The spring 2025 kick-off for GOLD College will be today in the Upper Conference Center from 1:30-4 p.m. at Southwest Minnesota State University.

The kick-off event will allow attendees to hear directly from course professors, register for classes, and meet fellow GOLD College participants. Study groups are scheduled to run from March 24-May 2 with coursework delivered in-person, via Zoom, and a hybrid format that allows students to choose in-person or Zoom.

Participants can choose 1-2 classes for $75 or to 3-4 classes for $110. Classes offered “In Person Only” are listed as such. Some courses will include nominal fees for supplies.

The kick-off event begins with registration and social time from 1:30-2:p.m. and the program begins at 2:30 p.m. The keynote presentation “Making History: Minnesota’s New Flag and Seal” will feature Dr. Anita Talsma Gaul. Gaul, a history instructor at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, served as the vice chair of the State Emblems Redesign Commission (SERC).

GOLD is an acronym for Growth, Opportunity, Learning, Development. Gold College offers non-credit classes with a variety of topics: art, history, computers, current events, music, writing, health, physical well-being, and more. Each class is held one day per week for two hours. There are no tests or grades, and it is for students of any age who wish to continue learning.

Contact the GOLD College office for registration material and more information: GoldCollege@smsu.edu or call 507-537-6808.

The spring 2025 schedule includes:

Mondays

A Journey Between Art and Design

This class is a fun hop, skip & jump between the world of fine art and graphic design, crafted for beginners and those looking to expand their creative repertoire. Learn fundamentals of fine art and basic tools of modern graphic design, while exploring a wide range of mediums and subjects. Emphasizing creativity and experimentation, this class aims to harness the power of design with its clarity of intent while also cultivating an appreciation for the visual arts. Session topics will be:

Elements of art and design, speed sketching, Chinese ink brush, vegetable carving, logo abstracts, team building

Instructor: Kenneth Lam ’17/’21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Banned Books

The issue of banning books has long been a topic of controversy. Join us as we investigate and discuss that whether a book is banned, challenged, restricted, or censored, we may or may not agree with Isaac Asimov who said, “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.”

Instructor: Deb Ahmann ’79, 1-2:30 p.m.

Tsar Putin: The History of 20th Century Russia to the War in Ukraine

This course delves into the intricate history of Russia throughout the 20th century, focusing on the pivotal events and leaders that have shaped the nation’s trajectory leading up to the current conflict in Ukraine. We will explore the impact of the Russian Revolution, the rise of the Soviet Union, the pivotal role Russia played in two World Wars, and even the USSR’s struggles during the Cold War. From there, the course will examine Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power and the sociopolitical changes that have occurred in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. By analyzing historical documents, media sources, and critical perspectives, we will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Russian history and its ongoing tensions with the United States.

Instructor: Rick Purrington, 4-5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays

Organizing Made Easy

Organization isn’t merely the act of cleaning out one’s things. It can also be a great tool in simplifying your life and reducing stress. Join me for some real-life tips and tricks to finally tackle your organizing dilemmas. We’ll touch base on the many realms of organization and even try a hands-on approach to whipping your space into shape. I’ll do my best to keep things simple and fun, all while making your spaces work best for you. We’ll even touch base on how to donate our items or sell them online.

Instructor: Angela Fahl ’04/’06 9-10:30 a.m.

Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith: Book Discussion Group

The book “Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith” has been widely embraced as a starting place for personal exploration and interfaith dialogue. Every chapter offers an accessible, broad-brush overview of the beliefs and practices of a religious group in America- one who stands out due to their size or public profile. Each tradition constitutes a “chapter” that includes key teachings, worship patterns and practices, and how each is governed. The reading schedule for this course is designed around the college’s proximity to organized religious groups. We will start by studying traditions and organizations represented in the immediate Marshall area, and we will gradually look beyond at faiths practiced across the Midwest, the U.S., and the world. Prep for this course will include reading the weekly selection of short chapters from Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith, researching the presence and history of religious groups in our neighborhood, and reflecting on our individual beliefs and practices, all as we consider the spiritual grounds connecting us. Participants will be responsible for ordering their own book. To find the link for this book, go to www.SMSUAlumni.com, click on “GOLD College” at the top of the page and scroll to the course information for this class.

Instructor: Rev. Megan Eide 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Importance of Health and Wellness as You Age

This lecture-based class gives you the opportunity to learn about new health and wellness topics (like osteoporosis and heart health, to name just two) that are helpful to know as you get older. You’ll leave each class with some great tips in helping to lead a healthy lifestyle. Hope to see you there.

Instructor: Katie Serbus ’15 1-2:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Experimental Arts Group

Experimenting with art supplies is a great way to take a risk, meet some friends, and be creative. No need to be experienced, we work with you. This session will include a leather spirit bag, wire-wrapped gem jewelry, wire sculpture, more drawing instruction, and one-stroke painting. If you are new to the class, no worries. We’ll start wherever you are. You are welcome. Start looking for those rocks you collected on vacation. There is a one- time fee of $10. All materials included.

Instructor: Michelle Koppien 9-11 a.m.

Aging With GUSTO

This course explores powerful secrets for living with joy, vitality, and purpose at every age. Participants will learn about a simple program for immune resistance, strength, and calm. Topics include the upside of aging, living the good, whole life, developing everyday meaningful habits, troubleshooting hidden stressors, death cleaning, and dealing with grief. Books for the class are “Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?” by Richard Leider and David Shapiro and “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly” by Margareta Magnusson.

Instructor: Janet Ellingworth 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Painter’s Palette

Let your creative side rule! Join the GOLD College painting class. Choose from a variety of “inspiration” ideas provided, or bring an idea of your own to paint. Acrylic and watercolor paints and brushes are available for use in class. Canvases (11“x14”) may be purchased for $2 each. Watercolor paper (11“x15”) will be available. You may also bring your own supplies. Have fun painting (or do drawing) with a great group. No previous experience necessary.

Instructor: Pat Hand ’77/’96 1-3 p.m.

Thursday

Conversational Chinese Made Easy

This beginner-friendly course introduces the essentials of Chinese, including basic grammar, vocabulary, and the pinyin system — a simple method of using the Latin alphabet to spell Chinese words. The focus is on listening and speaking, equipping you with the skills to hold practical, everyday conversations in Chinese. No need to worry about writing characters–we keep it fun and accessible! Plus, you’ll enjoy cultural experiences woven into every lesson, bringing the language to life. Discover the joy of learning Chinese — no prior experience needed. Free textbook included.

Instructor: Gloria Yu 9-10:30 a.m.

Unsung Heroes

This class will present six different historical figures unfamiliar to most people in 2025. Some were significant in their time and have been forgotten. Some are more obscure. But they all have a powerful story to tell. There will be six topics, each with a different presenter:

Hallie Flanagan and the Federal Theatre Project by Nadine Schmidt

Dmitri Shostakovich’s 7th Symphony by Dan Rieppel

Virginia Hall by Jan Loft

Middleton Goldsmith by Michael Hofstetter

James Miller by Galen Wilson

Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Lloyd Petersen

Instructor: Joan Gittens 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Toy Box

To reminisce means to “remember with pleasure.” What toys and games do you remember with pleasure? Did you ever play with toys from an older sibling’s or cousin’s past? Or even from your parents’ or grandparents’ past? Revisit toy-land with a look at old-style, retro, and vintage toys. Discover fascinating stories behind their invention, production, and marketing.

Instructor: Pat Hand ’77/’96 1-2:30 p.m.

Friday

Special Sessions

Join us for our new Special Sessions. Dive into five engaging topics, each with a different presenter, designed to expand your knowledge and spark your curiosity. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

March 28: Building a More Resilient Community by Julie Johnson ’07

April 4: Shout! The Mod Musical by Sheila Tabaka

April 11: History and Stories of SMSU Athletics by Kelly Loft

April 25: A Scottish Experience by Jim and Sheila Tabaka

May 2: Leonardo Da Vinci Arts and Inventions by Ashton Ayres

Instructor: Deb Ahmann 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Contact the Gold College office for registration material and more information: GoldCollege@smsu.edu or call 507-537-6808.