GOLD College Kickoff, Sept. 4

Published Monday, August 19, 2024

Fall Kickoff Keynote Speaker: Lew Shaver

The fall kick-off session for GOLD College will be held in the Conference Center Upper Level at SMSU on Wednesday, Sept. 4 starting at 2:00 p.m.

The kickoff event will feature keynote speaker: Lew Shaver, retired SMSU professor and wheelchair basketball coach. His presentation will focus on his recently published memoir From the First Brick: It Changed My Life. Lew Shaver began teaching and coaching at SMSU in 1969 and spent 26 seasons as head coach of the SMSU wheelchair basketball team from 1969 to 1995. During his tenure, SMSU won national championships in 1981, 1983, and 1986. The team also finished as national runners-up six times! A nationally recognized wheelchair basketball expert, Shaver has written and co-authored several books on the sport. His latest book From the First Brick: It Changed My Life is his memoir, fifty years in the making. Shaver will talk about his experiences coaching, working with, and learning from wheelchair basketball athletes. He is retired and lives in Canby, Minn. with his wife, Judy.

Shaver’s talk is free to everyone, even those who are not registered for GOLD College.

GOLD College is an exciting program that offers lifelong learning opportunities to adults in areas of personal interest. GOLD is an acronym for “Growth, Opportunity, Learning, Development.” GOLD College offers non-credit classes with a variety of topics: art, history, computers, current events, music, writing, health, physical well-being, and more. Each class is held one day per week for two hours. There are no tests or grades, and it is for students of any age who wish to continue learning.

Fall 2024 courses are scheduled from September 16 through October 25. Coursework delivered in-person and in a hybrid format that allows students to choose in-person or Zoom.

Contact the Gold College office for registration material and more information: GoldCollege@smsu.edu or call 507-537-6808.

Fall 2024 GOLD College courses include:

MONDAYS

World in War and Crisis, 1895-1949

Between 1895 and 1949, humanity was convulsed not only by two World Wars and the Great Depression, but also by the collapse of empires, revolutions, civil conflicts, coups d’etat, and genocides. Although history does not repeat itself, sometimes it rhymes. Studying these decades, the most violent in human history, provides the political, economic, and social context of our present.

Instructor: Tom Williford, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The US War in Vietnam

We will tap our personal experiences, oral and written history, and multi-media learning to better understand the impacts of the War in Vietnam. We will explore the events that led to US involvement in Vietnam and the key events, decisions, and persons involved in the US role in the Vietnam War during our first two sessions. Then during our subsequent four sessions, we will seek a better understanding of the experiences of the US troops who served in Vietnam by hearing directly from four veterans who served there from our area.

Instructor: Bill Palmer, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

An Examination of Current Events

This course will take a deep look into the major headlines dominating our news these days. From election politics at home to wars overseas, students will learn more about the background and implications of current events while also being able to discuss the issues with classmates. This class welcomes all - whether you’re a news hound or just feel like you need to know more about what’s going on in the world, this class can serve to help us all gain a better understanding of how today’s news impacts our lives.

Instructors: Steve Fredrickson (weeks 1-3) & Rick Purrington (weeks 4-6) , 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS

Finding Joy 2!

Our journey in finding joy and delight in our daily lives continues! Through sharing, caring, and exploring, we will once again learn from a variety of talented and knowledgeable speakers, and all new topics, how to discover the JOYS hidden in plain sight all around us!

Instructor: Deb Ahmann ’79, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Hull-House and Its Times, 1889–1920

This class will look at the tempestuous years of the early 20th Century when the United States grappled with a multitude of problems both old and newly arisen in the rapidly changing times. We will look through the lens of one of the era’s most famous institutions, Jane Addams’s Hull-House settlement house where the extraordinarily resolute and talented residents took on multiple issues: immigration, labor, economic inequality, women’s rights, the protection of women and children, political corruption and—with the arrival of World War I— issues of war and peace.

Instructor: Dr. Joan Gittens, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Exercise Enthusiasts

Interested in exercise but not sure where to start? Learn about a new piece of equipment each week and how to properly use it. You’ll leave each class with the knowledge to complete these workouts on your own! This class is great for a beginner who wants to expand their horizons on bringing exercise to the next level and making it fun! Disclaimer: each class will be split in half for lecture and exercise.

Instructor: Katie Serbus ’15, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (20 spots available)

WEDNESDAYS

Love, Friendship and Resilience in Literature

This course will explore the themes of love, friendship and resilience primarily through reading The Book of Charlie written by David Von Drehle. Students will need their own copy of the book. Students will also experience these themes by reading a short story, a children’s book and various poems, which will be provided by the instructor.

Instructor: Janet Ellingworth, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Minnesota River Area on Aging

Join us for an engaging series of sessions designed to inform and empower older adults. Hosted by the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA), this course covers a range of relevant topics, including:

What’s New with Medicare: Medicare updates for 2025. An overview of the Medicare program, benefits, and plan options for the new year.
Fraud Prevention: Learn how to recognize and protect yourself from scams and fraud using practical legal processes, technology, and advocacy.
Advocate Connect Educate (A.C.E.) of Southwest Minnesota: Discover community resources, volunteer opportunities, and caregiver support networks.
Women’s Health and Rural Health: Explore health and wellness topics specific to women and rural health.
Hmong Culture: Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Hmong community.

Whether you’re interested in healthcare, legal matters, or cultural awareness, this course not only provides valuable information but also fosters a sense of connection and involvement within Minnesota’s older adult community.

Instructor: Brandi Ostgaard, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Adventures on the Prairie

Discovering the prairies of southwest Minnesota can be a fun, educational adventure! This six-week series explores different ways to safely engage with the outdoors and learn about resources in our own backyards. Participants can expect fireside conversations, outdoor exploration, and hands-on education opportunities as we learn about the tall grass prairie ecosystem, migratory birds, fall/winter animal adaptations, and so much more.

Instructor: Katie Chapman ’08, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at Lake Shetek Camp

THURSDAYS

Experimental Arts Group

Art is a fun way to experiment with materials and enjoy doing it! Whether you have experience with art or not, no worries! This class is for you! We will be using a different type of art material each week including heavy texture, experimental watercolor techniques, wire wrapped gems, making a spirit bag from leather and creating a mixed media collage. So, come and enjoy trying some new techniques! Materials will be supplied each time and there is a one-time fee of $10.

Instructor: Michelle Koppien, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. (30 spots available)

Effects of Race on American Justice

Come join Professor Franson’s class as they discuss the Effects of Poverty & Race on American Justice through their reading of the book His Name Is George Floyd, by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa. Each week, SMSU students will present an overview of sections from the book to the class before dividing into small groups for discussion. Gold College students will not be required to read the book, however they certainly can – it is available to purchase in the campus bookstore.

Instructor: BC Franson, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (please note the different time)

My Favorite Lecture

This class offers a wide variety of speakers on topics of special interest to them.

Professor Heather Rickgarn on Medicare Policy
Vince LaPorte on the Minnesota Department of Health in HPV vaccine education
Levi Magnuson on the History of Eugenics (the so- called science of human breeding)
Curt Louwagie on Eye Care Medical Missions in the Dominican Republic
Alicia Johnson on Georgia O’Keeffe, the Mother of American Modernism
Professor Anita Gaul on the KKK in Southwest Minnesota in the 1920s

Multiple Instructors, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Painter’s Palette

Painting is relaxing! Whether you’ve painted on canvas for years or have never picked up a brush in your life, this class has a place for you. A selection of paint and brushes is provided for use in class, as well as ideas for subjects to paint. Canvases will be available for purchase at the first class meeting. You may also choose to bring your own supplies and ideas. So let your creative side rule!

Join the fun of painting on canvas and socialize with a great group.

Instructor: Pat Hand ‘77/’96, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (30 spots available)

FRIDAYS

Friday at the Museum

Join us each Friday as we visit an area county museum and learn more about the history of southwest Minnesota. Museum visits will include Lincoln County (Hendricks), Redwood County (Redwood Falls), Murray County (Slayton), Pipestone County (Pipestone), Lyon County (Marshall), and Yellow Medicine County (Granite Falls). Transportation is on your own; carpooling from Marshall may be available.

Instructor: Deb Ahmann ’79, 11:00 a.m. (meet at the county museum at this time)

Note: Years listed indicate the instructor obtained their degree from SMSU. First year is the undergraduate degree, second year is the graduate degree, if applicable.