QUICK LINKS — OLLI home page | Spring Schedule by Day | OLLI digital catalog home | Questions? Email olli-online@udel.edu
• OLLI’s 2nd-5-week classes begin March 30!
• Late registration & drop/add reopens 3/16 to 4/3 for with open seats
Use the dropdowns below to view available offerings by day of the week, category, or other filters.
View all updated or canceled courses | Clear form/view all courses
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 1:00 PM
Additional fee: Materials. A hands-on class for experienced weavers to work independently creating baskets of their choosing while learning new techniques and chatting with other weavers. The instructors are available to help with the weaving process and questions. Students may bring their own basket and supplies to class, or the instructors can guide the students in selecting and purchasing basket kits and/or supplies to be made in class. Weavers pay for ordered supplies at cost. There is an additional fee to cover materials.
Taught by: Harriett Smith, Maurice McGrath, Christina Rocke
Online: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Explore the use of light, shadow and color to create forms using watercolors. Previous experience required. 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. The class may run 1.5 hours each week if the student’s schedule allows. Prerequisite: Beginner’s watercolor class or other watercolor experience. Additional fee: Requires a fee of $45 payable to the Art Studio. A payment link is sent to class members prior to the first class.
Sign up for the Tuesday section held off-site at The Art Studio, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804, or the online section held on Wednesdays.
Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:30 PM
Students learn the ‘Tiffany’ method of stained glass creations. They design a pattern, cut glass, grind, foil and solder a project. This course is open to beginners and advanced artists. The instructor must approve all projects. Closed-toe shoes are required. No sandals or flip-flops should be worn. Please note additional fee: $25 lab fee to cover the cost of materials. Sign up for either the Tuesday or Thursday section, both meeting in Lewes.
Taught by: Paul Puch, Rodney Lau
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Students learn the ‘Tiffany’ method of stained glass creations. They design a pattern, cut glass, grind, foil and solder a project. This course is open to beginners and advanced artists. The instructor must approve all projects. Closed-toe shoes are required. No sandals or flip-flops should be worn. Please note additional fee: $25 lab fee to cover the cost of materials. Sign up for either the Tuesday or Thursday section, both meeting in Lewes.
Taught by: Paul Puch, Rodney Lau
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Materials fee of $15, payable to instructor. Both beginners and experienced card makers are welcome. This course teaches techniques to produce lovely cards to lift spirits and celebrate all occasions. Most tools and supplies are provided. Please note the additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Charlene Jehle
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 1:00 PM
Prerequisite: Beginner’s Acrylic, part one. A comprehensive beginner’s landscape acrylic painting class designed for students to build on the fundamental skills learned in the Beginner’s Acrylic painting class (part one), covering the techniques necessary for creating expressive landscape artwork. The class provides a supportive and inspiring environment for students to explore their creativity and continue to develop their painting skills.
Taught by: Joseph Vescio, Barry Moshinski
The course number of this class has been corrected since catalog publication.
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Explore the use of light, shadow and color to create forms using watercolors. Previous experience required. 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. The class may run 1.5 hours each week if the student’s schedule allows. Prerequisite: Beginner’s watercolor class or other watercolor experience. Additional fee: Requires a fee of $45 payable to the Art Studio. A payment link is sent to class members prior to the first class.
Sign up for the Tuesday section held off-site at The Art Studio, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804, or the online section held on Wednesdays.
Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Unlock the power of color in this hands-on, five-week exploration of color theory designed for artists working in acrylics. Each session blends practical exercises with creative application as you learn to mix, match and manipulate color to bring harmony and emotion to your artwork. Through guided lessons and experiments, you’ll gain confidence in working with the color wheel, understanding value and intensity, mixing tints, tones and shades to create dynamic color palettes. This section is held during the 2nd 5-week session.
Taught by: Gabrielle Bradley
Dover (Wyoming Church): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This course is designed to introduce the fundamentals to develop skills in drawing using various techniques, i.e. depth/shadow, highlights, lines and other concepts, through discussion and observation. Students will be given a choice of subject matter, and will apply personal choices while creating art and using shape, definition, and positive and negative space. Materials to bring include drawing tablet, pencils, eraser.
Taught by: Sheila Exum
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This class offers students the option of knitting one of three small patterns: a classic infant cardigan, a chevron scarf, or a shawlette with beginning lace techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches and pattern reading. Help with picking which pattern to choose will include discussion of yarn considerations and needle requirements. Patterns will be provided; students must provide their own yarn and needles.
Taught by: Helen Hines
Dover (Wyoming Church): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
If you’d like to knit socks, but don’t like double pointed needles, this is the class for you! We will focus on the “magic loop” technique: knitting a sock from the top down using one long circular needle. We will cover casting on and knitting the leg while getting used to the magic loop, then forming the heel, foot, and shaping the toe. The toe will be grafted for a smooth, comfortable finish. The project is made from worsted weight (size 4) yarn, using a 40″ size 5 (3.75mm) circular needle.
Taught by: Patricia White
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 16, 2026 to March 16, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $30 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Four classes are available, offering the opportunity to create a penguin, 3-D succulent, flamingo or tulip. Register for one or all! Please note that the additional fees mentioned above apply to each class.
Taught by: Melissa Kluczynski, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 13, 2026 to April 13, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $30 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Four classes are available, offering the opportunity to create a penguin, 3-D succulent, flamingo or tulip. Register for one or all! Please note that the additional fees mentioned above apply to each class.
Taught by: Melissa Kluczynski, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): May 4, 2026 to May 4, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $30 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Four classes are available, offering the opportunity to create a penguin, 3-D succulent, flamingo or tulip. Register for one or all! Please note that the additional fees mentioned above apply to each class.
Taught by: Melissa Kluczynski, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 2, 2026 to April 16, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Discover the expressive power of the dip pen — an ancient drawing tool that continues to inspire artists today. In this workshop, artists will learn essential tips and techniques to create dynamic, fluid, and detailed drawings using dip pens and ink. Through guided exercises and hands-on practice, you’ll explore line variation, texture, cross-hatching, and mark-making to develop your own visual language. All levels welcome. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $75. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 13, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 12:30 PM
Learn the basics of gouache painting in this fun and approachable workshop. Participants explore the unique qualities of gouache — a versatile medium that combines the water-activated flow of watercolor with the rich opacity of acrylic paint, offering artists the best of both worlds. Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about trying something new! Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $75. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 2, 2026 to March 2, 2026
Monday at 12:30 PM
Explore the art of intaglio printmaking using simple, accessible materials you can find at home! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to transform a plastic surface — such as a recycled milk carton or food container — into a makeshift printing plate. Using a sharp tool, you’ll incise your design into the surface, then apply and wipe ink into the grooves to prepare your image for printing. Some images will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring in their own sketches and inspiration. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 30, 2026 to March 30, 2026
Monday at 12:30 PM
Join local artist Katie LeCocq for a most unusual painting experience! We will paint a rose with coffee in this most fragrant of painting mediums. Participants will go home with a handsome conversation starter. No experience necessary and all materials provided. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 23, 2026 to April 23, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
In this hands-on class, participants learn how to design and carve their own custom stamp using soft linoleum blocks — perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike! With guidance and easy-to-use tools, you’ll transform your drawing into a reusable stamp that can be used for card making, journaling, fabric printing, and more. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $8 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:00 AM
This studio is open to advanced stained glass students to work on individual projects. An instructor will be present to aid and assist with the projects. Students will be expected to work as independently as possible. For any project larger than 9″ x 12″, participants must provide their own glass. Local glass resource information is available by the instructors. Materials fee will cover solder, foil, zinc framing and use of the classroom equipment (grinders, foiling machine, cutters, framing saw etc.).
There is a materials fee of $25 for this class.
Taught by: Bette Kaupa, Paul Puch, Rodney Lau
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Required text: The Berlin Stories, Christopher Isherwood, ISBN 0-81-121804-X. A shockingly brilliant new musical in 1966, Cabaret’s message is frighteningly relevant in today’s world. Since then it has been made into an Academy Award winning film, and the stage version has undergone two radical reinterpretations in London and on Broadway. We will travel back and uncover Cabaret’s source materials including the Berlin Stories and look at life in Weimar Berlin. This class is an updating of material from Cabaret 50 first presented in 2022.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
The meeting day and time of this class has been changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Required text: A Field Guide to Bluegrass Music, Jeff Westerinen, online resource (https://blueoctanebluegrass.com/a-field-guide-to-bluegrass/). The course is a comprehensive guide to bluegrass music, designed for both musicians and non-musicians. It covers the history, sub-genres and key elements of bluegrass, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding its development and evolution. The course includes live demonstrations of each bluegrass instrument, helping students develop a trained ear for deeper listening (and playing).
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Participants in this course will be able to listen, sing along or play an instrument brought from home. Instructor provides a chronological list of songs, including keys, that we will play each week. Participants can suggest additional songs as we move through our list. If we have enough players, we will rotate performance leaders. Discussions about the songs will occur between performances. We will start on “Route 66” written by Bobby Troup in 1946.
Taught by: Jack Bartley
Online: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 10:30 AM
This course covers finding music online (written and audio), using music notation software to edit music, software to help you practice, software to help you read music directly (no more paper!), and how to manage and share your music library. Software includes ForScore and MuseScore; websites include Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive, SmartMusic and YouTube. We’ll also discuss playing live music online with others.
Taught by: Ellen Sherin, Pam Wilson
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 12:45 PM
Prerequisite: A computer with recording software for eventual home use. Computers with recording software will be available in the classroom. This course provides the basics you need to make your songs come alive. It provides an overview of the recording process, demystifying terms like DAW, MIDI, channels, tracks and latency. Then it dives into the processes of recording and editing audio, MIDI, effects and other fun topics. The course includes live recording sessions in which students see the process and get hands-on experience. Various recording software products are discussed ranging from free to $100 to “the sky is the limit.”
Taught by: Terry Merriman
Online: April 3, 2026 to May 1, 2026
Friday at 9:00 AM
This course provides tactical tools and techniques to broaden participants’ knowledge of the philanthropic sector, and to encourage their exploration of the role of philanthropy (time, talent and/or treasure) in their lives. We explore the role of philanthropy in the U.S. nonprofit sector, intentional philanthropy (what inspires you to give), selecting charitable causes and organizations to support, due-diligence tips, your legacy, and an overview of common charitable tools.
Taught by: Beth Harper Briglia
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
Today’s news isn’t just about reporting facts: it’s about creating compelling stories that engage/enrage and influence audiences. Every headline, photo, blog post, article and soundbite is crafted to capture attention and frame how we see events. This course explores how news stories are constructed, why different outlets discuss the same event in very different ways, and how storytelling techniques influence public opinion, trust, and democracy itself.
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Online: March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 9:00 AM
From virtually the beginning of recorded history, flowers have been treasured and depicted in paintings, sculpture and other visual arts. This series examines the role and depiction of flowers in arts from around the world. From delicate touches to ultra realism to huge exaggeration, we explore how the fragile ephemeral beauty of flowers has inspired a broad range of artistic expression from ancient Greece to contemporary times.
Taught by: Melanie Moser
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This course covers the history of activism in America and what it has achieved, from the abolitionist movement to Moms Demand Action.
Taught by: Bonnie Tamres-Moore
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
The Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, stand as one of the most celebrated filmmaking duos in modern cinema. Their films are known for their stylish visuals, complex and often absurd plots and eccentric, larger than life characters. We view one of their films each week, in its entirety. At the beginning of each class, there will be a presentation describing the making of the movie. Afterward, there will be time for questions and comments.
Taught by: Susan Klugerman
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Suggested to have taken the New Orleans History course. Musician Jesse Moore said New Orleans is “not a city. It’s a way of life…. a place that you fall deeply in love with.” This class will explain the culture of the Big Easy: Creoles and Cajuns, free people of color, food and architecture like nowhere else, Mardi Gras, and jazz. We’ll explore stories of fascinating people, many of them women, who made a unique city. Hopefully at the end of the class, you will agree with Bob Dylan that “There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.”
Taught by: Suzanne Stone
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This presentation provides interesting details related to the challenges of meeting President Kennedy’s goal of getting to the moon by the end of the decade in the 1960s. It focuses on ILC Industries, a Dover, Delaware, company that was a true underdog in the competition to develop the ideal space suit to provide our astronauts the safety and freedom needed to move about on the lunar surface. It all came down to great engineering and the skills of the seamstresses that stitched the materials together.
Taught by: William Ayrey
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Two minutes was the time allowed for a pony express rider to switch mounts at a relay station. The iconic Pony Express would be the first “fast” mail between the settled East and the developing West of America. This step forward, in speeding up communications, would be a factor in holding California in the Union. This course covers the Pony Express from the beginning to its end, 19 months later, with its amazing history and impact upon America.
Taught by: Ray Glick
Dover (Wyoming Church): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
Codes and ciphers have been used throughout history to convey and protect sensitive information. In this class, you’ll learn the difference between codes and ciphers, and how they are made and broken. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at creating and solving both. We’ll also look at how codes and ciphers have been used over the centuries, and how they have affected history.
Taught by: Patricia White
Dover (Wyoming Church): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 12:45 PM
In the 1960s, Greenwich Village pulsed with rebellious energy. Folk music thrived in its cafes, hosting Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and others. It was a haven for artists and activists, and it embodied counterculture. This class explores the music, poetry and literature that permeated the area of New York City known as “The Village.”
Taught by: Susan Watkins, Larry Watkins
Dover (Wyoming Church): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 2:30 PM
This class will present a series of biographies of people who made significant contributions to the development of the automobile industry in the early twentieth century.
Taught by: Larry Watkins
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 21, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
During the 1926 World Series, Babe Ruth promised an ailing boy named Johnny Sylvester that he would knock a homer for him, and that promise became a legend. As the great-nephew of Johnny Sylvester and documentary maker of “I’ll Knock a Homer for You,” the instructor screens and discusses his film in this class. Discover insights into the inspiring life of the Bambino and his rise to achieve greatness. Learn about the making of this documentary, as well as the 1926 World Series which serves as a backdrop to the story.
Taught by: Andrew Lilley
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 9:00 AM
Since ancient times, humans have chronicled the world: from inscribed bones of our earliest ancestors to today’s Google Maps. See how geography shapes our view of the planet and how maps have fashioned the world we know today. Visit some of Earth’s most isolated locales and places where conflicts still arise due to disputed borders and contested national boundary claims. Finally, explore our maps of other worlds and even the entire cosmos.
Taught by: Jim O’Leary
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 10:45 AM
After his Waterloo defeat, Napoleon knew he was in danger. He quickly abdicated and appealed to Great Britain for protection. Britain accommodated Napoleon’s request although not at the “hearth of the British people” in England as he had envisioned, but on the remote British-owned South Atlantic Ocean island of St. Helena, a natural fortress. From his arrival in 1815 to his death in 1821 Napoleon impacted the British citizens, while life on the island became Napoleon’s “last battle.”
Taught by: Katherine Henn
Online: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Learn about contemporary and modern poetry through close reading and discussion of poems presented in the New Yorker Poetry Podcast archive. For each class, students listen at home to a selected episode. In class we continue the discussion begun by the host and guest poet, considering matters of craft and process. The New Yorker Poetry Podcast is free and easily available on the internet.
Taught by: Linda McMeniman
Dover (Wyoming Church): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Required Text: My Dear Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, ISBN 978-0-06-246616-7. This historical novel explores the hard fought war of American independence and even harder struggle to establish a working government for the new nation as envisioned by Alexander Hamilton, seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, his wife, widow and warrior. A widow for almost 50 years, Elizabeth became a person of prominence in her own right. Join us to learn how and why she did.
There are two sections of this book club. One meets online, Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m., and the other meets Thursdays, in Dover at 9 a.m.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
The online section of this class has been added since catalog publication.
Online: April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Required Text: My Dear Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, ISBN 978-0-06-246616-7. This historical novel explores the hard fought war of American independence and even harder struggle to establish a working government for the new nation as envisioned by Alexander Hamilton, seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, his wife, widow and warrior. A widow for almost 50 years, Elizabeth became a person of prominence in her own right. Join us to learn how and why she did.
There are two sections of this book club. One meets online, Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m., and the other meets Thursdays, in Dover at 9 a.m.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Required text: Forgive for Good, Dr. Fred Luskin. Participants learn and discuss what forgiveness is and is not, and the barriers involved. We explore how we benefit physically, emotionally and mentally from practicing forgiveness. Class participants are asked to read the book, Forgive for Good, by Dr. Fred Luskin. This book, stories, short videos and an article written by the instructor illustrate concepts and provide opportunities for reflection and class discussion.
Taught by: Eileen Donnelly
Online: March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 9:00 AM
We will look at many of the spiritual teachings of Jesus and Eckhart Tolle. No outside reading is required, but if so inclined, participants may want to brush up on Jesus’ teachings in the gospels and Eckhart Tolle’s books such as The New Earth, The Power of Now, or Stillness speaks.
Taught by: Deborah Brown
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Required text: Identical Misfortune, Richard Zappa, ISBN 979-8-697031-04-02. This course introduces participants to novel writing, covering the fundamentals of storytelling, genre, plot, characters, narration and dialogue. To facilitate discussion, participants should read and bring to each session the novel, Identical Misfortune, which is available for purchase on Amazon, and will be used as a teaching aid. This course is designed for anyone who has an interest in writing a novel or memoir.
Taught by: Richard Zappa
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Using The Book of Alchemy as a guide, this class takes a look at developing creative journaling practices for an inspired life. With a collection of wisdom from some of the world’s greatest writers, we will utilize a curated set of prompts for your own writing and reflections. Our focus is on process over perfection, helping participants find a state of “flow” and enjoying the creative process.
Taught by: Kolinda Scialabba
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This is a course for discussing AI, not for using it.
Prerequisite: Course on beginning AI, or equivalent experience.
In this course we cover foundational artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, technical infrastructure, practical applications, and the societal implications of AI’s rapid emergence. Over five sessions, we explore in lecture and discussion: AI as industrial-scale upheaval (economics, energy, data centers, ecosystem, and an AI taxonomy); how large language models (LLMs) work, with demos of the concepts; advanced prompting, reasoning models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG); multimodal AI, agents, emergent behavior with exercises; and jobs, sector impacts, governance, artificial general intelligence (AGI), and guided reflection.
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word. This session builds on students’ foundational Word skills with practical applications for professional documents. Students learn how to use indents and tabs, create lists and insert hyperlinks, incorporate breaks and columns, insert pictures and text wrapping, and format pictures. Additional topics include how to document changes and use mail merge for personalized communications.
Taught by: Phillip Weinberg, Reg Herzog
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Computer skills, familiarity with Excel and smartphones. Ever wish that you had a simple phone application to keep track of family genealogy, to plan your next trip, or to share information with a group? In this course, we’ll transform a spreadsheet into a working smartphone application using a free, user-friendly, visual tool (no coding!). We’ll discuss application design, data organization and interactive features — all without programming. Step by step, you’ll build and publish (to your family and friends) a custom application that runs on your phone. (Note that publishing to the Apple or Android application store requires additional steps and is not covered.) The learnings from this class should be directly translatable to other no-coding platforms. When registering, sign up for either the section using an OLLI computer, or the section for those bringing their own laptops.
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Led by a language enthusiast who has studied English, German, French, Korean, Spanish and Russian. Come learn American Sign Language as together we take on a new challenge!
Taught by: Trudie Thompson
Wilmington off-site location: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Join the garden manager to learn about the life of Marian Coffin, Gibraltar’s history and the design principles that shaped the estate. Participants gain insights into plant palettes and influences and tour the gardens.
Taught by: Liz Allen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 9:00 AM
Additional fee: This DelNature course requires an additional $50 registration fee. There is also a $15 fee for each optional weekly field trip if students choose to participate, which is payable to the Delaware Nature Society. Do you love nature and want to learn more about it? Then this introduction to Delaware’s natural resources is for you! Each week’s presentation will center around a different key topic, and an optional weekly field trip will be offered to participants. Please note additional fees mentioned above, which support the work and expertise of the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) Adult Education Team.
Taught by: Declan O’Neil
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 12:45 PM
This citizen science course explores the ecology of native pollinators and honey bees on and around the UD Goodstay campus. Participants learn how pollinators interact with local habitats, examine seasonal floral resources and practice simple observation and data-gathering methods. The course welcomes all, from native pollinator supporters to honey bee enthusiasts, and uses shared scientific exploration to build understanding rather than debate. Through brief lectures, guided outdoor sessions and collaborative discussion, participants contribute to a growing picture of pollinator activity and identify opportunities to support healthy, diverse landscapes.
Taught by: Jeff Kline, Mike Krzyzanowski
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course introduces learners to the unique and emerging field of space medicine that studies how human physiology and psychology adapt to space and how risks associated with spaceflight are addressed. It’s an interdisciplinary course integrating biology, medicine, engineering, physics and chemistry, but requires no prior knowledge. Class members will learn about the environmental factors that make spaceflight challenging, such as how different body systems respond to microgravity. For example, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular changes in space will be compared to accelerated aging on Earth. Members will learn how health is maintained in space with examples and case studies from current practices aboard the International Space Station. The final lecture session will focus on the future of human spaceflight plans, including the NASA Artemis program missions.
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Ayham Ghith
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course examines the history, current status and potential future of five diseases representative of major categories of illness (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infectious disease, and neurologic disease). This is intended to be an engaging and interactive discussion.
Taught by: Sheldon Scheinert
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
A plant friendly diet can help us live longer and healthier, and it’s also great for the planet. This is a six-week course that is science based as well full of practical ideas on making changes, including lots of recipes. Remember to eat your kale!
Taught by: Judy Filipkowski
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Participants in this class perform a series of strength, flexibility and cardiovascular exercises from a seated position. It is appropriate for all skill levels and abilities.
Taught by: Charlene Jehle
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
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: Merrill Stein
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This class offers discussion of the patient health evaluation, including history-taking and the basic measurement and significance of the vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate). Over the course of five lectures, we’ll also have some limited hands-on instructions for self-examination, and provide an opportunity to improve understanding of the clinical evaluation process, promote health awareness and self-check to help with assessment of risk factors.
Taught by: Hisham Sherif
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
In the 19th century, infections were the most common cause of death. But by the 1960s, infectious diseases were thought to be largely conquered. Antibiotic resistance, globalization, emerging diseases, climate change and other forces have shifted this battle back in favor of our ancient enemies. Through lecture, videos and discussion we discuss where we have come from fighting infections, new emerging diseases, antibiotic resistance and its consequences, and new weapons in our fight.
Taught by: Cynthia Heldt
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 3, 2026 to May 1, 2026
Friday at 10:45 AM
Based upon my mantra: an individual does not stop dancing as she/he ages; an individual ages because she/he stops dancing, I am inspired to offer this class. Having been involved in healthcare for four decades, I am convinced that physical activity is critical for maximizing our mental and physical potentials as we grow older. The mind-body connection is interdependent as one complements the other throughout our life cycle. My intent in this introductory class is to inspire moving to the music!
Taught by: Nancy Nottingham
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Class participants learn about the ancient Chinese practice of qigong and how to incorporate this into their daily lives. Qigong is a gentle practice that connects the body and breath with intentional movements that target specific body parts. This practice can be done standing or sitting. No equipment is needed. Participants are encouraged to listen to their own body and not push themselves beyond what they feel they can do.
Taught by: Cathy Jacobsen
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Kent County off site locations: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
Come walk Kent County parks and the historic capital of Dover, Delaware, with your walking instructors from the First State Webfooters Walking Club. We will start our first week with a 1 mile route (can walk less or more) and by the last week will stroll our way up to 3.1 miles (adding a half mile per week) while enjoying the beauty of spring in Kent County. Participants walk at their own pace with an instructor leading and an instructor at the tail end.
Taught by: Karen Kaufman, Margie MacLeish
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
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
Online: March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
This course focuses on issues affecting health and the environment in Delaware including air and water quality, climate change and renewable energy. The course reviews current science on each topic and, where feasible, includes Delaware-specific data. Current state and federal regulations are discussed.
Taught by: Rae Tyson
This class has been extended to a 6-week session since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to May 5, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Have you ever wondered about the origin and nature of your gemstones? This class will try to answer many of your questions. We will learn what common gemstones are to a mineralogist, and then delve into the occurrence and mining of natural gems. We will discuss the properties of gemstones and how those are used to identify them, and finish with how gems are polished and treated to enhance them.
Taught by: Dave Ellis
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course will introduce key concepts in chemistry using cooking as an interactive teaching method. Each class will revolve around a specific topic in chemistry, using cooking as a real-world example. These topics include: water, salts, acids and bases, and the Maillard Reaction (non-enzymatic browning). By the end of the course, student members will take home useful recipes based on the ingredients discussed in each topic and information about chemistry that grandparents could share with their grandchildren while teaching them to cook. No prerequisites are required.
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Tristan Mabee
Online: April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Estate planning organizes your affairs to accomplish long range goals for yourself and your family. We explore the three stages of estate planning, clarify the role of a power of attorney, unravel the probate process and explain the use of trusts to avoid probate. This class also covers personal property memorandums, jointly owned assets and appropriate beneficiary designations as well as the ethics surrounding asset protection planning.
Taught by: Michele Procino-Wells
Online: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
How do you make retirement as amazing as you want it to be? This course guides you through a simple, systematic process of thinking strategically about who you are, and how you spend both your time and money.
Taught by: Leonard Hayduchok
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Ocean View Community Center: March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 1:45 PM
Foundations of Investing is an educational program for people who are either new to investing or need a refresher. Participants will learn the importance of developing a strategy, the impact of asset allocation, and the influence of inflation on your long-term goals. We cover the basic features of bonds, stocks and mutual funds, and the importance of asset allocation.
Week 1 Subject: Foundations of Investing
Week 2 Subject: Healthcare and Your Retirement
Week 3 Subject: Retirement: Making Your Money Last
Week 4 Subject: Social Security
Week 5 Subject: Creating your Estate Plan
Taught by: Kevin Thompson, Lance Rogers
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 30, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Participants paint or color a multi-stage drawing inspired by the beautiful Jasper Crane Rose Garden in Brandywine Park. Then, learn how to transform your artwork into a three-dimensional tunnel book — a layered, sculptural form of storytelling that creates depth and visual intrigue. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $8 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
This one-session class has been added since catalog publication.
Ocean View Community Center: April 29, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Learn about the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, famously known as “The Way,” a hiking pilgrimage in Spain. There are eight official routes listed by the Cathedral of Santiago (but many variants) that would enable one to receive a certificate called the Compostela. Each route has a minimum distance, usually over 100km. However, a hiker’s goal may not be obtaining the Compostela but simply to enjoy hiking a well-marked route for physical, mental or spiritual health. This is a one-day class that meets on April 29, 2026.
Taught by: Cezarina Cornejo Alzona
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 2:30 PM
The campus trees have been measured and identified. We continue to learn about the Wilmington campus, its trees, and arboreal practices. We have both indoor and outdoor activities to continue our tree stewardship. In addition to enjoying our trees, we enjoy spending time with others who enjoy trees.
Taught by: Ann Hapka, Hanna Zyruk, Jim Hainer
A request for regular attendance has been added to this course description.
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 9:30 AM
Prerequisite: Beginner bridge class or basic bridge knowledge. The intermediate class builds off the skills learned in the beginner bridge class. Students learn three conventions: Jacoby transfer and Stayman for no-trump bids along with “weak twos.” We also cover scorekeeping for party bridge (contract bridge) to include under tricks, over tricks and vulnerable. If time allows, we cover “double” as a bid strategy.
Request for regular attendance — Bridge is a partnership game; therefore the success of the class depends on regular attendance, which ensures that all participants have a bridge partner each time we hold class. If participants are not able to commit to regular attendance for 5 weeks, they may want to consider attending bridge class during another semester.
Taught by: Catherine Kennedy
Ocean View Community Center: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This is planned to be a fun social learning experience. We plan to play Rummy and Trash, both games enjoyed by younger children and adults in this day and age. Socialize, teach and play together.
Taught by:
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): March 11, 2026 to April 15, 2026
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
We review and explain various standard chess openings. King pawn openings will include the Ruy Lopez, Sicilian defense, French defense, and Caro-Kann defense. Queen pawn openings will include the Queen’s Gambit Declined, Queen’s Gambit Accepted, Nimzo-Indian defense, and King’s Indian defense. Emphasis will be on understanding the reasoning behind standard chess opening moves.
Taught by: Jim Rizzitano
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