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Three courses offered in Bluestem U lifelong learning program

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Registration is open now for a new semester of Bluestem U courses, the lifelong learning program of Bluestem Communities for individuals age 55 and better. 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.

Three new courses will begin in January 2026. 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.

“This program offers individuals in our communities the opportunity to learn about specific areas of interest, and fuels the spark for learning that is so important through all life stages,” said Karah Covey, Lifelong Learning Manager.

“Life Upon the Wicked Stage: Classics of the Western Theatre” will be taught by Lauren Friesen, a retired theatre professor. Beginning with the ancient Greeks through the 20th century, the course will present an analysis of theatre’s function in society, its connections with religion, the variety of style and its endearing and enduring qualities, as well as the social, political, economic and religious contexts of each age. The course will run for six weeks on Thursdays from January 8 through February 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in the Kaye Penner Education Cetner at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton.

“Health, the Human Face of Climate Change” will be taught by Dwight Krehbiel, a retired psychology professor and local En-ROADS Climate Ambassador. The course will explore the many health impacts of climate change and how effective climate action can prevent or reduce them. The course will partner with a Bethel College psychology course taught by Aimee Voth Siebert for intergenerational discussions. It will be held every other Friday from January 30 through April 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Kaye Penner Education Center at Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton.

“Biblical Literature (Bib Lit) Crash Course,” will be taught by Kevin Wilder, retired pastor and college professor of psychology and Bible. “Bib Lit” has been a unique and core course of the Hesston College curriculum for decades. Learning the Bible as a large story helps the Bible come to life in a new way. The course will focus on the big story and the turning points of the biblical story. The five-week course will be on Wednesday from February 11 through March 11, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Schowalter Villa Dayspring Room in Hesston.

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