April   

No, you don’t have to walk to Aerosmith, though music can impact your walking pace. In this class, we’ll discuss the latest research about length and distance when walking for body and brain fitness. We’ll also explore enhancements, such as walking with poles, pole exercises, proper footwear, and walking in inclement weather. Perfect if you’re already a walker or just wanting to get started.

No, you don’t have to walk to Aerosmith, though music can impact your walking pace. In this class, we’ll discuss the latest research about length and distance when walking for body and brain fitness. We’ll also explore enhancements, such as walking with poles, pole exercises, proper footwear, and walking in inclement weather. Perfect if you’re already a walker or just wanting to get started.

George Stevens’s Shane is a timeless Western about heroism, morality, and the end of the frontier. Alan Ladd plays the mysterious gunslinger who rides into a Wyoming valley to help homesteaders resist a ruthless cattle baron. Torn between his violent past and the peaceful life he longs for, Shane becomes both protector and tragic figure in the eyes of a young boy who idolizes him. With sweeping cinematography, poignant performances, and an unforgettable final scene, the film transcends genre conventions to become a meditation on honor, loyalty, and the cost of violence.

George Stevens’s Shane is a timeless Western about heroism, morality, and the end of the frontier. Alan Ladd plays the mysterious gunslinger who rides into a Wyoming valley to help homesteaders resist a ruthless cattle baron. Torn between his violent past and the peaceful life he longs for, Shane becomes both protector and tragic figure in the eyes of a young boy who idolizes him. With sweeping cinematography, poignant performances, and an unforgettable final scene, the film transcends genre conventions to become a meditation on honor, loyalty, and the cost of violence.

Drake University is honored to welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author John Green for the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship. Green is known for his beloved and acclaimed novels, including The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Turtles All the Way Down. His latest work, Everything is Tuberculosis, is a deeply human social and scientific history that illuminates the critical healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year.  

John Green’s books have been published in more than 55 languages and have more than 24 million copies in print. Green is the 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Film and television adaptations of his works include the movies The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Paper Towns (2015), and the limited series Looking for Alaska (2019) on Hulu.

OLLI members may bring a guest to this special event. Please remember to register your guest to ensure they don’t miss out on this exceptional experience.

The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Series is made possible by a gift from the late Melva and Martin Bucksbaum. The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Committee includes Dr. Kelly Bruhn (chair),  Dr. Alanah Mitchell, Dr. Neil Hamilton, Mary Scanlon, Pam Bass-Bookey, Janis Ruan, Marcia Wanamaker, Eleanor Zeff, Bob Riley, Julie Stewart, Liz Hatfield, Dr. Richard Deming, Dr. Cassity Gutierrez, Shawna Kasner-Hannam, Paul LeFort, and  Allie Koenigsfeld.

Drake University is honored to welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author John Green for the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship. Green is known for his beloved and acclaimed novels, including The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Turtles All the Way Down. His latest work, Everything is Tuberculosis, is a deeply human social and scientific history that illuminates the critical healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year.  

John Green’s books have been published in more than 55 languages and have more than 24 million copies in print. Green is the 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Film and television adaptations of his works include the movies The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Paper Towns (2015), and the limited series Looking for Alaska (2019) on Hulu.

OLLI members may bring a guest to this special event. Please remember to register your guest to ensure they don’t miss out on this exceptional experience.

The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Series is made possible by a gift from the late Melva and Martin Bucksbaum. The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Committee includes Dr. Kelly Bruhn (chair),  Dr. Alanah Mitchell, Dr. Neil Hamilton, Mary Scanlon, Pam Bass-Bookey, Janis Ruan, Marcia Wanamaker, Eleanor Zeff, Bob Riley, Julie Stewart, Liz Hatfield, Dr. Richard Deming, Dr. Cassity Gutierrez, Shawna Kasner-Hannam, Paul LeFort, and  Allie Koenigsfeld.

Drake University is honored to welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author John Green for the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship. Green is known for his beloved and acclaimed novels, including The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Turtles All the Way Down. His latest work, Everything is Tuberculosis, is a deeply human social and scientific history that illuminates the critical healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year.  

John Green’s books have been published in more than 55 languages and have more than 24 million copies in print. Green is the 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Film and television adaptations of his works include the movies The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Paper Towns (2015), and the limited series Looking for Alaska (2019) on Hulu.

OLLI members may bring a guest to this special event. Please remember to register your guest to ensure they don’t miss out on this exceptional experience.

The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Series is made possible by a gift from the late Melva and Martin Bucksbaum. The Martin Bucksbaum Lectureship Committee includes Dr. Kelly Bruhn (chair),  Dr. Alanah Mitchell, Dr. Neil Hamilton, Mary Scanlon, Pam Bass-Bookey, Janis Ruan, Marcia Wanamaker, Eleanor Zeff, Bob Riley, Julie Stewart, Liz Hatfield, Dr. Richard Deming, Dr. Cassity Gutierrez, Shawna Kasner-Hannam, Paul LeFort, and  Allie Koenigsfeld.

In these three sessions, Abe Goldstien will take a close look at three different aspects of jazz:

Jazz Goes Political focuses on jazz artists who have used their music to make political statements including performances from various eras of jazz and artists including Louis Armstrong,  Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Charlie Haden and Jeff Lederer.

Jazz Goes International focuses on how jazz moved to Europe and other continents and influenced a new generation of jazz artists from every corner of the world.

Jazz Goes Religious focuses on jazz artists who have combined jazz with religious music such as Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Mary Lou Williams, John Coltrane and others. 

Reception and presentation prior to performance.

Little Women is a musical from the book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and music by Jason Howland.

It is based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868–69 novel, and focuses on the four March sisters, while their father is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War.

Reception and presentation prior to performance.

Little Women is a musical from the book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and music by Jason Howland.

It is based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868–69 novel, and focuses on the four March sisters, while their father is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War.

Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has helped remove barriers for all victims of crime, educated the public, and recognized accomplishments with the victims’ rights movement. NCVRW is commemorated this year April 19-25. This is an ideal time to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and available services. This two-part class will examine victim rights related to our population, share available services, and hear from experts and victim voices.

Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has helped remove barriers for all victims of crime, educated the public, and recognized accomplishments with the victims’ rights movement. NCVRW is commemorated this year April 19-25. This is an ideal time to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and available services. This two-part class will examine victim rights related to our population, share available services, and hear from experts and victim voices.

If at capacity, will also offer April 10 for the waitlist.

Dine on a three-course, farm-to-table luncheon and listen to a program of readings from the historic pages of the women’s section of Wallaces’ Farmer magazine in the same rooms where Nancy Cantwell Wallace edited her Hearts & Homes column from 1895 to 1909. Nancy and her readers often contributed sound advice and thought-provoking commentary, still of interest today.  

The Wallace Centers of Iowa is a nonprofit with the mission of preserving the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation and public service with programs that connect Iowa’s food, land, and people.

Join us for a presentation and tour of the 55th Annual Juried Student Exhibition. This yearly exhibition is always a highlight for the Drake Art & Design Department with student work on display selected by a juror. At this event, several participating Drake students will talk about their work. See the show, hear from student artists, and enjoy good conversation with fellow art lovers! 

Attend Drake Law’s Mock Trials and participate as a juror or audience member. This class is being held on April 13, 20 and 27. You may attend 1, 2, or 3 events (register separately for each trial, $15/session). They are listed by start date in order online.  Each trial problem is different, so the same trial is not repeated. The law students are talented and you’ll be impressed by their advocacy. 

An Eventbrite invitation will be forwarded to registered participants as the date approaches to give additional details, including parking and a description of the specific trial. This is an in-person only event.

Join us at the beautiful Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward, IA, for a Lunch & Learn beginning at 11:00 a.m. The event includes a presentation during lunch. After lunch, enjoy a dancing demonstration to conclude the program.

We will be going over the increased popularity of non-alcoholic (NA) cocktails and how they have developed and grown in the last several years. Along with the lecture we will taste 3 cocktails and learn how they are made. Small bites will also be provided by the Centro kitchen.

Join us for a fun luncheon at Dexfield Diner — a cozy local favorite in Redfield known for its delicious classic diner fare and savory pork tenderloin sandwiches. Their tenderloin has been recognized as a finalist in the 2025 Iowa Pork Producers Association “Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin” contest (top-5 in the state!), so it’s a great place to sample some of Iowa’s best.

Experience the artistry of jazz legend Fred Hersch! A 17-time GRAMMY nominee, composer, and bandleader, Hersch has shaped the voice of jazz for decades. With more than 60 albums, he has collaborated with artists like Esperanza Spalding and Enrico Rava, among many others. A passionate educator and activist, he continues to push the boundaries of jazz.

Chef Lisa Lavalle and Dr. Patricia Quinlisk are back to talk about how to get more fiber in your diet simply and easily. Fiber is one of the most important components of a healthy diet, but can be hard to get enough. Join us for a light but delicious high fiber meal that was put together without much cooking.

Attend Drake Law’s Mock Trials and participate as a juror or audience member. This class is being held on April 13, 20 and 27. You may attend 1, 2, or 3 events (register separately for each trial, $15/session). They are listed by start date in order online.  Each trial problem is different, so the same trial is not repeated. The law students are talented and you’ll be impressed by their advocacy. 

An Eventbrite invitation will be forwarded to registered participants as the date approaches to give additional details, including parking and a description of the specific trial. This is an in-person only event.

** Participants purchase own food and drink

Coffeeshops like Mars Cafe and Smokey Row in Des Moines are more than places to get a cup of coffee and a little conversation. These are also places where people go to linger, share ideas and exchange everything from music to dreams. In a way, these have become “neighborhoods.” Anthropologist Ray Oldenburg calls these ‘third places.’ The idea of neighborhoods isn’t new, of course. But alternative places are more important as the traditional idea of neighborhoods has declined. So many of our new neighborhoods do not have places to linger or talk about events of the day. 

In this class we’ll explore the expanding role of coffeeshops in our communities, look back at the roots of the coffee house and look ahead to what may lie ahead in the future for coffeeshops.

** Participants purchase own food and drink

Test your knowledge about all things trivial and have a fun evening at The Cork in Johnston at the Johnston Town Center. Participants will work in teams for this fun event. Bring a friend.

** Participants purchase own food and drink

Join in the fun for 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!

At the turn of the twentieth century, Des Moines’ leaders adopted the philosophy of The City Beautiful Movement. The movement was inspired by Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exhibition, which led the efforts to beautify and ennoble America’s cities. It was believed that beautification would bring along with it moral and civic virtue. Influenced by this movement, the Des Moines Women’s Club and other civic-minded organizations began clamoring for improvements along the river. They replaced meat packing warehouses and houses of ill repute with what we experience now as a series of beautiful civic buildings including City Hall, the World Food Prize and the Armory Building along what is now the Principal River Walk. This architectural walking tour will open your eyes to these historic landmarks of Des Moines.

Step in and make an impact with Meals from the Heartland! As a volunteer, you’ll help package meals that feed families in local food pantries, offer critical support during natural disasters, and reach people facing severe hunger globally. Every hour you give helps nourish lives.

Join your fellow OLLI at Drake members for this docent-led guided tour of the State Museum of Iowa. The tours will be led by experienced Museum personnel. This behind-the-scenes tour will give an overview of the Museum’s day-to-day operations.

Attend Drake Law’s Mock Trials and participate as a juror or audience member. This class is being held on April 13, 20 and 27. You may attend 1, 2, or 3 events (register separately for each trial, $15/session). They are listed by start date in order online.  Each trial problem is different, so the same trial is not repeated. The law students are talented and you’ll be impressed by their advocacy. 

An Eventbrite invitation will be forwarded to registered participants as the date approaches to give additional details, including parking and a description of the specific trial. This is an in-person only event.

The original core of what is now West Des Moines, Valley Junction has undergone continual evolution since its 19th century railroad beginnings. You’ll learn about the downs and ups that have made Valley Junction a revitalization success story known for its unique historic and cultural heritage, independent shops and restaurants, and big events. This learning experience includes a walking tour of the district, and then participants are welcome to dine at West Des Moines’ oldest restaurant or other establishments.

Dorm tour and lunch.

Ever wonder what dorm rooms look like now compared to what you had? Join us to visit Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall and also one of the Quad dorms. We will then go to Hubbell Dining Hall to dine like students.

Join the Wallace Centers of Iowa for a farm-to-table dining experience at the historic Wallace House. This three-course dinner will incorporate organically grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs harvested from the Wallace Farm near Orient, IA, and locally sourced ingredients from other Iowa farmers. The Wallace House is a restored 1882 Victorian home where “Uncle Henry” and Nancy Cantwell Wallace lived when they founded the Wallaces’ Farmer farm journal and showcases the legacy of the Wallace family, including US Vice President Henry A. Wallace. 

The Wallace Centers of Iowa is a nonprofit with the mission of preserving the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation and public service with programs that connect Iowa’s food, land, and people.

If at capacity, will also offer April 29 for waitlist group.

Join the Wallace Centers of Iowa for a farm-to-table dining experience at the historic Wallace House. This three-course dinner will incorporate organically grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs harvested from the Wallace Farm near Orient, IA, and locally sourced ingredients from other Iowa farmers. The Wallace House is a restored 1882 Victorian home where “Uncle Henry” and Nancy Cantwell Wallace lived when they founded the Wallaces’ Farmer farm journal and showcases the legacy of the Wallace family, including US Vice President Henry A. Wallace. 

The Wallace Centers of Iowa is a nonprofit with the mission of preserving the Wallace family legacy of agricultural innovation and public service with programs that connect Iowa’s food, land, and people.

If at capacity, will also offer April 29 for waitlist group.