Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
"Come be OPEN with us.
Open to learning,
Open to fun and friends,
Open to new experiences."
—OLLI Advisory Board President Dallas Gorbett
OLLI is celebrating 30 years of community, learning and fun in 2021! Thus, new members may join for $30 this year only. Join us today!
Due to virus conditions, we are currently meeting in the online platform Zoom rather than in person. Zoom provides us an opportunity to learn and socialize together online when virus conditions preclude gathering in person. It also allows us to participate in courses with peers from both campuses and most anywhere, no driving required. It’s a user-friendly program, and instructions on downloading it are available in the short, straightforward video available here: ZOOM with OLLI! If you need assistance or practice in ZOOM, please call us.
Fall course lists are now available in the Gulf Park Courses and Hattiesburg Courses pages of this website. Icons for each are in the left-side menu, and no matter which city you're in, you may enroll in classes listed for either campus.
Ready to Register?
Call 601.264.2780 in Hattiesburg or 228.214.3277 in Long Beach if you have questions about joining or registering.
Course or Field Trip Suggestions
Learn watercolor basics, color theory, tricks, and techniques, wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry. This class is for all who love watercolor or want to try. Let's have fun! Supply list: watercolors, round watercolor brushes (assorted sizes, S - L), watercolor paper (9X12 or so), painter's tape, resist medium such as crayons, pastels and/or masking fluid. Marty Broadus Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher from Oak Grove and is a longtime member of the South Mississippi Art Association.
This is a drawing class for those who would like to practice drawing objects, shapes and shading techniques. You’ll learn about perspective, how to enlarge and much more. Let’s draw! Supply list: #2 pencil, mechanical pencil (optional), eraser, colored pencils, Sharpie with two tips (fine and medium), small drawing pad, 10-12 sheets copy paper. Marty Broadus Turnbo is a retired art and drama teacher from Oak Grove and is a longtime member of the South Mississippi Art Association.
OLLI members will learn to understand the ukulele as a musical instrument, learn to read ukulele chords, and play while reading the chords. Left handed members will need left handed ukuleles. Supply list: (1) Soprano, Concert, Tenor or Baritone (with GCEA strings) ukuleles. Please make sure you get left/right hand specific to you. (2) Ukulele tuner, (tuned before each class begins). Gina Aguilar is retired with over 20 years of Medicare experience. She worked for various Medicare Administrative Contractors in California as a Fraud and Abuse Auditor, Hearing Officer, Senior Appeals Specialist, and other leadership roles.
Participants will learn how to cast on (put stitches on needle), knit, purl and bind off (finish knitting) as well as how to fix mistakes made while knitting. By the end of the course, a simple washcloth for home use will be the prized result. (Kit with yarn and needles is provided.) Teresa Odom is a longtime knitter and former owner of The Yarn Basket in Petal, selling knitting and crochet supplies and yarns. She also held knitting classes for all levels of knitting including beginner classes. She graduated from USM and is a member of the Alumni Club. She spends her retirement time knitting for others.
Acting in Readers Theater is great for anyone who ever wanted to be involved in the stage! The course starts with warm-up techniques, acting terms, improv, cold reads and costumes. Scripts are in hand so no memorization and very little movement out of the chair is required. There will be a public performance at the conclusion of the classes. Supply list: black notebooks. Sherri Marengo is a 30-year veteran in community theater. She is an actress, director, producer, and tech director and has created a Senior Readers Acting Group, which will be the core of the acting classes through OLLI.
Origami is the historic art of Japanese paper folding. Join us and learn how to make your very own origami creations. Material needed: origami or typing paper, pencil and scissors. Sherryl LaPointe is a retired teacher who continues to love to teach. She has had a love of arts and crafts since childhood and now enjoys sharing that love with fellow OLLI members.
Together we will examine the fascinating sisters at the core of the Bloomsbury Group: Virginia Woolf, the writer, and Vanessa Bell, the painter. At Charleston House, in Sussex, experimental thinking was central to everyday life. Catherine Edmonson, an art historian, works with the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art. She’s an ardent supporter of art’s power to activate public space. Dr. Monika Gehlawat is an instructor on USM's English Department faculty where she specializes in modern and contemporary literature.
Participants will make 2 each of 4 different holiday design cards. A packet with all of the materials necessary for each card, including the envelopes, will be provided. All other supplies and equipment will also be provided. Come have fun and take home 8 cards to give to family or friends. Karen LeBeau is a retired kindergarten teacher plus a bunch of other stuff. She likes to create something almost every day. A lovely day is being able to hide in her sewing studio and make a fun garment. Covid lockdown gave her lots of time to play.
This class will teach traditional physical meditative practice. It is designed to build strength, improve health and flexibility, reduce stress, and increase energy flow. It is for newcomers to learn and for existing Tai Chi followers to enhance their skills. Susie Pham has practiced Tai Chi for years and was trained by Grand Master Shi DeRu, 31st generation descendant of the Shaolin Temple.
Intermediate Tai Chi Chih—$25 each Term
Tuesdays and Thursdays—GP In-Person
Term II: October 19 - November 18
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Ten-Week Exercise Class led by Susie Pham
This class will teach traditional physical meditative practice. It is designed to
build strength, improve health and flexibility, reduce stress, and increase energy
flow. This class is for those who have previously taken Tai Chi for the Beginner.
Susie Pham has practiced Tai Chi for years and was trained by Grand Master Shi DeRu, 31st generation
descendant of the Shaolin Temple.
Retired adults are living longer, healthier lives than in any previous era with more disposable income and opportunities to live independently or with assistance. There are key factors to enjoying the Golden Years that enhance quality of life. Lectures and discussion will look at research and strategies to age successfully while enjoying retirement. It is natural for many to choose to disengage but given choices, they may desire otherwise. Dr. Rick Wilemon is a four-time graduate of William Carey University holding degrees in liberal arts, art education K-12, specialist in education, and a PhD in higher education administration. His dissertation, "Cultural Changes in Social Disengagement and Adult Lifelong Learning," focuses on a retired adult population.
This is a continuation of a Zoom class initiated during the Covid interruption in spring 2020. The class is open to all participants of the 2020 zoom class or with permission of the instructor. Participants must be familiar with Dr. Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (40 Sun forms) and Tai Chi for Beginners (first 6 forms of the 24 Yang style Forms). Emphasis will be placed on advancing the practice and learning new forms. Susan Nodurft is a retired biology teacher. After retirement, she began the study and practice of Qigong/Tai Chi. She is certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach Dr. Paul Lam’s medically and researched-based program, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, as well as Tai Chi for Beginners. She has also received certification from the Institute of Integral Qigong Tai Chi as a Tai Chi Easy practice leader.
Chairobics combines fun and fitness while moving to music. This class is designed to increase muscle strength and range of movement as well as improve cardiovascular health. Small hand weights and elastic bands are used for toning. A chair is used for seated exercises and standing support. No on-the-floor exercises. Valerie Webber is a Southern Miss graduate with a BSBA and MBA. She is a life member of the USM Alumni Association and has worked in the accounting and finance industry and in IT.
This class is designed for students who have previous tai chi experience and would like to advance their skills. The course includes the practice of the Yang style 24-forms, as well as more advanced Sun style sets developed by Dr. Paul Lam. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring a deeper understanding and integration of the tai chi principles in practice. Susan Nodurft is a retired biology teacher. After retirement, she began the study and practice of Qigong/Tai Chi. She is certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach Dr. Paul Lam’s medically and researched-based program, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, as well as Tai Chi for Beginners. She has also received certification from the Institute of Integral Qigong Tai Chi as a Tai Chi Easy practice leader.
This class is an introduction to the principles and practice of tai chi. In general, tai chi practice involves slow, mindful movements with the breath. The benefits of tai chi are well documented - stress reduction, improved balance, lower blood pressure, just to name a few. This program is based on Dr. Paul Lam’s medically developed Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. This safe and easy to learn routine will provide participants an opportunity to learn the basics of tai chi and experience the benefits of this life-giving practice. Susan Nodurft is a retired biology teacher. After retirement, she began the study and practice of Qigong/Tai Chi. She is certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach Dr. Paul Lam’s medically and researched-based program, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, as well as Tai Chi for Beginners. She has also received certification from the Institute of Integral Qigong Tai Chi as a Tai Chi Easy practice leader.
Join this class and learn ancient techniques of charging the mind using the breath. How you breathe relates to your health and is a super drug for depression, insomnia, anxiety, memory loss and so much more. In this interactive class, we will also explore the ancient well-being techniques of Yoga of Sound. Dr. Igor Iwanek is a speaker featured on NPR, an award-winning music composer, left-handed pianist, and harmonium performer. Dr. Iwanek is also an India-trained Yoga of Sound instructor. A cerebral hemorrhage survivor, he understands the fleeting nature and power inherent in every moment.
Poet Mary Oliver praised the healing power of keeping company with trees to rejuvenate a worn and weary spirit. Backed by significant medical and scientific research, Nature and Forest Therapy principles echo Oliver’s experience. Through easeful and de-stressing practices, Nature and Forest Therapy offers a wealth of benefits to both mind and body. This accessible, natural remedy is now considered a pathway to a happier, healthier and more rewarding life. This seminar will explore these beneficial practices and offer a guided nature walk. Nadine Phillips is a lifelong nature lover who seeks to share the wondrous benefits of spending time in nature with others. Led by this passion, she has been practicing various forms of nature therapy for several years while leading workshops and guided wonderwalks. Nadine is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide affiliated with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
C. S. Lewis: A Mind Awake—$25
Wednesdays, September 8 - October 6— Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Randy Pope
We'll explore a few of the most popular of C. S. Lewis's more than 30 books, including
Mere Christianity, The Narnia Chronicles, and his autobiography, Surprised by Joy.
Following Lewis's lead that we should read what the author himself (or herself) wrote
rather than what someone else said about the author, we'll read and discuss selections
from Lewis's works themselves. Randy Pope has practiced law in Hattiesburg for more than 40 years. Currently, he is the City
Attorney for Hattiesburg. He is a Past President of the Southern Miss Alumni Association
and the USM Foundation. He is a founding member and the current President of the C.
S. Lewis Society of South Mississippi. Randy and his wife, Kathy, will celebrate 50
years of marriage in 2022. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.
The Bog Bodies of Europe—$10
Wednesday, September 8—Zoom
12:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Becky Orfila
This seminar will be an overview of historical, biological, and anthropological elements
of human and animal remains discovered in peat bogs in Northern Europe. Becky Orfila is a retired archaeologist and an avocational historian. Her areas of research focus
on forgotten or unusual history, including redlight districts and cemetery studies.
And We are Still Here: Contemporary Issues in Indian Country—$10
Wednesday, September 8— Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Tammy Greer
Numerous contemporary Native folks are still located in the Southeast and have cultures
that are surviving and thriving but are little noticed by main-stream Americans. This
course will introduce you to cultural teachings that have lots to say about living
sustainably, in community, as whole people, and with respect for all of the other
entities on earth. We will visit the Southern Miss Medicine Wheel Garden. Dr. Tammy Greer is a member of the United Houma Nation and directs the Center for American Indian
Research and Studies (CAIRS) at Southern Miss. She has collaborated on numerous tribal
endeavors that have led to the formation of CAIRS, a minor in AI Studies, and the
building of the 1000 square foot Medicine Wheel Garden at USM.
Black Mississippians' Pivotal Role in Securing the Voting Rights Act—$15
Wednesdays, September 15 and 22— Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Rebecca Tuuri
This two-part seminar will examine the pivotal efforts of Black Mississippians in
securing voting rights for all Americans, culminating in the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Our first session will examine legal-based efforts in the state in the 1950s and early
1960s to open up voter registration. The second session will examine more radical,
grassroots, and often woman-led efforts of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
in the 1960s. Dr. Rebecca Tuuri is Associate Professor of History at Southern Miss whose area of expertise is on the
Civil Rights Movement.
English Heroic Landscapes: Turner and Constable—$10
Thursdays, September 9 - October 7—Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Dr. Marvin Kendrick
This seminar will be a review of the development of "historical" landscapes by Turner
and Constable. Turner's work shows an increasing release of energy in the in the treatment
of light effects through color. Constable's work shows a complex of varying atmospheres
by a graduation of light, dark and volume, with a natural palette. Both artists were
members and exhibitors of the Royal Academy and well-acquainted with each other's
progressive work. Dr. Marvin Kendrick taught at Yale University in 1964. With a degree from Harvard Divinity School, he
returned to Yale and earned an MFA in the School of Art in 1980. Retiring to Hattiesburg,
he taught art history in the Art and Design Department at USM.
Conservative Judaism in the Modern World—$25
Thursdays, October 21 - November 18—GP In-Person
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Jon Caridad
The Hasidic Jewish community is an old and highly traditional approach to a historic
faith. By using a novel or two written by Chaim Potok, we will examine and interpret
conservative Judaism and its place in the modern world. The Chosen and The Promise
by Chaim Potok are books one can read to accompany the course. Jon Caridad is a retired Episcopal priest with extensive experience in education, ancient history
and biblical studies.
The Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America—$10
Monday, September 13— Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Seminar led by Dave Reed
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 is arguably the worst natural disaster to affect
the United States. In addition to inundating all of the lower Mississippi Valley and
causing massive destruction, the flood was a catalyst for significant changes in the
United States. Dave Reed worked as a hydrologist/river forecaster for the National Weather Service for 32
years. Since his retirement, he has enjoyed traveling and pursuing his hobbies of
bird watching and bird photography.
Downtown Safari—$15
Mondays, October 18 and 25—HB Offsite
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Russell Archer
**Meet at 207 E. Front St., Ste. 103, downtown Hattiesburg
This two-part series will begin with a short seminar then participants will be led
on a walking journey through downtown Hattiesburg, focusing on the early history of
the Hub City. Participants will get a glimpse of the people, places and industries
that transformed a fledgling village into one of the most prosperous and sought-out
communities in Mississippi. Session One will focus on 1880-1899. Session Two will
focus on 1900-WWI. Russell Archer is a Historic Planner with the city's Department of Urban Development. He holds an
MS in Historic Preservation from Ball State University and was formerly a Preservation
Specialist with the MS Department of Archives and History. Archer is the current President
of the Hattiesburg Area Historical Society.
Dirt Streets and Demimonde: Redlight Districts of Gulfport and Biloxi —$15
Wednesdays, September 15 and 22—Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Becky Orfila
This will be an overview of the redlight districts of Gulfport and Biloxi. The seminar
will cover brothel culture between 1860 to 1930, specifically with the restricted
districts of Gulfport and Biloxi, including the built environment, the demimonde,
and includes economic, psychological, criminal constructs, etc. Becky Orfila is a retired archaeologist and an avocational historian. Her areas of research focus
on forgotten or unusual history, including redlight districts and cemetery studies.
Anonymous Gospels? Not! —$10
Monday, September 20—Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Seminar led by David Gauthier
Some critics challenge the credibility of the four gospels by claiming that they were
written long after the events they record, and not by the men whose names are on them.
We will look at the basis for these claims and at the evidence that says otherwise.
David Gauthier is retired from a long career in shipbuilding and now serves as coordinator for child
and adult religious education programs at St Thomas Parish in Long Beach. He enjoys
talking about scripture and related topics.
Feminism and the Black Church—$15
Thursdays, September 23 and 30—Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Brianne Painia
This course will focus on the literature and research surrounding black religious
women’s relationship to and understanding of mainstream feminism. Dr. Brianne Painia received her PhD in Sociology from LSU in May 2018. She holds a Master of Arts in
Sociology from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Women in Pre-History, Part 2—$10
Thursday, September 23— Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Victoria Hippard
Inanna and Cybele are memorable women in the Bronze Age (3300 BCE) and Iron Age (1500
BCE) whose followers honored them with flowers, dancing and places of worship (grottos).
Lilith appears in early Hebrew writings, and the classical period of Greece introduces
the memorable goddesses, Aphrodite (Venus), Hera (Juno), Athena (Minerva), and Artemis
(Diana). We will explore how the shift to farming and advent of city states helped
to shape them. Dr. Victoria Hippard, MSW, PhD, LCSW, lives in Bay St. Louis. She has taught as adjunct professor at Loyola
and Tulane universities. She maintains a small private practice in psychotherapy and
balances a little work with lots of art and writing projects. She enjoys learning
about the many ways in which people find meaning.
The Adventures of Cherry Burns, International Journalist and Traveler—$10
Tuesday, November 9—HB In-Person
12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Lorraine Stuart
During a visit to USM Special Collections, attendees will view materials from the
Cherry Burns Papers with an accompanying presentation on her life and the significance
of the collection. Lorraine Stuart is University of Southern Mississippi’s Head of Special Collections/ Curator, Historical
Manuscripts and Archives. She is past Archives director at the Museum of Fine Arts,
Houston. She has served with various archival associations.
History of the Mississippi Community College System—$5
Tuesday, October 26—GP In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Seminar led by Kell Smith
During this seminar the history of the Mississippi community college system and the
important role the community colleges play across the state will be discussed. Kell Smith has served as Director of Communications and Legislative Services of the Mississippi
Community College Board since May 2008. On July 16, 2021, he was named Interim-Executive
Director of the agency.
History and Sightings of "Big Foot"—$5
Wednesday, October 18—GP In-Person
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Seminar led by Connie Rainey
Let’s explore the possibilities and the reality of “Big Foot”. During this seminar
we will discuss world sightings and testimonies of “Big Foot”, “Yeti” and other crypt-ids. Connie Rainey is a retired RN. She is an active member of a paranormal investigating team, a member
of MFON, and lecturer on the paranormal.
Mysteries and Dark Histories of Scotland—$10
Wednesday, October 6—Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Lynn Hagan
From neolithic sites to the 18th century, macabre stories abound in Scotland. From
stone circles to body snatching, Scotland has dark stories around every corner. Come
join Dr. Hagan, an archaeologist and museum educator who lived and worked in northeast
Scotland for nearly eight years, and explore some stories of dark Scottish history.
Happy Halloween! Dr. Lynn Hagan is a retired museum educator. She has lived and worked all over the world. While
in Aberdeen, Scotland she worked with the Aberdeen City Council archaeologists to
develop a city self-guided walking tour of medieval sites. She also taught cultural
interpretation at USM.
Ancient Cultures, Part I—$25
Mondays, October 18 - November 15—GP In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Jon Caridad
This is not your grandfather’s history course! This is a survey of early history from
the Prehistoric times to 500 B.C. This course includes the early civilization, Sumer,
Egypt, Babylonia, and the legacy of the Near East. Jon Caridad is a retired Episcopal priest with extensive experience in education, ancient history
and biblical studies.
Intro to the Architecture of Mississippi: 1760 to 1960—$10
Tuesday, October 19— GP In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Jeff Rosenberg
This seminar will highlight 200 years of Mississippi architectural history, citing
examples that can be seen in both urban and rural settings throughout Mississippi,
and along the Gulf Coast. From the settlement period folk architecture to state’s
early modernist works, the state’s architectural history is vast and deep, going well
beyond the big white columns for which Mississippi is typically known. Jeff Rosenberg is the MGCNHA Historic Preservation Coordinator, working to support and promote the
preservation of historic places in Mississippi’s lower six counties. He currently
serves on the boards of the Mississippi Historical Society and the Southeastern Society
of Architectural Historians.
A History of Sabbath: What It Is...and Isn't—$25
Wednesdays, October 20 - November 17—HB In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Five-Week Class led by Rev. Brett Harris
Using the work of Abraham Joshua Heschel, Walter Brueggemann and others, we'll look
at this strange way of resting that developed in the Middle East thousands of years
ago and consider how its rhythm still shapes our world today. Rev. Brett Harris is the pastor of University Baptist Church. His career has wound through faith communities,
fundraising and education (including three years at OLLI). Brett received his BA in
religion from Wake Forest University and Master of Divinity from Candler School of
Theology at Emory University. He and his wife live in Laurel with their boys.
Buddhism—$10
Thursday, October 21—GP In-Person and Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Victoria Hippard
How do we come to understand the Buddhist belief that, “Everything in life and in
the universe is in an endless process of impermanence, change, and decay”? This seminar
presents the history and teachings of Buddhism with its richness as a philosophy and
also a religious practice. Bodhisattva and wrathful deities will join us on this journey.
Dr. Victoria Hippard, MSW, PhD, LCSW, lives in Bay St. Louis. She has taught as adjunct professor at Loyola
and Tulane universities. She maintains a small private practice in psychotherapy and
balances a little work with lots of art and writing projects. She enjoys learning
about the many ways in which people find meaning.
CHICXULUB Crater: The End of the 170 Million Years Reign of the Dinosaurs—$10
Hattiesburg: Thursday, October 21—In-Person and Zoom
Gulf Park: Thursday, October 28—In-Person
2:30: p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seminar led by Jim Dryden
A major asteroid struck the earth on the northern side of the Yucatan Peninsula 66
million years ago. The consequences of this catastrophic event resonated around the
world and changed the course of Earth’s history—including that of homo sapiens. Let’s
spend some time discussing how significant events can alter the course of the Earth
and what those long-term consequences mean to us. Jim Dryden grew up in Dayton, OH and earned a bachelor’s degree with dual majors in geology
and environmental studies. He spent six years on the Office of Archaeological Research
staff at the University of Alabama. Jim then spent 31 years with the US Bureau of
Land Management in various positions: Archaeologist (CO), Geologist (CO, VA, MS, UT),
Land Manager (UT, WI); ending his career as Deputy Director: Fish, Wildlife, and Endangered
Species.
The Great Race: Nelly Bly vs Bessie Bisland—$15
Mondays, October 25 and November 1—HB In-Person and Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Ralph Bisland
Jules Verne’s book Around the World in 80 Days -is a fictionalized account of Phileas
Fogg’s around-the-world expedition. The real race began November 14, 1889, in New
York City when the two most famous publishers of the day, Joseph Pulitzer, and John
Brisben Walker enlisted their most famous female journalists in a contest to see if
they could break Fogg’s fictitious 80-day record. Find out if they actually did break
the record; attend! Dr. Ralph Bisland retired from university teaching after 37 years as professor of computing science
with specialties in software engineering, database management and the internet. Ralph
has been an OLLI instructor since 2007, teaching mainly computer-related courses.
Headline Trials of the Legendary Defense Lawyer Clarence Darrow—$10
Thursday, October 28—Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Lise Pearlman
In this seminar we will explore landmark cases defended by Clarence Darrow, the most
famous trial lawyer of the early 20th century. We will start from when he first gained
national fame representing labor leaders accused of assassination in 1907 and end
with his last major case in 1932, defending accused murderers in a trial that wound
up helping launch Hawaii as our 50th state. We will cover highlights from his practice
in the 1920s, representing teenage sociopaths Leopold and Loeb and the teaching of
evolution in the Scopes trial. Lise Pearlman is a retired California judge and an award-winning author of four American history
books and a nationally recognized speaker on famous trials of the 20th century.
Alien Contacts—$5
Monday, November 8—In-Person Gulf Park
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Connie Rainey
Let’s explore the possibilities and the reality of alien contacts and abductions.
This seminar will focus on world sightings, testimonies and the different types of
alien beings. Connie Rainey is a retired RN. She is an active member of a paranormal investigating team, a member
of MFON, and lecturer on the paranormal.
The Ness of Brodgar, Orkney: An Archaeological Dig that Just Keeps Giving—$15
Mondays, November 8 and 15—HB In-Person and Zoom
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Two-Part Seminar led by Dr. Kate Greene
This seminar will highlight the latest findings from the largest neolithic archaeological
excavation in Northwest Europe, the Ness of Brodgar, in Orkney, Scotland. This amazing
site has already produced some wonderful finds, as well as mysteries, and it continues
to do so. Using the latest publications and the daily blog, we will review what has
been discovered and what still puzzles the archaeologists. We will also learn about
some of the other sites on Orkney that have been or are currently being excavated.
Dr. Kate Greene is an Associate Professor of Political Science at USM. She recently received her
M.Litt in Archaeological Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands and
has worked in the Finds Hut at the Ness of Brodgar dig in 2017, 2018 and 2019. She
hopes to return to her happy place there in 2022.
What Happened to Black Townships?—$10
Thursday, November 11—HB In-Person
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seminar led by Dr. Dena Semmons
The seminar will focus on Black Settlements vs Black Townships, why they were developed
and what happened to them. Information will be provided on several townships that
still exist including Mound Bayou in Mississippi. Dr. Dena Semmons is a retired educator who has taught and conducted diversity workshops throughout
her career. She has a BA in Theater Education and a minor in Black Studies and a MS
in College Student Personnel/Counseling and Guidance from Western Illinois University.
She received a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College
in California. She has facilitated previous OLLI classes including on the Harlem Renaissance.
The Ship of Dreams: A Brief History of the R.M.S. Titanic—$10
Tuesday, November 16—GP In-Person
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Allisa Beck
The story of the RMS Titanic, which sank in April 1912 after striking an iceberg,
has endured for over 100 years. Do you know the real story that lies behind the myths
and legends about the famed ship? (Was she really called "unsinkable"? Did the band
really play "Nearer My God to Thee"? Was there a cursed Egyptian mummy on board?)
Join us and learn about the fascinating history of the liner they called "The Ship
of Dreams" and the stories behind some of her fortunate (and less fortunate) passengers.
Allisa Beck is the Collection Management/ Arts and Sciences Librarian at the University of Southern
Mississippi Gulf Coast Library. Her responsibilities include administering the Gulf
Park College for Women Archives, located in the library. She is also a member of both
the Long Beach Historical Society and the Historical Society of Gulfport.
Mississippi Legislature 101—$10
Tuesday, November 16—HB In-Person
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seminar led by Rep. Missy McGee
This seminar will be an overview of the Mississippi Legislature and will include a
brief discussion of the legislative process and schedule. Also, we will hear some
stories from behind-the-scenes as well as share some information on the beautiful
and historic Mississippi Capitol Building. Rep. Missy McGee is State Representative for House District 102 which includes Forrest and Lamar Counties.
Humor in Your Life—$20
Tuesdays, September 7 - October 5—Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Dr. John Meyer
Explore humor in communication, including theories of sources of humor, functions
humor serves for us in society, and humor’s effects in public speaking, persuasion,
organizational life and personal relationships. Dr. John Meyer (PhD, University of Kansas, 1991) is Professor of Communication Studies at the University
of Southern Mississippi. He teaches courses in organizational communication, conflict
management and humor in communication, as well as professional and small group communication.
A Jury of Her Peers, by Susan Glaspell (1917)—$5
Thursday, October 7—Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Leah Holmes
When a farmer in Dixon County is found dead in his bed—strangled—his wife is held
on suspicion of murder. The local authorities investigate while two of their wives
collect some items for the accused. Adapted from her 1916 play Trifles, Glaspell explores
male subjugation of women, sexism in the home and workplace, and the ways in which
the law fails to protect women from violence. Leah Holmes has a PhD (ABD) from USM in English literature with a specialty in the Victorian
Era. She currently teaches literature at the USM Gulf Park campus. She taught for
numerous junior colleges and is a veteran high school English teacher. Her passion
is the mystery/detective genre of the 1800s.
Spanish Conversation—$25
Wednesdays, October 20 - November 17—HB In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Dr. Giulia Saucier
In this class, we will build conversations around basic themes: Getting to know you;
Getting around; Shopping; Eating out; Planning a trip. Dr. Giulia Saucier is a retired teacher and educational administrator. She has taught classes in Spanish
and French, including several French classes at OLLI. She has also studied Italian,
Russian and modern Greek simply because she likes to study languages. She and her
five dogs have recently moved to Hattiesburg and are loving it.
Latin Isn't Dead: It's Immortal!—$25
Thursdays, October 21 - November 18—HB In-Person
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Five-Week Class led by Nancy Ratliff
We will learn how over 60% of English words come from Latin. We will cover prefixes,
root words, common expressions from Latin, medical/legal Latin, words/stories from
Greek/Latin mythology. A main emphasis will be how to pick words apart to find their
basic meaning and then put them back together to understand how we use them. We will
also explore words used in various religions and why they are used that way. We might
also create some new words. Nancy Ratliff is a graduate of Wellesley College and earned her master's degree at USM. She taught
Latin, Greek and Roman Civilization, and mythology at Hattiesburg High School and
Latin at Presbyterian Christian School and at Sacred Heart. She has a passion for
tracing English words to their Latin and Greek roots.
Night Drive by Will Jenkins (1950)—$5
Monday, November 15— Zoom
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Seminar led by Leah Holmes
As Madge leaves to collect her husband from the train station, Mr. Tabor, whose wife
had recently been killed, calls to ask if Madge could take his niece, Eunice, to the
train station. Jenkins draws readers into the emotions of Madge, who changes from
uneasy to paralyzed with fear as this young woman at night faces a life-or-death choice.
A forgotten spooky classic! Leah Holmes has a PhD (ABD) from USM in English literature with a specialty in the Victorian
Era. She currently teaches literature at the USM Gulf Park campus. She taught for
numerous junior colleges and is a veteran high school English teacher. Her passion
is the mystery/detective genre of the 1800s.
This seminar will provide general information on identification, migration and attracting hummingbirds to feeders and yards. John Lipscomb is a Master Naturalist residing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He has been involved with birding most of his life. This presentation on hummingbirds will cover basics on identification, migration and how to attract them.
Part One will be the Crase Program (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events). It is designed to teach an average civilian how to survive emergency situations: not just active shooters, but from fires, auto accidents, protests, anything that is out of the ordinary. Part Two will focus on teaching seniors how to identify a fraud and/or scam, and what to do to keep yourself and your nest egg safe. Robert Lincoln is a Crime Prevention Specialist at the Harrison County Sheriff's Office.
Perhaps no animal is more synonymous with the Antarctic than the Adelie Penguin. We all probably have an image of one of these tuxedoed ambassadors waddling across the ice, but there is a lot more to these birds than cute internet memes. Come learn more about these fascinating birds and the other seabirds that frequent Antarctica, and what it is like to live and work among these birds at one of the world’s most remote and pristine field sites. Dr. Peter Kappes is an applied conservation biologist with over 20 years of research experience. The bulk of his work has been focused on understanding basic life history strategies of long-lived seabirds and managing invasive predators on oceanic islands to protect at-risk seabird populations and restore island ecosystems.
In this seminar, we will learn to read and understand the information provided in the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Don’t forget to bring your MSN and any questions. Bring your personal Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Gina Aguilar is retired with over 20 years of Medicare experience. She worked for various Medicare Administrative Contractors in California as a Fraud and Abuse Auditor, Hearing Officer, Senior Appeals Specialist, and other leadership roles.
This seminar will be an overview of backyard hobby beekeeping for personal enrichment, garden pollination and fresh honey. Dr. LaRue Stephens has kept honeybees since 1984 and currently manages more than thirty colonies for honey production. He is a certified beekeeper through the University of Georgia's Beekeeping Institute.
Are you thinking of covering up your gray hair? Or going to a shorter cut? Ask Jeanie! This seminar will cover the basics of styling, perming and coloring hair. Jeanie has been a stylist for 26 years. She and her husband live in Oak Grove, where they are rearing two sons. Jeanie Coward owns Belle and Beau Salon in Hattiesburg, where she cuts, colors, perms and styles hair.
Come learn how to create and care for a successful garden this fall while visiting Pine Hills Nursery. Polly will teach you how to keep your plants and flowers in bloom through the fall. She will show you what plants thrive in the cooler months. Polly Cuevas has been the manager at Pine Hills Nursery from its beginning in 1986.
This course is a continuation of Beginning Bridge. Students must have completed a beginning course or have played bridge for about one year. We will study basic bridge concepts and conventions. There will be a lecture with plenty of time left to play. Ellen Davies is a retired teacher and lawyer who began playing bridge as a teenager. She has taken and taught many bridge courses at OLLI.
Uncork the mysteries of wine and have fun learning to appreciate it from a cultural perspective, including art and science. We don’t just drink wine, we experience it. Join other beginners and enthusiasts to taste wines (that you can easily purchase) and pair with simple food selections (at whatever level you would like to participate). Learn concepts and terminology, and about world wine regions and famous wines. Melanie Hankins Booth, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), teaches Wine Appreciation, Personal Enrichment classes thru MSU Extension's Continuing Ed program as well as Wine Appreciation at MUW’s Culinary Arts Institute. She teaches private classes, provides restaurant training and offers consulting in the hospitality industry.
Caring for your home lawn can seem challenging, but don't let it scare you. With a basic understanding of some simple principles, you can have your lawn prepared for winter as well as be prepared for what you need to do in order to insure a healthy lawn next spring. Ross Overstreet is Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent with the Mississippi State University Extension in Lamar County. He is a former golf course superintendent with a degree in turf management from MSU.
Jellyfish can be both beautiful and deadly. Learn about the species that inhabit our local waters and the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Ranging in size from a dime to a large washtub, they are important members of the marine community and serve many ecological functions. Jellyfish are responsible for most of the stings that occur while swimming and the sting of a few species can be severe. Harriet Perry is the retired Director of the Center for Fisheries Research and Development at USM's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. She has worked in marine fisheries for over 50 years and is well published with over 100 papers and articles. She is an invertebrate specialist with much of her work centered on crab fisheries.
Plastic Free Gulf Coast is an ongoing project at the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center. During this course you will be exploring and discussing all things plastic including: microplastics, alternatives to plastic, the myth of recycling, corporate responsibility, the importance of citizen science, and actions being taken on an individual and collective scale to eliminate unnecessary plastic in our lives. Elizabeth Englebretson is Plastic Free Gulf Coast project lead and works as Extension Associate with the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. Elizabeth has a master's of landscape architecture from University of Massachusetts and a bachelor of fine arts from University of New Mexico.
In this session, iPhone users will learn the basic features, functions and tasks that can be operated with their smart phone. These include text messaging, emailing, software updates, adding contacts, assigning emergency contacts and much more! Lauren-Colby Nickels is an Instructor for the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Technology Outreach. During her tenure with MSU-ES CTO, she has specialized in digital technology outreach and online marketing. She received her BA in Communications and Master of Public Policy and Administration from MSU, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Agriculture Education, Leadership and Communication.
Facebook is the leading social media platform worldwide with over 2.8 billion active users. This session will help users learn and navigate the basic features of Facebook so they can virtually engage with “friends” online with your own Facebook profile. Lauren-Colby Nickels is an Instructor for the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Technology Outreach. During her tenure with MSU-ES CTO, she has specialized in digital technology outreach and online marketing. She received her BA in Communications and Master of Public Policy and Administration from MSU, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Agriculture Education, Leadership and Communication.
Join the adventure-filled story of the struggle to break the so-called “Sound Barrier”in the ‘40s and early ‘50s. Lives were lost as pilots in power dives began to experience the mystery of uncontrollable and plane destroying phenomena. We will look at many exotic planes, the invention of jet engines, and risky rocket power. See film of the creative designers, innovative builders, and courageous test pilots who sought higher and faster. Lee Walker has led several OLLI sessions on science adventure topics over the years. He is a retired public-school teacher and helped conduct thematic summer camps for children at Mississippi College and locally at the Interaction Factory. He served for three years as a science curriculum team writer for JBHM Education Group.
This course will cover computer use in relation to online and email usage. It will provide tips and tricks to be used to insure safety and protection online. Topics: Phishing, Ransomware, Two-Factor Authentication, Online and Electronic Purchase Safety and Personal Protection from Identity Theft. Jeremy Graves is an instructor in the School of Computing at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has taught networking and security courses for two decades within the state of Mississippi. In addition, he has provided security services to businesses through his corporation for sixteen years.
Let’s have fun discussions about popular culture to increase our scientific literacy. We will watch video clips from TV and movies, read newspaper and magazine articles, peruse some comic books, and watch some news broadcasts. Our goal is to be conversant and lessen the anxiety many people feel about scientific issues. Some lessons about simple science phenomenon will be included. Whether you’re afraid of science or have a degree in the sciences, this course is for everyone who wants to enjoy talking about Science in Popular Culture. Dr. Christi Magrath is a retired biologist (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology) who taught at Troy University in Alabama for 20 years. She finds passion in sharing the joy and excitement she finds in science with others. She earned her BS at USM in 1993 (chemistry and biological science) and her PhD at Tulane in 1999 (molecular and cell biology).
This seminar is divided into two 2-hour sessions. The first session will be a general introduction to genealogy research. Most of us learn from trial and error. Hopefully the course will help those who participate avoid some of the common pitfalls in pursuing their research. Understanding DNA results within the framework of genealogy will also be discussed. The second session will focus on helping participants with specific questions in their own research. SusanMary Reynolds is an artist, adventurer, published writer/author, and a genealogist. She has recently moved to the Gulf area from New Mexico. Her interest in genealogy began when she learned her mother had been adopted. It took many years and much effort to solve the mystery from 1930 as to who SusanMary's biological maternal grandparents were, but she did!
During this session, Android users will learn the basic features, functions and tasks that can be operated with their smart phone. These include text messaging, emailing, software updates, adding contacts, and much more! Lauren-Colby Nickels is an Instructor for the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Technology Outreach. During her tenure with MSU-ES CTO, she has specialized in digital technology outreach and online marketing. She received her BA in Communications and Master of Public Policy and Administration from MSU, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Agriculture Education, Leadership and Communication.
Have you ever wondered how data moves around the Internet? Do you know the difference between a router, a modem and an extender? Do you know the difference between analog and digital data (do you care?), and what is wifi and why do I need it? Why do you need these things? This seminar will explain what all this gobbledy-gook is in plain, simple terms so that you will have a basic understanding of computer networking. Dr. Ralph Bisland retired from university teaching after 37 years as professor of computing science with specialties in software engineering, database management and the internet. Ralph has been an OLLI instructor since 2007, teaching mainly computer-related courses.
Come explore the Laurel Historic District with the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art director, George Bassi. This walking tour will take about an hour and a half. There are places to rest, but please dress appropriately.
The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum honors the service men and women of all branches from Mississippi and others who received training in Mississippi during times of war. The Museum's exhibits tell the personal stories of American heroes and serve to educate future generations about the price paid for freedom and prosperity. Join us for a private tour.
Enjoy a guided tour through the newly completed Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. On this tour, you will have a chance to get up close and personal and touch sea life.
Have you ever wondered what types of cooking oils offer the best health benefits? Or what kind of produce items have the most nutrients? Or what kind of cheese has the least amount of sodium? Dietitian April Sins will walk you through the most common questions in grocery shopping, label reading, and shopping tips! Participants (whether virtual or in person) will receive a goodie bag. April Sins is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master's in health care management. She is the retail dietitian for Rouses Markets.
Please register online for these SIGs and contact either office with questions. 228.214.3277 (Gulf Park) or 601.264.2780 (Hattiesburg)
Life Story Writing SIG/Poetry combined—3rd Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Mississippi Books and Authors—4th Friday at 11:00 a.m.
OLLI Book Club (Gulf Park)—3rd Friday at 1:00 p.m.
OLLI Book Club (Hattiesburg)—2nd Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Photography—1st and 3rd Fridays at 2:30 p.m.
Ukulele SIG — Fridays at 2:00 p.m.