Distance-Delivery   

107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything 
LIT-03-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 13
Tuesday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband’s death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became far more than a trip. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir Packets of Hope, inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact. Jill demonstrates how one person’s courage can create ripples that span continents. Participants are encouraged to read her memoir, available free at www.packetsofhope.com, before the presentation.

Instructor Jill Chalsty, founder of Overcoming Obstacles, has empowered over 180 million young people worldwide through life skills education. Her journey of loss and cancer inspired Packets of Hope, illuminating the power of love and service.

American Presidents and Midterms 
POLI-01 (in-person)
POLI-01-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 12 - 15
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*This course meets for 4 consecutive meetings.
This course reviews the U.S. Presidency during Midterm elections. We will cover the political development of the presidency, the role midterms play in relation to presidents, and the final two classes will discuss current events in relation to students' interests in the topic.

Dr. Amy Lovecraft is a Professor of Political Science at UAF where she has worked since 2001.

American Presidents and Midterms 
POLI-01 (in-person)
POLI-01-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 12 - 15
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*This course meets for 4 consecutive meetings.
This course reviews the U.S. Presidency during Midterm elections. We will cover the political development of the presidency, the role midterms play in relation to presidents, and the final two classes will discuss current events in relation to students' interests in the topic.

Dr. Amy Lovecraft is a Professor of Political Science at UAF where she has worked since 2001.

Antarctica: Ice, Mountains, Penguins and Tunicates
SCI-05 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 12
Monday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
A mix of life, scenery and science in photos and videos of a research voyage aboard UAF's research vessel Sikuliaq in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Instructor Dan Naber is a marine science technician aboard UAF's research vessel Sikuliaq. This is their first time teaching an OLLI class!

Beringia and the World Beyond
HIS-02 (in-person)
HIS-02 (distance-delivered) RECORD
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (10 weeks)
This extended course will explore both past and prospective ways to increase the natural enjoyment of our region, for residents and visitors. Enrollees and invited guest discussants are expected to contribute to the ultimate breadth of topics covered here, and to the organization of future OLLI explorations of the Beringia region of Planet Earth.

Instructor Dave Norton is a retired UAF adjunct research faculty member.

Beringia and the World Beyond
HIS-02 (in-person)
HIS-02 (distance-delivered) RECORD
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (10 weeks)
This extended course will explore both past and prospective ways to increase the natural enjoyment of our region, for residents and visitors. Enrollees and invited guest discussants are expected to contribute to the ultimate breadth of topics covered here, and to the organization of future OLLI explorations of the Beringia region of Planet Earth.

Instructor Dave Norton is a retired UAF adjunct research faculty member.

Creme de la Creme: The World's Most Luxurious Ingredients
FF-03-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
One of the biggest perks of traveling the world and experiencing new cultures is the ability to try new things, especially new cuisines. Foodies travel far and wide across the globe to find some of the world’s best food internationally. From cheesy wood fired pizza in Italy to chili-covered grasshoppers in Mexico to spicy curries in Morocco, local foods can be both delicious and unusual. This food-tainment celebration explores the very best dishes of the world!

With a 50-year career spanning every facet of the hospitality industry, Chef Larry P. Canepa is a Certified Culinary Educator and the creative force behind Dinner at Eight, specializing in "food-tainment"- a unique blend of culinary expertise.

Empress Carlota of Mexico: From Monarchy to Madness
HIS-01-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Discover the extraordinary story of Carlota of Mexico. She was born a princess, crowned Empress in 1864 at age 24 but lost her throne, reputation and sanity within three years. Her tragic tale of bravery and betrayal spans two continents, royal dynasties, political upheaval, and war. We will witness Carlota's struggles and vulnerability in the face of monumental forces while encountering such historical figures as Benito Juarez, Abraham Lincoln, Austria's Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and France’s Napoleon III along the way.

Instructor Roberta Shayo is thrilled to rejoin UAF-OLLI and looks forward to learning and growing together in the community. In addition to UAF, Roberta has been an instructor for several OLLI programs nationwide.

Finding Democracy
HIS-09 (in-person)
HIS-09-Z (distance-delivered)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 20
Friday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
*The course is based on the instructor’s book, Finding Democracy Through the Lens of a Young German Woman, 1944-1950.
Follow the exciting journey of a young German woman as she survives WWII and chronicles the postwar U.S. occupation of a small Bavarian town during a pivotal time in modern history. This true story offers insights into the influence the Americans had on her understanding of democracy after experiencing Nazi fascism, inviting reflection on the concept of freedom, the power of personal choice, and the fragile building of democratic ideals. This course examines the postwar challenges faced by the U.S. military as they sought to denazify Germany, rebuild a self-governing country along democratic lines, and create an ally in response to the emerging threat of Communism. Key challenges included a hunger crisis, the integration of dislocated civilians into society, and countering the real fear that another demagogue would arise again to exploit underlying societal attitudes. The lessons and warnings from eighty years ago continue to hold relevance today.

Instructor Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and outdoorswoman. After decades of writing and publishing in scientific literature, she has focused her research and writing on historical biographies to share true stories that entertain, inform, and inspire.

Finding Democracy
HIS-09 (in-person)
HIS-09-Z (distance-delivered)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 20
Friday 10:30 - 11:45 am (one meeting)
*The course is based on the instructor’s book, Finding Democracy Through the Lens of a Young German Woman, 1944-1950.
Follow the exciting journey of a young German woman as she survives WWII and chronicles the postwar U.S. occupation of a small Bavarian town during a pivotal time in modern history. This true story offers insights into the influence the Americans had on her understanding of democracy after experiencing Nazi fascism, inviting reflection on the concept of freedom, the power of personal choice, and the fragile building of democratic ideals. This course examines the postwar challenges faced by the U.S. military as they sought to denazify Germany, rebuild a self-governing country along democratic lines, and create an ally in response to the emerging threat of Communism. Key challenges included a hunger crisis, the integration of dislocated civilians into society, and countering the real fear that another demagogue would arise again to exploit underlying societal attitudes. The lessons and warnings from eighty years ago continue to hold relevance today.

Instructor Margaret F. Merritt, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and outdoorswoman. After decades of writing and publishing in scientific literature, she has focused her research and writing on historical biographies to share true stories that entertain, inform, and inspire.

Getting Happy with Music from the 50s and 60s
MUS-01-Z (distance-delivered) recorded
Session I: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Mondays 5:30 - 6:45 pm
One of the best psychological treatments ever found for anxiety, depression, disquiet, and low energy is just listening to music from your younger years. In this class we'll listen to uplifting music from the '50s and '60s. We'll get to enjoy the songs and the memories, and to take a welcome break from the complexities and troubles of the world today.
Instructor: Larry Moen (see ART-02)

Introduction to Reiki
RB-01-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
*Starts a week late, runs for 8 weeks.
Reiki is a gentle Japanese healing practice that promotes relaxation, balance, and the body's natural ability to heal. In this introductory course, you will explore the foundations of Reiki, including what energy is and why it matters, the body's energy system, the seven major energy centers (chakras), the Reiki Principles, intuition, self-healing practices, and traditional Reiki hand placements. Through discussion, guided experiences, and practical exercises, you will learn ways to incorporate energy awareness and self-care into everyday life. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in Reiki and prepares students who wish to pursue Reiki Level I attunement and certification in the future.

Instructor Janneane Moody is a Reiki Master Teacher who has been practicing Reiki since 2017. She is passionate about helping others explore energy awareness, self-healing, and personal well-being through practical, accessible Reiki education.

Poetry of Stevie Nicks
LIT-02-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
This will be a discussion class. We will read and listen to the songs of Stevie Nicks, both in her solo work and with Fleetwood Mac, then we will discuss the poems within the lyrics.

Instructor Scott Sexton is a retired surveyor whose broad interests include martial arts and poetry.

Present to Art, Present to Self
RB-04-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session II: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9
Mondays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Drawing from visio and lectio divina practices, we'll learn how to be present to paintings and poetry in ways that help us into deeper presence with ourselves and the Divine. Each session will combine personal reflection with conversation as we share what we notice and what it makes us think. Thomas Merton writes, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Come be a little lost and found. No experience necessary. Welcome to a space with nothing to prove and no one to impress.

Instructor Carrie Heimer is a retired teacher, a spiritual director, and a good and gentle guide through art and poetry.

Mathematics of Ranked Choice Voting
MATH-01 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 14
Wednesday 12:15 - 1:30 pm
This course will cover the reasoning behind ranked choice voting, how it works, and what it does. Despite lots of disinformation that can make it seem complicated, ranked choice voting is basically just a straightforward math problem. The particular ranked voting method used in Alaska is equivalent to a system of runoff elections that avoids the time and expense of having a separate runoff election. The mathematics of how all of this works is interesting without being especially difficult. There is no perfect method of voting, and math alone cannot say whether one method is better than another, but math does provide clear and objective criteria for comparing different methods.

Instructor David Withoff (see SCI-01)

Mathematics of Ranked Choice Voting
MATH-01-Z (delivery-delivered) RECORDED
Session I Add-On: Oct. 14
Wednesday 12:15 - 1:30 pm
This course will cover the reasoning behind ranked choice voting, how it works, and what it does. Despite lots of disinformation that can make it seem complicated, ranked choice voting is basically just a straightforward math problem. The particular ranked voting method used in Alaska is equivalent to a system of runoff elections that avoids the time and expense of having a separate runoff election. The mathematics of how all of this works is interesting without being especially difficult. There is no perfect method of voting, and math alone cannot say whether one method is better than another, but math does provide clear and objective criteria for comparing different methods.

Instructor David Withoff (see SCI-01)

Teaching for OLLI
SOC-05 (in-person)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 16
Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm (one meeting)
*This class is free to take. Come help our instructor pool grow!
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, a veteran OLLI instructor.

Teaching for OLLI
SOC-05-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I Add-On: Oct. 16
Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm (one meeting)
*This class is free to take. Come help our instructor pool grow!
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, a veteran OLLI instructor.

The Advancing Science of Slowing Aging
SCI-03 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Science is tackling aging on a broad front - not only is it seeking to cure the specific diseases of aging like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and kidney disease, it’s searching for ways to slow, halt or even reverse aging! This class will focus on things that you can use in your own life (eat carrots!) that we are using in the XPrize clinical trials for health and longevity, which is a 7 year contest to reverse aging. New research on improving health span (exercise!) and the science behind it will also be discussed.

Instructor Ray Collins was raised in the Alaskan Bush. He has 3 degrees from UAF so far, and is now working on a PhD studying aging.

The Advancing Science of Slowing Aging
SCI-03-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Science is tackling aging on a broad front - not only is it seeking to cure the specific diseases of aging like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and kidney disease, it’s searching for ways to slow, halt or even reverse aging! This class will focus on things that you can use in your own life (eat carrots!) that we are using in the XPrize clinical trials for health and longevity, which is a 7 year contest to reverse aging. New research on improving health span (exercise!) and the science behind it will also be discussed.

Instructor Ray Collins was raised in the Alaskan Bush. He has 3 degrees from UAF so far, and is now working on a PhD studying aging.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: An Exploration of Alaska’s Microfauna
SCI-07 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This course will introduce participants to a diversity of Alaska’s insect fauna, including those we label as “good,” “bad,” “ugly” (and beautiful!), with the goal of appreciating that ANY insect is fascinating the more we learn about its biology, habits, and role in the natural world.

Instructor Jessica Rykken is the Insect Collection Manager at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. She has been documenting insect diversity across Alaska for 14 years.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: An Exploration of Alaska’s Microfauna
SCI-07-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session II: Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am
This course will introduce participants to a diversity of Alaska’s insect fauna, including those we label as “good,” “bad,” “ugly” (and beautiful!), with the goal of appreciating that ANY insect is fascinating the more we learn about its biology, habits, and role in the natural world.

Instructor Jessica Rykken is the Insect Collection Manager at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. She has been documenting insect diversity across Alaska for 14 years.

Travelogues
SOC-04 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy virtual travel this winter! Each week different presenters will share their photos and experiences of travel. Presenters will include: Carl Triplehorn on Hiking to Japan's Temples, Ann O'Brien on Antarctica, Sue Keller on Mt Kilimanjaro and African Safari, Rich Seifert & Shirley Liss on Eastern Europe.

Facilitator: Shirley Liss

Travelogues
SOC-04-Z (distance-delivered)
Session I: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 3:45 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy virtual travel this winter! Each week different presenters will share their photos and experiences of travel. Presenters will include: Carl Triplehorn on Hiking to Japan's Temples, Ann O'Brien on Antarctica, Sue Keller on Mt Kilimanjaro and African Safari, Rich Seifert & Shirley Liss on Eastern Europe.

Facilitator: Shirley Liss

Unleash the Power of Your iPhone Camera
PHT-02-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session II: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13
Fridays 4:00 - 5:00 pm
*Students must have reliable internet access and an active email account.
Learn how to use your iPhone to create knock-your-socks-off photographs! All you need is an iPhone 11 or later, a free app or two, and an internet connection to take eye-popping photographs to share with others on or off social media. Topics include: lighting, composition, editing, color and B&W, portraits, landscapes, nighttime photos, abstract design, and how to get a vintage look.

Instructor Sine Anahita is an MFA Art student at UAF who only recently learned how to make her iPhone produce stunning photographs. She wants to show you what she learned, because she believes that everyone can make art if they just learn how to use the tools they are likely already carrying around in their pocket.

USAID: US Foreign Assistance Past, Present and Future 
HIS-06 (in-person)
HIS-06-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Have you ever wondered how, where, and why the United States provides foreign assistance around the globe? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was the primary federal agency leading international development and humanitarian efforts—working to save lives, reduce poverty, and advance democracy worldwide.
In this four-week course, former USAID staff will explore the purpose and mechanics of U.S. foreign aid. We will trace the origins of USAID from the Marshall Plan through the Cold War, examine how the agency operated and where our tax dollars actually go, and look at real-world impacts in global health and disaster relief. Finally, we will look to the future, discussing how U.S. foreign assistance is adapting to modern challenges and politics. Whether you are a history buff, a news junkie, or simply curious about America’s role on the world stage, join us for an engaging, conversational, and personal journey into the mission of U.S. foreign aid. No prior international relations experience required!

Instructor Gary Shu currently is the Community Infrastructure Department Director for Tanana Chiefs Conference. His past experience includes over 15 years with USAID as a foreign service officer in energy and infrastructure providing technical assistance and capacity building in developing countries while living in seven overseas posts. He is joined by co-instructors, Mariam Ubilava, who served as a foreign service officer and U.S. career diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development and led multicultural teams in Central America, Central and South Asia, Sub-Saharan and East Africa and Eastern Europe, and Anna-Maija Mattila-Litvak, previously the supervisory development outreach and communications officer at USAID's Mission in Uganda, Haiti and other posts around the world.

USAID: US Foreign Assistance Past, Present and Future 
HIS-06 (in-person)
HIS-06-Z (distance-delivered) RECORDED
Session I: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9
Fridays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Have you ever wondered how, where, and why the United States provides foreign assistance around the globe? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was the primary federal agency leading international development and humanitarian efforts—working to save lives, reduce poverty, and advance democracy worldwide.
In this four-week course, former USAID staff will explore the purpose and mechanics of U.S. foreign aid. We will trace the origins of USAID from the Marshall Plan through the Cold War, examine how the agency operated and where our tax dollars actually go, and look at real-world impacts in global health and disaster relief. Finally, we will look to the future, discussing how U.S. foreign assistance is adapting to modern challenges and politics. Whether you are a history buff, a news junkie, or simply curious about America’s role on the world stage, join us for an engaging, conversational, and personal journey into the mission of U.S. foreign aid. No prior international relations experience required!

Instructor Gary Shu currently is the Community Infrastructure Department Director for Tanana Chiefs Conference. His past experience includes over 15 years with USAID as a foreign service officer in energy and infrastructure providing technical assistance and capacity building in developing countries while living in seven overseas posts. He is joined by co-instructors, Mariam Ubilava, who served as a foreign service officer and U.S. career diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development and led multicultural teams in Central America, Central and South Asia, Sub-Saharan and East Africa and Eastern Europe, and Anna-Maija Mattila-Litvak, previously the supervisory development outreach and communications officer at USAID's Mission in Uganda, Haiti and other posts around the world.