Each year, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize honors writers whose works foster peace, social justice, and global understanding. In this seminar, we will read and discuss four of the 2025 award selections: A Map of Future Ruins by Lauren Markham (nonfiction runner-up), The Burning Earth by Sunil Amrith (nonfiction winner), Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris (fiction runner-up), and Martyr by Kaveh Akbar (fiction winner). Together, these works invite us to explore powerful stories of resilience, conflict, and hope from across the globe. Our sessions will provide space for thoughtful dialogue about literature’s role in shaping empathy and perspective. If scheduling allows, we may also host a special Zoom conversation with one of the featured authors. Reading these works in advance is strongly encouraged to make the most of our discussions.

This seminar will look at the status of “the American Experiment” as we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America in 2026. The USA has survived a civil war, two world wars and numerous international conflicts to emerge as the world’s longest lasting democracy. Internal and external stresses continue to challenge the USA – how are we doing as a nation?

The seminar will discuss the origin of the United States, the quest for “a more perfect Union”, the attempts to undermine American democracy, the concept of Servant Leadership, the effectiveness of Constitutional checks and balances; the role of government in overall society; elected officials’ roles; strengths and weaknesses of our representative democracy and what the future holds as the United States of America turns 250 years old.

In 2025, American music lost two legends—Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Sylvester “Sly” Stewart of Sly and the Family Stone. This seminar offers a tribute to their lives, music, and cultural impact. Through listening, discussion, and reflection, we will explore how Wilson’s harmonies captured the spirit of California youth and how Stewart’s fusion of funk, soul, and rock reshaped American popular music. Together, their artistry not only defined eras but also left lasting imprints on the soundtrack of American life.

This seminar explores how pharmaceutical companies use direct-to-consumer (DTC) television advertising to promote prescription medications. We will examine the structure and strategies of these ads, using YouTube examples to highlight key techniques. Participants will also review the FDA’s 2024 guidelines for DTC television advertising and learn how to critically analyze ads for their impact on public perception, awareness of side effects, health behaviors, and overall health literacy. They will learn how to talk with their doctors about taking one of the advertised medications. Through discussion and case studies, we will consider how these ads shape both consumer choices and broader conversations about healthcare.

Founded in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter and Wayne Smith, the Friendship Force is an international organization dedicated to building bridges of peace through cultural exchange and personal connection. Its mission is simple but powerful: to promote understanding across borders by encouraging people to experience one another’s lives directly. Through home-hosting and international travel, members are welcomed into each other’s communities, fostering friendships that transcend politics, language, and geography. In this seminar, we will explore the origins of the Friendship Force, its continuing role in promoting goodwill worldwide, and the ways in which local chapters connect travelers with hosts from around the globe. Participants will learn how cultural immersion—sharing meals, stories, and daily life—creates lasting friendships and promotes peace one relationship at a time.

Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in US history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.

Many of us complain about geese droppings, but there is more interesting information to learn about geese. This short course will open your eyes to that information but you will still have to watch where you walk.

Lincoln & Slavery" examines Lincoln's lifelong opposition to slavery and his evolving attitude towards race during his formative, adult, and war years.

Wright Field in the Second World War

As the Second World War began President Roosevelt challenged the nation to produce 50,000 (later 60,000) airplanes per year, and the staff at Dayton’s Wright Field was remarkably successful in meeting and even exceeding this procurement goal. Despite the opportunities for corruption afforded by enormous sums of public money spent rapidly with little or no oversight, no evidence of corruption among senior Army Air Forces procurement officials exists – with one notable exception. Major General Bennett E. “Benny” Meyers, a career officer who eventually became commander of Wright Field’s Materiel Command, significantly enriched himself through a series of fraudulent and illegal dealings while simultaneously leading one of the nation’s most ambitious and critical defense projects. This is his story.

There has not been an execution in Ohio in over seven years and in 2024 only one person was sentenced to death. Meanwhile, innocent men have been released from death row and numerous recommendations for reform of Ohio's capital punishment system have yet to be implemented. Can Ohio live without the death penalty? The seminar will provide a history of Ohio's experiment with capital punishment and lay out the reasons for ending it now.

This course, presented in partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health, features expert speakers from their upcoming national conference, Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will explore how integrative health approaches can address the challenges of living with chronic conditions and help individuals make informed choices within today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics will focus on whole-person care, patient empowerment, and practical strategies for managing long-term health concerns.

A financial plan is vital for everyone, no matter the stage of life they are in. But are you overwhelmed by all the complex terms such as annuities, life insurance, long term care policies, etc.? Are you unaware of your different investment options and what is right for you? If so, come ready to learn how to take charge of your wealth!

"There is something so special about receiving a handmade card that always fills me with joy. I love the feeling that someone took time to think about me and create something special with me in mind.“ ---a recipient of a handmade card!

Learn to make beautiful, handcrafted cards to share with family and friends. In this course, participants will be learning paper crafting techniques to bring a personal touch to greeting cards. In each class, the participants will complete 1-2 cards, while learning a new technique. Possible techniques: using paper scraps to make beautiful designs, fancy or fun folds, easy foiling technique, one-sheet wonder, faux leather, blending and using stencils, shadow stamping .

Special Requirements:

• Students must have taken at least one previous seminar from us.
• Lab fee: $30
• Materials needed for card making, including all card-stock, printed papers, and envelopes will be in a kit for each student. Special Equipment such as die-cutting machines, heat-embossing tools, stamps, inks, etc. will be available during class. All students will need to bring a basic tool kit: paper snips, small ruler, adhesives, bone folder, paper trimmer and score board. (a detailed list will be provided after registration).

Participants will learn some of the history, cultural significance, and evolution of the banjo in America, examining its roots in African culture and the instrument's journey to America. Rick will demonstrate various styles of playing on a variety of banjos and play audio samples featuring the banjo, ranging from the traditional to the experimental.

This seminar celebrates the music and legacy of Bob Dylan, whose songwriting has shaped generations. We will listen to his songs and explore the themes, lyrics, and artistry that earned him recognition as one of the most influential voices in American music. In 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” While not formally a poet laureate, he has often been called the “poet laureate of rock ’n’ roll,” a title that reflects the profound literary and cultural impact of his work. Join us as we reflect on Dylan’s music, his contribution to American song, and his enduring role as a poet in sound and spirit.

Each presenter will tell their story of how they have lived their lives within the Marianist Family which is a global, diverse, and prayerful community of Catholic men and women who share a common charism and look to Mary as a model of faith and discipleship. It is made up of three primary branches: the Society of Mary (Marianist brothers and priests), the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (Marianist Sisters), and Lay Marianists, who are men and women committed to the Marianist charism and often form or join Marianist Lay Communities.

The emergence of more all-electric cars/trucks, and the unrelated exponential increase in AI-driven data centers, will dramatically increase future U.S. electric power demand in the next 5-10 years. Nuclear power offers an affordable, carbon free, and always available 24/7 base power source to complement non-continuous electric power provided by solar and wind turbines.

This seminar will dispel the MYTHS and unfounded fears that have suppressed new U.S. nuclear power plant development for over 40 years, examine the critical NEED for this cost-effective carbon-free electric power source, and highlight the PROMISE provided by a government encouraged nuclear power renaissance.

Janet and her husband Todd traveled the famed Mother Road, Route 66, in May of 2025. It was something they had thought about and dreamed of for a long time. After much research and planning they took the plunge, driving the entire route, Chicago to LA. Hear their strategy for the trip, what they liked, what they would do differently, how much they spent and recommendations for anyone thinking of making the trip themselves. And see lots of pictures.