When the world stops, a small town opens its doors. Tony-winning “Come From Away” is the inspiring true story of 7,000 strangers from around the globe unexpectedly stranded in Gander, Newfoundland in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, proving community can become home when humanity leads the way. Director Brandon Box-Higdem will meet with OLLI attendees before the show to share the creative process and inspiration behind the OCP production.
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Tour the exhibition “Elsewhere / The Prairie Was Ours” with Elizabeth Burden, an artist who engages in artistic archivy, blending multidisciplinary studio work with social practice to reflect on the past/ present/future. Born and raised in Lincoln, Burden is the great-granddaughter of the first Black homesteaders in Nebraska, Henry and Mary Burden. After the tour, Burden will lead a story-sharing activity; participants are encouraged to bring an old family photo to share.
LSO kicks off its centennial season under the baton of Music Director Edward Polochick with “Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man” and Tyler White’s “A Fivescore Festival: 100 Measure for 100 Years.” To amplify the celebration, LSO is joined for both fanfares by The Pride of All Nebraska: The Cornhusker Marching Band. LSO then pays homage to the program of its very first concert in March of 1927 with Mozart’s “Overture to Le nozze di Figaro” and Liszt’s “Les Préludes.” The celebration culminates with 7-time GRAMMY Award-winning piano legend Emanuel Ax, who joins the orchestra to perform Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 22.”
Stay active and strong during your golden years with guidance from a certified personal trainer. This program blends education and exercise, focusing on functional fitness, cardio, strength, flexibility, balance, and core training. All activities can be modified to meet individual needs, and take-home workout copies are provided. Wear comfortable workout clothes and tennis shoes. Participants must complete a health questionnaire and UNL Rec Center waiver, which will be emailed for electronic signature before the first session.
Learn how quiltmakers responded to the rapidly changing political, social, and technological landscape during the period from 1870 to 1970. Discover how they embraced new developments: abundant factory-produced fabrics, more affordable sewing machines, and widely available commercial kits and patterns. Following the presentation, enjoy a gallery tour through the exhibition “American Creativity: 1870s to 1970s,” which showcases the immense creative output of American quiltmakers during a time of equally immense change.
Get to know the people and programs that make the Center for People one of Lincoln’s important nonprofit organizations. Tour the People’s Pantry, nutrition kitchen and greenhouse, observe job seekers as they fine-tune their resumes or take educational courses and peek at an English Language Learning class. Learn the story of the organization’s 23-year journey, along with its vision for an innovative future centered around the mission to “solution differently.”
Join OLLI members for an evening field trip to the Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) in Raymond. Meet astronomers, deepen your understanding of the night sky, and view deep-space wonders including stars, clusters, and galaxies by naked eye and through state-of-the-art telescopes. If the weather is inclement, you'll see stored images in the educational center.
Join a lively conversation with a composer, conductor, and director as they reveal how music, story, staging, and voice come together to create the magic of opera. Gain insider insight into the collaboration and creativity behind one of the world’s most powerful and enduring art forms.
Billy’s is named after William Jennings Bryan located close to the Nebraska State Capital building in the “Noble-Dawes House” built in 1887. The “Noble-Dawes House” has been the home to Billy’s Restaurant since 1986. Enjoy a fabulous lunch at this iconic Lincoln restaurant while you learn about the history of the house and Chef Nader Farahbod’s career.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction; it’s helping us drive, cook, learn and even write. But what are the tradeoffs? Discover how AI is quietly embedded in our routines, where it helps, where it harms, and what’s next.
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
What makes American Religion “American”? No other country in the world does religion like the United States, which is both good and bad. Discover American Religion through a historical-intersectional lens, highlighting how the best things about religion in the USA can often be the worst. We will expand our lens beyond Christianity to examine various unique American religious movements while also studying how the history we’ve been taught about American religion can (and often does) differ radically from the reality.
Join us at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center for an introduction to tallgrass prairies. Learn about grassland birds and plants, prairie ecosystems, the value of prairies in addressing climate change, the role of conservation easements in protecting prairies, and more. We’ll begin with a presentation in the visitor center and then move out onto the prairie, first as a group and then with time to wander and explore as the prairie calls to us.
Tour the UNO Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Lab, where science meets athletic performance. Explore cutting-edge methods used to analyze and enhance the movement of athletes across all age groups. The tour provides an in-depth look at how advanced technologies, such as 3D motion capture and force plates, are employed to assess and improve athletic performance while minimizing injury risk. Experience a live demonstration as a golfer's swing is analyzed, offering a firsthand view of the clinical assessments and data-driven insights that contribute to optimized training and rehabilitation strategies.
Enjoy an exclusive, personalized tour of Morrill Hall’s two permanent Anthropology exhibits. Delve deep into “Arms, Armor, and Anthropology: Weapons as a Cultural Lens” alongside “First People of the Plains: Traditions Shaped by Land and Sky.” You will examine rare artifacts up close and discover the stories behind them. Learn how geography, environment, and craftsmanship shaped regional traditions and global warfare. This expert-led gallery walk offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on human history.
Join OLLI on an autumn tour of arts and culture in Nebraska’s own Alps! We’ll visit Schuyler’s historic Oak Ballroom to learn about this WPA gem, then view the St. John’s Bible, a hand illuminated masterpiece housed at the St. Benedictine Center. Next, we will enjoy a traditional Czech lunch of roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut and kolaches at Abie’s Place in Abie. Then we’ll head to the new quarters of the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City. Finally, we’ll stop at Junto Wine near Seward to enjoy the beautiful views and local wine.
“The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, follows nine teenage girls as they warm up for their weekly soccer games. Over the course of a season, their conversations reveal the complexity of adolescence and what it means to grow up. Director Katherine McGerr and her production team will discuss their concepts and show examples of their illustrations and models, followed by a sneak-peek at the set, lighting, costumes and sound.
This course is back by popular demand. Discover how Nebraska Public Media—home to PBS and NPR in the state—brings trusted storytelling, educational resources, and cultural programming to audiences across Nebraska. This session features an inside look at television and radio production, a tour of the facility and mobile production truck, and a special look into the archives, showcasing how public media continues to innovate and serve communities statewide.
Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries to children with cleft and other facial conditions. Starting in 1985, students in Operation Smile Clubs worldwide have been given the opportunity to play an active role in awareness, fundraising, and education. Learn about this amazing organization and get an insider's view of what happens on these life changing missions.
It can be tough to talk with someone when you disagree politically — even a good friend or family member. This course will teach skills to help you speak with civility and respect across the divide. You’ll receive a variety of insights plus an in-depth lesson from Braver Angels, a national group dedicated to building trust across political differences. You will learn specific skills for those difficult conversations.
Have you ever wanted to make restaurant favorites in the comfort of your own home? With this hands-on class, we'll do just that. Let's “copycat” dishes from our favorite restaurants, including soup from Panera, those cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster and some Olive Garden favorites.
Discover how the sun converts mass into energy and why replicating it on Earth is neither possible nor useful. Trace the atomic age from fission weapons to modern nuclear power, exploring why we cannot simply copy the H-bomb for electricity. Analyze the pros and cons of potential pathways to fusion, meet the leading companies driving today's industry, and examine recent investments that are shaping the future of clean energy.
Curious about cryptocurrency but not sure where to start? Learn what crypto is, why it exists, how it works, and how to tell opportunity from illusion. Explore digital wallets, popular exchanges, and real-world examples of success—and scams. Whether you’re crypto-curious or just want to stay scam-savvy, gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world of digital money — no tech background required.
With 50 percent of all cycling accidents happening due to riders losing control of their bike, prevent that from happening to you by strengthening your bike handling skills and knowledge. Geared toward people of all riding abilities who want to gain confidence riding in urban settings, preview optional on-line material on traffic safety before class, then spend time in class on parking lot drills and riding Lincoln’s bike infrastructure.
General Dwight Eisenhower had five months to assemble forces and equipment, train and plan the D-Day invasion into France. On June 4, 1944, during an intense rainstorm, he had to decide whether to launch or delay. Failure was not an option. This course examines the planning and preparation leading up to the decision. Become immersed in the complexity and emotional burden of what some describe as the most critical decision of the Twentieth Century.
Do you have envelopes full of negatives or slides? What about old photos stored in shoeboxes under your bed? Learn how to preserve these in a more organized form. Bring some of these to class and explore the process of scanning and saving those prints digitally so they will be memories forever. Bring no more than four or five prints, negatives, or slides.
Explore the vital work of the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, a division of the Nebraska State Historical Society serving individuals, institutions, and agencies. Learn the principles of conservation, restoration, and preservation and their roles in protecting history. This unique experience includes a guided tour of the center’s objects, paintings, and paper labs, where conservators will share current projects like the Willa Cather wallpaper conservation and Amelia Earhart’s 1928 sporting license restoration.
Art Zygielbaum's parents were Holocaust survivors. Art, wife Chris, son David and Beth Dotan from the UNL Harris Center traveled to Poland to connect to his Polish roots. They visited the places his family lived, concentration camps and Jewish museums. In recognition of Art’s grandfather, they were hosted by the Polish Secretary of State and the mayor of Chelm. Art will discuss the trip, its profound impact, and its implications for today.
Gather at Sheldon Museum of Art to experience and learn about the exhibition “Grace Hartigan: The Gift of Attention,” which explores the creative exchange between Grace Hartigan and the bold New York poets who inspired her. Focusing on a distinguished visual artist working during the mid-twentieth century, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on a pioneering American artist.
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!
Use your kayaking skills to explore one of the many state recreation lakes around Lincoln. Spend the afternoon paddling at Pawnee Lake and Middle Creek, which feeds this reservoir and will provide a great opportunity to see birds and other wildlife. This class is targeted toward paddlers who have participated in one of the previous kayaking classes. All kayaking equipment is provided. You must provide your own entry fee into State Recreation Area.
It’s the beginning of Fall! Experience the sights and sounds of the fall prairie at its most glorious state. We will meet at the Prairie Building for an introduction before hiking at least two miles on uneven terrain.
Explore 20th-century European fascism, focusing on Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Learn about fascist characteristics through Mussolini’s principles, Umberto Eco’s "Eternal Fascism," and Ernst Fraenkel’s "The Dual State." We will analyze these ideologies via five films, including “Triumph of the Will” and “Architecture of Doom.” The final session features the artist Anselm Kiefer, examining how his work confronts Germany’s dark history and the long-term psychological effects of the Third Reich.
Rome: now. The landscape of leadership is shifting like sand. The people are starving and rioting in the streets. Who can keep the peace when the status quo is collapsing? Coriolanus – a celebrated war hero is returning to the city in triumph. When he refuses to “play the game” and appeal to the “lower” classes he disdains to secure their vote for office, he is branded a traitor and banished from the city. Now, he’s returning with vengeance. Coriolanus – anger is my meat. The show concludes with a post-performance question and answer period for OLLI attendees.
Defining folk music is a challenge. From its origins, folk music has been the music of the working class, community-focused and with little commercial success until the 1950s. A folk song from the 13th century became the basis for two different million sellers. We’ll look at songs from the 1930s through the 1970s, songs about war, work, civil rights and more – the artists and songs that helped define generations – in a fun and unique way.
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.
Preserved within and between the dunes of Nebraska’s Sandhills (the largest stabilized dune field in North America) is a record of the Great Plains climate and biota that spans 3 million years. Dune sand contains billion-year-old quartz and felspar derived from Rocky Mountain granite and delivered to the Plains by glacial rivers. Dune strata indicate southward desert winds. Fossil bones are rare but tracks and burrows within the dunes reveal climate shifts.
Peek behind the curtains at Stuhr Museum, Nebraska’s premier living history museum. You’ll go places most visitors don't get to see and hear from the people who make history come alive. Following lunch, you’ll discover Raising Nebraska. This education pavilion operated by UNL on the State Fairgrounds helps visitors understand modern agriculture, which is rooted both in nature and science. Enjoy a special class arranged just for OLLI, then enjoy a short drive through Fonner Park which hosts the State Fair.
Join us for a fun and informative look at the history of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and a peek into its future with this class at the zoo. Enjoy meeting one of our Ambassador Animals and a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the exhibit spaces.
Explore the deep history and diverse landscapes of Lincoln's largest park. This guided walking tour will take you through scenic trails to uncover early historical origins, local wildlife habitats, and unique floodplain ecology. Gain insights into vital conservation efforts; Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Bring water, dress for the weather (hats, sunscreen, bug spray) and wear sturdy shoes. Requires walking, climbing and navigating winding, uneven, unpaved terrain.
Learn the history of light and lighting and its effects on human health and sleep. Discover light sources and their development including modern LEDs and LASER lights. Explore the impact of light color mix and its effect on behavior and comfort.
Nothing is more vital to life than water. In two engaging sessions, a UNL associate professor of hydrogeology will take us beneath the surface to explore the science of groundwater and surface water and explore practical strategies for reducing water use in daily life. We'll unpack the concepts of blue, green, and gray water; calculate our own water footprints and examine Lincoln's current water sources and its ambitious Water 2.0 plan.
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.
This class is structured for the student who has no or little knowledge of the game of bridge, and for those who played it years ago and need a refresher. We will cover how the game is played, bridge vocabulary, basic Standard American bidding, and basic card play. There will be opportunities to play hands that will illustrate what has been taught in class. The students will dictate how fast the class will move.
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. Learn the fundamentals of how to use an E-Bike, the pros and cons and "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.
AI can speak as well as any human, but does it know what it’s saying? Does it have a self to be aware of, or to defend? Journey deep into the philosophical and scientific quandaries surrounding AI consciousness.
Few nations on Earth have a more colorful history than Japan. Settled by migrants from the Asian mainland back in the mists of pre-history, Japan has seen the rise and fall of Emperors, rule by Samurai warriors, isolation from the outside world, expansion over most of Asia, defeat and rebirth. Explore how the Japanese love of nature developed in the art form of Ikebana. Each class will demonstrate Ikebana, following the development of the art form, as it is connected to the fabric of Japanese culture and history.
The ukulele is an easy instrument to learn. Have fun singing, strumming, and learning with fellow OLLI members. Learning a new instrument keeps the brain sharp, and fingering the ukulele helps arthritic hands. You don’t have to know how to read music to take this class. Any standard "C tuning" ukulele may be used. Bring your own ukulele and music stand; and, members may check out a beginner ukulele from any public library in advance.
Limestones (rocks composed of calcium carbonate) are forming today in soils (Great Plains caliche), lakes (Lake Michigan) on deep seafloors (Pacific), and in shallow tropical seaways (Great Barrier Reef). Many thick ancient limestones underlie the US from Florida to Oregon. Nearly all limestones are composed of fossils. Caves and sinkholes are/were generated by the dissolution of limestone. Carbon stored in limestone for millions of years returns to the atmosphere by subduction at plate boundaries.
The history of Lincoln’s African American community is an essential piece of the city’s history, and yet much of it is not widely known. Using historic sources including newspapers, census, directories and photographs, along with personal stories, the class will explore both how African Americans in Lincoln faced challenges with employment, housing, and education; and how their vision and commitment to unity and prosperity for all people continues to enrich our city today.
Inspired by a visit to the International Quilt Museum and the diversity and wide array of quilt styles throughout history, this year’s theme of the 2026 Sunken Gardens is “A Patchwork Garden,” drawing on both traditional and modern quilt-making throughout the 250 years of American history. Please plan accordingly for the weather and your comfort. A good deal of walking is required.
Join us for a tour and lunch at the Abbott House for a magical experience. The Abbott House of Mystery, located in Omaha’s Field Club Historic District, is a 1913 Craftsman bungalow once owned by legendary magician David P. Abbott. Purchased by illusionist Teller (of Penn & Teller) and the Omaha Magical Society, it has been restored as a venue for magic history. Lunch will be from Jimmy John’s and include assorted sandwiches, chips, grapes, cookies and water.
Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game. Learning the game can be fun and challenging. This class will introduce you to the card, the tiles, the Charleston and the game itself.
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming. Examine the essentials of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Learn about enrollment timelines, coverage options, supplemental policies, and how to avoid costly penalties. Whether you are new to Medicare or looking to refresh your knowledge, gain the clarity and confidence needed to make informed decisions about your healthcare future.
What should you pay for Medicare? Break down the real numbers and bottom-line costs of your healthcare options. Learn which Medicare expenses remain fixed, which ones change annually, and how to calculate your true out-of-pocket exposure. We will bypass the confusing jargon to look strictly at the dollars and cents, giving you the mathematical clarity needed to budget effectively in retirement.
The late 1800s were difficult years for the nearly formed state of Nebraska. There were many struggles in life, especially for those attempting to farm for a living. Learn about life in sod houses, the locust invasion, the cattle boom and bust, the blessing and exploitation of railroads. We will conclude with the Populist Party movement.
Register for the performance in the company of fellow OLLI members in a reserved section of the theatre or attend the production at a different time that works with your schedule by purchasing a ticket on your own. The same OLLI discount on ticket prices applies either way you attend.
Discover Nebraska's diverse reptiles and amphibians! Explore our 16 native snake species, learn the difference between hard and soft-shell turtles, and unlock the mysteries of skinks and salamanders. Find out which species have webbed feet and if salamanders shed skin. Through a mix of safe, hands-on encounters and observation-only displays, you will deeply connect with the fascinating wildlife hidden in the corners of our Nebraska landscape.
Discover what active, independent senior living can offer through tours of five Omaha communities. The first session provides an overview of key factors to consider—social, physical, medical, and financial—when choosing a senior living option. Each session features a guided tour of a different community, highlighting unit types, pricing, amenities, and dining. Gain valuable insight into the unique character of each location and start your search with a well- informed, first-hand perspective.
Learn about Samuel Bak's life followed by a tour of the Fall exhibition, Past, Present, Futures at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center. During the tour, we will engage in a slow-looking exercise and in-gallery discussions to explore how artists have used the portraiture to reflect and comment on historical and contemporary events, while envision alternative futures.
Build photography skills using your mobile devices – smart phones and tablets. Most of the content will focus on Apple device Technology but, it will also cover Android features, multiple apps and photographic principles common to all cell phone cameras. There will also be limited discussion about post processing of photographs using the phone app Snapseed. Download Snapseed from your app store to enable some practice processing photos on your device during class.
Join us for a visit to St. Cecilia Catholic Cathedral located in the Gold Coast District of Omaha. Learn about the history, architectural style, and see some of the artwork in the Cathedral’s collection. After the tour, we will be able to go to the Cultural Center and explore the exhibits, see the museum, and visit the gift shop.
Few prevention initiatives directly address how aging, social isolation, and ageism can increase suicidal thoughts among older adults. To help fill this gap, the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition has provided a 2025-2026 mini grant to the University of Nebraska Emeriti and Retirees Association (ERA). With these funds, the ERA launched a suicide Prevention education program. Learn about available resources, ways to recognize suicide warning signs and strategies for supporting individuals who may be considering suicide.
Following William the Conqueror, English kings held vast lands in France and refused to give them up as France tried to unify. This rivalry triggered centuries of conflict, ending in 1453. Through video clips, this course explores these epic battles, the legacy of King Henry V and the heroic story of Joan of Arc.
“Cosi fan tutte” (literally "Thus do they all" or "Women are like that") is a witty Italian comic opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte. First premiered in Vienna in 1790, this satirical romantic comedy revolves around a bet to test the fidelity of two engaged sisters. We'll listen to highlights, discuss the opera's history, structure, musical elements, and explore how it fits into the broader world of opera.
In an era of nonstop campaign coverage, social media feeds and information overload, how do voters decide what deserves their attention? Explore the psychology of political attention, examining how people process election news, respond to campaign messages, and navigate increasingly crowded information environments. Discover the implications for democratic accountability, public opinion and political decision-making when voters are constantly bombarded with more political information than they can realistically absorb.
When Jeff Henrichs was in fifth grade, he began shagging foul balls at games at Sherman Field and quickly fell in love with baseball. That passion led him to the pinnacle of umpiring, including eight College World Series assignments in Omaha, a brief call up to Major League Baseball, and a stint as an ESPN college baseball analyst. Now, after 42 years officiating games across the country, Jeff shares his story—the highs, the lows, and what it truly takes to be an umpire.
Craft the beginnings of a personal memoir that can be passed on as a cherished keepsake to loved ones and future generations. Before registering, attend the two- session introductory course entitled “The Stories of Your Life: Introduction” to learn more about life writing and to experience a sampling of the engaging process for yourself.
Experience a hands-on preview of OLLI’s eight-week life writing program in this introductory course. In the first session, learn what guided memoir reflection entails (and what it doesn’t), including the importance and value of the supportive group process. We will also begin writing a short reflection on a meaningful life experience. In the second session, participants will share some of their writing, offer supportive feedback, and preview topics for the full program. Those interested can then register for the eight-week series running Tuesday afternoons, Sept. 15–Nov. 3.
This course offers an overview of the Russian Revolution of 1917. During World War I, one of Europe’s largest empires dramatically fell. The collapse of the Russian monarchy quickly precipitated a series of events that allowed a radical socialist group, the Bolsheviks, to come to power. Explore some of the main events, characters, social groups, and political forces as well as how later historians sought to make sense of this upheaval.
Learn how starting with one cell followed by forty rounds of cell division leads to a baby made of trillions of cells. This journey relies on special chemical signals and cellular "talk" that happens only during development, never to be used again in adult life. A PBS video will show this incredible process in action, making the complex science of birth easy to see and understand.
Learn directly from Tom Osborne about the positive impact of mentoring in his life, the founding of Teammates Mentoring Program, and the program’s mission to positively impact the world. In addition, discover the highlights of the Lincoln chapter’s work and the ongoing need for mentors, and hear from OLLI members about their experiences mentoring through TeamMates.
See the home of the Nebraska Cornhusker football team on this facility tour which includes many historic and notable structures. We will visit the North Stadium Athletic Complex, All-American Wall Display, Captains Photo Display, the weight room, and Osborn Legacy Complex. Spend time on Tom Osborne field to learn about the past, the exciting changes coming after the last Husker home game this Fall, and what it means for the fans.
Sparks are flying - in the best way possible. Tour the nation’s largest welding training center, a space where craftsmanship, innovation, and hands-on learning come together. Discover modern welding labs featuring industry-standard equipment, live demonstrations and an inside look at hands-on training, and how students gain career-ready skills and partnerships with local industry that support workforce development. It’s a place where skilled trades are elevated, opportunities created, and the next generation is empowered to build strong futures.
Discover the extraordinary stories behind the 56 men who risked everything to sign the Declaration of Independence. This guided tour takes you through the temporary exhibition, In Search of the Signers. You will examine rare, original documents and 49 authentic signatures from the world-class Byron Reed Collection. Analyze how regular merchants, farmers, and lawyers united for liberty, and interpret historical truths embedded within a massive reproduction of John Trumbull's iconic painting.
We will visit four houses of worship in Lincoln. The speaker at each location will give an overview of the congregation’s beliefs, traditions, and practices. A tour of the facility may also be included. A tour of the facility may also be included.
Sedimentary rocks commonly contain body fossils (bones and shells of animals). The rocks also contain trace fossils (burrows, tracks, scratches, and borings) that record the activities of ancient animals, offering insights into feeding and locomotion, as well as providing information about depositional environments (river, sand dune, beach, deep sea floor). Trace fossils can reveal information on the rate of sedimentation, and presence or absence of trace fossils can show if the ancient environment was oxygenated.
This course has been expanded from 3 to 6 weeks, providing more time to focus exclusively on Apple products (Macs, iPhones/iPads, iWatch, and AirPods) and the latest software updates and refinements. Designed for users who are already comfortable with their devices, explore advanced features and recent developments. You don't need to own every Apple device, but a solid understanding of the basics is expected so we can dive right in without covering beginner-level content.
Craft beer popularity has encouraged hop production to expand beyond the Pacific Northwest (PNW) into the Midwest. The challenge? Many hop varieties do not perform well under Midwest conditions. The UNL hop breeding program is developing varieties that can thrive here. During this guided tour, participants will walk through the hop field to discuss plant development, care, and breeding. Participants will compare different hop cones, including the first Nebraska-based commercial hop introduced in 2026! This class requires walking and standing and moving about on uneven ground.
Gain a deeper understanding of life with dementia through this eye-opening experience. This individualized, experiential tour is designed to provide participants with insight into the cognitive and sensory challenges associated with dementia.
Volleyball is one of the fastest-growing spectator sports, but its pace can make it difficult to follow. Learn the fundamentals for novice viewers with minimal understanding of the game. Participants will learn key terminology, basic rules, scoring, positions, along with basic offensive and defensive strategies. All instruction takes place in a supportive, low-key environment to help you, as spectators, understand what they are watching.
Curious why you enjoy certain wines more than others? Understand your personal taste through a guided tasting of five white wines. Learn how acidity, texture, aromatics, tannins, and fruit shape your experience. Gain tasting and smelling skills along with a simple framework for describing wine. No prior knowledge is necessary. Light snacks provided.
Whether you haven't written a poem since high school or are a published author, enjoy a fun and friendly approach to writing poems of praise to the small things in your life which are heroic and deserve some recognition.
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!
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