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Bluestem U preparing for spring classes for lifelong learners

Photo caption: Participants in a spring 2023 Bluestem U course. Registration is now open for three courses for the spring 2024 semester beginning in March. Photo by Gavin Peters Photography.

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Bluestem U, a lifelong learning program for individuals age 55 and better, is enrolling now for its spring 2024 semester that will begin in March. Bluestem U is a partnership between local higher education institutions Bethel College and Hesston College and Bluestem Communities, a nonprofit organization that serves seniors through various living options and care-centered services.

The spring 2024 semester will feature three course. Each course is $50. More information and registration can be found at bluestemu.org. All members of the public age 55 and better are welcome to be a part of Bluestem U, and do not need to have affiliation with any of the sponsoring organizations.

“Diversity in American theatre” will be taught by Lauren Friesen, a retired theatre professor. The course will focus on material from the Colonial era to the late 1800’s, and identify major playwrights, plays, important topics, notable actors and the controversies that frequently arose from theatrical ventures. “Diversity in American theatre” is a five-week course beginning March 18 that will be held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Kaye Penner Education Center at Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton.

“When ‘Just Do It’ doesn’t work!” will be taught by Kevin Wilder, a former Hesston College psychology and Bible instructor and current Bluestem Communities Director of Fund Advancement for Schowalter Villa. The course will look at performance psychology and the study of techniques to improve our ability to accomplish tasks. Each session will blend theory, discussion and practice of a different method of performance psychology. “When ‘Just Do It’ doesn’t work!” is a five-week course beginning March 21 that will be held on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Schowalter Villa Chapel, Hesston.

“Climate Change: Hope, Effective Action and Climate Justice” will be taught by Dwight Krehbiel, a current psychology professor at Bethel College. The course will explore priorities in addressing climate change and examine individuals’ own roles in its impact. “Climate Change” is a six-week course beginning April 2 that will be held on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Kaye Penner Education Center at Kidron Bethel Village.

For more information and to register, visit bluestemu.org or call 316-836-4846.

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About Bluestem Communities

Bluestem Communities is a nonprofit organization in south central Kansas that serves seniors through various living options, care settings and care-centered services. Visit bluestemks.org.