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FALL CLASSES START SEPTEMBER 2 — Registration & drop/add available through September 15
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This class has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This course explores a new way to experience art, particularly in museums. Instead of relying on a wall label or joining a guided tour, we discuss what a work of art means to us. We look slowly and share an inquiry into how each of us relates to a work, exploring and sharing our personal connections and individual points of view. All that is needed is your time and attention. Each week, we look at different works of art. The final class is a field trip to the Delaware Art Museum.
Taught by: Carol Griffin, Danielle Battaglia
This class location has changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamenski Road): September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Students learn a variety of watercolor techniques and how to apply them to a painting. Techniques include washes, wet-on-wet brushwork, dry brushwork, glazing and color mixing. Students practice techniques during each class completing a small example of each, then take what they learned to create a complete painting. A supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services.
Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $49. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class.
This class meets at The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamenski Road, Wilmington.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Fee information has been added to this course since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
No experience is necessary for students. The OLLI studio has two pottery wheels, a slab roller, an extruder as well as all tools necessary to enable hand building and throwing ceramics. Our three instructors work individually with students to provide instruction needed for successful learning experiences.
Additional fee: $40 to cover supplies like clay, glaze, paint, etc. and the cost of firing clay projects.
Taught by: John Demsey, Linda Simon, Rolf Eriksen
This course was added since catalog publication.
Hockessin (off site, 10 Upper Snuff Mill Row): September 17, 2025 to November 19, 2025
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Explore the world of artful adornment by learning how to construct basic jewelry pieces such as necklaces, earrings and pins. Wire bending, beading, combining forms, working with unique materials and adding clasps will be presented. Students will make many pieces to own or give as gifts. Some new projects, so returning students are welcome.
This class will be 10 weeks long, located at the Center for Creative Arts (CCArts), 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Hockessin, DE 19707.
Additional fee: $50 materials fee is payable to CCArts at the start of class, as well as an additional class fee of $120 payable directly to CCArts.
Taught by: Sharon Livesay
Rescheduled from the 1st 5-week session to the 2nd 5-week session, with a new start date of 10/16/2025.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
If you have ever wanted to try watercolor, this is your class! Students learn the basics in a fun and relaxed environment. We cover materials and methods and have you painting right away. Participants receive a materials list before the first class.
Taught by: Linda Towers
This class has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to December 2, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Students learn the initial steps of smocking, which includes preparing the fabric to pleat either by hand or through a pleater and pleating and smocking a sampler with basic stitches.
Taught by: Amparo Sanchez-Sarmiento
Fee information has been added to this course since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 2, 2025 to December 2, 2025
Tuesday at 12:00 PM
This workshop is for students taking Ceramic Techniques for All (B215) who can work on their own.
Additional fee: $40 to cover supplies like clay, glaze, paint, etc. and the cost of firing clay projects.
Taught by: Rolf Eriksen
Fee information has been added to this course since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 12:00 PM
Workshop provides additional work time for various clay projects in progress from class. Class website (olliuodcta.art) supports in-class instruction, self-study and information for prospective students.
Additional fee: $40 to cover supplies like clay, glaze, paint, etc. and the cost of firing clay projects.
Taught by: Jeffrey Chambers, John Demsey, Rolf Eriksen
The title of this class has changed since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:30 AM
This is a hands-on class, during which participants learn and discuss the techniques and styles of well-known artists prior to creating a painting of their choice. Students begin new paintings every two weeks, as new artists are presented.
Taught by: Nancy Horan
The day and dates of this class have changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 2, 2025 to December 2, 2025
Tuesday at 9:30 AM
Focusing on ways to improve your paintings, this intermediate acrylics course includes discussions, demos and videos on brushes/brushstrokes, color theory, mediums and more. Students work on class paintings as well as their own choice of works with help. This is not a beginner class.
Taught by: Emily Spadafora, Linda Simon
This class location has changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamenski Road): October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:30 AM
This class is for students who have experience in watercolor or have taken the beginner and beyond beginner or Beyond Beginner classes at The Art Studio. We take the study of value in composition further, learn basic drawing methods and focus on painting simple still lifes from life. Participants provide their own supplies.
Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services.
Additional fee: Requires a fee of $49. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class.
This class meets at The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamenski Road, Wilmington.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
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
This class has an updated schedule since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 12, 2025 to October 10, 2025
Friday at 10:45 AM
Relive your childhood with The Three Stooges! There were actually six, and three were brothers. Their movies were shaped by a depression and world war, and The Three Stooges provided relief and laughter to a weary public. Lecture and discussion will be supplemented with videos and book biographies. It wasn’t all eye pokes and face slaps, but it sure was fun!
Taught by: Michael Walsh
This course was updated since catalog publication to reflect the correct class meeting day of Wednesday.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Whether a Noel Coward comedy, a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical or Richard Burton in Shakespeare, creative artists from across the pond have brightened New York’s stages even before we had a “Great White Way.” Using bright graphics and video clips, this class examines the many British contributions to the American stage and cultural life.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
This course’s start date and number of sessions has been updated since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Course focuses on madrigal and a cappella part-song styles. The class sings music by Gibbons, Dowland, Morley, Purcell, Stanford, Parry and others.
Prerequisite: Ability to read music and sing.
Taught by: Margaret Love
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
As songwriters, we can fall into a rut, making our songs sound repetitious and boring. Together, we will share our collective journeys to better songwriting while learning about various tools and inspirations to keep our song arrangements fresh and exciting. Bring your guitar, etc., to share your talents and progress.
Taught by: Terry Merriman
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
This class has been canceled since catalog publication.
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
This discussion-based course explores the worldwide rise of authoritarian regimes through readings, videos, speakers and class discussions and centers on events evolving in America. Participants are expected to prepare materials outside of class and engage in conversations with classmates and guest speakers. Topics include the dynamics within societies that have allowed for the rise of authoritarianism and prescriptive remedies.
Taught by: Rick Grier-Reynolds
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
The dates and times of this class have changed since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 4, 2025 to October 2, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) was created in 1905 to organize labor across the lines of trades and crafts. Founder Bill Haywood envisioned ‘one big union’ that would represent all workers, regardless of race and gender. Twelve of the IWW’s founding members were women. The union became known for its effective organizing skills and radical ideas. Members, nicknamed “Wobblies,” such as Haywood, Eugene Debs, Lucy Parsons and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn became major targets of anti-union and anti-radical police actions.
Taught by: Thomas Kelly
New course added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
This course surveys Scottish history from the Protestant Reformation in the 1560s to the death of Scotland’s most beloved author, Walter Scott. Through primary source readings and discussion, we will learn how Scotland emerged from its reputation as England’s backwater neighbor to stand at the forefront of Enlightenment thought. Please join this exploration through Scotland’s unique historical landscape—lochs and glens included—to discover how Scotland’s capital became the “Athens of the North.”
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Pamela Ahern
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 course has been canceled since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 5, 2025 to December 5, 2025
Friday at 10:45 AM
By the end of the first century, the death of the apostles produced a leadership vacuum that was filled by the Apostolic Fathers. This course covers the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and the connection of these writings to the books of the Bible. We explore the leadership structure of the 2nd-century church; discuss the letters of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna and others; and examine the tremendous heresies and persecutions faced by the church.
Taught by: Salvatore Tremonte
This class has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 1, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Plant health is fundamental to the production of crops which are important to the survival of humanity. The goal of this course is to explore plant pathology as a biological science with important ties to human welfare. You will gain an understanding of food production systems and the impact of plant disease caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes as well as climate change and their impact on human culture through lectures, readings and discussions about major plant epidemics and famines through history
Taught by: Tom Evans
New course added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Charles Darwin through his theory of evolution proposed that all living things were “netted together” by a common ancestry. Few people appreciate that Darwin was also a preeminent botanist. Darwin’s study of the plant kingdom was his lifelong passion, and botany was the center of each stage of his life. In this course we walk in the footsteps of Darwin in the Galapagos to look at the plants that helped inform his theory of evolution. We look at Ecuador and the Galapagos as one system to begin with and then cover his theory of adaptive evolution, the native and exotic plants and mangroves of Ecuador and the Galapagos.
Taught by: Tom Evans
New course added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
What really happens to our bodies as we age? Why do our joints creak, our memory blur, and our energy fade—and what does science say about it? This course is your invitation to explore aging from the inside out. Blending biology, genetics and health science with a clear, engaging teaching style, this course takes participants on a journey through the human body as it moves. Together, we’ll uncover the processes behind everything, from gray hair and cataracts to metabolic shifts and neurodegeneration. By the end of the course, participants will not only understand what aging is, but also how new discoveries are reshaping our ideas of health and longevity.
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Krishna Thakkar
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 5, 2025 to December 5, 2025
Friday at 9:00 AM
An introduction to the popular Yang style forms of this slow-motion exercise. Tai Chi is a pattern of standing movements that may improve balance and provide other health benefits. No prior experience is needed.
Taught by: Angela Drooz
Ocean View Community Center: September 8, 2025 to October 6, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Argentine tango is an improvisational partner dance popular world-wide, and nothing like the ‘show tango’ seen on TV. Argentine tango is mostly slow and sensual, deliberate in movements and all about the walk and your connection to your partner, the music and the moment. We teach the basics starting from tango posture, the embrace, the walk and how to wordlessly lead or follow, plus basic dance moves. After completing the course, students should be prepared to join a local tango group.
Prerequisite: Must be able to walk unassisted.
In the printed catalog’s Schedule by Day on page 78, this class was mistakenly listed on Wednesdays. It is correctly listed on Mondays in the updated Fall 2025 Schedule by Day which is available online.
Taught by: Christine Eggert, John Huegel, Kathy Huegel
Ocean View Community Center: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Argentine tango is an improvisational partner dance popular world-wide, and nothing like the ‘show tango’ seen on TV. Argentine tango is mostly slow and sensual, deliberate in movements and all about the walk and your connection to your partner, the music and the moment. We teach the basics starting from tango posture, the embrace, the walk and how to wordlessly lead or follow, plus basic dance moves. After completing the course, students should be prepared to join a local tango group.
Prerequisite: Must be able to walk unassisted.
In the printed catalog’s Schedule by Day on page 78, this class was mistakenly listed on Wednesdays. It is correctly listed on Mondays in the updated Fall 2025 Schedule by Day which is available online.
Taught by: Christine Eggert, John Huegel, Kathy Huegel
This class has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:00 AM
All levels are welcome to this gentle introduction to the fundamentals of qigong and tai chi. These ancient Chinese practices combine slow, mindful movements with coordinated breathing, energy flow and meditation to promote balance, flexibility, relaxation, and enhanced focus and coordination. Students are introduced to popular qigong forms such as Eight Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin), Shibashi Set 1 and animal forms. The course may also include basic movements from the widely practiced tai chi 24-form, yang style. Join us for this gentle practice designed to improve overall health and wellbeing. No prior experience is necessary!
Taught by: Bette Kaupa
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 8, 2025 to October 6, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Our world continues to evolve; your financial plan and investments should as well. A financial plan should be a living/breathing document, updated regularly for taxes, inflation and more. The markets are bigger than ever, with more choices. Does buy and hold still work? What about AI and bitcoin—are they good options for a retiree? This class is for all interested in the markets and investment planning, but we discuss advanced concepts as well.
Taught by: Michael Loftus
Ocean View Community Center: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Our world continues to evolve; your financial plan and investments should as well. A financial plan should be a living/breathing document, updated regularly for taxes, inflation and more. The markets are bigger than ever, with more choices. Does buy and hold still work? What about AI and bitcoin—are they good options for a retiree? This class is for all interested in the markets and investment planning, but we discuss advanced concepts as well.
Taught by: Michael Loftus
New course added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
This course offers an engaging look at the U.S. criminal legal system with a focus on incarceration and punishment. Through readings, discussions, and a guest speaker, we’ll explore how the system operates and how it affects individuals and communities. Topics include prison conditions, aging inside, and the challenges of reentry. No background required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore tough but important questions. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the system, join us!
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Mackenzie Niness
This one-session class has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): November 14, 2025 to November 14, 2025
Friday at 10:00 AM
“Westward Ho!” was the cry of hundreds of thousands of pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail to seek a better life. Lewes’ resident and pilot, Dorian De Maio, who previously presented his exploration of the Lewis and Clark Trail and Mountain Men Era, once again uses his airplane to follow the emigrants west in this third chapter of How the West Was Won. Come join us to learn of the struggles and hardships of these intrepid men and women on the Oregon Trail!
Taught by: Dorian De Maio
This one-session class has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 22, 2025 to October 22, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Discover the extraordinary true story of the WWII U.S. Navy heavy cruiser USS Houston CA-30, whose crew faced unimaginable trials during the early Pacific War. From the ship’s valiant final stand in the Battle of Sunda Strait to the brutal 3.75-year ordeal as POWs forced to build the infamous Burma-Thailand Death Railway—the same one depicted in the classic film The Bridge on the River Kwai—this powerful presentation brings to life a chapter of history too often overlooked.
Taught by: John Schwarz
This one-session class has been added since catalog publication.
Dover (Noble’s Pond Clubhouse, Dover): October 8, 2025 to October 8, 2025
Wednesday at 4:00 PM
October in Germany isn’t all about beer; join Walter Makarucha as he introduces some of Germany’s fine wines. An appropriate food pairing will accompany each wine sampled.
This event will take place at Noble’s Pond Club House in Dover, DE on Wed., Oct. 8, 2025.
The cost is $20.00, which will be collected at the site on the day of the event.
Taught by: Walter Makarucha
This one-session class has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 7, 2025 to October 7, 2025
Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Lab-grown diamonds have become a hot topic in jewelry over the last 25 years, and have become a significant category in the past decade. Mined diamonds are believed to be formed between 1 to 3.3 billion years. Lab-grown diamonds can be grown in weeks! We’ll explore the history of lab-grown diamonds, the differences between mined and lab-grown diamonds, how they are grown, and help you decide if the next diamond you buy or consider might be lab-grown.
Taught by: Lee Kuperstein
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