Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University

04/07/2026

We hope you can join Western Michigan University TODAY at the kick-off event for the Moral Courage mentorship program on campus that will be the first-of-its-kind program at an NCAA Division I school! The wonderful Irshad Manji will join WMU and colleagues in sharing how this programming will help to equip our students with constructive dialogue skills.

The program kicks off at 3pm in Heritage Hall on East Campus. We hope to see you there!

On April 7, Western Michigan University will host Irshad Manji, Dr. Laura Dinehart, Von Washington Jr., and Julian Jones to announce the launch of the nation’s first NCAA Division I Moral Courage Mentorship program. 🌟

From 3–5 p.m. at Heritage Hall, we are inviting students, neighbors, and partners to explore how the Moral Courage Method helps Broncos build better conversations and stronger connections across differences.

With free parking and free registration 🎟️, this kickoff is more than an event, it is a community moment, bringing students, partners, and neighbors into the work of building a stronger, more united Kalamazoo. We hope to see you there!

Register to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moral-courage-in-kalamazoo-kick-off-event-tickets-1985742126154

10/23/2025

What happens to our communities when local news disappears?
In "Community Well-Being and the Local News Crisis," instructors Ben Lando and Reid Williams will lead an eye-opening seminar on how the decline of local journalism affects civic engagement, public health, and government accountability. We’ll examine case studies, discuss the rise of misinformation, and learn about an innovative nonprofit working to revitalize local journalism here in Kalamazoo County.

This one-session course meets Friday, November 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. at WMU’s Sangren Hall. Space is available—register today at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.

10/21/2025

Don’t miss "When Living Becomes Assisted," a free play exploring the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.

Presented by OLLI’s Senior Readers Theatre in partnership with WMU’s Ethics Center and the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn more at wmich.edu/olli/events.

10/17/2025

Calling all members—mark your calendars for OLLI’s Annual Meeting!

Join us Wednesday, November 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at People’s Church. The afternoon will include a State of OLLI address and a special guest speaker: Reid Williams, Director of Audience & Civic Engagement at NowKalamazoo and co-founder of the Local Journalism Foundation of Kalamazoo County.

This annual gathering is an important opportunity to reflect on OLLI’s progress and look ahead together. We hope you’ll join us. Register now at wmich.edu/olli/events.

10/15/2025

What happens when the roles of parent and child begin to change?

"When Living Becomes Assisted" captures the heartbreak, resilience, and compassion of caring for a loved one with dementia. Join us next week for this free play on Tuesday, October 22, at 4:30 p.m. in WMU’s College of Health and Human Services Auditorium, followed by a thoughtful discussion with experts.

Presented by OLLI’s Senior Readers Theatre, WMU’s Ethics Center, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn more at wmich.edu/olli/events.

10/13/2025

What does it take to reach the stars? In "Women in Air and Space: Space Exploration," instructor Erin Lewis will share the remarkable story of the 25 women who underwent astronaut training in the early 1960s—years before Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983. Learn why it took so long for women to break this barrier and what we can take away from their experiences.

This one-session course meets Thursday, November 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Air Zoo in Portage. The program is included at no charge, though museum admission is required if you wish to explore exhibits before or after. Register now at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.

10/12/2025

Experience history through the power of music. Join us for a "Live Performance of Music From the Civil War, Reconstruction Period, and Minstrel Era" and listen to an old-time string band perform 19th-century songs while revealing the hidden history within them. Discover the stories behind Civil War tunes and learn how the cultural currents of the time influenced the rise of minstrel traditions and Reconstruction-era music.

This one-session course meets Friday, November 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Vicksburg Senior Center. Reserve your spot today at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.

10/09/2025

Ever wonder what it takes to officiate an NFL game? Join us for "Inside the NFL’s Third Team on the Field" to get an insider’s look at the responsibilities of National Football League officials. Learn about each position, the duties that keep the game running smoothly, and how referees handle fast-paced, high-pressure situations.

This two-session course meets Thursdays, November 6 and 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at WMU’s College of Health and Human Services. Register today at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.

10/08/2025

Caring for someone with dementia often means planning for changes ahead. In the final installment of our Empowered Caregiver Series, “Exploring Care and Support Services," an Alzheimer’s Association expert will provide guidance on preparing for future care decisions, including respite care, residential care, and end-of-life care.
This is a free, members-only online course meets Wednesday, November 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.

10/06/2025

How do we prepare for one of life’s most difficult topics? Our "Preparing for Death: Leave No Stone Unturned" course will guide you through important conversations about what matters most—both before and after dying. From legal documents and memorial planning to personal reflections like writing an obituary or deciding who you want by your side, this course offers a thoughtful, supportive space to create an inventory of what’s truly important.

This three-session course meets Tuesdays, November 4–18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Portage Zhang Senior Center. Space is limited—register now at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.

10/02/2025

Meet the trailblazing women who took to the skies. In "Women in Air and Space: Pioneering Women in Early Flight," instructor Amy Walker will introduce us to three remarkable aviators—Katharine Wright, Bessie Coleman, and Katherine Chung—who overcame barriers of gender and race to make their mark in aviation history. Their courage and determination opened doors for future generations of women in flight.

This one-session course meets Thursday, October 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Air Zoo in Portage. There is no extra charge for the program itself, though museum admission is required if you’d like to explore before or after. Register today at bit.ly/olliwmucourses.