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.
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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.
Relax the body and soothe the mind from the comfort of your own home in a remote yoga experience. All you need is a chair with no arm rests and some comfy clothes or pajamas. Expect gentle mobility, breathing techniques, and mindful movement to improve sleep quality, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
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.
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.
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.
Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn about the disease, changes to expect and how to care for someone on this journey.
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.
When it comes to caring for loved ones, most families don’t have a plan until a crisis happens. Discover how to provide the best care for your loved ones and/or to provide vital information for your children to assist you should that need arise. Receive the tools to plan for future housing needs, caregiving considerations and financial planning for the cost of healthcare. Create a comprehensive plan that includes your home, health, finances, and wishes.
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.
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 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.
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.
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