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Please note: these courses are not in chronological order, they were sorted by the system and may be out of order.

  • SCI-09 Adventures of an Alaskan Woman Biologist
  • Session II Add-On: 4/15/2026 - 4/15/2026
    Days & Times W 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 1
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 158
    Instructor: Margaret Merritt
    Fee: $5.00

    (IN-PERSON SECTION)

    Session II Add-On: Apr. 15
    Wednesday 12:15 - 1:30 pm (one meeting)
    Discover methods used to count, track, and describe wild animals by an early woman biologist as she relates experiences conducting field research across varied landscapes and biologist as she relates experiences conducting field research across varied landscapes and waters of Alaska, collecting information under sometimes harrowing conditions to ensure that conservation measures sustained fish and game for the community's well-being. Research on such animals as sockeye, chum, and Chinook salmon, caribou, moose, and red king crab will be discussed as well as the impacts of a changing climate on these populations.
    Instructor Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D. is a retired biologist and adjunct assistant professor at UAF, public speaker, and author who resides in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

  • SCI-09-Z Adventures of an Alaskan Woman Biologist
  • Session II Add-On: 4/15/2026 - 4/15/2026
    Days & Times W 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 1
    Building: Distance Delivery via Zoom
    Instructor: Margaret Merritt
    Fee: $5.00

    (ZOOM SECTION)

    Session II Add-On: Apr. 15
    Wednesday 12:15 - 1:30 pm (one meeting)
    Discover methods used to count, track, and describe wild animals by an early woman biologist as she relates experiences conducting field research across varied landscapes and biologist as she relates experiences conducting field research across varied landscapes and waters of Alaska, collecting information under sometimes harrowing conditions to ensure that conservation measures sustained fish and game for the community's well-being. Research on such animals as sockeye, chum, and Chinook salmon, caribou, moose, and red king crab will be discussed as well as the impacts of a changing climate on these populations.
    Instructor Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D. is a retired biologist and adjunct assistant professor at UAF, public speaker, and author who resides in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

  • SCI-06 Alaska Earthquake Science Facts
  • Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times: W 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 158
    Instructor: Carl Tape
    Fee: $20.00
    THIS COURSE IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.

    (IN PERSON SECTION)


    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
    What aspects of earthquake science are globally unique to Alaska? We will contemplate future earthquakes by exploring 26 amazing facts about earthquake science in Alaska. Students wanting a greater appreciation should also enroll in Session I: Alaska Plate Tectonics: Foundations for Alaska Earthquake Science Facts.
    Instructor: Carl Tape (see SCI-02)

 

  • SCI-06-Z Alaska Earthquake Science Facts
  • Session II: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times: W 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: Distance Delivery via Zoom
    Instructor: Carl Tape Fee: $20.00

    (ZOOM SECTION)


    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
    What aspects of earthquake science are globally unique to Alaska? We will contemplate future earthquakes by exploring 26 amazing facts about earthquake science in Alaska. Students wanting a greater appreciation should also enroll in Session I: Alaska Plate Tectonics: Foundations for Alaska Earthquake Science Facts.
    Instructor: Carl Tape (see SCI-02)

 

  • MATH-01 Gerrymandering and Other Math Problems
  • Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times: W 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 151
    Instructor: David Withoff
    Fee: $20.00
    THIS COURSE IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
    MATH-01 (in-person)
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
    This course explores a broad mix of topics in mathematics, including mathematical aspects of voting methods, economics, collective action, medical studies, public policy, ranked choice voting, gerrymandering, good and bad uses of statistics, and whatever else comes up in the discussion.
    Instructor David Withoff has a Ph.D. in Physics, has taught physics and statistics at the college level, and recently retired from a career creating training materials for mathematical software. Dave enjoys identifying and solving simple math problems that come up in everyday life.
 

  • FF-05 Gluten Free Sourdough Tips and Tricks
  • Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times: W 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 154
    Instructor: Marsha Munsell
    Fee: $20.00
    THIS COURSE IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
    FF-05 (in-person)
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
    If you like sourdough but have given it up for the gluten free lifestyle, now is your chance to bring it back into your life. Materials fee $10; pay instructor at first meeting. Enrollment limited to 15.
    Instructor Marsha Munsell used to teach cooking and sourdough classes through the Cooperative Extension Service. She has been retired for a while but is coming back to play with gluten free sourdough. 
     
 

  • FLM-02 Hardboiled Film Noir, II
  • Session II: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
    Days & Times: W 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 5
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 151
    Instructor: Jeffrey Simonson, Marie Johnson Fee: $20.00

    FLM-02 (in-person)

    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15
    Wednesdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm (5 weeks)
    Film Noir (dark film) are films primarily based on hardboiled crime fiction novels from 1940 -
    1960. These films have loosely-defined characteristics, but always present the darker side of humanity. In each course meeting, we’ll explore one aspect of film noir, then screen a representative film, followed by a short discussion.
    Instructor Jeffrey Simonson has been watching and studying cinema, and attending film festivals for over 30 years.

 

  • DAN-02 Line Dancing, II
  • Session II Add-On: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times W 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: Offsite See course description for location
    Instructor: Michele Mouton
    Fee: $20.00

    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
    *This course meets at the Pioneer Park Dance Hall! 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
    *Participants should bring comfortable, no marking shoes with smooth soles, and water. 
    *Each 4 week session stands alone, feel free to take one or the other or both.

    Have fun learning how to do line dances. You will learn the main line dance steps and popular line dances. Dances may include but not limited to: The Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Hillbilly Shoes and Wobble. More newer dances may include: The Door, Honky Tonk Highway, Boots On The Ground, and Footloose. Each class meeting will start with a warm up, followed with review and then a new dance.  
    Instructor Michele Mouton has been dancing for over 35 years and has taught line dances in several venues. She loves to share her skills and get others dancing. 
     

 

  • HIS-06 Moments in the American Revolution
  • Session II: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times: W 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 156
    Instructor: Mary Ludwig Fee: $20.00
    HIS-06 (in-person)
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
    This class explores key events leading to and during the American Revolution. Students will examine the events that contributed to the formation of the United States.
    Instructor Mary Ludwig is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She focuses on Indigenous and American history. 
     
 

  • EX-04B Move It or Lose It
  • Session II: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
    Days & Times: W 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
    Number of Meetings: 5
    Building: Offsite See course description for location
    Instructor: Diana Lingle Fee: $0.00

    EX-04b (in-person)
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15
    Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm (5 classes)

    *Meets at the Fairbanks Senior Center; 1424 Moore St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
    **This course is free to attend and OLLI membership is not required.
    Explore local exercise programs that are fun, geared to the OLLI-aged crowd and free (or low cost). You know you "should" exercise, but the truth is unless you enjoy it, you probably won't. Learn about and try out 5 different exercise modes and see if one of them feels right for you: Introducing Strong People; Chair Yoga; FNSB Recreation offerings; Tai Chi and Qigong. Enrollment cap limited to 15.
    Instructor Diana Lingle currently leads a Strong People class at the Senior Center and keeps trying to stay at least sort of fit.  

 

  • SOC-08 Teaching for OLLI
  • Session II Add-On: 4/13/2026 - 4/13/2026
    Days & Times M 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 1
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 156
    Instructor: Mary Burtness
    Fee: $0.00

    Session II Add-On: Apr. 13
    Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 pm (one meeting)

    *OLLI membership is not required. This course is free to attend.
    Do you want to give back to OLLI? Do you have some talent, skills or knowledge to share but are not quite sure how to organize and run a class? This class will take you from your idea all the way to writing and submitting a class proposal. This two hour class will examine some aspects of putting together a great class and time to develop your ideas with the other attendees.
    Instructor Mary Burtness is a retired teacher who loves to teach and help others discover the joy of teaching for OLLI.

 

  • SOC-08-Z Teaching for OLLI
  • Session II Add-On: 4/13/2026 - 4/13/2026
    Days & Times M 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 1
    Building: Distance Delivery via Zoom
    Instructor: Mary Burtness
    Fee: $0.00

    (ZOOM SECTION)

    Session II Add-On: Apr. 13
    Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 pm (one meeting)

    *OLLI membership is not required. This course is free to attend.
    Do you want to give back to OLLI? Do you have some talent, skills or knowledge to share but are not quite sure how to organize and run a class? This class will take you from your idea all the way to writing and submitting a class proposal. This two hour class will examine some aspects of putting together a great class and time to develop your ideas with the other attendees.
    Instructor Mary Burtness is a retired teacher who loves to teach and help others discover the joy of teaching for OLLI.

 

  • FLM-02 Hardboiled Film Noir, II
  • Session II: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026
    Days & Times: W 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 5
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 151
    Instructor: Jeffrey Simonson Fee: $20.00
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15
    Wednesdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm (5 weeks)
    Film Noir (dark film) are films primarily based on hardboiled crime fiction novels from 1940 -
    1960. These films have loosely-defined characteristics, but always present the darker side of humanity. In each course meeting, we’ll explore one aspect of film noir, then screen a representative film, followed by a short discussion.
    Instructor Jeffrey Simonson has been watching and studying cinema, and attending film festivals for over 30 years. 

     
 

  • RB-01 Introductory Astrology
  • Session I: 2/11/2026 - 4/1/2026
    Days & Times: W 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
    Number of Meetings: 8
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 158
    Instructor: Ginny McDowell
    Fee: $40.00

    RB-01 (in-person)
    Session I: Feb. 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1
    Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
    *This course meets for 8 weeks.
    This experimental iteration of beginning astrology will take eight consecutive weeks, including the inter-session week, and ending a week early. We'll start with building the astrological chart, while you compare your chart from day one. We'll look at the chart Houses and zodiac Signs, before focusing on the main action, the Planets, plus the Lunar Nodes and Chiron. We will summarize with overviews of elements and energetic modes. That leaves two classes for pulling all the details together in a Do-It-Yourself astrological reading, in a different format from EZ Astrology last session. Expect many handouts every week.
    Instructor Ginny McDowell has avidly studied astrology for 12 years, for profound personal awareness and growth, and delights in sharing her emerging knowledge for your insights, too.

 

  • RB-01-Z Introductory Astrology
  • Session I: 2/11/2026 - 4/1/2026
    Days & Times: W 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
    Number of Meetings: 8
    Building: Distance Delivery via Zoom
    Instructor: Ginny McDowell
    Fee: $40.00
    RB-01-Z (distance-delivered)
    Session I: Feb. 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1
    Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
    *This course meets for 8 weeks.
    This experimental iteration of beginning astrology will take eight consecutive weeks, including the inter-session week, and ending a week early. We'll start with building the astrological chart, while you compare your chart from day one. We'll look at the chart Houses and zodiac Signs, before focusing on the main action, the Planets, plus the Lunar Nodes and Chiron. We will summarize with overviews of elements and energetic modes. That leaves two classes for pulling all the details 
     
 

  • ART-11 Sewing 101
  • Session II: 3/18/2026 - 4/8/2026
    Days & Times: W 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 156
    Instructor: Carla Reardon Fee: $20.00

    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8
    Wednesdays 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
    *Students must bring their own sewing machine, thread, and scissors.
    Come learn the basics of sewing with a machine. We will start with understanding fabrics,  stitches, elastic, cutting, and patching. We will also make a few projects along the way. Enrollment limited to 5.
    Instructor Carla Reardon (see ART-01). If you have any questions about the course, please contact her at 907-457-4836.

 

  • EX-06 Skate Skiing
  • Session II: 3/16/2026 - 4/10/2026
    Days & Times: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 4
    Building: Offsite See course description for location
    Instructor: Sven Grage Fee: $20.00

    EX-06 (in-person)

    *Dates TBA; estimated late February.
    *This course will be held offsite at the Birch Hill ski trails.
    This class is for skiers who have had little to no formal instruction in skate skiing OR are trying to improve and up their game a bit. Ideally, participants in this class have experience in classic skiing, however, this is not a requirement. The goal is to learn additional techniques on varied terrain so you can be more confident and efficient on any trail. Enrollment is limited to 12.
    Instructor Sven Grage is looking forward to spending time with students on the trails and loves teaching others about cross-country skiing.

 

  • RB-02 Using the From Head to Heart Workbook
  • Session I: 2/11/2026 - 4/1/2026
    Days & Times: W 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 8
    Building: UPark (opens in new tab) 158
    Instructor: Ginny McDowell
    Fee: $40.00
    RB-02 (in-person)
    Session I: Feb. 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1
    Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
    *This course meets for 8 weeks.
    After teaching “From Head to Heart” by PowerPoint three times for OLLI, Ginny wrote the book – distilling her 15 years of psycho-spiritual studies that have so enriched her life. Last Fall in OLLI, her class edited this workbook. Now she needs people to read the text about uplifting their thought patterns in organic stages, from fearful and defensive to an increasingly positive outlook on life. Please come test out the usefulness of the text and supplementary lists! The workbook costs $15.
    Instructor Ginny McDowell has been stretching to shift from her head to her heart for its inspiration and intuition. The heart is a happier place; come join her there.
     
 

  • RB-02-Z Using the From Head to Heart Workbook
  • Session I: 2/11/2026 - 4/1/2026
    Days & Times: W 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
    Number of Meetings: 8
    Building: Distance Delivery via Zoom
    Instructor: Ginny McDowell
    Fee: $40.00
    RB-02-Z (distance-delivered)
    Session I: Feb. 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11
    Session II: Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 1
    Wednesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
    *This course meets for 8 weeks.
    After teaching “From Head to Heart” by PowerPoint three times for OLLI, Ginny wrote the book – distilling her 15 years of psycho-spiritual studies that have so enriched her life. Last Fall in OLLI, her class edited this workbook. Now she needs people to read the text about uplifting their thought patterns in organic stages, from fearful and defensive to an increasingly positive outlook on life. Please come test out the usefulness of the text and supplementary lists! The workbook costs $15.
    Instructor Ginny McDowell has been stretching to shift from her head to her heart for its inspiration and intuition. The heart is a happier place; come join her there.
     
 

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(907) 474-6607

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 758100
Fairbanks, AK 99775-8100

uaf-olli@alaska.edu