Wonderlust Wonderings

“This instructor is great. He knew his subject, unbiased, and did a wonderful job fostering discussion and further thought in the class.” - Understanding Islam Part 2

Upcoming Courses To Explore If given the opportunity, most of us would like to participate in in-person programs, see friends, raise a hand, share stories and get to know our instructor. With online programming, you can learn safely, still do most of this AND save fuel, time and refill your coffee cup at your convenience. Interested in a course, but the day/time does not work for you? Not a worry! Courses will be recorded and can be viewed whenever and wherever you choose. The MSU Wonderlust volunteer Curriculum and Side Trip Committee has put together a diverse and engaging array of online offerings this semester. From Montana Art to Chemistry in the Kitchen, the psychology and engineering of our 5 Senses, and more. We think you will enjoy our top-notch instructors and program line up. Our upcoming September programs include the following:

World Mythologies: The Stories That Shape Humanity Begins September 14th Explore and analyze the power of mythology with professor Marvin Lansverk. Examine theories of myth, recurrent patterns found in different cultures, various kinds of interpretations, appearances of myth in literature and how mythology relates to ordinary life. Read more

Chemistry in the Kitchen: From Reactions to Recipe Begins September 15th Most of our kitchen activities involve chemistry. Award winning teaching professor Bill McLaughlin will discuss and demonstrate how our decisions about food storage, preparation, cooking and eating all have their basis in the chemical makeup of food. Hungry for more?

Montana Art: Context and Culture Begins September 10th  In this course, freelance art writer, author and lecturer Michele Corriel will analyze how and why the state and its people were depicted in art, beginning with the art of White Europeans who came to Montana as a result of Manifest Destiny. Participants will study Native American art and the gender roles depicted in various types of artwork. Read more

Calling BS! From Fake News to Questionable Science: How Do We Believe Responsibly? Begins September 9th This dynamic course will help you think critically and responsibly about medical claims, scientific claims, political claims and claims made by and about the media. Philosophy professor Kristen Intemann will address questions such as: How do we know what to believe and what is…well…BS? Read more

Meet Instructors and Enjoy Timely Nostalgia at the Semester Reception TODAY September 2, 2020, 4:00-6:00 p.m. We are excited to host our annual Fall reception this semester... online! We will be joined by keynote speaker, Raymond D. Strother, a nationally known political consultant. His talk, “Those Annoying Political Television Commercials: The Evolution of Political Television,” will offer a blend of history, nostalgia and timely topics. The keynote address will be followed by brief presentations and Q&A from many Fall course instructors, highlights of the upcoming Side Trip Speaker Series and “door prizes” you will not want to miss. In his keynote address, Raymond D. Strother will discuss the evolution of the campaign message from Ike to Biden, including how the political message is crafted to solve problems and position a candidate. It is impossible this time of year to turn on a television and not be inundated by repetitious, annoying television commercials. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent promoting or trying to destroy candidates. All of the commercials look the same, but are they? Enjoy Raymond Strother's timely keynote and learn more about this semester's great line up of offerings today. The reception is free and open to the public. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Webex link and instructions to join the reception. If you have not participated in a Webex event before, be sure to allow extra time to log in and possibly download the necessary software. Register for the free MSU Wonderlust semester reception HERE. Reception Schedule 4:00-5:00 p.m. Keynote speaker 5:00-6:00 p.m. Meet instructors, semester highlights, door prizes.

Money in the Bank? Do you have a credit balance in your MSU Wonderlust account? Sign in and check your Wonderlust account here. There are many options for handling your account credit. You can... Renew your annual membership Renew a friend or family member's membership as a gift* Purchase a membership for a friend or family member* Apply your credit towards a gift certificate for a friend Apply your credit towards a course this semester Individual course fees constitute nearly 60% of our operating budget and memberships cover the remaining 40%. Beyond supporting the organization with critical operating funds, each individual membership also helps MSU Wonderlust qualify for a $1 million dollar endowment gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation. We closed out 2019/2020 610 members strong, we would like to begin 2020/2021 even stronger. We hope you will consider renewing or becoming a member this year (a $45 contribution) in support of our lifelong learning programs and organizational goals. Your thoughtful annual support is truly appreciated! *Our online learning opportunities this academic year offer anyone, anywhere the opportunity to benefit from a MSU Wonderlust membership! Have a credit on your WL account? Email our Registration Coordinator to arrange how you would like to handle it this Fall.

Public Comment Forum Announcement Montana State University will host two online forums to collect public comment on a proposed name change for MSU Wonderlust, which would become the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU.    The Montana Board of Regents will consider the name change at its meeting Sept. 16-17, which will be held virtually.    The university will host the sessions online via WebEx at 1:30-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, and at 4:00-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. Members of the public can join by visiting this link at the date/time listed or by calling 1-855-797-9485 (Access code: 921 625 104).     Wonderlust was established in 2002 as a lifelong learning program for the over-50 population in the Gallatin Valley, offering non-credit classes, forums and other learning programs. It is part of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach, which received a $100,000 grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation in 2019 and would become one of more than 100 of the foundation’s Institutes for Lifelong Learning.    For additional information, email Bobbi Geise or call 406-994-5240.

COVID-19 Updates and Resources MSU-related updates on MSU COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME): Read more about IHME and the daily COVID-19 projection updates.

MSU Wonderlust, a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach, provides intellectually stimulating and enjoyable programs that foster lifelong learning and community engagement for individuals 50 and greater. There are no tests, no grades and no papers. MSU Wonderlust offers learning opportunities for the pure joy of learning. Become a member or consider teaching for us.

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