91ÌƲ®»¢

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 91ÌƲ®»¢ invites the community to a new season of learning,ÌýconnectionÌýand shared exploration with a wide-ranging lineup of spring courses forÌýpeopleÌýage 50 and older.Ìý

From science,ÌýhistoryÌýand literature to music, writing and wellness, this newÌýterm offers opportunities to engage with ideas, developÌýskillsÌýand enjoy thoughtful conversation.ÌýÌý

The spring schedule includes many returning favorites.ÌýGame-based classes, including bridge and mahjong at multiple levels,ÌýwillÌýbring members together for learning and social connection, while movement and wellness offeringsÌýlikeÌýtai chi and gentle yoga provide space for balance and relaxation.Ìý

91ÌƲ®»¢ faculty and staff are eligible for a discount on course registration. EmailÌýoshervu@vanderbilt.eduÌýforÌýmoreÌýinformation.Ìý

Registration
RegistrationÌýfor spring classesÌýisÌýopen Feb. 10–March 9. Classes beginÌýonÌýMarch 6. VisitÌýÌýto register.Ìý

OLLI at 91ÌƲ®»¢ members engage in a Tai Chi demonstration at the inaugural OLLI Open House on Sept. 11, 2025. (Submitted)

OLLI at 91ÌƲ®»¢ members at the inaugural OLLI Open House on Sept. 11, 2025. (Submitted)

OLLI at 91ÌƲ®»¢ members visit the WeGo Transit Central bus station during a Lunch and Learn event. (91ÌƲ®»¢ University)

OLLI on the Move group, April, 2025 (Submitted photo)

Music and PerformanceÌý

OLLI Steel Drum Band — BeginnerÌýis taught by Jordan Morrison. Explore Caribbean music through hands-on ensemble playing while learning basicÌýtechnique. Students meet in person on Fridays beginning March 6 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at W.O. Smith Music School, 1125ÌýEighth Ave. S.Ìý

OLLI Steel Drum Band — IntermediateÌýis taught by Jordan Morrison. Build on beginner skills with more advanced repertoire, deeper notationÌýworkÌýand study of pan culture. Students meet in person on Fridays beginning March 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at W.O. Smith Music School.Ìý

OLLI Steel Drum Band — AdvancedÌýis taught by Jordan Morrison. Tackle more difficult repertoire and advanced techniques in a challenging ensemble setting. Students meet in person on Fridays beginning March 6 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at W.O. Smith Music School.Ìý

OLLI ChoraleÌýis taught by Mary Combs. Learn blending,ÌýharmonyÌýand vocal technique while preparing a small performance repertoire in a friendly ensemble environment. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning March 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. George Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike.Ìý

Beginner UkuleleÌýis taught by Theresa Romack. Learn tuning, strumming, basicÌýchordsÌýand group singing. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning March 19 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 3511 Belmont Blvd.Ìý

Intermediate UkuleleÌýis taught by Theresa Romack. Expand chord vocabulary, explore new strumming and picking patterns, and build confidence playing in different keys and styles. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning March 19 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

Music: Controversies and CuriositiesÌýis taught by Emanuel Abramovits. Examine landmark musical controversies and curiosities from classical to pop music using audiovisual examples and case studies. Students meetÌýonÌýWednesdays beginning April 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Games and StrategyÌý

Let’sÌýMahjong! A Six-Week Beginner CourseÌýis taught by Joy Marini. Learn American Mahjong fundamentals including the National Mahjong League card, the Charleston, basicÌýstrategyÌýand gameplay in a lively hands-on format. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning March 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

Mahjong 102: Playing with Strategy and ConfidenceÌýis taught by Joy Marini. Move beyond the basics with exercises in speed, pattern recognition, Charleston decisions, table etiquette and guided full-game play. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning March 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

Bridge Basics I — An IntroductionÌýis taught by Janice Sardina. Learn bridge mechanics, key vocabulary, basic handÌýanalysisÌýand an introduction to Standard American bidding. Students meet in person on Wednesdays beginning March 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

Writing and Personal ExpressionÌý

Telling Your Story: A Deep Dive into Memoir WritingÌýis taught by Miriam Mimms. Develop memoir techniques including voice, authenticity and structure while working toward a chapter-length piece in a workshop-style class. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning March 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

How to Write a MemoirÌýis taught by Carole Webb Moore-Slater. Craft a short memoir focused on a single event or period through in-class writing exercises, techniqueÌýsessionsÌýand a writers’ group format for feedback. StudentsÌýmeet onÌýThursdays beginning March 19 fromÌýnoonÌýto 1:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

WritingÌýthe Personal Essay: Finding Your StoryÌýis taught by Lisa Stolley. Study the form of the personal essay through readings,ÌýdiscussionÌýand writing exercises that help you draft and refine original essays. Students meet on Saturdays beginning April 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Literature, Film and MediaÌý

Preventers of Futures: Ray Bradbury and Other Insightful Writers of Speculative FictionÌýisÌýtaught by Jennie Miller. Read and discussÌýFahrenheit 451Ìýand short works by mid-20th-century writers who used speculative fiction to provoke questions about society andÌýtechnology. Students meet on Tuesdays beginning March 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Reading Shakespeare with FilmÌý5Ìý— Hamlet in GriefÌýis taught by Russ Heldman. Focus onÌýHamletÌýand the theme of grief through text study,ÌýfilmÌýexcerptsÌýandÌýgroupÌýdiscussions. Students meet on Thursdays beginning March 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Delving into Documentaries — How Do They Inspire and Persuade Us?Ìýis taught by Sarah Childress. Analyze documentary techniques using clips from recent films to explore how filmmakers makeÌýargument, create empathy and shapeÌýnarrative.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Wednesdays beginning March 18 fromÌýnoonÌýto 1:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

The Lost GenerationÌýis taught byÌýFerdâÌýAsya.ÌýExamineÌýtheÌýcultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Wednesdays beginning April 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

History, Politics and Global AffairsÌý

Great Decisions 2026Ìýis taught by Brandon Hulette. Discuss six topics from the Foreign Policy Association’s annual briefing book with subjectÌýarea co-facilitators, reading prepared materials and engaging in roundtable discussion. Students meet in person on Mondays beginning March 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at St. George Episcopal Church.Ìý

Ghosts in the White House: The People Behind Presidential SpeechesÌýis taught by Diana Carlin. Trace the evolution of presidential speechwriting from the nation’s founding to the present using drafts,ÌýclipsÌýand reflections from former speechwriters.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Mondays beginning March 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

The Scopes Monkey Trial: Then and NowÌýis taught by Douglas Mishkin. Explore the 1925Ìýtrial’sÌýcourtroom drama, principal figures and enduring cultural impact while assessing dramatizations such asÌýInherit the Wind.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Tuesdays beginning March 31 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Siberia: Russia’s Frozen Wasteland or Economic Heartland?Ìýis taught by AsyaÌýPereltsvaig. Consider Siberia’s geography, indigenousÌýcultures, economic role and strategic significance amid climate change and geopolitical shifts.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Wednesdays beginning April 1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

JFK’s Quest for Peace: Lessons for Turbulent TimesÌýis taught by Charles Blum. Evaluate John F. Kennedy’s diplomatic initiatives,ÌýspeechesÌýand policy choices to draw lessons for leadership in complex times.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Thursdays beginning April 2 fromÌýnoonÌýto 1:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

From Leo XIII to Leo XIV: History ofÌý20thÌýand 21st Century PopesÌýis taught by Olivia Espin. Survey the lives,ÌýperspectivesÌýand global impacts of the lastÌý10Ìýpopes, tracing continuity and change in papal leadership.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Tuesdays beginning April 7 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

California Uncovered: A Journey Through Time, PlaceÌýand IdentityÌýis taught by Anthony Antonucci. Journey from Indigenous history through the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley while centering overlooked voices and challenging myths about the Golden State.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Fridays beginning April 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Science,ÌýTechnologyÌýand the Natural WorldÌý

An Astronomy SamplerÌýis taught by Billy Teets. Survey telescopes, the science of light, astrophotography, skyÌýmotionsÌýand springtime objects visible with a small backyard telescope through lectures and demonstrations. Students meet in person on Tuesdays beginning March 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. George Episcopal Church.Ìý

Nashville Native Orchids: Astonishing Science and Mysterious FolkloreÌýis taught by Soraya Cates Parr. Explore the biology, pollination,ÌýconservationÌýand regional folklore ofÌýtropical and terrestrial orchids. Students meet in person on Wednesdays beginning March 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

AI for Regular PeopleÌýis taught by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman. Gain an accessible introduction to how AI works, currentÌýapplicationsÌýand societal implications withÌýtimelyÌýexamples.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Thursdays beginning April 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Place, MemoryÌýand Environmental PsychologyÌýis taught by Fernanda Blanco Vidal. Reflect on how physical environments shape identity,ÌýmemoryÌýand behavior.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Tuesdays beginning April 7 fromÌýnoonÌýto 1:30 p.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Health, Wellness and MindfulnessÌý

Tai Chi for Health,ÌýBalanceÌýand RelaxationÌýis taught by Peter Hodes. Practice gentle tai chi sequences focused on alignment, breathing and balance to support mobility,ÌýrelaxationÌýand well-being. Students meet in person or online on Wednesdays beginning March 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church orÌýonline using Zoom.Ìý

Gentle YogaÌýis taught by Staci Smith. Enjoy slow, flowing movements and gentle stretches designed to promote flexibility,ÌýbalanceÌýand mindfulness for all levels. Students meet in person on Thursdays beginning March 19 fromÌýnoonÌýto 1:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church.Ìý

Meditating and Relating: You, Me, UsÌýand Our PartsÌýis taught by Gordon Peerman.ÌýCombine meditation practice with contemporary approaches to intrapersonal and interpersonal psychology. Explore how individuals relate to themselves and others in a reflective, experiential setting.ÌýStudents meetÌýon Mondays beginning March 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.Ìýonline using Zoom.Ìý

All class meeting times listedÌýareÌýCentral time. For more information, visit vanderbilt.edu/olliÌýor call 615-343-0700. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Ìý