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2nd-5-WEEK CLASSES START OCT. 14 — Registration & drop/add available Oct. 7-21
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Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Art workshop in any medium. No instruction, but help if needed. A time to paint, relax and hang out with art friends.
Taught by: Dot Owens-Davis
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Learn the fundamentals of watercolor in this step-by-step introductory class. From brushstrokes, color blending and watercolor washes, students create transparent art in this fluid medium. This is a progressive process, so regular attendance is beneficial.
Taught by: Isabelle Fugedy, Patricia Scarpitti
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Prerequisite: Pastel experience encouraged but not required. This workshop is an opportunity to further our experience and enjoyment of pastel painting with others who share this interest. No formal instruction is offered, so familiarity with pastels is encouraged (but not required). Both facilitators and participants identify topics for short instructional videos. Participants paint from personal or other reference photos, or imagination. A positive critique session each week offers support and advice, as well as sharing skills, techniques and ideas.
Taught by: Tricia Watson, Ann Walker, Donni Louise
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Step into the vibrant realm where art knows no boundaries and diverse art mediums come together on the canvas of creativity. Students learn to use acrylic skins, texture paste, collage and paint to bring a vision to life. Prepare to get delightfully messy, rediscovering the joy of art! Ready to rewrite the ‘rules’ of creativity and embark on the most thrilling artistic adventure of a lifetime?! Let the mixed media begin!
Taught by: Gabrielle Bradley, Rebecca Daniels
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Beginners and experienced students enjoy sculpting and ceramic techniques. Beginners work with the instructor alongside experienced students using simple coils, slabs and hand sculpting of figures, bas relief and ceramics. Emphasis on form and textures. Be creative; try what appeals to you.
Additional fee: $40 materials fee, payable to instructor.
Taught by: Joseph Germano, Lynne Seligman, Svetlana Lisanti
This class has an updated schedule since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 11, 2025 to October 9, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Dean Martin – The King of Cool – Martin & Lewis – The Rat Pack – Superstar! The class will cover his remarkable life and incredible careers in television, movies, stage performances and recordings. Lecture and discussion will be supplemented with videos, CD recordings and book biographies. Find out how Dino became one of the world’s favorite entertainers! New videos!
Taught by: Michael Walsh
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 ignited a U.S. cultural phenomenon known as the British Invasion, opening the door for dozens of U.K. pop and rock music groups to barrel through. In this class we look at the Fab Four and their accomplices including The Animals, The Searchers, The Zombies, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Kinks, The Who and many more, plus solo performers like Dusty Springfield, Sandie Shaw, Cilla Black, Donovan and Tom Jones.
Taught by: Jerry Grant
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Beyond the Metropolitan Opera there are some highly praised companies in the U.S. Internationally known singers as well as young, emerging artists bring operatic performances to local communities. Besides mainstage productions, these companies offer community outreach concerts and opera programs in schools, community centers, houses of worship and even private homes. Participants view videos of mainstage productions from around the country.
Taught by: Robert Violette
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Opera has existed for several hundred years. Perhaps you delayed learning about it or had a difficult first attempt at it. Maybe you just haven’t had an opportunity to learn in an open environment where questions, comments and reactions are encouraged and various types of operas are explained. This class is your opportunity! There’s a lot to introduce you to in this “complete art” form.
Taught by: Robert Violette
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
The Osher Flute Choir enjoys playing a variety of musical styles from classical and popular to folk and baroque. This is a recurring class, but we welcome new members with prior playing experience. We share our expertise to improve tone, technique and intonation. The instructor is happy to answer any questions before registration.
Taught by: Pamela Finkelman, Margaret Love
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Experience playing the recorder. Students continue their progress and increase their skill in playing the recorder. Course covers folk music as well as music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Taught by: Don Von Schriltz, Andy Corbett, Helene Furlong
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Prerequisite: Experience singing in a musical ensemble. A large, mixed voice performing group for experienced singers who can read music and sing from a three-part (SAB) or four-part (SATB) score. This ensemble learns a wide variety of choral music, and this semester songs reflect on autumn and winter, along with a few holiday favorites. Performances are scheduled at the end of the semester (live or recorded). Excellent attendance is expected.
Taught by:
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
A fun learning experience featuring interesting pieces and duets with growing skill and confidence. Continuing study of violin playing including scales, bowing and exercises, advancing to study of positions and solo pieces.
Four to six hours of weekly practice time is recommended.
Prerequisite: At least one to two years of previous study required.
Required text: Introducing the Positions for Violin Vol 1, Harvey S. Whistler
Taught by: Eleanor Dooley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Step into the spotlight and unleash your creativity. In this dynamic course, participants explore theatre skills, collaborate with fellow ensemble members and bring original performances to life in a safe space. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping on stage for the first time, this class welcomes all experience levels. Join us to learn, laugh and create something unforgettable — the world is your stage!
Taught by: Charles Conway
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Thirteen hikes with the Wilmington Trail Club at sites in northern Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and eastern Maryland. Best not to schedule other classes until 2 p.m. Participants are emailed the list of hikes. Group lunch after hike is optional.
Prerequisite: Ability to hike four to five miles on flat and hilly terrain.
Additional fee: A $10 fee is required and includes membership in the Wilmington Trail Club for the fall semester.
Taught by: Eric Sallee
The meeting day of this class has been updated to Thursday since publication of the catalog.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 11, 2025 to October 9, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Engage in an exploration of peace — its meaning, practice and impact. Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive activities and insightful guest speakers, we examine peace as a personal and societal ideal. We discuss community-driven initiatives in Delaware, the transformative role of art and culture and the intersection of peace and social justice. We learn practical steps for meaningful action. Community connections and interactive projects are offered as options to enrich learning.
Taught by: Christine Vitsorek, Julie Brewer
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Unlock your family’s history with Family Tree Maker Software in this engaging, hands-on course! Using computers in the lab, students learn how to organize family records, add photos and documents and generate charts and reports. Each session includes demonstrations, guided activities, and dedicated time for students to work on their own family trees. This course helps students build and preserve their family history with confidence, whether they are beginners or simply looking to enhance their existing genealogy research.
Prerequisite: Basic computer skills recommended.
Taught by: Reg Herzog
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Are you exploring your family history and need help navigating genealogy research tools? This open computer lab provides a supportive space to work on family trees, search historical records and organize findings with guidance from experienced facilitators. Participants can use the lab PCs or bring their own laptops or MacBooks. Get personalized assistance in searching census records, vital records, immigration documents and other resources to help uncover your ancestry.
Taught by: Reg Herzog
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
A review of the history of the Lincoln Assassination and the fate of John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators, as well as other attempts on the life of President Lincoln.
Taught by: Thomas Reed
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Based on the Great Courses series, this course begins with a historical review of American intelligence then follows the CIA from being a small collection of Office of Strategic Services (OSS) operators to being a key instrument of U.S. foreign policy. Class consists of prerecorded lectures by Hugh Wilford, Ph.D., professor of history at California State University, augmented by a 35-40 minute presentation by the instructor with added information and context. There is time for Q&A. This semester’s class follows the CIA through the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Taught by: Martin Cohen
This class has been canceled since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Join us for a journey into architecture from Colonial, Victorian, Art Deco & Modern to Outrageous & the architects that made it so! There are many you may know like Frank Furness, Frank Lloyd Wright, Paul Cret, Louis Kahn & Zaha Hadid. You will be introduced to other innovative architects who think out of the box. Great buildings! Awesome architecture!
Taught by: Judy Filipkowski
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to October 2, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This class centers on books about our environment, and it is offered in two five-week sessions. The first focuses on non-fiction books about planet earth’s survival, while the second explores novels in which life forms, including animals, play the protagonists. The first session features Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, Pulitzer Prize winner. For more info, check the website at: https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/lifeonearth/home.
Taught by: Rebecca Worley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Love has a dark side, too. Through Wuthering Heights, Anna Karenina and Rebecca, we will explore desperate, intense passion, obsession and their relationship to society and morality. This is NOT a “romance novel” class!
Required texts: Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte; Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy; Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier.
Taught by: Susan Shoemaker
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This class centers on books about our environment, and it is offered in two five-week sessions. The first focuses on non-fiction books about planet earth’s survival, while the second explores novels in which life forms, including animals, play the protagonists. The first session features Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, Pulitzer Prize winner. For more info, check the website at: https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/lifeonearth/home.
Taught by: Rebecca Worley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Each class features an introduction followed by a video presentation and class discussion. Topics include Mideast realignment, climate technology and competition, science across borders, U.S.-China trade rivalry, NATO’s future, understanding Indonesia, High Seas Treaty, and pandemic preparedness. Purchase of the Great Decisions Briefing Book is recommended.
Taught by: Steven Dombchik, A. Hays Butler, Claude Faulkner
This class has an updated schedule since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
People of all ages, religions, cultures and continents have reported having near-death experiences. New cases are reported every month. This class answers the following questions based on extensive, publicly available research: What are NDEs? What insights do they give us on what is important in everyday life? What are nine things we should know before we or a loved one face the transition we commonly call death? The class provides time for discussion and the opportunity for students to share experiences.
Taught by: Daniel Flynn
This class has an updated schedule since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This is an interactive class, and it includes both writing and discussion. Participants share several types of short pieces — flash fiction, nonfiction, micro memoir and humor — all under 1,000 words. Class covers the variety and characteristics of each, along with helpful tips, examples and prompts designed to join one’s imagination with the kinds of stories they choose to create.
Taught by: Jean Youkers
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
This course introduces learners to artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on understanding and using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT. The course combines lectures and hands-on activities, allowing students to engage with AI in a structured learning environment.
Prerequisite: No prior AI experience is necessary, but basic computer skills and access to the ChatGPT app are recommended. Students can choose between the paid version ($20/month) and free version. Students can take the class without a paid subscription.
When registering, sign up for either the section using an OLLI computer, or the section for those bringing their own laptops.
Taught by: Anita Sterling, Karen Brugh, Lewis Martin Jr.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Two semesters of OLLI Spanish or the equivalent. Required text: The Complete Ultimate Spanish, Ronni L. Gordon, PhD. et. al., 978-1-264-25910-6. This is the third of a series of classes for beginners in Spanish. We follow the textbook and songs. Other materials may be used as needed.
Taught by: Jeanne Hanson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Five semesters of OLLI Spanish or the equivalent. Required text: The Complete Ultimate Spanish, Gordon, 978-1-264-25910-6. This class consists of small group discussions, textbook work and singing in Spanish.
Taught by: Jeanne Hanson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Active participation. The mission of the OLLI Eco Team is to support green behavior in our homes, communities and the world through our actions and education. We are a group that discusses our agenda for the year and breaks into groups to accomplish goals. Our focus for the semester is to implement elements of the UD Sustainability Plan. We develop immediate goals and devise action plans.
Taught by: Judy Winters, Mark Mendelson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Learn about yoga philosophy and lifestyle through instructor guided yoga practice (poses, breathing and relaxation). Explore basic postures, stretches, breath control, balances, relaxation and meditation. Practice between sessions is helpful, but not required. Those with physical disabilities are welcome to participate according to their ability.
Taught by: Brian Hanson, Lorie Tudor
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Chair yoga is offered as an option for those who wish to practice yoga and are uncomfortable transitioning between floor poses and standing poses. Options for stretches and yoga poses are offered, including sitting on a chair and standing using a chair for support.
Taught by: Carol Lovett
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to October 23, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This class includes guest speakers with topics addressing our physical and mental wellbeing. Participants should bring water and come prepared to walk for half the class time. Walkers are divided into three different groups in accordance with their own walking style. Those who enjoy strolling, average paced and fast walkers. Routes are outlined by the instructors. Participants enjoy the camaraderie of chatting with classmates and the endorphin boost that results from walking. Nothing but fun!
Taught by: Liz Waters, Merrill Stein
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: International Folk Dance: Wilmington (Tuesdays). Participating in recreational international folk dancing is a wonderful way to meet people in the U.S. and many other countries, as knowing other languages is not required. This mild to moderate form of exercise is a great way for seniors to maintain cardiac fitness, mobility, balance and brain health. The focus is to learn dances that are frequently done in circles, lines or couples by local community groups in DE, PA , NJ and NY. Best to wear low-heeled leather bottom shoes.
Taught by: Lorraine Cohn, Martin Cohn
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Knowledgeable guest speakers present lectures on timely regional, national and international issues across a broad spectrum of topics, followed by a lively question and answer session.
Taught by: Peg Stanford, Nancy Hannigan, Jeff Ostroff
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
This course is about the historic development of money by world civilizations. It covers the evolution of the U.S. dollar bill, coins, and gold and silver reserves as well as the creation of the U.S. central bank (the Federal Reserve) and its relation to the Treasury and Congress. The instructor describes the process by which the U.S. government spends money and leads a discussion about government deficits and debt.
Taught by: Kurt Augenblick
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Required text: The Tyranny of Merit: Can we Find the Common Good?, Michael Sandel, ISBN#1250800064. This course examines the book The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good? by Harvard professor Michael Sandel. The premise of the book is that the inequality created by the myth of American meritocracy has caused polarization that is a danger to democracy.
Taught by: George Helton, Diane Senerth
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Mexican Train Dominoes is easy to learn and lots of fun to play. We’ll teach you to play online. Try it with us and see for yourself. This class is for both new and experienced players.
Taught by: Mary McNeeley, Lisa Campbell
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington