Kansas State University

The registration for the summer 2017 Osher Lifelong Learning Program in Manhattan is now open

Submitted by Charlene Brownson

Kansas State University has teamed up with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas to bring the Manhattan area diverse content, innovative learning opportunities and quality faculty that promote lifelong learning in the community. The program in Manhattan is coordinated by UFM Community Learning Center.

The Osher Institute offers courses that highlight the joy of learning for participants age 50 and over. Instructors are carefully selected for their expertise, a passion for the topic and a love of teaching. Courses meet weekly for two hours over a three-week period and require no homework, out-of-class preparation or testing.

Special events:

• A Whirlwind Tour of Major European Art Movements from 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 22 at the Beach Museum of Art. Brush up on your art history in preparation for you trip to the Nelson, or just come to look at great art. Hosted by the museum's senior educator, Kathrine Schlageck. Light refreshments will be served. No charge to attend.

• Exploring European Art in the New Bloch Galleries on Friday, June 23, costs $80 and includes tours, lunch and coach transportation or for a $60 fee, which includes tours and lunch but no transportation. Join us as we travel to the Nelson-Atkins Museum to view their latest exhibits in the newly renovated Bloch Galleries. We'll start our docent-led tours amidst Pre-Impressionist, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early 20th century artists, including Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse. Then we'll relax in the stately 15th century-style Italian courtyard to enjoy the artful cuisine of the Rozelle Court Restaurant. After lunch we'll return to the galleries to focus on the museum's extensive collection of European masterpieces which spans the Middle Ages through Early Modern time periods, including works by Van Gogh, Petrus Christus, Poussin and Caravaggio.

Courses in Manhattan:

• The Cuban-American Dream will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 14, June 28, and July 5. The course will provide an overview of Cuban culture and customs through the compelling life narrative of the instructor's family, the granddaughter of Cuban immigrants who fled Cuba in the 1950s. We'll examine Cuban history, culture, society, and politics over the last 50 years, and even sample Cuban coffee. Carmen Schober is the instructor.

• Abraham Lincoln Revealed will be from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 15, 22 and 29. In this course, we'll take an intimate look at many aspects of Lincoln's life, from his early years to his election to the presidency in 1860, and his experiences living and working in the White House. Marvin Burris is the instructor.

• Over There, America and World War I will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 12, 19 and 26. This year marks the centennial of America's entry into World War I. This class looks at the Great War from America's perspective. Robert Smith is the instructor.

To enroll, call Osher Lifelong Learning Institute toll-free at 877-404-5823 or 785-864-5823.