Open to the Public   

Join OLLI members the morning of Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. for a buffet breakfast and three presentations reflecting on the past, present and future of the United States.

The country was born 250 years ago and founded on principles of equality, human rights and democracy. In the first presentation, Eric Berger of the UNL College of Law will examine the founding principles and how they were expressed in the documents of the era.

Where we stand today in living up to the founding principles will be the subject of a panel discussion with Mindy Chipman, executive director of ACLU Nebraska, and UNL professors Rose Holz and Gwendolyn Combs

Then U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and former U.S. Rep. Doug Bereuter will offer their thoughts on the future and the prospects for adhering to our founding ideals.

Speakers:

Eric Berger, J.D.
Eric Berger is a professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law whose teaching and scholarship focus on constitutional law. He has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, including being named Professor of the Year eight times.

Mindy Rush Chipman
Mindy Rush Chipman is executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska. She has held leadership roles in civil rights, legal aid, and public service, advocating for marginalized communities across Nebraska.

Rose Holz
Rose Holz is Associate Director of Women's and Gender Studies and Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her teaching and research focus on the history of women, sexuality, medicine, and reproductive politics in the United States.

Gwendolyn Combs
Gwendolyn Combs is a retired associate professor of management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is recognized for her leadership in workplace inclusion, student mentorship, and human resources education.

Don Bacon
Don Bacon has represented Nebraska's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. Before entering Congress, he served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a brigadier general.

Douglas Bereuter
Douglas Bereuter represented Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 2004. He later served as president and CEO of The Asia Foundation, leading the organization from 2004 to 2011.

Agenda:

8:15 am - Doors Open

8:30 am - Breakfast

9:00 am - Welcome

9:15am - The Promises: Founding Fathers and Founding Documents - Eric Berger, J.D.

10:00 am - Break

10:15 am - The Progress: The Ways the Experiment Has Played Out - Mindy Rush Chipman, J.D., Rose Holz, Ph.D., Gwendolyn Combs, Ph.D.

11:15 am - Break

11:30 am - The Prognosis: Where Do We Go From Here - Honorable Don Bacon, U.S. House of Representatives, Honorable Doug Bereuter, Retired, U.S. House of Representatives

12:15 pm -  Closing statements

Join OLLI members the morning of Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 a.m. for a buffet breakfast and three presentations reflecting on the past, present and future of the United States.

The country was born 250 years ago and founded on principles of equality, human rights and democracy. In the first presentation, Eric Berger of the UNL College of Law will examine the founding principles and how they were expressed in the documents of the era.

Where we stand today in living up to the founding principles will be the subject of a panel discussion with Mindy Chipman, executive director of ACLU Nebraska, and UNL professors Rose Holz and Gwendolyn Combs

Then U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and former U.S. Rep. Doug Bereuter will offer their thoughts on the future and the prospects for adhering to our founding ideals.

Speakers:

Eric Berger, J.D.
Eric Berger is a professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law whose teaching and scholarship focus on constitutional law. He has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, including being named Professor of the Year eight times.

Mindy Rush Chipman
Mindy Rush Chipman is executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska. She has held leadership roles in civil rights, legal aid, and public service, advocating for marginalized communities across Nebraska.

Rose Holz
Rose Holz is Associate Director of Women's and Gender Studies and Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her teaching and research focus on the history of women, sexuality, medicine, and reproductive politics in the United States.

Gwendolyn Combs
Gwendolyn Combs is a retired associate professor of management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is recognized for her leadership in workplace inclusion, student mentorship, and human resources education.

Don Bacon
Don Bacon has represented Nebraska's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. Before entering Congress, he served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a brigadier general.

Douglas Bereuter
Douglas Bereuter represented Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 2004. He later served as president and CEO of The Asia Foundation, leading the organization from 2004 to 2011.

Agenda:

8:15 am - Doors Open

8:30 am - Breakfast

9:00 am - Welcome

9:15am - The Promises: Founding Fathers and Founding Documents - Eric Berger, J.D.

10:00 am - Break

10:15 am - The Progress: The Ways the Experiment Has Played Out - Mindy Rush Chipman, J.D., Rose Holz, Ph.D., Gwendolyn Combs, Ph.D.

11:15 am - Break

11:30 am - The Prognosis: Where Do We Go From Here - Honorable Don Bacon, U.S. House of Representatives, Honorable Doug Bereuter, Retired, U.S. House of Representatives

12:15 pm -  Closing statements

Learn exciting details of an unforgettable OLLI cruise adventure scheduled in August 2027 exploring five of Europe’s most stunning regions – including towering fjords, storybook cities, breathtaking natural wonders, and unforgettable cultural experiences. It starts with a guided stay in iconic London, then 11 days of luxury and comfort while cruising to Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland! Discover why Northern Europe is one of the world’s most breathtaking cruise destinations!

Learn exciting details of an unforgettable OLLI cruise adventure scheduled in August 2027 exploring five of Europe’s most stunning regions – including towering fjords, storybook cities, breathtaking natural wonders, and unforgettable cultural experiences. It starts with a guided stay in iconic London, then 11 days of luxury and comfort while cruising to Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland! Discover why Northern Europe is one of the world’s most breathtaking cruise destinations!

Love games but need more players? Join us for Game Night! Bring your favorite indoor game or learn a new one while enjoying fun, food, and great company. OLLI provides snacks and drinks—just bring your enthusiasm. No game? No problem! We’ll have plenty to choose from, like Scrabble, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Pictionary, and more. Whether you're playing or mingling, it’s the perfect evening to socialize and connect through friendly competition.

Join OLLI friends on a bus trip to the New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas. Enjoy the ride while relaxing and socializing with friends and family to attend the comedy smash hit, “Legally Blonde, The Musical.” Non-stop laughter begins when Malibu sorority girl, Elle Woods, is dumped by her Harvard-bound boyfriend. To win him back, Elle gains admission to Harvard. And guess what? The “dumb blonde” turns out to be one smart cookie. If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll love this musical!