Contemporary Issues   

Explore a variety of aspects related to accessing different types and levels of healthcare in Lincoln. We will discuss access to primary care providers for all insurance types including Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance, plus specialty care providers. Learn about the options for patients with no insurance, including low-income clinics, applying for Medicaid, Medicare or insurance through the healthcare marketplace. Obtain a list of the local community agencies available for assistance and a description of the services they provide, as well as details about the Medical Assistance Program for patients with no insurance or high deductible insurance. In addition, learn about Bluestem Health, a federally qualified health center with four clinic locations in our community. Bluestem provides medical, dental and behavioral health services to all residents, both insured and uninsured.

Explore a variety of aspects related to accessing different types and levels of healthcare in Lincoln. We will discuss access to primary care providers for all insurance types including Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance, plus specialty care providers. Learn about the options for patients with no insurance, including low-income clinics, applying for Medicaid, Medicare or insurance through the healthcare marketplace. Obtain a list of the local community agencies available for assistance and a description of the services they provide, as well as details about the Medical Assistance Program for patients with no insurance or high deductible insurance. In addition, learn about Bluestem Health, a federally qualified health center with four clinic locations in our community. Bluestem provides medical, dental and behavioral health services to all residents, both insured and uninsured.

Aging is an opportunity, not just an event. It is a time of possibilities to become something greater than ourselves. It is also a time to see that our lives are so much more than simply existing. We can make a difference as we age if we are willing to age with intention.

Aging is an opportunity, not just an event. It is a time of possibilities to become something greater than ourselves. It is also a time to see that our lives are so much more than simply existing. We can make a difference as we age if we are willing to age with intention.

Explore national and local animal welfare issues, from the "no-kill" versus "socially conscious sheltering" debate to shifting perspectives on pet ownership. Learn about the various types of animal welfare organizations, their challenges and how they collaborate, with an emphasis on Lincoln’s only open admission animal shelter, Capital Humane Society. Look at the experience animals undergo in a shelter and tour Lincoln’s Pieloch Pet Adoption Center.

If you’ve just retired and are wondering how to spend your time or think your retirement needs a reset, this class on intentional retirement is for you. Whatever you want from retirement, you’re much more likely to get it if you’re intentional. We’ll consider suggestions for creating a great retirement, with a focus on process. Research is clear that relationships are critical to a happy retirement, and retirement is a chance to expand our social networks. This class is interactive so come prepared to talk with new people. Attendees are invited to bring a sack lunch and stay for a semi-guided chat over lunch.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

Is your current Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) still your best option? Find out the answer. Learn how to navigate Medicare’s drug plan calculator to determine the best plan for you for next year, during the annual open enrollment period. Bring your own tablet or laptop computer, no cell phones, and your prescription list and learn how to work Medicare’s prescription drug calculator, using your device with assistance from Department of Insurance volunteers. Determine the best drug plan for next year. This class is for people who have original Medicare, with a drug plan through Part D. It is not intended for people using an Advantage Plan.

Eating healthy for pre-diabetes and diabetes not only helps to better manage blood glucose but impacts all areas of health and wellness. We will explore intentional eating for glucose control, meal planning, sharing sample diabetes meal plans and sampling recipes. Learn about exciting new eating strategies that are tasty and easy to implement.

2024 is a presidential election year and we have a re-match of the 2020 election. Former Political Science Department Chair John Comer will define the critical issues at stake this year. We will then look at Nebraska issues where the most critical races will be votes on a number of petition initiatives. It is also the first general election under Nebraska’s new voted ID law. Once again, this year we will have an election prediction contest where members of the class can compete for a prestigious trophy. There will be plenty of time for class members to discuss the results of the election and the implications for future events. The final session will involve representatives from Nebraska’s media who will provide insight into the results and insight on how the results may shape future politics.

2024 is a presidential election year and we have a re-match of the 2020 election. Former Political Science Department Chair John Comer will define the critical issues at stake this year. We will then look at Nebraska issues where the most critical races will be votes on a number of petition initiatives. It is also the first general election under Nebraska’s new voted ID law. Once again, this year we will have an election prediction contest where members of the class can compete for a prestigious trophy. There will be plenty of time for class members to discuss the results of the election and the implications for future events. The final session will involve representatives from Nebraska’s media who will provide insight into the results and insight on how the results may shape future politics.

Discover the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's diverse programs and services that enhance Nebraska's landscapes and communities. Explore NSA’s organization, history, affiliate sites, and project impacts; the world of fabulous plants and landscapes; and a tour the UNL East Campus green infrastructure projects and the NSA greenhouse. Learn about tree planting, garden making, community building, and sustainable practices. Interact directly with NSA staff in an “ask us anything” format during one of the classes.

From the pulpit on Sunday mornings to the bully pulpit of the American presidency, what role does religion play in our political life? Explore the latest research in the fields of sociology and political science about the role of faith in the public square and dive into three recent issue campaigns in Nebraska in which people of faith played a pivotal role in public policy change in Nebraska.

From the pulpit on Sunday mornings to the bully pulpit of the American presidency, what role does religion play in our political life? Explore the latest research in the fields of sociology and political science about the role of faith in the public square and dive into three recent issue campaigns in Nebraska in which people of faith played a pivotal role in public policy change in Nebraska.

From the pulpit on Sunday mornings to the bully pulpit of the American presidency, what role does religion play in our political life? Explore the latest research in the fields of sociology and political science about the role of faith in the public square and dive into three recent issue campaigns in Nebraska in which people of faith played a pivotal role in public policy change in Nebraska.

One narrative in contemporary politics is whether to define certain movements as fascist. We will take a long view of the history of fascism, beginning with its origins in Europe in the early 20th century and its defining characteristics. We will look at right-wing extremist groups, such as the KKK, which existed prior this period, and explore how fascism fit alongside these uniquely American movements. Individuals such as Huey Long and Father Coughlin exhibited fascist tendencies but never built effective political organizations. Charles Lindbergh and the America First movement certainly displayed Nazi sympathies and antisemitism and other racisms during the 1930s. The German- American Bund was a blatantly fascist organization but was blunted by the time the country entered WWII.

One narrative in contemporary politics is whether to define certain movements as fascist. We will take a long view of the history of fascism, beginning with its origins in Europe in the early 20th century and its defining characteristics. We will look at right-wing extremist groups, such as the KKK, which existed prior this period, and explore how fascism fit alongside these uniquely American movements. Individuals such as Huey Long and Father Coughlin exhibited fascist tendencies but never built effective political organizations. Charles Lindbergh and the America First movement certainly displayed Nazi sympathies and antisemitism and other racisms during the 1930s. The German- American Bund was a blatantly fascist organization but was blunted by the time the country entered WWII.

Explore the vital connections between our health and the environment. Learn the historical evolution of human health in relation to urban and rural settings, focusing on the management of water, waste, light, air, heat and the incorporation of nature into cityscapes. Examine ways to create healthier indoor environments by emphasizing the significance of natural daylight, views, acoustic and thermal comfort, and thoughtful selection of building materials. We will address the crucial topic of microbial management, offering perspectives on how the built environment can mediate and mitigate disease transmission, which is explored through the lens of common hospital associated Infections, as well as pandemics such as measles, influenza and COVID-19. Learn insights for enhancing human health through design and management of our built environments.

Explore the vital connections between our health and the environment. Learn the historical evolution of human health in relation to urban and rural settings, focusing on the management of water, waste, light, air, heat and the incorporation of nature into cityscapes. Examine ways to create healthier indoor environments by emphasizing the significance of natural daylight, views, acoustic and thermal comfort, and thoughtful selection of building materials. We will address the crucial topic of microbial management, offering perspectives on how the built environment can mediate and mitigate disease transmission, which is explored through the lens of common hospital associated Infections, as well as pandemics such as measles, influenza and COVID-19. Learn insights for enhancing human health through design and management of our built environments.

Research consistently finds that most people aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. The AARP Home Fit session was created to help people stay in the homes they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable and safe for themselves and anyone in their household.

Research consistently finds that most people aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. The AARP Home Fit session was created to help people stay in the homes they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable and safe for themselves and anyone in their household.

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care? When does your loved one need one of these services? While hospice care has been around for many years, palliative care is a fairly recent medical approach. It is a very difficult time of life, and these medical professionals can help guide families through tough decisions. Learn about how hospice works, how families may enroll their loved ones and what are the appropriate diagnoses required for hospice management. Know about a Medicare benefit that requires certain services be provided in hospice care. It is often difficult for doctors to recommend hospice for their patients, but it is a much better way for people at the end of life compared with in-hospital treatment.

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care? When does your loved one need one of these services? While hospice care has been around for many years, palliative care is a fairly recent medical approach. It is a very difficult time of life, and these medical professionals can help guide families through tough decisions. Learn about how hospice works, how families may enroll their loved ones and what are the appropriate diagnoses required for hospice management. Know about a Medicare benefit that requires certain services be provided in hospice care. It is often difficult for doctors to recommend hospice for their patients, but it is a much better way for people at the end of life compared with in-hospital treatment.

Register for the “LPS Focus Programs – Innovative and Engaging” course to obtain an overview of the ever-increasing array of options Lincoln high school students may use to customize their high school experience, following their passions and developing skills that will serve them well beyond high school. Then, register for and attend this session to gain information about a specific Focus Program where we will hear from a variety of students first-hand who have chosen to do school differently.

LPS Focus Programs engage students by customizing their high school experience. They offer students an ever-increasing array of options to follow their passions and develop skills that will serve them well beyond high school. Learn about the successes and opportunities as the school district creates even more pathways to graduation. Then, register for the “LPS Focus Programs Student Panel” course to gain information about a specific Focus Program. Hear from a variety of students, first-hand, who have chosen to do school differently.

We will learn about the disease, changes to expect and how to care for someone on this journey.

We will learn about the disease, changes to expect and how to care for someone on this journey.

Explore Monolith Corporation’s revolutionary clean carbon black and hydrogen production technology, showcasing how their low- emission materials are changing automotive, agriculture and many other industries. Discover this Lincoln company’s journey, impact, and vision for using sustainability to reenergize American manufacturing, all from right here in Nebraska.

Explore Monolith Corporation’s revolutionary clean carbon black and hydrogen production technology, showcasing how their low- emission materials are changing automotive, agriculture and many other industries. Discover this Lincoln company’s journey, impact, and vision for using sustainability to reenergize American manufacturing, all from right here in Nebraska.

Tour the Malcolm X Birth Site and learn the role of Rowena Moore, a civil rights “giant” and Omaha native in creating it. Moore has been elected to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

Learn the role that Omaha woman played in the local civil rights movement. Dr. Eileen Wirth will be joined by women who participated in the movement. The first session will include an overview of women in the local civil rights movement including the contributions of “Omaha Star” publisher Mildred Brown, Judge Elizabeth Pittman, the first African American elected to the School Board, and the DePorres Club, a Creighton student group that worked for desegregation. Explores civil rights, Omaha Public Schools (OPS) and the fight against racism in OPS, including its history of segregation and employment discrimination, the landmark local school discrimination lawsuit and progress in combatting racism. As a bonus, OPS will offer a tour of the building and its magnificent auditorium.

When it comes to caring for loved ones, most families don’t have a plan until a crisis happens. Find out what YOU need to know to provide the best care for your loved one and/or to provide vital information for your children to assist you should that need arise. You will receive the tools to plan for future housing needs, caregiving considerations and financial planning for the cost of healthcare. You can create a comprehensive plan that includes your home, health, finances, and wishes.

When it comes to caring for loved ones, most families don’t have a plan until a crisis happens. Find out what YOU need to know to provide the best care for your loved one and/or to provide vital information for your children to assist you should that need arise. You will receive the tools to plan for future housing needs, caregiving considerations and financial planning for the cost of healthcare. You can create a comprehensive plan that includes your home, health, finances, and wishes.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions on how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

Edith Wilson: The First Lady Who REALLY Ran the Country – 3 sessions

Was she an unconstitutional usurper or a devoted wife? President Woodrow Wilson’s second wife, Edith, was a wealthy, beautiful and brilliant D.C. businesswoman. In October 1919, President Wilson suffered a near-fatal stroke which was enveloped in secrecy. Fed misleading information, the press and the cabinet were shut out for the next 18 months. Who was running the country? All visitors, paperwork, personnel decisions went to Edith who said

her top priority “was first my beloved husband whose life I was trying to save” and “after that he was President of the United States.” Edith, one of American history’s most influential and complicated women, wielded unauthorized power as the first unelected woman to govern the country.

The Vietnam War: Origins, Impact and Legacy – 6 sessions

In July 2023, Governor Pillen visited Vietnam to pursue trade opportunities. Fifty years prior, the last American soldier left Vietnam. This course discusses the origins of the Cold War in the 1950’s, the traumatic 1960’s, and the American withdrawal in 1973. Our memories paint pictures of this unique period of history; these discussions help clarify those memories and present new facts that further explain our involvement and withdrawal.

Fascism: A Warning from History – 4 sessions

The word "fascism" has been increasingly used to describe some modern political movements across the world. It is a loose, incoherent, and conflicted collection of ideologies, myths and hatreds that is difficult to define. To understand 

the concept, you must understand its history. Explore its origins in Benito Mussolini's Italy, its zenith in Nazi Germany, its continued influence in Cold War-era Spain and other manifestations throughout history. Discussions regarding today's political movements are also addressed.

The Role of Science: Exploring Acceptance and Denial in American Society – 2 sessions

Science denial is the rejection or doubt of scientific facts or consensus, often motivated by personal, social, or political reasons. Science denial can have serious consequences for public health, environmental protection, and social justice. Learn about the psychological and historical factors that contribute to science denial, and the strategies and skills that can help individuals overcome it. The instructors also explore the ethical and civic implications of embracing science as a way of understanding and improving our world.

Podcasts: Free, Fun and Customized for You – 2 sessions

Podcasts are on-demand user-selected audio content that allows listeners to go beyond radio's geographic and temporal restrictions and listen to content at their leisure. Learn from an avid fan of podcasts (specifically true crime) about how this new information source came to be, how to get started enjoying podcasts, and recommendations for a few to try.

Education of African American Children following Slavery – 1 session

Approximately 5,357 schools were built, a century ago, in the American South with funds from a wealthy Jewish philanthropist for Black children who had largely been ignored by Whites in power. These schools became known as Rosenwald Schools in honor of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald who partnered with African American educator and activist Booker T. Washington to erect schools in 15 states to educate thousands of Black boys and girls across the Jim Crow South. This session discusses the impact of these schools and contextualizes their mission  in the histories of American progressivism, racial segregation, education, and philanthropy.

Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Community – 1 session

We all live in a watershed, and the health of our watersheds is essential for our thriving community. Healthy watersheds provide clean water, flood control, habitat for wildlife, recreation opportunities, economic benefits, and improved quality of life. The Antelope Valley project is a great example of this, providing significant flood reduction, transportation improvements, recreational uses, and an entertainment hub for our community. Learn how the City of Lincoln manages our local watersheds to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding and stream erosion, improve water quality and other natural resources, and increase our communities’ resilience to a changing climate.

Dear Judy: A Memoir from the Inside Out – 1 session

Michael James, author of Dear Judy – A Love Story Rewritten by Alzheimer’s offers a “back- of-house” exploration of the writing of his recently published memoir. Learn about his day-to-day approach to making time to write, his decision-making as the book developed and evolved, and his interface with his first readers and editors. He reads a few excerpts to illustrate key points and addresses questions both about the book’s creation and about the experiences it details.

The First Amendment: Is It Always First? – 6 sessions

Americans value their First Amendment right to free expression – as well as other rights, and sometimes those rights clash with each other. What about a person’s right to privacy versus the right to free speech? What about taking a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance versus displaying grateful patriotism? And how much freedom of expression should college students and faculty be able to exercise? What about protesting government restrictions during a pandemic? Should we be able to regulate speech on social media platforms?

Learning from Nebraska’s “Never Event” – 1 session

History unexamined may become history repeated. This simple premise and a desire to save lives led to the true story of one of America’s largest outbreaks of Hepatitis C resulting from healthcare transmission in the book “A Never Event: Exposing the Largest Outbreak of Hepatitis C in American Healthcare History.” The event took place in Nebraska in 2002. A “Never Event” is a term used to describe a preventable medical tragedy. Presenters lead a discussion about lessons learned from the many tragedies that resulted.

Partisan polarization is a defining feature of our times. Americans don’t necessarily love their own party, but they hate the opposing party. Respecting these opposing partisans is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for most people. Yet we know that recognition respect (accepting that all people have intrinsic worth) and civic respect (being willing to listen to those with whom we disagree) are fundamental to democratic equality. Learn why respect is so important to democracy and why it is so hard to give to opposing partisans. We will begin by looking at novel data on recognition and civic respect. Then we will address the moralized worldviews that drive Democrats and Republicans apart. Respect is difficult, especially for liberals, but it might be a major part of the solution to our fractured politics.

Partisan polarization is a defining feature of our times. Americans don’t necessarily love their own party, but they hate the opposing party. Respecting these opposing partisans is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for most people. Yet we know that recognition respect (accepting that all people have intrinsic worth) and civic respect (being willing to listen to those with whom we disagree) are fundamental to democratic equality. Learn why respect is so important to democracy and why it is so hard to give to opposing partisans. We will begin by looking at novel data on recognition and civic respect. Then we will address the moralized worldviews that drive Democrats and Republicans apart. Respect is difficult, especially for liberals, but it might be a major part of the solution to our fractured politics.

The United States seems to be divided into two different countries – an urbanized “Blue” region of social and cultural liberalism and the “Red” rural regions rebelling against social and demographic change and resenting coastal elitism. It seems everyone has an opinion about rural America. Is it gripped in a tragic decline? Or is it on the cusp of a glorious revival? Is it the key to understanding America today? Perhaps, we’re missing the real question…is rural America even a thing? The presenters will examine this supposed divide from a social, economic, and political perspective. Does it really exist and what, if anything, should be done? What can we do to better understand each other? How can we address the economic issues that have victimized rural America?

Speakers:

Steven Conn, Ph.D

Steven Conn is the W.E. Smith Professor of History at Miami (Ohio) University and the author of numerous books, including the one that inspired this symposium entitled, “The Lies of the Land.” In 2016, he admitted to becoming an “accidental expert.” Eighteen months earlier, he published a book examining the “anti-urban tradition” in American life and traced its impact on policy and places across the 20th century. His goal was to explore a central American paradox: “we are a highly urbanized nation filled with people who dislike their cities.”

Jena Ochsner

Jena Ochsner is a farmer, a farm wife, mother of two farm kids, and an advocate for all things agriculture, though she was not raised on a farm. Her husband, Levi, and her family live and work on his family’s fifth generation farm where they raise corn, soybeans, cattle, and country kids. The two also ship their homegrown beef (Double O beef) from their farm to families across the country.

Brad Lubben, Ph.D.

Brad Lubben is an extension associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is active in conducting the Nebraska Rural Poll annual survey, gathering the aggregated voice of rural Nebraskans on such issues as community, government policy, well-being, and work. He relays the findings to state lawmakers, ensuring the rural voice is heard.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Ph.D.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel is a professor and extension specialist at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center in Scottsbluff. Her community development experience focuses on new resident recruitment, retention, tourism development, and community planning.

L. J. McElravy, Ph.D.

L.J. McElravy is an associate professor of Leadership in the Department of Ag Leadership, Education, and Communication. His research and extension efforts focus on leadership assessment, leadership training, and development based on positive psychology, and developing shared leadership systems prepared to engage in effective creative and innovative problem-solving.

Ronnie Green, Ph.D.

Ronnie Green is Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was appointed the 20th chancellor of UNL in 2016 and retired from that position in 2023. Before that appointment, he was the Harlan Vice Chancellor of the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Vice-President for Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Nebraska system. Green was raised on a mixed beef, dairy, and cropping farm in southwest Virginia.

Erin Schoenberg

Erin Schoenberg is development manager at the Center for Rural Affairs. Raised on a farm/ranch in North Central Nebraska, Erin’s work is focused on strengthening community networks and partnerships and organizing workshops and courses for farmers.

Jillian Linster

Jillian Linster is policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs. She draws on her diverse experiences to advance the organization goals of values, worth, and action. She supports a group of exceptional people in their tireless dedication to strong rural communities.

Saturday, October 12, 2024 Schedule                                

8:30 am   Doors Open

9:00 am   Welcome

9:10 am    Steven Conn – Keynote; W.E. Smith Professor of History Miami (OH) University

10:05 am Questions and Answers

10:20 am Break

10:25 am Jena Ochsner; Double “O” Farms, Sutton, NE

10:55 am Questions and Answers

11:05 am  Break

11:15 am   Nebraska Rural Polls Panel; Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension, UNL; Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Nebraska Extension, UNL; L.J. McElravy, Ag Leadership, UNL

12:05 pm Questions and Answers

12:20 pm Lunch

1:00 pm    Ronnie Green; UNL Chancellor Emeritus 1:30 pm Questions and Answers 1:45 pm        Break

1:55 pm    Center for Rural Affairs; Erin Schoenberg, development manager, CFRA; Jillian Linster, policy director, CFRA

2:25 pm   Questions and Answers

2:35 pm   Closing Remarks – Conclusion

The first Native American female doctor in U.S. history earned her medical degree in 1889 and was a member of the Omaha tribe in Nebraska. She returned to her people to serve them on the 1,350 square miles of their Nebraska reservation. They were often sick with tuberculosis, smallpox, and measles, and she was their last hope. Her public health dedication caused a privately funded hospital in Walthill, NE to open in 1913 which is now being restored for medical and community use. She overcame racial and gender inequality to lead her people and advocate for social reforms.

The first Native American female doctor in U.S. history earned her medical degree in 1889 and was a member of the Omaha tribe in Nebraska. She returned to her people to serve them on the 1,350 square miles of their Nebraska reservation. They were often sick with tuberculosis, smallpox, and measles, and she was their last hope. Her public health dedication caused a privately funded hospital in Walthill, NE to open in 1913 which is now being restored for medical and community use. She overcame racial and gender inequality to lead her people and advocate for social reforms.

This is a two-class short introduction to the Arab-Israeli conflict, a long and violent conflict over the disposition of what was once British Western Palestine. We will trace the main outlines of history from the start of the Zionist movement circa 1897 to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and then its victory in the Six Day War of 1967. We will explore the more recent developments in the continuing conflict, from 1967 to the Gaza war resulting from the Hamas attack on Israel of October 7, 2023. The focus will be to review central facts and varying interpretations of their meaning. The instructor does not see himself as an advocate for any one political, religious, or ideological position.

This is a two-class short introduction to the Arab-Israeli conflict, a long and violent conflict over the disposition of what was once British Western Palestine. We will trace the main outlines of history from the start of the Zionist movement circa 1897 to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and then its victory in the Six Day War of 1967. We will explore the more recent developments in the continuing conflict, from 1967 to the Gaza war resulting from the Hamas attack on Israel of October 7, 2023. The focus will be to review central facts and varying interpretations of their meaning. The instructor does not see himself as an advocate for any one political, religious, or ideological position.

Need help choosing just the right book for a school ager in your family or neighborhood? Explore contemporary children’s literature, learn how school libraries evaluate and select high-quality literature for their respective communities, and obtain hands-on access to the Lincoln Public School’s MOSAIC collection, which features over 150 inclusive and culturally relevant titles that provide awareness and access for teachers, students and families to the newest and best titles published in the previous year.

Crops irrigated by water from the High Plains/Ogallala Aquifer comprise a significant portion of the world’s food supply. This water is Nebraska’s most important natural resource. Beginning about 31 million years ago, ashfall from eruptions of super volcanos to the west and southwest and then sediments carried by raging rivers flowing off the Rocky Mountains formed the aquifer. Learn about the geologic development of this feature and the impact in recent years of irrigation on the water in the aquifer.

Crops irrigated by water from the High Plains/Ogallala Aquifer comprise a significant portion of the world’s food supply. This water is Nebraska’s most important natural resource. Beginning about 31 million years ago, ashfall from eruptions of super volcanos to the west and southwest and then sediments carried by raging rivers flowing off the Rocky Mountains formed the aquifer. Learn about the geologic development of this feature and the impact in recent years of irrigation on the water in the aquifer.

Tour five senior independent living communities in Lincoln and learn what an active, carefree lifestyle can be. In the first session, we will learn the aspects to consider when selecting a senior living community, to ensure social, physical, medical, and financial needs are met. Then, each week we will tour one of five senior living communities in Lincoln gathering information specific to each facility such as type and number of units, costs, special amenities and features and dining options. Start your search by learning about the different personalities of retirement communities.

Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and contemporary society. Examine the intersection of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions with key societal domains, including the legal system, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, economics, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and contemporary society. Examine the intersection of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions with key societal domains, including the legal system, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, economics, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The United States seems to be divided into two different countries – an urbanized “Blue” region of social and cultural liberalism and the “Red” rural regions rebelling against social and demographic change and resenting coastal elitism. It seems everyone has an opinion about rural America. Is it gripped in a tragic decline? Or is it on the cusp of a glorious revival? Is it the key to understanding America today? Perhaps, we’re missing the real question…is rural America even a thing? The presenters will examine this supposed divide from a social, economic, and political perspective. Does it really exist and what, if anything, should be done? What can we do to better understand each other? How can we address the economic issues that have victimized rural America?

Speakers:

Steven Conn, Ph.D

Steven Conn is the W.E. Smith Professor of History at Miami (Ohio) University and the author of numerous books, including the one that inspired this symposium entitled, “The Lies of the Land.” In 2016, he admitted to becoming an “accidental expert.” Eighteen months earlier, he published a book examining the “anti-urban tradition” in American life and traced its impact on policy and places across the 20th century. His goal was to explore a central American paradox: “we are a highly urbanized nation filled with people who dislike their cities.”

Jena Ochsner

Jena Ochsner is a farmer, a farm wife, mother of two farm kids, and an advocate for all things agriculture, though she was not raised on a farm. Her husband, Levi, and her family live and work on his family’s fifth generation farm where they raise corn, soybeans, cattle, and country kids. The two also ship their homegrown beef (Double O beef) from their farm to families across the country.

Brad Lubben, Ph.D.

Brad Lubben is an extension associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is active in conducting the Nebraska Rural Poll annual survey, gathering the aggregated voice of rural Nebraskans on such issues as community, government policy, well-being, and work. He relays the findings to state lawmakers, ensuring the rural voice is heard.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Ph.D.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel is a professor and extension specialist at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center in Scottsbluff. Her community development experience focuses on new resident recruitment, retention, tourism development, and community planning.

L. J. McElravy, Ph.D.

L.J. McElravy is an associate professor of Leadership in the Department of Ag Leadership, Education, and Communication. His research and extension efforts focus on leadership assessment, leadership training, and development based on positive psychology, and developing shared leadership systems prepared to engage in effective creative and innovative problem-solving.

Ronnie Green, Ph.D.

Ronnie Green is Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was appointed the 20th chancellor of UNL in 2016 and retired from that position in 2023. Before that appointment, he was the Harlan Vice Chancellor of the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Vice-President for Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Nebraska system. Green was raised on a mixed beef, dairy, and cropping farm in southwest Virginia.

Erin Schoenberg

Erin Schoenberg is development manager at the Center for Rural Affairs. Raised on a farm/ranch in North Central Nebraska, Erin’s work is focused on strengthening community networks and partnerships and organizing workshops and courses for farmers.

Jillian Linster

Jillian Linster is policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs. She draws on her diverse experiences to advance the organization goals of values, worth, and action. She supports a group of exceptional people in their tireless dedication to strong rural communities.

Saturday, October 12, 2024 Schedule                                

8:30 am   Doors Open

9:00 am   Welcome

9:10 am    Steven Conn – Keynote; W.E. Smith Professor of History Miami (OH) University

10:05 am Questions and Answers

10:20 am Break

10:25 am Jena Ochsner; Double “O” Farms, Sutton, NE

10:55 am Questions and Answers

11:05 am  Break

11:15 am   Nebraska Rural Polls Panel; Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension, UNL; Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Nebraska Extension, UNL; L.J. McElravy, Ag Leadership, UNL

12:05 pm Questions and Answers

12:20 pm Lunch

1:00 pm    Ronnie Green; UNL Chancellor Emeritus 1:30 pm Questions and Answers 1:45 pm        Break

1:55 pm    Center for Rural Affairs; Erin Schoenberg, development manager, CFRA; Jillian Linster, policy director, CFRA

2:25 pm   Questions and Answers

2:35 pm   Closing Remarks – Conclusion