Diversity   

Meet some of the people and become familiar with the programs that make the Center for People one of Lincoln’s most dynamic nonprofit agencies. Visit the newly redesigned People’s Pantry, observe job seekers as they fine-tune their resumes or learn new computer skills and peek at an English language learning class for new Americans. Obtain a history of the 21-year- old organization and highlights plans for its innovative future, built on the mandate to “solution differently.”

Explore midwifery through the ages—from cave women to the midwives that defied pharaoh to the deep South African American midwives who save black, white and mixed-race babies. Community midwives make a huge difference in maternal and infant mortality and present-day movement for modern day midwives of color changes the lives of their Inuit, tribal and black urban communities and regains their cultures. Midwives caught babies on The Trail of Tears. Learn about the famous midwives in Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma—especially those in Lincoln, Langston, Edmond and Cherokee, Sioux and the other five civilized tribes midwives.

Explore midwifery through the ages—from cave women to the midwives that defied pharaoh to the deep South African American midwives who save black, white and mixed-race babies. Community midwives make a huge difference in maternal and infant mortality and present-day movement for modern day midwives of color changes the lives of their Inuit, tribal and black urban communities and regains their cultures. Midwives caught babies on The Trail of Tears. Learn about the famous midwives in Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma—especially those in Lincoln, Langston, Edmond and Cherokee, Sioux and the other five civilized tribes midwives.

Explore the details of the June, 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to Philadelphia, when you will experience rich history and culture and be some of the first to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America! Begin your journey at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Delve into the art of coin-making at the U.S. Mint and marvel at the grandeur of Philadelphia City Hall’s stunning architecture. Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, before immersing yourself in the Nemours Estate, a breathtaking example of French-inspired architecture and gardens. Explore the natural splendor of Longwood Gardens, where lush landscapes and vibrant blooms captivate the senses. Get a glimpse into the region’s scenic beauty on a railway journey through the stunning vistas of Lehigh Gorge. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, Philadelphia promises an unforgettable blend of exploration and discovery.

Explore the details of the June, 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to Philadelphia, when you will experience rich history and culture and be some of the first to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America! Begin your journey at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Delve into the art of coin-making at the U.S. Mint and marvel at the grandeur of Philadelphia City Hall’s stunning architecture. Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, before immersing yourself in the Nemours Estate, a breathtaking example of French-inspired architecture and gardens. Explore the natural splendor of Longwood Gardens, where lush landscapes and vibrant blooms captivate the senses. Get a glimpse into the region’s scenic beauty on a railway journey through the stunning vistas of Lehigh Gorge. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, Philadelphia promises an unforgettable blend of exploration and discovery.

Obtain an overview of this April 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the majestic Rhine River. Begin your adventure in Basel, Switzerland, where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, offering a unique cultural fusion. Delve into the medieval charm of towns nestled into the Black Forest and experience the harmonious blend of French and German cultures in Strasbourg, France. In Schwetzingen, Germany, marvel at the opulence of Baroque palaces and meticulously manicured gardens. Learn about the historic significance of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, before being captivated by the soaring spires of Cologne’s iconic cathedral. Conclude your voyage in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where charming canals wind through historic streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Each destination promises a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and local charm, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Obtain an overview of this April 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the majestic Rhine River. Begin your adventure in Basel, Switzerland, where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, offering a unique cultural fusion. Delve into the medieval charm of towns nestled into the Black Forest and experience the harmonious blend of French and German cultures in Strasbourg, France. In Schwetzingen, Germany, marvel at the opulence of Baroque palaces and meticulously manicured gardens. Learn about the historic significance of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, before being captivated by the soaring spires of Cologne’s iconic cathedral. Conclude your voyage in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where charming canals wind through historic streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Each destination promises a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and local charm, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Thai hand-rolled ice cream is a unique frozen dessert that originated in Southeast Asia and has gained popularity worldwide. Instead of being pulled from frozen buckets by the scoop, its liquid base is poured onto a frozen pan and then chopped, mixed, spread and rolled. Join us for an ice cream social that offers beautiful hand-rolled ice cream creations like Mango Tango, Strawberry Lady, Avocado, and Matcha Tea. We will swap ice cream stories and explore some brief ice- cream trivia in this simple but sweet social event.

The third part of the Heimat trilogy again takes us to the Hunsrück and to Schabbach in the years 1989 to 2000. The beginning is the Fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, the unification of East and West Germany in 1990 and all the momentous changes that came about in the 1990’s. Many of the familiar characters from HEIMAT I appear again, and the last episode is called “Abschied von Schabbach” (Good-bye to Schabbach). Find out what has become of the younger generation, and it really closes the circle of the story of the Simon family through the decades. Each week we will watch one episode, then discuss the film.

Dive into the compelling and inspiring history of Celia and Eliza Grayson, two enslaved Black women who made a daring escape from Nebraska Territory in 1858. Explore the Grayson sisters’ remarkable journey to freedom and the broader context of Black enslavement in the antebellum Midwest.

Dive into the compelling and inspiring history of Celia and Eliza Grayson, two enslaved Black women who made a daring escape from Nebraska Territory in 1858. Explore the Grayson sisters’ remarkable journey to freedom and the broader context of Black enslavement in the antebellum Midwest.

A common perception is that U.S. immigration law is a simple process involving the completion of proper forms by one who wishes to seek the American Dream. This notion is in stark contrast to the realities of a frustratingly complex web of statutes, regulations, case law, and departmental memoranda that make the acquisition of that dream beyond the reach of most. Obtain a broad outline of U.S. immigration law and explore the specific areas of interest of the class, which may range from non-immigrant classifications to those in which permanent residence, and eventually citizenship, in the United States may be sought. In addition to discussing potential pathways available to family members, we may also address situations wherein employers are attempting to fill gaps in the labor market or those wherein individuals are attempting to escape persecution in their home countries.

A common perception is that U.S. immigration law is a simple process involving the completion of proper forms by one who wishes to seek the American Dream. This notion is in stark contrast to the realities of a frustratingly complex web of statutes, regulations, case law, and departmental memoranda that make the acquisition of that dream beyond the reach of most. Obtain a broad outline of U.S. immigration law and explore the specific areas of interest of the class, which may range from non-immigrant classifications to those in which permanent residence, and eventually citizenship, in the United States may be sought. In addition to discussing potential pathways available to family members, we may also address situations wherein employers are attempting to fill gaps in the labor market or those wherein individuals are attempting to escape persecution in their home countries.

Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in Faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class and political and regional identity. In the first session of this introductory course, view the film “American Creed” in preparation for discussion. In the second session, we will discuss the film and learn about the full curriculum of the entire Sacred Ground series, which will begin later in Term 1 and run 11 consecutive weeks through Term 2, from September 25 through December 11. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in Faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class and political and regional identity. In the first session of this introductory course, view the film “American Creed” in preparation for discussion. In the second session, we will discuss the film and learn about the full curriculum of the entire Sacred Ground series, which will begin later in Term 1 and run 11 consecutive weeks through Term 2, from September 25 through December 11. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Learn about the evolution of the Kimono from the Edo period (1615-1868) to the present. Exploration begins with the origins, traditions and cultural significance of this unique garment that remains synonymous with Japanese culture. A look at the shape, structure, materials, and needle craft of the kimono will lead to an appreciation of the symbolism and artistic qualities of this distinctive form of dress. Exploration continues as we delve into the journey of the kimono to the West. After first appearing in Europe in 1867, it soon found favor among women of the Aesthetics Movement. Its form and style were next embraced by fashion designers including Paul Poiret (1919), Geofrey Beene (1965), and Ralph Rucci (2004). Its simple geometrics and abstract relation to the human form allow it to continue to serve as a dynamic canvas for creative interpretation by artists and designers worldwide.

Learn about the evolution of the Kimono from the Edo period (1615-1868) to the present. Exploration begins with the origins, traditions and cultural significance of this unique garment that remains synonymous with Japanese culture. A look at the shape, structure, materials, and needle craft of the kimono will lead to an appreciation of the symbolism and artistic qualities of this distinctive form of dress. Exploration continues as we delve into the journey of the kimono to the West. After first appearing in Europe in 1867, it soon found favor among women of the Aesthetics Movement. Its form and style were next embraced by fashion designers including Paul Poiret (1919), Geofrey Beene (1965), and Ralph Rucci (2004). Its simple geometrics and abstract relation to the human form allow it to continue to serve as a dynamic canvas for creative interpretation by artists and designers worldwide.

Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game. Learning the game can be challenging. This class will introduce you to the card, the tiles, the Charleston and the game itself.

Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories have recently been published by her son, Irv Lubliner, an emeritus Southern Oregon University professor and OLLI instructor. He will share excerpts from “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” shedding light on his mother’s experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors and his process in bringing the book to fruition.

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.

A Lightspeed Journey Through Science | 4 sessions

Science has discovered (almost) everything about the world we live in and put much of it to work in amazing ways. Yet few understand more than the science headlines, and often these are confusing and contradictory. Gain a coherent view of what it’s all about, how we know what we know, and why it matters to us all.

Fascism: A Warning from History | 4 sessions

The word "fascism" has been increasingly used to describe some modern political movements across the world. Fascism 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. The course concludes with discussions surrounding today’s political movements and assistance in helping to identify and confront any possible fascist threats - before it is too late.

100 Years of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium…. and What’s Next | 1 session

Memorial Stadium was constructed in only 90 working days in 1923….at a cost of under $500,000. The stadium just recently celebrated its 100th birthday. Through many changes/additions, Memorial Stadium has stood the test of time. Now, more renovations are being planned to move to its next 100 years and to enhance the student and fan experience. Learn about Memorial Stadium, from its humble beginnings to its foreseeable future.

A Conversation with Don Walton – Retired Lincoln Journal Star Journalist | 1 session

Don Walton, a UNL graduate, joined the Lincoln Journal-Star as a college intern and worked at that newspaper for more than 60 years covering the legislature, the governor, and Nebraska politics. Don shares his insights and perspectives of his years as a news reporter in Lincoln.

Performance Nutrition at the UNL Training Table | 1 session

Gain an understanding of what performance nutrition is and how it and hydration can provide a competitive edge in fueling and recovery for elite athletes. Discover how dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, which measure the thickness and strength of bones, can assist with determining body composition change for performance.

America’s Founding Fathers | 6 sessions

Examine the similarities and differences among 10 of the men who have earned the title of “Founding Father.” Who were they and how did their accomplishments set them apart from others who supported the movement for independence?

Black Homesteaders in Nebraska and the Great Plains | 3 sessions

DeWitty, Nebraska, later known as Audacious, was the largest and longest-lasting African American settlement in Nebraska. Settlers began arriving in 1906 attracted by the Kinkaid Act offering 640 acres of free land in the Sandhills. Black Homesteaders endured all the risks and burdens of other homesteaders, in addition to social isolation and finding eligible marriage partners. Black communities created rich cultural and civic lives to establish churches, schools, baseball teams, reading circle, musical groups. Learn the history surrounding this story of Black achievement, struggle, persistence and risk-taking.

Exploring the Amazing Diversity of Nebraska Wetlands | 1 session

The recently completed “Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education” project produced a series of products designed to increase awareness of the importance of wetlands in Nebraska and the people and wildlife that depend on them. Watch excerpts of videos of the wetland produced by the talented team at Platte Basin Timelapse.

The Lincoln, Pershing, and Mural Connection | 2 sessions

Explore the connection between General John J. Pershing, the Pershing Mural, and the city of Lincoln. The mural at the west entrance of the Pershing Center for over a 59-year period is a unique work of ceramics. The auditorium has been demolished, but the mural has been preserved and is planned for installation at Wyuka Park.

Civil Discourse | 3 sessions

One in six Americans stopped speaking to a family member or close friend after the 2016 election. This course highlights the story of Americans with opposing viewpoints, and investigates their differences, concerns and experiences that lie behind each viewpoint. Barriers to engaging in civil discourse conversations and potential solutions are discussed.

Lymphedema: Treatment and Prevention | 1 session

Lymphedema, a chronic condition, affects 3-5 million Americans. Get general information regarding the lymphatic system, the possible causes of lymphatic dysfunction, and a general recognition of early symptoms for proactive treatment and/or prevention of a chronic state.

Sacred Ground is a film and readings based 11-week dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. The class is invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. This course has a delayed registration beginning at 1 p.m. September 4 and closing on September 18. The course begins September 25 and runs straight through for 11 consecutive weeks, ending December 11. Participants will be asked to prepare for each session by reading online materials and viewing films. Most course materials are provided online; however, participants will need to acquire two books: “Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving, available on Amazon for $16; and “Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman, available on Amazon for $13. The entire course has a commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives and society.

Tai Chi is a widely practiced physical and mental exercise form that originated from ancient Chinese martial arts. In class, we will train fundamentals skills comprising the first part of the classic Yang ‘solo routine’ that is the foundation for daily self-practice. All levels of physical capability or Tai Chi experience are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

The United States locks up more of its citizens than any other liberal democracy. How does having the world’s largest incarcerated – and formerly incarcerated – population influence the social, economic and political life of the nation? Identify the level of government most responsible for high incarceration levels, explore the key drivers of incarceration and investigate the unintended consequences of creating an exponentially growing population of ex- prisoners. Incarceration levels are rooted in struggle to manage a growing violent crime problem during a historical period marked by roiling social changes that included widening economic inequality, increasing racial diversity and sharpening ideological divides. That struggle has produced several unintended and under-explored consequences that ultimately affect everyone in society.

The United States locks up more of its citizens than any other liberal democracy. How does having the world’s largest incarcerated – and formerly incarcerated – population influence the social, economic and political life of the nation? Identify the level of government most responsible for high incarceration levels, explore the key drivers of incarceration and investigate the unintended consequences of creating an exponentially growing population of ex- prisoners. Incarceration levels are rooted in struggle to manage a growing violent crime problem during a historical period marked by roiling social changes that included widening economic inequality, increasing racial diversity and sharpening ideological divides. That struggle has produced several unintended and under-explored consequences that ultimately affect everyone in society.

The secrecy of the Manhattan Project hid the roles of women, leaving the perception it was done by a few brilliant male scientists. The sprawling enterprise with three tightly guarded secret sites included thousands of women in every capacity working and living in Oak Ridge, Tn., Hanford, Wa. and Los Alamos, N.M. Learn the stories of women who served as physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and lab technicians. Forbidden to talk about their work, thousands of young women never knew what purpose their tasks at Oak Ridge would accomplish.  The one ultimate gatekeeper to the secret city of Los Alamos, N.M. was a woman in Santa Fe whose consent was required before anyone could be admitted to the project. Thousands of men, women and children endured hardships in their everyday lives sequestered inside Los Alamos. They lived in hastily built barracks and had to lie to their families about where they were and what they were doing as they disappeared for years.

The secrecy of the Manhattan Project hid the roles of women, leaving the perception it was done by a few brilliant male scientists. The sprawling enterprise with three tightly guarded secret sites included thousands of women in every capacity working and living in Oak Ridge, Tn., Hanford, Wa. and Los Alamos, N.M. Learn the stories of women who served as physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and lab technicians. Forbidden to talk about their work, thousands of young women never knew what purpose their tasks at Oak Ridge would accomplish.  The one ultimate gatekeeper to the secret city of Los Alamos, N.M. was a woman in Santa Fe whose consent was required before anyone could be admitted to the project. Thousands of men, women and children endured hardships in their everyday lives sequestered inside Los Alamos. They lived in hastily built barracks and had to lie to their families about where they were and what they were doing as they disappeared for years.

German speaking immigrants from Russia settled in Lincoln in the last part of the 19th and early years of the 20th century. They lived primarily in the Lincoln neighborhoods known as the North and South Bottoms. If you walked around these areas in the 1900-1930's you were apt to hear more German than English being spoken. At one time, one quarter of Lancaster County residents were of German Russian descent. The German Russians had a profound influence on the city of Lincoln due to their excellent work ethic, frugality, and love for their new country. The German Russians brought with them a rich cultural heritage. We will focus on some of the main important aspects of these immigrants' lives.

The Otoe-Missouria people once called south and eastern Nebraska home before they were forcibly removed to Indian Territory, present- day Oklahoma. They now reside in Red Rock, Oklahoma, which is the headquarters of the tribe. This course is offered in partnership with the Center for Great Plains Studies. Learn the origins and history of the tribe, along with their migration from Minnesota and Iowa, the split from the Ho-Chunk, as well as their removal within Nebraska and further removal into Indian Territory. There will be four class sessions and two optional event opportunities, including the September 20 Otoe-Missouria Day at Spring Creek Prairie, and the October 13 celebration of Indigenous People’s Day at the Lincoln Indian Center. More information will be provided on these opportunities during the course.

The Otoe-Missouria people once called south and eastern Nebraska home before they were forcibly removed to Indian Territory, present- day Oklahoma. They now reside in Red Rock, Oklahoma, which is the headquarters of the tribe. This course is offered in partnership with the Center for Great Plains Studies. Learn the origins and history of the tribe, along with their migration from Minnesota and Iowa, the split from the Ho-Chunk, as well as their removal within Nebraska and further removal into Indian Territory. There will be four class sessions and two optional event opportunities, including the September 20 Otoe-Missouria Day at Spring Creek Prairie, and the October 13 celebration of Indigenous People’s Day at the Lincoln Indian Center. More information will be provided on these opportunities during the course.