Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Exploring Art: Watercolor and Mixed Media
Neil R. Dreibelbis | September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Participants will be introduced to watercolor techniques and explore incorporating diverse materials to create a unique way of art. The objective of this course is to empower participants to create expressive watercolor based mixed media artwork and to learn to think creatively how to combine various media into a single work of art.

Contemporary Economic Policy Issues 
Jon Haveman & Geoffrey Woglom | September 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16 | 2 pm | Zoom | $40
What economic forces are shaping today’s most pressing public policy debates? In this course, participants will examine a range of timely issues through the lens of economics, exploring how each issue developed, what the data reveal, and which policy options are available. Each session will be led by a different subject-matter expert, offering fresh perspectives and accessible analysis of the choices facing policymakers and the public.

The 20th-Century Lens
Jerry Lakoff | September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Many people feel that today’s culture has moved far from the values, civic traditions, and shared assumptions that once shaped public life. This discussion-based course examines the present through the ideas of influential 20th-century thinkers who anticipated many of the social, moral, political, and technological challenges we face today. Each week, participants will watch a selected interview and consider the insights of figures such as Isaac Asimov, Erich Fromm, E. O. Wilson, Elie Wiesel, Hannah Arendt, Jonas Salk, Thomas Sowell, and Martin Buber. Together, we will explore what their ideas can teach us about human behavior, community, responsibility, and the future of society.

Live from Cameroon: This Time for Africa 
Ilise L. Feitshans | October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20 | 11:30 am | Zoom | $40
Taking its title from the song associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup—the first held on the African continent—This Time for Africa examines a continent undergoing extraordinary social, political, and economic change. Broadcast live from Cameroon by 2026–2027 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Dr. Ilise Feitshans, the course will explore developments in women’s leadership, public health, life expectancy, and maternal health, alongside continuing challenges including poverty, infectious disease, natural disasters, and political instability. Participants will also consider how inherited legal systems, traditional governance, ethnic identity, and contemporary political forces interact and shape Africa’s future.

United States, Divided Americans—Part One: Can We Get Along?
Richard T. Menn | October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16 | 11:30 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Political disagreement has always been part of American life, but today’s divisions often seem especially deep and difficult to bridge. This discussion-based course—the first in a proposed series—will explore the historical, cultural, and political roots of the conflicts shaping the United States today. Participants will consider how disagreements over policies, values, and national identity test America’s founding ideals and civic institutions, while examining whether respectful dialogue and shared democratic principles can help us move forward together.

American Songbook Masters: Our Nation’s Story
Bill Palmerio | October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 10 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, it’s a perfect moment to honor the songwriters and lyricists who shaped a new “American” voice—a voice that captures the unique story of our American journey. From Stephen Foster to Stephen Sondheim, these talented songwriters have left a cherished musical legacy, always striving to reflect the true evolution of our country as a free republic, from that hot July 4th in 1776 Philadelphia to today. The American Songbook canon embodies patriotism and pride in our accomplishments, while also confronting the darkest chapters of our history; sometimes with subtle satire, but often with an unfiltered emphasis on harsh historical realities.

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Unmasked
Patricia Garver | October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most successful Broadway composers in modern history. He has composed some of the world's best known musicals, including Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, CATS, Evita, to name a few. He has won many awards, is a Kennedy Center Honoree, written an autobiography, and was Knighted by the Queen in 1992. In this class, you will learn about the life and works of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Early American Jewish Influence and the Founding of the United States
Roberta Matz | October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16 | 2 p.m. | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Jewish immigrants first arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654 and soon began helping to shape the emerging nation. This course will explore the contributions of early Jewish Americans to religious freedom, equal rights, education, commerce, and the struggle for independence. Participants will meet figures such as Asser Levy and Haym Salomon and discover how Jewish individuals and communities helped advance the ideals and institutions of the new United States.

Famous Women of the Bible
Gerry Mello | September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12 | 11:30 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Women in the Bible often lived within societies that limited their authority and opportunities, yet many played essential roles in shaping the biblical story. This course will introduce five compelling women from the Old and New Testaments, exploring their lives, challenges, choices, and contributions. Through discussion, participants will discover how their courage, faith, leadership, and resilience continue to offer insight and inspiration today.

Gerald and Betty Ford: Partnership, Politics, and Public Life
Jerry McNeff | October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16 | 10 am | Scouts Park, Exton  | $40
Explore the lives and legacies of Gerald and Betty Ford, two influential figures who helped guide the nation through a period of political and social change. The course will examine Gerald Ford’s unexpected rise to the presidency, his efforts to restore public trust after Watergate, and the domestic and international challenges of his administration. Participants will also consider Betty Ford’s groundbreaking role as First Lady and her candid advocacy for women’s rights, breast cancer awareness, and addiction treatment and recovery.

The Great Depression: Causes, Consequences, and Legacy
Robert Collins | September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12 | 11:30 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Nearly a century after the Great Depression began, its causes and legacy continue to shape how we understand economic crisis and government intervention. This course will examine the events that led to the collapse, the hardships experienced by millions of Americans, and the policies and developments that helped bring the nation toward recovery. Participants will explore how long the Depression lasted, why it became so severe, and what lessons it may still offer today.

The History of Chester, Pennsylvania
Dexter Davis | October 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17 | 1 pm | Widener University, Chester | $40
Explore the history of Pennsylvania’s oldest city, from its beginnings as Upland and William Penn’s arrival to its development as a center of manufacturing, shipbuilding, education, religion, and community life. This course will examine the people, neighborhoods, institutions, and social movements that shaped Chester, including the city’s connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the struggle for civil rights. Participants will also consider how Chester’s rich and complex history continues to influence the city today.

The Mughals II: After Akbar
Jeff Heim | October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 2 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
The Mughal Empire reached extraordinary heights under Akbar—but could his successors sustain his legacy? This course will trace the empire’s expansion, the splendor of the court, and the building of the Taj Mahal, while also examining the rivalries, political struggles, and growing British influence that weakened Mughal rule. Participants will explore how one of India’s most powerful dynasties declined and ultimately came to an end in 1857.

Perspectives on the American Revolution
David Hudiak | September 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14 | 10 am | Widener University, Chester | $40
While the story of the American Revolution is well known, less is known about how the Revolution affected various groups of people. African Americans, Native Americans, Women, Immigrants, Loyalists and other groups were impacted in diverse and significant ways. By studying these impacts, students will gain a deeper understanding of our struggle for freedom.

Themes and Turning Points of the American Civil War 
Jeffrey LaMonica | September 15, 22, 29; October 6, 13 | 1 pm | Widener University, Chester | $40
This course will cover select topics and themes of the American Civil War (1861-65) with a focus on the concepts of Modern War, Total War, and how the conflict still resonates today. Each lesson will be on a specific topic: 1. Did the Confederacy Stand a Chance? 2. Wartime Medical Treatment 3. Black Troops in the Union Army 4. The Naval War 5. Artifacts Display and Discussion

Understanding the Middle East
Mitchell Rothman | October 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17 | 2 pm | Widener University, Chester | $40
The Middle East is frequently in the news, yet the historical and cultural forces shaping the region are often overlooked or misunderstood. This course will examine how the region’s earlier history, diverse peoples, and cultural traditions contributed to its modern political boundaries and ongoing conflicts. By placing current events in a broader historical and anthropological context, participants will gain a clearer understanding of why the Middle East developed as it did—and why its challenges remain so complex today.

Unsung Heroines: Women Who Changed History
Roberta Matz & Roberta McManus | October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
In 1776, Abigail Adams urged her husband to “remember the ladies” as the new nation took shape. Yet the achievements of many women have remained overlooked or forgotten. This course will bring their stories to light, highlighting women from different eras and fields who broke barriers, achieved important firsts, and helped shape history. Join us in celebrating their courage, persistence, and lasting contributions—and in making sure these remarkable women are remembered.

Create a Story: A Creative Writing Workshop 
Loretta Wehbe 
Session A: September 15, 22, 29; October 6, 13 | Time to be confirmed | Widener University, Chester | $40
Session B: October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 2 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Bring your imagination and join a supportive workshop designed to help you develop memorable characters, compelling scenes, and original stories. Through prompts, discussion, and guided exercises, participants will practice the craft of storytelling and gain confidence sharing their work. Writers at every level of experience are welcome.

Myths and Fairy Tales: Stories That Shape Us
Jeffrey Lauterbach | September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15 | 2 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Myths and fairy tales are more than entertaining stories—they reflect our deepest fears, hopes, conflicts, and desires. In this course, participants will explore well-known tales through a psychological lens, examining recurring symbols, characters, and archetypes. Together, we will uncover the enduring wisdom within folklore and mythology and consider why these stories continue to shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us.

The Odyssey and Its Influence on English and American Literature
John Wickman | September 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16 | 12 pm | Zoom | $40
Homer’s Odyssey has inspired writers for centuries with its timeless themes of adventure, identity, perseverance, homecoming, and transformation. This course will revisit key episodes from the epic and explore how its characters, structure, and ideas have shaped works of English and American literature. Participants will consider why this ancient journey continues to resonate and how later writers have reimagined its enduring story.

PoetVision: Modern Poets in Their Own Words
Bill deVry | September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
In the late 1980s, Rohm and Haas, a Philadelphia-based chemical company, produced and promoted PoetVision, a poetry reading and discussion program, as a civic goodwill gesture to enhance poetry appreciation among high school students in Philadelphia. It involved about 12 well-known modern poets reading and discussing their poetry and that of others. I plan for the class to view these readings and discuss with my help. Some of the poets are Alan Ginsburg, Rita Dove, Lucille Clifton and Robert Haas.

The World of Mythology
Loretta Wehbe | October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18 | 1 pm | Widener University, Chester | $40
Journey across cultures and centuries through the myths that helped people explain the natural world, human behavior, heroism, destiny, and the unknown. This course will explore stories and traditions from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, and Native American cultures, comparing their gods, heroes, symbols, and enduring themes. Participants will discover both the distinctiveness of each tradition and the universal questions that connect mythologies around the world.

Writing with Confidence
Dr. Jolene Borgese | October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Build greater confidence and clarity in your writing through guided practice in every session. Participants will learn how to replace unnecessary adjectives and adverbs with stronger verbs, sharpen their style, and revise with purpose. The strategies introduced can be applied to creative writing, personal correspondence, and professional communication, making this course useful for writers of all experience levels.

The Benefits of Prayer 
Janet Coston | October 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17 | 11:30 am | Widener University, Chester | $40
Professional studies show that Prayer can impact mental and physical well-being, reduce stress, calm emotions, and much more. Many great and prominent leaders in our culture utilized prayer as a gateway to hope, healing and courage. Consistent personal prayer can also become a catalyst that increases faith, offer peace and tranquility during the hard times we experience in life. “The Benefits of Prayer” is a course based on biblical principles but open to all regardless of religion or faith. So, come seeking!

In Search of True Knowledge
Joseph Romano | September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
What does it mean to say that something is true—or false—and how can we be certain that what we know is reliable? Although human beings have made remarkable advances in fields such as medicine, economics, psychology, sociology, and politics, every claim to knowledge depends on deeper questions about truth and certainty. This course will explore major philosophical theories of knowledge, examine how we distinguish belief from fact, and consider why determining what is true matters in both public life and our everyday decisions.

Hybrids: How They Work and What’s Available Today
Nicholas J. DiMarino | October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 1 pm | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Hybrid vehicles combine traditional engines with electric power to improve efficiency and reduce fuel use. This course will explain the major types of hybrid automobiles, how their systems work, and the options currently available to consumers. Building on the earlier course about battery-powered vehicles, participants will begin with a brief review of fully electric cars before exploring how hybrids bridge the gap between gasoline and electric transportation.

The Stars: How Big, How Far, and How Old?
Harry J. Augensen 
Session A: September 18 and October 9 | 1 pm | Zoom | $40
Session B: November 20 | 1 pm | Zoom | $40
Journey beyond our solar system to discover how astronomers measure the seemingly impossible. This course will explore how scientists determine the size, distance, age, composition, and life cycles of stars. Through clear explanations and striking examples, participants will gain a better understanding of the universe’s immense scale—and a deeper appreciation of the stars that fill the night sky.

Tech Talk: Demystifying Electronic Devices, AI, and 3-D Printing
Carolyn K., Sara Lim Harden, Harriette Nadler & Ed Goll | October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 11:30 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Build confidence with today’s technology in this practical, team-taught course. Explore useful applications of artificial intelligence, digital safety, photo editing, 3-D printing, and other makerspace tools. Sessions will emphasize approachable demonstrations, everyday uses, and opportunities to ask questions in a welcoming environment. No experience required.

Trash Talk: What Happens to Our Waste? 
Ronald L. Mersky | October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20 | 10 am | Zoom | $40
Did you ever really think about trash? How do landfills work? What does “recycling” really mean? How does solid waste impact the environment? This course covers operational, environmental, regulatory and social aspects of municipal waste management – all in a descriptive format that does not require a science background.

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Bill Werndl 
Session A: September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15 |11:30 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Session B: October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 | 11:30 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
This course will examine some of the most talked-about issues in the current sports world, featuring guest speakers and personalities from the sports community. The course will be moderated by legendary sports broadcaster Bill Werndl, a longtime sports talk radio host currently heard on WCHE 1520 AM and WBCB 1490 AM. Bill has been broadcasting for more than fifty years and was the first full-time sports producer in the Philadelphia market.

Postcard Collecting for Fun and Profit 
William Schultz | September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15 | 10 am | Scouts Park, Exton | $40
Discover the fascinating world of postcard collecting, also known as deltiology. This course will introduce participants to the history, styles, categories, and methods of building a meaningful collection. Learn how to identify interesting and valuable cards, avoid common mistakes, organize and preserve your collection, and navigate buying, selling, and trading. Whether you are a longtime collector or simply curious about the hobby, you will gain practical tips and a new appreciation for the stories postcards can tell.

September 16 — 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Instructor: Gerry Mello and Jerry McNeff
Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, this commemorative lecture will honor those who lost their lives and reflect on a tragedy that profoundly changed the United States and the world. Participants will consider the lasting impact of 9/11 on national security, public life, international relations, and our individual and collective sense of safety, memory, and resilience.

September 23 — Poetry and You
Instructor: Nancy Rosenberger
Experience poetry as “music for the human voice” in this welcoming, highly interactive course. Rather than listening to traditional lectures, participants will read poems both familiar and new, respond through “say-backs,” explore memory and personal meaning, and share discoveries as a group. Bring paper, a pencil, and a spirit of curiosity. No performance experience is needed—only a willingness to listen, reflect, and engage.

September 30 — Who Is Socrates?
Instructor: Joseph Romano
Who was Socrates, and why has his influence endured for more than two millennia? Although he left no writings of his own, the accounts of Plato portray him as a relentless seeker of truth who challenged others to examine their beliefs and pursue lives of wisdom and moral character. This course will explore the Socratic method, his ideas about virtue and happiness, the political tensions that led to his trial and execution, and the lasting relevance of his famous call to live an examined life.

October 7 — Plastic and Our Health: What You Need to Know
Instructor: Kathy Cook
Plastics have become part of nearly every aspect of modern life—but their impact extends far beyond overflowing landfills and polluted waterways. This lecture will examine how plastics and microplastics may affect human health, wildlife, and the environment. Participants will also explore practical steps individuals and communities can take to reduce plastic use, make more informed choices, and help address the growing problem of plastic pollution.

October 14 — Five Great Trials of History and Their Lessons for Today
Instructor: John S. Koehler
What can history’s most famous trials teach us about justice today? This course will examine the trials of Socrates, Gaius Verres, Jesus Christ, Gilles de Rais, and Galileo, exploring the legal systems, political pressures, and moral questions surrounding each case. Participants will consider how these trials shaped enduring debates about due process, authority, evidence, conscience, and the relationship between law and power—and why they remain relevant to modern jurisprudence.

October 21 — Iran and America: From Allies to Adversaries
Instructor: Jeff Heim
For much of the twentieth century, Iran and the United States maintained a close relationship built on cooperation and shared strategic interests. This all changed in 1979.  This lecture will explore how these allies became adversaries, tracing the history of Iranian-American relations and the events, ambitions, and grievances that continue to shape the relationship today. 

October 28 — Duportail: A Forgotten Founder
Instructor: Jim McKinley
Discover the remarkable life and achievements of General Louis Duportail, George Washington’s Chief Engineer during the American Revolution. This lecture will explore Duportail’s critical role in strengthening the defenses at Valley Forge, advancing the Continental Army’s military engineering capabilities, and contributing to the American victory. Participants will also learn how his work helped lay the foundation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Military Academy at West Point.

November 4 — A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen?
Instructor: Roberta Matz
For generations, women were expected to manage the household—but that responsibility also made them some of history's most inventive problem-solvers. From clever kitchen innovations to everyday technologies that transformed domestic life, women devised practical solutions to make their work easier, safer, and more efficient. Discover the often-overlooked stories of the resourceful women whose inventions changed the way we live.

November 11 — The Lincoln Assassination
Instructor: David Hudiak
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln was one of the most tragic and consequential events in American history. This lecture will revisit the events surrounding that fateful night, introduce lesser-known details about the people and circumstances involved, and examine several compelling “what if” questions. Participants will consider how different outcomes might have changed Reconstruction, the presidency, and the nation’s future.

November 18 — The Star of Bethlehem: Myth, Legend, or Reality?
Instructor: Elwood E. Sanders Jr.
What was the Star of Bethlehem—a symbolic story, a miraculous sign, or an actual astronomical event? This lecture will examine the possibility that a rare sequence of celestial events inspired the Magi to journey in search of a promised king. Drawing connections among astronomy, biblical tradition, and the prophecies associated with Daniel, participants will explore one interpretation of how the heavens may have guided the way to Bethlehem.