KU’s Osher Institute to offer courses, events in Salina


LAWRENCE — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas has announced that it will partner with several Salina organizations to offer short courses and special events. Kansas State University-Salina, Kansas Wesleyan University, Presbyterian Manor, the Stiefel Theatre and the Salina Symphony will host four courses and two special events.

“We are excited to be working with the Cultural Arts Roundtable to bring Osher Institute courses and events to Salina,” said Jim Peters, director of KU’s Osher Institute. “Salina has a rich history of supporting arts and education, and we are proud to become a part of that tradition.”

Courses and events are also being offered in Lindsborg, McPherson, Hutchinson, Manhattan, Newton and Hesston.

A unit of KU Professional & Continuing Education, the Osher Institute offers courses that stress the joy of learning for participants 50 and older but welcomes lifelong learners of all ages. Instructors are carefully selected for their expertise, passion for the topic and a love of teaching. Courses generally meet weekly for two hours over a three-week period and require no homework or tests. A single three-week course costs $45 but multiple-course discounts are available.

The courses include:

The Life and Times of Harry Truman. Taught by Osher Institute Director Jim Peters, this course traces President Harry Truman’s life from his childhood in western Missouri through his presidency and beyond. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 30 and Oct. 7, 2-4 p.m., Presbyterian Manor, 2601 E. Crawford St., Salina.

Psychology of Religion. Kansas State University Professor Joel Matthews examines religion from the perspective of psychology and the role religion plays across our lifespans. Tuesdays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27, 7-9 p.m., K-State-Salina Welcome Center, 2310 Centennial Road, Salina

Bleeding Kansas. Tray Green, Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 7-9 p.m., K-State Salina College Center, 2310 Centennial Road, Salina

Harper Lee and Home Again. Damon Kraft, associate professor of English at Kansas Wesleyan University, will review Harper Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and her new release, “Go Set a Watchman,” to illustrate the coming-of-age genre in literature. Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19, 2-4 p.m., Kansas Wesleyan University Hall of Pioneers, 100 E. Claflin Ave., Salina.

The first special event will be An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at the Stiefel Theatre with an Osher Institute exclusive pre-performance presentation about the music of Lovett and Hiatt. Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m., Stiefel Theatre Watson Room, 151 S. Santa Fe St., Salina.

The second event will be the Salina Symphony’s tribute to Irving Berlin — “From Rags to Riches.” Sunday, Nov. 8, 4 p.m., with an exclusive pre-performance presentation about Berlin and his music by Symphony Conductor Ken Hakoda on Friday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m., Stiefel Theatre Watson Room, 151 S. Santa Fe St., Salina.

Members of the alumni associations of KU, Kansas State, Washburn University, Hutchinson Community College and Hesston College are eligible for a $10 discount on the first course fee of $45.

To enroll or to receive additional information, call toll free 877-404-5823 or visit www.osher.ku.edu

Wed, 09/16/2015

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Jim Peters

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Jim Peters

Continuing Education

785-864-9142