Lifestyles   

Enjoy the “golden years” with a healthy and strong body. Meet with a certified personal trainer to discover ways to incorporate physical activity and fitness into your daily life. All sessions will be broken into two main components: education and activity. Topics will include functional fitness, cardio training, strength training, flexibility training, balance exercises and core work. Modifications will be provided for all activities. Copies of the workouts will be provided to all participants so exercises can be done at home. Please wear comfortable work out attire and tennis shoes.

All participants must submit the Health Questionnaire and UNL Rec Center Waiver before beginning the workouts. The OLLI office will email electronic forms to fill out online and electronically sign prior to the first class. 

Join us for a summer stroll with outdoor educators from the Pioneers Park Nature Center. We will walk 1 to 2 miles around the Nature Center, looking, listening and learning. Dress for the elements; we will be outside exploring for the duration. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks and layered clothing are all encouraged.

Discover the art and science of craft brewing on this immersive brewery tour and tasting experience at Bottle Rocket Brewery in Seward. Go behind the scenes of a working brewery and learn about the brewing process from grain to glass. Explore the ingredients, fermentation techniques, and equipment that bring each beer to life. After the tour, enjoy a curated tasting of Bottle Rocket’s signature and seasonal brews, gaining insight into their unique flavors and styles. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a curious beginner, this engaging experience offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every pint.

Join us for a step-by-step charcuterie class building an individual snack plate. Tips, tricks and hacks for making a beautiful charcuterie board will be shared while sampling wines that pair well with serving a board.

Join us for a step-by-step charcuterie class building an individual snack plate. Tips, tricks and hacks for making a beautiful charcuterie board will be shared while sampling wines that pair well with serving a board.

The College World Series, “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” culminates the college baseball season. Let’s enjoy the opening game of the tournament together, in the luxury of the air-conditioned Eastmont Performing Arts Center. With a 25 ft plus projection screen to take in the game, your seats will be better than if you were at TD Ameritrade Park. Join us for an afternoon of watching baseball, enjoying a tailgate meal, and socializing with friends – sounds like a home run! Bring your friends, your family and neighbors, as this event is open to them as well. We’ll start with a tailgating party at 12 p.m. Lunch will be provided and will include cheeseburgers and chicken breast sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, cookies, water, and table settings. Everyone is also encouraged/welcome to bring a covered dish, a dessert, or appetizer to enhance the tailgating experience.

Gain greater proficiency in digital photography while using an advanced amateur camera (adjustable), mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Learn the fundamentals as you practice with your own personal camera. Basic principles of photography will be reviewed and then more sophisticated digital camera operations, such as controls, function and purpose, lighting, composition, hardware options and software will be discussed.

Law school is much more than the Socratic Method. At the University of Nebraska College of Law, nine clinical programs offer third-year law students the opportunity to represent actual clients across the state before they graduate and become lawyers. Supervised by licensed attorney professors, students provide valuable legal services to clients who don’t have the means to hire a private attorney. Professor Brett Stohs started the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic in 2013 and has served over 500 startups, small businesses, and nonprofits. He will share his pedagogy, his passion, and his panoply of war stories to provide a sampling of these valuable experiential programs at Nebraska Law.

Law school is much more than the Socratic Method. At the University of Nebraska College of Law, nine clinical programs offer third-year law students the opportunity to represent actual clients across the state before they graduate and become lawyers. Supervised by licensed attorney professors, students provide valuable legal services to clients who don’t have the means to hire a private attorney. Professor Brett Stohs started the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic in 2013 and has served over 500 startups, small businesses, and nonprofits. He will share his pedagogy, his passion, and his panoply of war stories to provide a sampling of these valuable experiential programs at Nebraska Law.

Esports, short for “electronic sports,” is one of the most rapidly growing sports industries with a multi-billion-dollar market value. Currently over 500 million people all over the world watch or compete in e-sports and this number is projected to grow to 640 million in 2025. The varsity e-sports team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competes with other Division 1 universities across the United States. Learn about this new, exciting and popular sport at UNL.

Esports, short for “electronic sports,” is one of the most rapidly growing sports industries with a multi-billion-dollar market value. Currently over 500 million people all over the world watch or compete in e-sports and this number is projected to grow to 640 million in 2025. The varsity e-sports team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competes with other Division 1 universities across the United States. Learn about this new, exciting and popular sport at UNL.

Build your confidence on performing simple maintenance items on your bike. Bike anatomy, fit, ABC quick check, fix a flat, and simple brake and shifting adjustment will be covered. Gain confidence to make simple repairs on the road and to talk to a bike mechanic for the more complex repairs. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to the class. For those unable to do so, bikes will be provided.

Join in meditation, breath-work, balance, and mindful movements to reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. Class is for all levels, but poses will include a variety of positions requiring students to get on/off the floor. Instructor will provide modifications as needed. Learn some yoga tidbits to use in your future practice both on and off your mat. No equipment is needed but a yoga mat is encouraged. Consult with your physician prior to participating.

Offered during Elder Abuse Awareness Week, this course empowers older Nebraskans with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from fraud and financial exploitation. Learn to recognize common scams targeting seniors, from phishing emails to investment fraud, and understand how to safeguard personal and financial information. Experts will discuss warning signs of financial abuse, including undue influence and identity theft, and provide practical steps to prevent victimization. Participants will also learn how to report suspected fraud and access available resources for support. Stay informed, stay protected, and take control of your financial well-being.

Offered during Elder Abuse Awareness Week, this course empowers older Nebraskans with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from fraud and financial exploitation. Learn to recognize common scams targeting seniors, from phishing emails to investment fraud, and understand how to safeguard personal and financial information. Experts will discuss warning signs of financial abuse, including undue influence and identity theft, and provide practical steps to prevent victimization. Participants will also learn how to report suspected fraud and access available resources for support. Stay informed, stay protected, and take control of your financial well-being.

Gain an inside look at how Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) keeps the city moving. Explore how LTU manages over 410 traffic signals, intersection detection systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), detection cameras, and traffic monitoring for incident management. Learn about the Green Light Lincoln Initiative and its impact on economic and environmental improvements. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Signals and Sign Shop and the Brine Making Facility, offering a firsthand look at the operations that keep Lincoln’s streets safe and efficient.

Get ready for 2022’s spring and summer outdoor adventure season and brush up, or establish, outstanding camping skills. Learn the fundamental skills needed for backcountry camping, including tent set-up, outdoor cooking, fire building, water purification, and map reading.

Electric Bikes are a great and accessible way to explore Lincoln’s trail system. There are many health benefits from cycling, from being low impact on your joints to strengthening your cardiovascular system. Having an electric assist on your bike can help you go further and longer. Through partnering with Cycle Works, a local bike shop, learn the fundamentals of how to use an E-Bike, the pros and cons and get the chance to test ride one to see if it is right for you.

Recreational kayaking is a great lifetime activity and way to explore and enjoy the lakes in the Lincoln area. This class will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and safety measures so you can start enjoying this new activity on your own. All kayaking equipment is provided.

Learn about Lincoln Literacy’s outreach to the community and literacy services. The history of refugees and immigrants to Lincoln, current numbers and trends will be covered, plus a description of Lincoln Literacy and other agencies who provide services. Lincoln Literacy provides a continuum of services from beginner to advanced English, as well as workforce development focused classes in a variety of areas: certified nursing assistant, commercial drivers license, working in Lincoln Public Schools, or reentering a profession from their country of origin such as engineering, nursing, teaching, and more. Walk away with an increased awareness of the diversity in our community and the immense talents that these newcomers bring to Lincoln.

Learn about Lincoln Literacy’s outreach to the community and literacy services. The history of refugees and immigrants to Lincoln, current numbers and trends will be covered, plus a description of Lincoln Literacy and other agencies who provide services. Lincoln Literacy provides a continuum of services from beginner to advanced English, as well as workforce development focused classes in a variety of areas: certified nursing assistant, commercial drivers license, working in Lincoln Public Schools, or reentering a profession from their country of origin such as engineering, nursing, teaching, and more. Walk away with an increased awareness of the diversity in our community and the immense talents that these newcomers bring to Lincoln.

Join us on a nature walk to talk about native gardening in a relaxed, fun, social atmosphere. This tour will highlight the native Nebraska- style landscape that surrounds the Game & Parks headquarters on East Campus. Horticulturist Bob Henrickson will be our guide to showcase the different prairie and native plants. Come to learn more about native plants, what they look like, the benefits of using them and how to incorporate these important plants into your home.

Join us at the Nature Center for a hands-on, immersive herbal workshop where you will learn how to plan, plant, and care for your own herb garden. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this class will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to grow and utilize herbs in your everyday life. Participate in a guided tour of the beautiful Louise Evans Doole Herb Garden, where you can explore the plants in person. To top it off, enjoy refreshing herbal teas and snacks made from the very plants you will be learning about.

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.

Fly Girls

Instructor: Lynn Roper (5 sessions)

In 1929, at the dawn of aviation when every flight was a test of courage, 20 gutsy and passionate female pilots in propeller-driven planes raced from California to Ohio in the first female cross-country air race, making 18 stops in nine days. During World War II, the 1,034 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) ferried and flight-tested aircraft bombers in the U.S. and taught men how to fly. When the war ended, Congress clipped their wings and sent the WASPs home; they did not receive military status until 1977. In 1961, 13 remarkable women pilots underwent secret testing to become America’s first female astronauts. The Mercury 13 were ignored by NASA and on Capitol Hill while the USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963. Lynn Ropers and other experts of women aviators share this fascinating series of lectures.

Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff

Instructor: Jeannine Bryant (3 sessions)

Our attachment to “stuff” is real. Letting go can be difficult. Yet, holding onto too much stuff can be suffocating or immobilizing, preventing us from living our best life because we are too weighed down by our possessions. Learn the problem of “inherited stuff” as well as our own “keepsake clutter.” Get a new perspective on memories, life, and love – and how none of it is tied to STUFF. Learn hands-on tips and practical advice for choosing which possessions to keep, to get rid of, and what it really means to leave a legacy for your loved ones.

The Politics and History of American Civil Religion

Instructor: Jonathan Redding (4 sessions)

Americans love to talk about having a “separation of church and state” to justify certain ends. On the surface, separation exists; there is no official national religion, and religious discrimination is forbidden by the 1st Amendment. The reality is quite different, as what scholars call American Civil Religion weighs heavily on issues like American morality, legality, justice, and equality. Topics covered include religious freedom, religious choice, and whether this hypothetical separation of Church and State is real or a pipe dream. Consider theologies behind the dominant streams of American Christianity to understand how political and religious leaders use their understanding of theology for political, social, and economic gain.

The Early Days of Nebraska Volleyball

Instructors: John Mabry, Vicki Highstreet (4 sessions)

Volleyball has been a part of the UNL athletic landscape for more than a century, but the sport didn’t gain much notoriety until the early 1970s, when the Huskers began to put together a program that is now known worldwide. Learn how its reputation grew from its humble beginnings, reaching a pinnacle in August, 2023, when Volleyball Day put 92,003 in Memorial Stadium stands. Meet the players who made it possible from those early Title IX days at Mabel Lee Hall and the Coliseum.

Top Ten Mistakes Made in Estate Planning

Instructor: Andrew Loudon (1 session)

Andrew Loudon, a Lincoln attorney, takes you through the top ten mistakes people make when estate planning. Have you prepared your estate or are you waiting until the last minute? What other mistakes make this list?

Sport in American Culture

Instructor: John Shrader (4 sessions)

Sport has been an important part of the American cultural landscape from the very popular blood sports of the 18th century through the development of the boxing and horse racing industries in the 19th century and the explosion of baseball, football, and basketball in the 20th century. Our society seldom sees the confluence of income, class, race, gender, identity, and celebrity the way we do in sports. Examine the role of sport in our society and how the media have been both partners and observers. Take a deep dive into sport and how it fits into American life; it’s not just about slam dunks, big contracts, SportsCenter and social media.

The Bible as Literature

Instructor: Jonathan Redding (6 sessions)

Study the growth and development of the collection of religious texts known as “the Bible.” There will be an emphasis on historical events that influence both content and context. Religion, literature, social, and political institutions are integral elements in the historical process.

The 6888th All-Black Female WWII Battalion

Instructor: Lynn Roper (5 sessions)

In February 1945, 800 Women’s Army Corps recruits in the segregated U.S. Army sailed to Europe to do something crucial to the war effort: clear a massive two-year backlog of undelivered mail to troops whose morale was low, due to having no contact from home and family. Though they experienced constant credential challenges and discrimination, the 6888th worked around the clock, 7 days a week, processing 65,000 pieces of mail each day.

Fascism: A Warning from History

Instructor: Anthony Foreman (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. 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.

Enjoy the historical exhibits in the Larson Tractor Test and Power Museum located on UNL's East Campus. Any tractor sold in Nebraska must first be tested at the museum. It is the only tractor testing museum in the world and the only complete tractor test laboratory in the world. The museum was built in 1920 and is dedicated to preserving and documenting the history of Nebraska's test laws dating from 1919. Enjoy a tour of the museum and visit to the test lab.

Do you have a Mac computer or an iPhone, or an Apple Watch… or, even a Home Pod? From editing photos to word processing to spreadsheets to turning on and off the lights in your home, these incredibly high-tech devices can be both easy to use and fun. We will touch on some of the more useful features of Apple’s amazing products, as well as demonstrate some practical features and apps to help make your life a bit easier. This course will cover Apple devices and products only.

Across the fields and prairies, along the roadsides and wooded streams grow rare native wildflowers, whose beauty rivals that of anywhere in the world. Join horticulturist Bob Henrickson on a guided pictorial tour of regions across the great state of Nebraska which show beautiful images of Nebraska wildflowers growing in their natural habitat. These prairie gems are increasingly rare to see in nature. Learn more about the rare wildflowers of Nebraska, where you can find them and why it’s important to preserve the land that they still occupy.

Across the fields and prairies, along the roadsides and wooded streams grow rare native wildflowers, whose beauty rivals that of anywhere in the world. Join horticulturist Bob Henrickson on a guided pictorial tour of regions across the great state of Nebraska which show beautiful images of Nebraska wildflowers growing in their natural habitat. These prairie gems are increasingly rare to see in nature. Learn more about the rare wildflowers of Nebraska, where you can find them and why it’s important to preserve the land that they still occupy.

Join in meditation, breath-work, balance, and mindful movements to reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. Class is for all levels, but poses will include a variety of positions requiring students to get on/off the floor. Instructor will provide modifications as needed. Learn some yoga tidbits to use in your future practice both on and off your mat. No equipment is needed but a yoga mat is encouraged. Consult with your physician prior to participating.

This course is a continuation of the Introduction to Bridge I course. It is structured for the student with very limited prior knowledge of the game of bridge. We will cover how the game is played, bridge vocabulary, basic Standard American bidding, and basic card play. Each week, learn new content which builds on the previous week's concepts. There will be ample opportunities to play hands that will illustrate what has been taught in class. The students will dictate the pace of the course so all can grasp the basics of the game.