Affordable community classes for lifelong learners offered at CSU Spur
Contact for reporters:
Jayme DeLoss
jdeloss@colostate.edu
(970) 491-8904
As people age, they experience better mental and physical health when they have access to activities that foster togetherness, allowing them to spark friendships and create stronger community connections. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides opportunities for people 50 and older to engage with others like them who want to widen their intellectual horizons.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, operated through Colorado State University’s Office of Engagement and Extension, is offering 12 courses for the first time at CSU’s Spur campus in Denver. The CSU System has made spring courses at Spur available for the cost of the class only, giving those who are not members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute the opportunity to explore OLLI classes without purchasing an OLLI membership.
Classes cover topics from wellness to watercolors, and most cost between $10 and $30. Tuition assistance is available.
Spring courses
- Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – noon | Principles of Indian, Chinese, and Japanese Art: A Comparison
- Feb. 13, 1 – 3 p.m. | You + Science + Better Communities: An Intro to Participatory Science
- Feb. 15, 10 a.m. – noon | Concepts of Basic Soil Science and Composting 101
- Feb. 15, 1 – 3 p.m. | Colography: The Nitty-Gritty Colorado
- March 19, 10 a.m. – noon | Ukraine in Context: A Historical and Personal Perspective
- March 19, 1 – 3 p.m. | The Global Impact of the War in Ukraine
- March 21, 10 a.m. – noon | To Boldly Go: The Rise of the English Language
- March 21, 1 – 3 p.m. | Mindfulness: It’s Not What You Think!
- April 16, 10 a.m. – noon | Longing to Belong
- April 16, 1 – 3 p.m. | Conserving and Using Plant Genetic Diversity
- April 18, 10 a.m. – noon | Starting a Home Hydroponic Garden
- April 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Loose Watercolor Painting
Exploring mindfulness
CSU Extension’s Sue Schneider – a medical anthropologist, integrative health coach, certified mindfulness instructor and author – will lead a course on mindfulness in March.
“People are often curious about mindfulness and if it can help them reduce their stress, live their lives more fully and be of service in the world,” Schneider said, “but they don’t often get access to basic explanations and practices that can help them learn to incorporate mindfulness into their everyday lives.”
Schneider’s class – Mindfulness: It’s Not What You Think! – will explore fundamental mindfulness principles and practices.
Hands-on with watercolor
Prominent Colorado watercolorist Steve Griggs will lead a class in April. Participants will paint with him as he demonstrates his signature loose painting style. The six-hour class costs $125.
Other spring courses cover hydroponic gardening, soil science, history and literature. View course descriptions and register at the OLLI at CSU Spur website.