OLLI Winter 2027_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 22
February Online Classes
Classes Meet:
Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2027
● 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. _____________________________
Harriet Tubman: The Moses of Her People
Explore the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman and
discover why she remains one of America’s most
respected historical figures. We’ll examine her
early life and family, her escape from slavery, and
the challenges she faced while leading others to
freedom through the Underground Railroad. We’ll
also learn about her work during the Civil War
as a soldier, scout, and spy alongside abolitionist
Union officers, as well as her later involvement in
the women’s suffrage movement. Along the way,
we’ll consider what Tubman’s courage, leadership,
and lifelong commitment to freedom can teach
us today.
$20 – Class instructor is Becky Sisk, retired nurse
educator and frequent OLLI instructor.
U.S.- Iran Relations, Part II:
From the 1979 Revolution to War
Explore how political, military, and diplomatic
developments shaped the relationship between
the United States and Iran from the 1979 Iranian
Revolution to the present. We’ll examine the U.S.
Embassy hostage crisis, the Iran-Iraq War, the IranContra affair, regional conflicts and proxy warfare,
economic sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program,
and efforts at nuclear diplomacy. The course
concludes by exploring the further deterioration
of U.S.–Iran relations, the 2026 U.S.-Israeli war with
Iran, and the contemporary geopolitical struggle
involving Iran, the United States, Israel, and other
regional and global powers.
$20 – Class instructor is Moe Bidgoli, Emeritus
Professor of Computer Science and Information
Systems at Saginaw Valley State University. He
has taught numerous OLLI classes at various
universities.
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● 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ________________________
AI for Mere Mortals:
Practical Ways to Use AI Daily
Wondering what the buzz is about, but afraid
of techno-babble? Unleash your inner tech
wizard! Discover how friendly AI tools can
become your ultimate sidekick. In this fun class,
we will transform AI from a mystery into your
favorite daily shortcut. Learn to draft sweet
notes, crack household repair puzzles, tame
chaotic spreadsheets, whip up OLLI syllabi, and
hunt down shopping deals. Want more? We
will brew up AI images, rock out with custom
music, and jazz up PowerPoint slides. It’s perfect
for beginners wanting to build AI confidence
in a supportive environment. No technical
background required! Grab your curiosity and
build your superpower toolkit!
$20 – Class instructor is Bob Yonker, former
Caterpillar engineer and frequent OLLI facilitator.
The Art & Architecture of Antoni Gaudi
Discover why Antoni Gaudí, once described as
“either a fool or a genius,” came to be recognized
as one of the world’s most original architects. We’ll
explore the colorful, imaginative style that shaped
both his buildings and their interiors, where
Gaudí was involved in everything from structural
design to decorative details. Like Frank Lloyd
Wright, he approached each project as a complete
work of art. Along the way, we’ll examine his
masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, as well as Park
Güell, the Sagrada Família Schools, and several
of his remarkable residences, including buildings
nicknamed “The House of Bones,” “The Quarry,”
and “The House with a Dragon on the Roof.”
$20 – Class instructor is Roger French, retired
information technology professional with
a personal passion for church history and
architecture.
FEBRUARY ONLINE CLASSES
