Osher@Mizzou Clubs and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
In addition to Friday lectures and Book Talks, current Osher members are invited to take part in clubs and SIGs for the entire academic year. Gather with other lovers of lifelong learning for fun and creative meetings, outings and discussions.
All meetings take place in the Moss Building (1905 Hillcrest Drive in Columbia), unless otherwise indicated.
To view the current meeting plan for each of the groups, along with notes and updates from coordinators, visit the SIG and Club Announcement page.
Baseball Bull Session SIG
Coordinator: Bill Clark
Discuss America’s Game, past, present, and future, with a panel of enthusiasts. The coordinator is Bill Clark, a 36-year veteran Major League Baseball scouting supervisor, including a dozen years as an international director. The panel will include John Kelly, longtime Hickman High athletic director; Terry Farmer, baseball card historian; Hank Landry, retired professor who’s steeped in baseball lore; and Dr. Sid Christiansen, who’s attended hundreds of MLB games and has the ticket stubs to prove it.
Caregiver Support SIG (New!)
Coordinators: Teresa Brown and Amelia Cottle
The Alzheimer's Association is pleased to present this virtual education series designed to provide caregivers with the vital skills needed to effectively manage the complexities of caring for individuals with dementia. Attend one or all, session topics and conversations will vary based on group questions and input.
Current Events Discussion SIG
Coordinator: Sarah Perry
Meet to discuss current events, with topics identified in advance of the meetings. Current events are identified as a wide range of topics from politics, science, technology and human behavior on international, national and local levels. Our goal is to look at potentially controversial current affairs with curiosity, comprehension and civility. Discussion guidelines will be published and agreed upon. The discussions will be facilitated by Sarah Perry.
Movies SIG
Coordinators: Linda McElroy, Evan Smith, Michelle Wheeler
Inspired by recent Osher courses focused on film topics, this group formed in December 2024 to watch and discuss movies.
Social Club
Coordinators: Osher Advisory Council members and volunteers
Unique and creative outings are scheduled often. Recent trips included visits to the MU Research Reactor, the NextGen lecture series and Buck’s Ice Cream. Current Osher members should watch their emails for periodic invitations.
Social Justice Book Club
Coordinator: Nancy Browning
Books are selected by the club members and announced in the monthly Osher e-newsletter. To find out the current title, visit the SIG and Club Announcement page.
Travel SIG
Coordinator: Nancy Griggs
Learn about travel destinations, practices and offerings and/or share your own travel caveats and successes! The group picks a specific topic for each meeting – see the SIGs announcement page for information about upcoming meetings.
Osher Steppers (Walking SIG)
Coordinators: Betty Ball and Lenora Smith
Take a step toward better health and fellowship. Come walk with us for gentle exercise, great conversation, and a healthy start to your day.