Regardless of your age or circumstances, people want to live a satisfying, fulfilling life. Yet how do we build such a life throughout the years given all the unique experiences and circumstances that we face? The answer lies in the reality that we create our lives by the Power of Our Minds. This course examines how that is accomplished. We will explore how our mind can create an ongoing sense of wellbeing, and what steps we need to take to ensure we are living life to its fullest potential, given our circumstances. We will examine how we can use our mind to shape our thoughts and actions to create a life that is satisfying, fulfilling, enriching, and meaningful.

The Frontier Experience has been an important part of American Culture. This seminar will focus on the turbulent evolution of the Western United States. The Conquistadors, Explorers, Fur Traders, and Missionaries were followed by the Emigrant Wagon Trains and the Gold and Silver Miners. Native conflicts soon developed with the indigenous peoples. Conflicts also arose between the new settlers. Bleeding Kansas resulted in Civil War and the forgotten battlefields of the western frontier will be examined. The Frontier Experience resulted in the uniquely American characteristics of opportunity, individualism, and democracy.

The seminar will explore the history, sociology, economics, and -- of course -- the music of one of America's most distinctive and influential cultural phenomena. Starting with sources in white and black traditions on both sides of the Atlantic, we will cover early radio, phonograph, and performance venues; the most influential performers of the 1920s through the 1970s; growth in audiences in the U.S. and worldwide; influences of technology; and such branches of the country music tree as honky-tonk, western swing, bluegrass, and rockabilly.

"It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument." — Eve Arnold

Let your photography blossom. Let your subjects open up in new ways. Using our unique and collective interests, skills and inclinations, together we will each explore the possibilities and potential of our own photography. We will deepen our perception, interrogate photographs, and refine our intent. With guidance from the work and writings of professional photographers from around the world and our own Miami Valley, we'll make images authentic to each of us.

Join us. Have fun. And surprise yourself!

Edgar Allan Poe was more than a writer of scary stories—though he did that really, really well. In addition to writing those macabre tales, he helped create detective fiction and science fiction, and his literary criticism helped define the short story for future American writers. This seminar will sample the wide range of Poe’s fiction, poetry, and criticism, some of it familiar, some not. It also will look at his legacy in the visual arts, music, and film. BOOK: Students will need to obtain a collection of Poe’s works, which are readily available from online sources such as Amazon and ABE Books, from local bookstores, or from local libraries. Texts likely to be less readily available will be emailed in advance of session.

This seminar will provide a basic description of the Marianist charism and then focus on the method of growing into the life in Christ with Mary through use of the Marianist virtues. Participants are asked to download the short book "Marianist Pillars for Young Adults" by Fr. Ted Cassidy from the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NMCMS) and purchase the book "Growing in the Virtues of Jesus" by Quentin Hakenwerth, SM from NACMS. Participants are asked to reflect and pray with these virtues and part of the class time will be spent in small groups reflecting on the virtues.

When we think of the Holocaust, we recall the horrors perpetrated by evildoers. Even in humanity’s darkest hours, courageous individuals risked everything to save lives. This course sheds light on these little-known rescuers—ordinary people who defied laws, resisted hate, and acted with moral clarity and compassion. Their uplifting stories are powerful reminders of resilience, morality, and hope.

This seminar is about major human innovations through history and how they significantly changed the course of civilization. The control of fire for heat and cooking nearly a million years ago was, perhaps, the first major development to make human lives better. Since then, developments in agriculture, energy, transportation, and government have changed the trajectory of human civilization.

An explosion of innovations beginning in 1850 led directly to the industrial revolution and to an explosion in human population. What were these events and why did that happen? And what about the future?

We will consider some current emerging technologies. We will speculate on how innovation will change humanity in future years.

This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

This Zoom seminar covers five mystery novels, set in different countries: USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and France. The books are: The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler, The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters, Death in Tokyo, by Keigo Higashino, Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood, and The Chalk Circle Man, by Fred Vargas. We will explore universal themes involved in crime, and unique aspects of each culture. The moderator will present information about the authors, and lead a discussion of each book. 

Small, consistent changes can lead to big results. In this 6-week interactive course, you'll learn how to build sustainable habits for health and energy using the “Six Spinning Plates” framework: nutrition, hydration, movement, sleep, stress, and supplements. We'll explore the power of 1% improvements and practical tools like habit stacking. Each session blends discussion, activities, and take-home strategies to help you create a personalized plan for lasting vitality—one small step at a time.

Ancient rainforests are critical to our own survival. Most of the 75% of over the counter drugs, and 30% of prescription drugs, have originated in the Amazon Rainforest. This seminar will explore plant- animal interactions, biodiversity of medicinal plants, and their use by Indigenous people of the rainforest. We will look at Shaman, the role of pharmaceutical companies, and new discoveries that are found in these healing forests. We will also discuss conservation and why the Amazon rainforest must be protected.

The seminar will explore the meaning of the ancient Greek epic poem, The Iliad. Lectures will place the content of the poem in its ancient context as well as the poem’s relevance to the modern world. We will explore the Homeric tradition, give the setting of the poem in the ancient world, and explore and explain the content chapter by chapter.

Attendees are expected to read four chapters (or Books as they are usually referenced) in preparation for each week’s discussion. The translation used in class is by Richmond Lattimore. Students may use any translation of The Iliad for their personal reading, though translations produced after the mid twentieth century should be preferred. The instructor will have prepared lectures based upon content, but student questions and observations will be encouraged.

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles—jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.

Virtue theory asks not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues—such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect—and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.

Take a visual journey through some of the most celebrated masterpieces in art history. This seminar explores the stories, techniques, and historical contexts behind iconic paintings that have shaped cultures and inspired generations—from the Renaissance to modern art. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the artists’ creative processes, the symbolism within their works, and the evolution of artistic styles across centuries.

Today, we honor the legacy of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion—better known as the Triple Nickles. Formed during World War II, the Triple Nickles were the first all-Black airborne unit in the history of the United States Army. In a time when segregation and discrimination were still entrenched in the military, these men broke barriers by becoming some of the most elite soldiers in service, trained as paratroopers at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Join Turtle Up for an engaging seminar on sea turtle conservation and sustainability. Over two interactive sessions, learn about Turtle Up, explore the challenges of plastic pollution, and learn practical ways to take action. Activities include trivia, a plastic waste reduction challenge, and discussions on eco-tourism and volunteering, all designed to inspire change. Whether you're passionate about marine life or seeking ways to live more sustainably, this seminar offers valuable insights and opportunities to get involved in meaningful conservation efforts.

This beginner-friendly course introduces Google Workspace tools like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will learn core features, basic navigation, and practical applications for personal and professional use. With guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds confidence and foundational skills to boost productivity and collaboration.