In this program, instructors choose a favorite subject and volunteer their time to participate in a successful series at the University of Oklahoma campus. Join us for a cup of coffee and enjoy an entertaining and educational experience.
For OLLI members residing in the Oklahoma City area, we offer courses at the PHF Conference Center, situated on OU’s Health Campus at 655 Research Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK.
$60 Mike Adams - August 7 through September 4, 2026
Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Experience the legend, culture, and spirit of one of America’s most enduring icons — U.S. Route 66 — on its centennial journey (1926–2026). This five-session course explores how Route 66 was born, how it transformed communities and commerce, and why Oklahoma became the heartland of the Mother Road. From pioneering engineering and early auto travel to quirky roadside art, economic boom and bust, cultural heritage, and preservation efforts today, we’ll travel the full arc of this legendary corridor. Through expert insights, historic photos, maps, and first-hand stories, this course brings Route 66 to life for curious, informed lifelong learners.
Class will be held at the Oklahoma History Center at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
$60 Cal Hobson - August 27 through September 24, 2026
Thursdays from 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Not yet. Artificial intelligence may change that, too. Federal tax policy, weighted heavily in favor of the top 10th of 1% of all taxpayers (almost entirely men), has delivered on a gold platter the annual streams of disposable tax return revenue to the Bill Gates of America. They then reinvest the bonanza in the markets, buy more land with a castle, temporarily rent the third trophy wife, or pursue a new venture that is even more intriguing and promising than the others mentioned: Artificial Intelligence (AI). It appears to be the new heavyweight factor in the world of economics, education, certainly national defense, including ever more deadly and effective drones, the environment, health initiatives, and now, long overdue, the subject of a fall 2026 OLLI course. Frankly, that’s because the letters a and I, when combined and implemented, will soon be more dominant and domineering in our lives than anything or anyone I can think of, with the possible exception of grandchildren. The two best things about this seminar are, first, enrollees will hear from a raft of new guests steeped in the world of AI, which I readily admit is a complete mystery to me. Second, like OLLI’s IOS course, what is learned in the confines of our forum building conference room could and should be of significant help to each of us as we conduct both the routine and complex activities life throws our way. I may even learn to turn on my own computer without Eva’s help.
*Class will NOT meet on September 10
$60 Chris Sartorius - October 26 through November 16, 2026
Mondays from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
This course will explore modern Germany to gain an appreciation of how it has developed into Europe’s leading power. We will investigate the country’s modern history (post- World War II), its government, economy, foreign policy, and current/emerging internal and external security challenges. We will also journey to several of Germany’s many cities and small villages to gain insights into the country’s natural beauty and the dynamism of its people. Please join us for a fun, informative look at Germany, its prospects, and how you can make the most of a future visit to this amazing country.
$60 Cal Hobson - October 29 through November 19, 2026
Thursdays from 12:30 - 3 p.m.
In previous classes, forgive me for my verbosity, especially about my political advisers who hang out at Ruby’s Cafe in Purcell. I’ll try to be more circumspect (which is a fancy word meaning less jabber) from me and more wise wisdom uttered by our guests. As I pen this course material to you, hoping you’ll participate this fall in what will be my 75th OLLI seminar, be aware that today’s date is March 10th, 2026. The United States and Israel have just attacked Iran. The price of oil has shot up to $119 dollars a barrel. President Donald Trump’s polling approval is 38%. And, perhaps most importantly to some, OU’s 2027 football recruiting class is ranked #1 by two sports publications. Conversely, and most sadly, Governor Kevin Stitt, in his eighth and final year in office, never quite delivered on his top ten promises for Oklahoma. Turns out they truly were just aspirational. Anything but aspirational will be the contents of this seminar. Candidates for office, pollsters, pundits, provocateurs, incumbents, former winners, and some losers will all drop by the forum building to be heard, quizzed, congratulated, and even consoled. If you enroll, you’ll get all this and more, including a four-session, ten-hour tour de force of talk and thought, for just $60 bucks.
