiry includes racial identity, leadership reflexivity, communication and fundraising, while his artistic endeavors intersect oratory, theater, faith and history. His acting career includes professional theater, television and film work. He is also a playwright and producer whose work has been produced in Missouri and New York City. Currently, he coordinates the readers theater series, “Voices of Arrow Rock.”

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Build Strong Bones: Exercise and Lifestyle Strategies for Lifelong Skeletal Health

Mondays: June 15, 22 (2 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester.

Strong bones are essential for maintaining independence, preventing injury and supporting long-term health. This course focuses one vidence-based exercise strategies to improve bone density, strength and balance, while also addressing key lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, recovery and daily activity. Participants will learn how to safely incorporate resistance training, impact loading and functional movements into their routine, along with practical strategies to reduce fall risk. Whether you are looking to prevent bone loss or to take a proactive approach to aging, this course provides clear, actionable steps to build stronger bones and greater confidence in movement.

Instructor: Mason Stevens is a clinical exercise physiologist, owner of MET-Fitness and adjunct instructor at the University of Missouri. He holds a Master’s in Kinesiology and specializes in strength training, rehabilitation and bone health. Mason has worked across medical fitness, cardiac rehab and performance settings, with a focus on helping adults improve strength, function and quality of life through safe, evidence-based exercise.

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From Mash to Meaning: Lessons in Patience, Purpose and Building Value Over Time

Mondays: June 1, 8, 15, 29 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
In Person Only
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes, no additional fees

This is a two-hour class. Limit of 20 registrants. There will be no class meeting on June 22; the final class is on June 29.

Great whiskey cannot be rushed … and neither can a well-constructed investment portfolio. Great whiskey begins with simple ingredients and becomes something remarkable through time, discipline and careful stewardship. In this four-part, discussion-centered series, we’ll explore how the process of making whiskey offers practical insight into foundational investing concepts, such as the following: What can charred oak barrels teach us about time and patience? What does the “angel’s share” reveal about risk and loss? Why do the best distillers––and wisest investors––think in decades, not quarters? Blending individual passions with shared reflection, each session connects stages of the whiskey-making process with the thoughtful building of wealth and legacy. The instructor will also share whiskey tasting notes during each class.

Instructor:Casper “Scott” Yost, an experienced Osher facilitator, brings his passion for wisdom + wealth + whiskey to this course. With over 30 years of financial services experience and having visited distilleries across Kentucky, Tennessee, the Lake of the Ozarks and Kansas City, Scott will make this an educational and entertaining class!