Courses   

Ever since its earliest offering during the 2008 financial crisis, the Economic Roundtable has strived to better understand the tumultuous economic environment of the last 17 years. The Fall 2025 class continues its mission with a focus on considering the potential for a future recession, the current state of the labor market, and the impact of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stop inflation. Please join us in discussing what are often conflicting economic signals and political rhetoric in a quest to better understand the current economic environment.

Ever since its earliest offering during the 2008 financial crisis, the Economic Roundtable has strived to better understand the tumultuous economic environment of the last 17 years. The Fall 2025 class continues its mission with a focus on considering the potential for a future recession, the current state of the labor market, and the impact of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stop inflation. Please join us in discussing what are often conflicting economic signals and political rhetoric in a quest to better understand the current economic environment.

Tuesdays (12-1 p.m.):
  September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9

Fridays (12-1 p.m.):
  September 12, 19, 26,  October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, December 5

**Materials needed for the class will be provided free of charge at the first class. This class meets twice per week.

 This course introduces the practice of Tai Chi with a gentle, non-taxing routine that includes elements of Qigong, Yang style Tai Chi, and movement training. While it is a beginner’s course, people who have experience with Tai Chi are also welcome. The course is taught with the spirit that any movement is good movement. There are many claims about the positive benefits of Tai Chi, and it is our hope that with regular practice, you will notice a difference in overall flexibility, fitness, and ability to relax. If any parts of our routine are not comfortable, you do not need to do them. If you have any health concerns about taking the class, we recommend that you consult your physician.

Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: September 9, 23, October 7, 21, November 4, 18, December 2

Bruce Martin will lead discussions of literary texts from various time periods and cultures. Authors to be read during the Fall 2025 semester will include Adam Phillips, Franz Kafka & Nathaniel Hawthorne. Readings will be sent individually to participants throughout the semester. Anyone having questions or concerns, or wanting additional information should contact Bruce Martin: brucekmartin85@gmail.com or 515-612-3508.

Join Ellen for a monthly update on the current happenings in international relations and European politics. This class examines the resurgence of a world organized in major poles – three at this time – who contend with each other for dominance. The unipolar world centered around the United States from 1989 (the end of the Cold War) to roughly 2008 is gone. The United States faces major challenges from Russia and China, each of whom has global ambitions. Their goals will be examined and we will look to the future in this fast-evolving situation.

Join Ellen for a monthly update on the current happenings in international relations and European politics. This class examines the resurgence of a world organized in major poles – three at this time – who contend with each other for dominance. The unipolar world centered around the United States from 1989 (the end of the Cold War) to roughly 2008 is gone. The United States faces major challenges from Russia and China, each of whom has global ambitions. Their goals will be examined and we will look to the future in this fast-evolving situation.

Join us for the OLLI at Drake Book Club this fall as we read and reflect together on four books about relationships, from intimate and always messy tales of family and marriage, to the complex connections we navigate within our communities, and even with the books we love. Our authors – all award-winners – will give us plenty to talk about. Discussions will take place online each month.

September 12: This Is Where I Leave You (Jonathan Tropper)

October 10: Until Augus (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

November 14: Our Missing Hearts (Celeste Ng)

December 12: 84 Charing Cross Road (Helene Hanff)

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

A salmagundi is an asssortment of this and that, a medley, or a potpourri. However mixed, this series of engaging talks have certain things in common: They all pertain to vision, inventiveness and the arts—to quick-witted ways of looking at life—whether by frolicsome uses of words (metaphors, wit and feigned mistakes), or by beguiling contrivances like metamorphosis, visual puns, and bewildering juxtapositions. Each session is a fast-paced, richly illustrated overview of surprising and often amusing effects, both historic and current, as presented by an artist, designer, writer and teacher.

Session 1: TEACHING DRAWING IN THE DARK

Session 2: I NEVER METAMORPHOSIS I DIDN’T LIKE

Session 3: THE PURPOSEFUL USE OF CONFUSION

Session 4: HOW I ONCE MADE A MAGAZINE

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

The lay of the land combined with the power of water and gravity carved a notch in the world, between the Atlantic coast of the American Continent and the greatest inland water complex on Earth. This notch was a pathway for trade and travel before Europeans arrived. It would become a gateway for the 19th Century version of a “superhighway.”

When the notion of connecting the Atlantic to the Great Lakes was first raised and, indeed, when the first surveys for a canal route were conducted, there was not a single professional civil engineer in the entire United States. Western NY State was considered “The Frontier” and Ohio was “The West.”

The Erie Canal follows the story of the canal from conception to completion. Like the canal itself, this story does not proceed in a straight line, did not happen all at once and did not end in anything like the manner its origins suggested. But much of what happened in the years after its completion in 1825, from Abolitionism to Women’s Suffrage to the 19th Century religious revival that took place in its wake traces directly back to the 4 MPH “Superhighway” the canal represented to the people of the time. And the America that emerged after it opened was defined by its impact.

People who are happy tend to be optimistic, grateful, and have a positive outlook on life. They are often more tolerant, less judgmental, more trusting of others, and even healthier than those who report low levels of happiness.

 

So where can I buy some happiness?

People who are happy tend to be optimistic, grateful, and have a positive outlook on life. They are often more tolerant, less judgmental, more trusting of others, and even healthier than those who report low levels of happiness.

 

So where can I buy some happiness?

Dr. Patricia Quinlisk is back to share new research and updated information to address how the risk of developing dementia can be reduced; in fact, it’s estimated that about 40% of all cases of dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease can be prevented. Over these three classes, you will learn the details about what YOU can do to lower your risk, even if you think you might be carrying the dementia gene! It’s not easy to make lifestyle changes, but now is the time to start (and these changes will help you to be healthier overall – not only your brain will be healthier, so will your heart and lungs, and body!) Join us for a life changing class. 

In-person participants are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch to eat during the class.

Dr. Patricia Quinlisk is back to share new research and updated information to address how the risk of developing dementia can be reduced; in fact, it’s estimated that about 40% of all cases of dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease can be prevented. Over these three classes, you will learn the details about what YOU can do to lower your risk, even if you think you might be carrying the dementia gene! It’s not easy to make lifestyle changes, but now is the time to start (and these changes will help you to be healthier overall – not only your brain will be healthier, so will your heart and lungs, and body!) Join us for a life changing class. 

In-person participants are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch to eat during the class.

Cribbage, said to have originated in England, is about 400 years old and is one of the most popular card games for 2 players (it can also be played by 3 or 4). In this class, students will learn six-card cribbage basics including playing, pegging, scoring, and some simple scoreimproving strategies. Standard 52-card decks will be provided as well as cribbage boards, although students are free to bring their own.

This informative presentation will educate people about:

• Eligibility requirements for Medicaid for facility and in-home care.
• Asset and income protections for the Medicaid recipient’s spouse.
• The available options for spending down assets to qualify for Medicaid.
• Protecting the home and other assets from Iowa’s estate recovery law.
• Avoiding illegal asset transfers that would affect Medicaid eligibility.

This informative presentation will educate people about:

• Eligibility requirements for Medicaid for facility and in-home care.
• Asset and income protections for the Medicaid recipient’s spouse.
• The available options for spending down assets to qualify for Medicaid.
• Protecting the home and other assets from Iowa’s estate recovery law.
• Avoiding illegal asset transfers that would affect Medicaid eligibility.

Join Breann Bye for this informative series uncovering the lost history of Des Moines. It is anticipated this will be an ongoing series in future semesters, exploring more neighborhoods that are experiencing revitalization.

Session 1: Center Street
Once a thriving hub of Black culture, business, and entertainment, Des Moines’ Center Street neighborhood was largely erased by mid-20th century urban renewal and the construction of I-235. This session explores Center Street’s vibrant legacy—home to jazz clubs, Black-owned businesses, and a flourishing professional community—and how its removal reshaped the city’s social and physical landscape.

Session 2: 6th Avenue Corridor
This session focuses on the evolution of the 6th Avenue Corridor, tracing the impacts of redlining, disinvestment, and the legacy of displacement from Center Street. Participants will learn about 6th Avenue’s history as a commercial streetcar route and its current transformation through initiatives like the Center at Sixth, Townhall Food Hall, and the ION housing program—efforts aimed at restoring vibrancy while honoring the area’s heritage.

In-person participants are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch to eat during the class.

Join Breann Bye for this informative series uncovering the lost history of Des Moines. It is anticipated this will be an ongoing series in future semesters, exploring more neighborhoods that are experiencing revitalization.

Session 1: Center Street
Once a thriving hub of Black culture, business, and entertainment, Des Moines’ Center Street neighborhood was largely erased by mid-20th century urban renewal and the construction of I-235. This session explores Center Street’s vibrant legacy—home to jazz clubs, Black-owned businesses, and a flourishing professional community—and how its removal reshaped the city’s social and physical landscape.

Session 2: 6th Avenue Corridor
This session focuses on the evolution of the 6th Avenue Corridor, tracing the impacts of redlining, disinvestment, and the legacy of displacement from Center Street. Participants will learn about 6th Avenue’s history as a commercial streetcar route and its current transformation through initiatives like the Center at Sixth, Townhall Food Hall, and the ION housing program—efforts aimed at restoring vibrancy while honoring the area’s heritage.

In-person participants are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch to eat during the class.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

 Two sessions will cover events in the 1920’s leading up to the start of The Great Depression, including ominous parallels between the 1920s and the 2020s. I will suggest that the Depression did not start with the infamous stock market crashes of late 1929, but that the seeds were sown following the end of WW I and subsequent events throughout the 1920s. We will discuss political and economic conditions during the 1930s and the early years of WW II with detailed examination of the lives of a diverse group of Americans who provided first-hand accounts of their lives during this tumultuous period of American life. There will be a discussion of lessons learned with questions and comments solicited.

Participants without access to Zoom can come to the Harkin Auditorium for the class.

Today, one may walk through historic Weimar, Germany, and meet people who have lived under several different political systems. In our two sessions we will take a look back (1900-1989) at the pre-Weimar Republic period, the Weimar Republic, the post-Weimar Republic period, post-World War II, and Reunification in 1989. Now 36 years later, after having said good-bye to a familiar and failed political system, what’s Europe’s Culture City of 1999 like today? We will hear from our featured speakers at the Haus of the Weimar Republic and the Buchenwald Memorial. 

Legal experts and advocates from Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice will share important updates on recent changes to immigration laws and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.

Legal experts and advocates from Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice will share important updates on recent changes to immigration laws and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

What was it like to live in WW2 Los Alamos NM where the world’s first atomic bomb was built? What were the considerations that went into using the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, exactly 80 years ago? Based on research for her historical novel, author Galina Vromen will bring alive that monumental period and discuss its impact on the state of nuclear proliferation today.

Just in time for the holidays, Abe Goldstien will introduce you to jazz versions of your favorite Christmas and Chanukah songs plus some that will be totally new to you. Additional sessions will feature tunes for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, July 4th and Halloween. Along the way, you’ll learn about the musicians performing the tunes.

As a preview to our full Spring course, Retirement YOU will explore key topics like market volatility, inflation, taxes, Social Security and IRAs and their potential effect on the health of your retirement plan. This course is perfect for those seeking clear, concise insights into our rapidly changing retirement landscape. The content is not biased toward any strategy, company or product, but rather focuses on the concepts needed to make informed decisions in this ever-changing environment.

Please join us for an afternoon of brain-teasing fun with our collection of jigsaw puzzles. Whether you are a puzzle enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing, interactive activity, this event offers something for everyone. All puzzles will be provided along with light refreshments. Come sharpen your mind, enjoy friendly competition, and relax with your peers for this fun filled event!

The first American woman earned her pilot’s license in 1911 and 3000 women followed her footsteps hoping for the opportunity to fly professionally. Doors opened in 1942 as the US entered World War II. In Part I of this course, we will learn about integration into Army life, major accomplishments during the war and the myths that were dispelled. Part II will delve into securing veteran status and influencing the second generation of female pilots..

 

Are you at a crossroads in your life? Do you feel that itch for change popping up? “Letting Go” is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make transformative changes in your life.

Is it time to shake things up? “Letting Go” taught by our own OLLI at Drake member Denny Kelly is a safe space to make some very transformative changes in your current life.

Jessica Mazour returns with an update for OLLI members about carbon pipelines in Iowa. Her presentation will be right before the 2026 legislative session. ... For three years, Iowans across all political divides have joined together to stop the controversial Summit and Wolf Carbon Pipelines. Promoted as climate solutions and ethanol-lifesavers by the Carbon Capture and Storage industry; farmers, environmentalists and local governments have teamed up to protect the land, communities and futures of those along the proposed routes.

Jessica Mazour returns with an update for OLLI members about carbon pipelines in Iowa. Her presentation will be right before the 2026 legislative session. ... For three years, Iowans across all political divides have joined together to stop the controversial Summit and Wolf Carbon Pipelines. Promoted as climate solutions and ethanol-lifesavers by the Carbon Capture and Storage industry; farmers, environmentalists and local governments have teamed up to protect the land, communities and futures of those along the proposed routes.

This single-session course offers an informative and respectful exploration of gender identity, with a focus on transgender experiences. Participants will gain insight into evolving terminology, inclusive language, and the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Iowa. The session will feature a family physician who has provided care to many transgender patients, along with guest speakers who will share their personal stories. The goal of this class is to foster greater understanding, dispel harmful myths and stereotypes, and promote empathy and inclusion. Participants are encouraged to bring questions they may not have had the opportunity to ask in other settings, creating a welcoming and open space for learning.

This single-session course offers an informative and respectful exploration of gender identity, with a focus on transgender experiences. Participants will gain insight into evolving terminology, inclusive language, and the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Iowa. The session will feature a family physician who has provided care to many transgender patients, along with guest speakers who will share their personal stories. The goal of this class is to foster greater understanding, dispel harmful myths and stereotypes, and promote empathy and inclusion. Participants are encouraged to bring questions they may not have had the opportunity to ask in other settings, creating a welcoming and open space for learning.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 9:30–10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4)

Billy Wilder’s The Apartment is a pitch-perfect blend of romance, satire, and heartfelt drama that still resonates today. Jack Lemmon stars as an ambitious office worker who loans his apartment to company executives for their secret affairs—until he falls for the elevator operator, played with unforgettable charm by Shirley MacLaine. With its sharp script, nuanced performances, and emotional depth, The Apartment won five Academy Awards and remains one of Hollywood’s most sophisticated and tender comedies.

(Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 9:30–10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4)

Billy Wilder’s The Apartment is a pitch-perfect blend of romance, satire, and heartfelt drama that still resonates today. Jack Lemmon stars as an ambitious office worker who loans his apartment to company executives for their secret affairs—until he falls for the elevator operator, played with unforgettable charm by Shirley MacLaine. With its sharp script, nuanced performances, and emotional depth, The Apartment won five Academy Awards and remains one of Hollywood’s most sophisticated and tender comedies.

In this course, we will explore the mini memoir format as a way to capture favorite memories. Students will come away with a better understanding of the genre and a list of stories they want to tell. Each student will finish the course with at least one mini memoir (500 – 600 words) and the courage to do more on their own. We’ll also consider the impact of audio and video as part of our storytelling toolbox, with suggestions for software and equipment that can help. Everyone has a story to tell; I can’t wait to hear yours!

In this course, we will explore the mini memoir format as a way to capture favorite memories. Students will come away with a better understanding of the genre and a list of stories they want to tell. Each student will finish the course with at least one mini memoir (500 – 600 words) and the courage to do more on their own. We’ll also consider the impact of audio and video as part of our storytelling toolbox, with suggestions for software and equipment that can help. Everyone has a story to tell; I can’t wait to hear yours!

Join the Iowa Jewish Historical Society and the Education Department of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines to learn what it means to be Jewish in Iowa.  Area Jewish high school students who are part of the nationwide Student to Student program will share their personal narratives while discussing a range of topics, including:

• the Jewish life cycle
• Sabbath 
• Jewish dietary practices 
• Hebrew language 
• Jewish holidays

Des Moines was one of three communities chosen to pilot the Student to Student program.  Since then, the program has served thousands of students and adults across our nation.

The class also includes a tour of the museum, highlighting the history of the Jewish people in Iowa and artifacts related to the topics covered by the students.

Unleash your inner athlete and dive into the exhilarating world of functional fitness. Designed with OLLI members in mind, learn how improving everyday movements makes you stronger, more agile, and brimming with energy, making daily activities a breeze.

This is an open house style event. 

Drake University Occupational Therapy students are hosting an expo to display their custom assistive technology products created as part of a fall course in the OT program. Occupational therapy students partner with Mosaic of Central Iowa and Iowa State University to design and fabricate various items that will help individuals participate in valued occupations more independently. Students have learned a lot about the world of universal design and assistive technology as part of this fall course and have put their skills to use as they work with individuals to help meet their occupational needs. Students will have their devices on display and will answer questions about their design and related processes.

Participants purchase own food and drink

Join in the fun for the first ever OLLI Bingo.What you say? Bingo? Yep, this is correct! This event is going to be filled with all sorts of styles of BINGO without any stress!

What if Nature could talk to us – would we like what it has to say?  What if it is already speaking to us but we aren’t listening? These are some of the questions Professor Neil Hamilton addresses in his forthcoming book Through Nature’s Lens, the subject of our course. The book examines Iowa’s nature history and how it shapes our lives. Important questions on the minds of all Iowans – water quality concerns, surprising cancer rates, increasing reliance on agriculture-chemicals, and the fraught topic of climate change are all addressed. The book is narrated by Nature sharing its perspectives on our actions, especially timely in this age of increased political extremism and federal actions harming nature. While these problems are addressed, the book is inspired by hope and finds it by looking at the role of nature-based education, increasing citizen activism, innovative local efforts to enhance nature, and the ever present role of land as the face of nature. Learn ideas on how citizens can become nature champions.

What if Nature could talk to us – would we like what it has to say?  What if it is already speaking to us but we aren’t listening? These are some of the questions Professor Neil Hamilton addresses in his forthcoming book Through Nature’s Lens, the subject of our course. The book examines Iowa’s nature history and how it shapes our lives. Important questions on the minds of all Iowans – water quality concerns, surprising cancer rates, increasing reliance on agriculture-chemicals, and the fraught topic of climate change are all addressed. The book is narrated by Nature sharing its perspectives on our actions, especially timely in this age of increased political extremism and federal actions harming nature. While these problems are addressed, the book is inspired by hope and finds it by looking at the role of nature-based education, increasing citizen activism, innovative local efforts to enhance nature, and the ever present role of land as the face of nature. Learn ideas on how citizens can become nature champions.

Join OLLI at Drake members in volunteering at the Food Bank of Iowa. Sign up to volunteer for one session only. The task will be sorting food with consideration for freshness, safety, quality, and client preference into quantities appropriate for shipping. This activity could involve sorting produce, or other products, depending on the donations received for processing that day.

Every day, more and more people are “cutting the cord” and canceling their cable subscriptions. Instead, they’re using free or low-cost streaming services like Youtube, Netflix, and Hulu to watch their favorite shows and movies online. This presentation will give an introduction to streaming: what it is, how to use it, and the variety of content available. You’ll also learn how to watch live TV without cable and how smart TVs and streaming devices can let you watch videos from the Internet on your television.

The seven keys were developed by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow, palliative care specialists in Canada. They serve as a framework for action for every patient or family facing a life-changing diagnosis. The seven keys take participants from “In the Dark to In the Know.” 

Attendees will feel: more prepared and hopeful; more empowered and activated; more confident; more “in the know.” This will lead them to have: more personalized care; more informed decision making, more choice and control, more proactive support and care. This in turn will then benefit the system by: less crisis-driven and unwanted care; fewer overwhelmed patients and families; and more fulfilled health care professionals.

The seven keys were developed by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow, palliative care specialists in Canada. They serve as a framework for action for every patient or family facing a life-changing diagnosis. The seven keys take participants from “In the Dark to In the Know.” 

Attendees will feel: more prepared and hopeful; more empowered and activated; more confident; more “in the know.” This will lead them to have: more personalized care; more informed decision making, more choice and control, more proactive support and care. This in turn will then benefit the system by: less crisis-driven and unwanted care; fewer overwhelmed patients and families; and more fulfilled health care professionals.

Join us for a delightful Wreath Making Event, a hands - on event where creativity and festivity come together!  Participants will craft their own unique wreaths, perfect for seasonal decor or year-round charm.  We will provide  an array  of fresh or faux greenery, ribbons, ornaments, and other embellishments.  This fun, relaxed event is ideal for beginners and pros alike to spark their creativity and take home a beautiful, handmade masterpiece!

Join OLLI at Drake members in volunteering at the Food Bank of Iowa. Sign up to volunteer for one session only. The task will be sorting food with consideration for freshness, safety, quality, and client preference into quantities appropriate for shipping. This activity could involve sorting produce, or other products, depending on the donations received for processing that day.

The US-designed post-World War II global order rested upon four pillars: American hegemony, democracy promotion, economic globalization, and multilateral institutions. As compared with previous historical eras, this combination brought relative peace, prosperity, and freedom. The Trump Administration’s foreign policies are undermining each of these pillars of global order. What is the worldview motivating Trump’s approach to the world? What are the likely consequences of this radical shift in U.S. foreign policy?

The US-designed post-World War II global order rested upon four pillars: American hegemony, democracy promotion, economic globalization, and multilateral institutions. As compared with previous historical eras, this combination brought relative peace, prosperity, and freedom. The Trump Administration’s foreign policies are undermining each of these pillars of global order. What is the worldview motivating Trump’s approach to the world? What are the likely consequences of this radical shift in U.S. foreign policy?

The popular singing group of friends returns to TTC! The A-Sisters join us for something a little different for the Holidays. This cabaret will be a bit of jazz, a dash of classics, a pinch of comedy and of course a few holiday classics.

Following the performance, OLLI at Drake members will be invited to do a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and meet performers.

The popular singing group of friends returns to TTC! The A-Sisters join us for something a little different for the Holidays. This cabaret will be a bit of jazz, a dash of classics, a pinch of comedy and of course a few holiday classics.

Following the performance, OLLI at Drake members will be invited to do a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and meet performers.

Join us as we wrap up the fall semester with joy, laughter, and a festive celebration of our amazing OLLI community! This special holiday gathering is our way of honoring YOU—our members, volunteers, and instructors—who make OLLI such a vibrant and welcoming place.

DIG OUT YOUR UGLIEST SWEATER and join us at the Varsity Cinema on December 22 for an OLLI-exclusive screening of Irving Berlin's beloved musical White Christmas. 

We have reserved the cinema just for OLLI members for the day and will do two screenings (morning and afternoon). There is no fee for this activity, and it will include complimentary hot chocolate/soda, and popcorn. This is our way of thanking all of you for a wonderful year. If you have not yet registered for the OLLI Day of Celebration, please do so now!