Bluestem U lifelong learning launching new semester in January

Bluestem U, the lifelong learning program of Bluestem Communities, is launching a new semester in January 2026 with a lineup of classes that span a wide range of topics. 

The semester will feature three courses; each for a cost of $50. Anyone age 55 and better is welcome to be part of Bluestem U. 

“Life Upon the Wicked Stage: Classics of Western Theatre” will be taught by retired theatre professor Lauren Friesen. The class will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m., once a week on Thursdays from January 8 through February 12, in the Kaye Penner Education Center Classroom A at Kidron Bethel Village. 

“Health, the Human Face of Climate Change” will be taught by Dwight Krehbiel, a retired Bethel College psychology professor. The course will partner with a current Bethel College course for an intergenerational element. The climate change course will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m., every other Friday from January 30 through April 10, in the Kaye Penner Education Center classrooms at Kidron Bethel Village. 

Kevin Wilder, former Hesston College psychology and Bible instructor and current adjunct psychology professor, will teach the Hesston College cornerstone course, Biblical Literature, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., on Wednesdays from February 11 to March 11, in the Dayspring Room at Schowalter Villa. 

Bluestem U is a partnership between Bluestem Communities and its local neighboring higher education institutions Bethel College and Hesston College to provide lifelong learning opportunities to anyone age 55 and better. 

Registration is open now at bluestemu.org. For questions, contact 316-836-4846 or learning@bluestemu.org.