Summary - 55+ Programs 2026-27

Join our Lifelong Learning Membership Program to enjoy a wide range of engaging programs designed especially for adults aged 55 and older. With a membership, you'll have access to all offerings in the timeframe you select—including exciting new workshops we're thrilled to share with you this year!

While our programs are designed with adults aged 55 and older in mind, we welcome all participants aged 18 and above.

Prefer to register for individual programs instead? No problem! You're welcome to only sign up for the programs that interest you. There are also seasonal membership options: fall-only and spring-only. Please note that space may be limited for some programs.

We do not want Zoom virtual learning to be a barrier to your participation. Our team can provide you with additional support. Please call 715-394-8469 or email conted@uwsuper.edu.

Group Travel: Experience the World and Make New Connections | In-Person or Virtual

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Location: UW-Superior or Zoom

Facilitators: Katie Ganshert, Collette Representative for WI & MN &

Heather Thompson, Director of Alumni Relations

The UW-Superior Alumni & Friends Foundation invites you to see the world! Learn all about upcoming adventures to the world's top destinations. Each group tour, brought to you by Collette, is designed to enrich the educational, cultural, and intellectual experiences of travelers. They make travel easy and affordable, with carefully planned trips at an exceptional value. 2027 and 2028 tours include Northern Vietnam, Holland & Belgium (River Cruise), Peru, Christmas Markets of Montreal & Quebec City, and Japan.

Cost: Free

Finding your Flash in Writing| In-Person

Wednesdays, September 2, & 9, 2026 from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Location: Jim Dan Hill Library

Facilitator: Haley Lawson

In this two-week course, we will focus on the fundamental building blocks of story by examining “story beats” in both literary classics and by reading flash fiction examples. We will look at genre and literary fiction, allowing you to find your voice within. After examining examples, you will have a variety of prompts to craft a narrative (or come ready with your own idea, ready to edit!). This class will give you the opportunity to work in pairs, editing and distilling your piece down to its core. After several rounds of revision and discussion, you will leave with a piece ready to pitch.

Non-Member Cost: $40

Voices of World War II: Stories from the Northland | In Person

Tuesdays, September 22, 29, & October 6, 13, 2026 from 9:00am-11:00am

Location: Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center; 305 Harbor View Pkwy, Superior, WI

Facilitator: Briana Fiandt

Voices of World War II: Stories from the Northland is a four-part series that brings regional history to life through powerful local connections to WWII. Participants will explore the legacy of Major Richard Bong and the recent successful mission to Papua New Guinea to locate his famed P-38 “Marge,” examine the critical role of shipbuilding and the contributions of both men and women on the Twin Ports home front, and hear compelling stories of local figures such as Tuskegee Airman Joe Gomer and Congressman John Blatnik’s lesser-known service with the OSS. The series concludes with an exclusive behind-the-scenes museum and archives tour, offering rare access to artifacts and stories not on public display.

Non-Member Cost: $80

Art Journaling: From Simple Shapes to Masterpieces | In-Person

Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 2:30pm-4:00pm

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Gloria Eslinger

Discover the joy of creative expression through art journaling. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how simple shapes and patterns can evolve into richly layered felt compositions. Using accessible techniques and materials, you’ll experiment with color, texture, and form to create a unique “masterpiece” that reflects your personal style. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to play.

Non-Member Cost: $15

Mapping the Self: The Hand, The Head, The Heart (Art Program) | In-Person

Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 2:30pm-4:00pm

Location: UW- Superior

Facilitator: Gloria Eslinger

Embark on a creative journey of self-exploration through art. This reflective workshop invites participants to examine identity through three powerful lenses: the hand (what we do and create), the head (what we think and understand), and the heart (what we feel and value). Using a mix of drawing, mapping, and mixed-media techniques, you’ll create a visual “personal geography” that captures your experiences, perspectives, and inner landscape. Ideal for anyone interested in creativity, reflection, and meaningful artistic expression.

Non-Member Cost: $15

Finding your Resistance in Writing| In-Person

Wednesdays, October 14, 21, & 28, 2026 from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Haley Lawson

If storytelling is what makes us human, it is resistance writing that makes us a united people. After all, it was Margaret Atwood who wrote, “A word after a word after a word is power.” Harnessing that power to speak up about what matters most to us is what resistance writing is all about.

This three-week course will harness the power of words to express solidarity and examine identity. Through the words of great orators such as MLK, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Nelson Mandela, we will explore human rights in the U.S., England, and South Africa. We will examine speeches made in New Zealand’s parliament along with the Māori Haka and how it was used to advocate for the rights of the Māori people. We will read poetry from Toni Morrison and journal entries from Malala Yousafzai to see the various forms resistance writing can take. Through literary analysis, we will be inspired to share our voices and take action in a way that feels authentic and right. There will be time carved into these sessions for writing and feedback.

The written word is an empowering tool to share impact and story. Join us as we craft meaningful writing that speaks to what matters to you most.

Non-Member Cost: $60

Jazz Appreciation | In-person

Fridays, October 16, 23, 30, and November 6, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:50pm

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Randy Lee

Explore the rich history and vibrant evolution of jazz in this engaging 55+ program. From the foundational elements of music and instrument identification to the defining principles of jazz, participants will build a deeper understanding of the genre. The course journeys through pre-jazz, early jazz, the Swing Era, and mid-century styles, before diving into developments from the 1970s to today. Whether you’re new to jazz or a longtime listener, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the sounds, stories, and artists that continue to shape jazz now. Discover why jazz is toe-tapping, or pensive, or wildly successful, or multi-cultural, or artistic and expressive, or a blast!

Non-Member Cost: $80

Age-Friendly University Day: Purpose, Learning & Community | In Person

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 8:30am-12:30pm

Location: UW-Superior

Join us for a welcoming morning of learning, connection, and discovery as we explore the University of Wisconsin - Superior as a place for lifelong growth, engagement, and community. Enjoy coffee and conversation, an interactive session, guided campus tour, and insights from university leaders. The program concludes with a shared lunch and informal conversation. Whether you are exploring new interests, considering future opportunities for learning and involvement, or simply curious about what the campus community has to offer, this event is designed to inspire connection and possibility. Follow this link to learn more: https://cvent.me/Eq9kKg

Non-Member Cost: $19

Cybersecurity Basics| In-Person

Monday, October 26, 2026 from 10:00am-11:30am

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Jennifer Veile

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe with easy cybersecurity habits and tools you can implement right away. In this session, learn how scammers use social engineering tactics to trick people and what you can do to avoid falling victim (featuring trending scams you need to know about). We will define core concepts like MFA, antivirus, spoofing, and phishing. You also will receive information on free resources to stay in the know beyond the session. No prior knowledge of cybersecurity is needed.

Non-Member Cost: $15

Book Club: Homeschooled, the memoir | In-Person

Tuesdays, October 27, & November 3, 10, 17, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:00pm

Location: Jim Dan Hill Library

Facilitator: Stephanie Warden

Join us for a thoughtful discussion of a powerful memoir exploring unconventional education, family dynamics, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. Through one author’s deeply personal story of growing up in a complex home environment, this book offers a compelling look at the universal human experience of navigating love, challenge, and identity. Together, we’ll reflect on resilience, forgiveness, and the ways our past shapes who we become.

Non-Member Cost: $40

Finding your View in Writing| In Person

Wednesdays, November 4, & 11, 2026 from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Location: Jim Dan Hill Library

Facilitator: Haley Lawson

In this two-week course, we will examine first, second, and third-person points of view as well as omniscient. Through reading examples of each, the group will gain a better understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and why. Through imagery and writing prompts, participants will have an opportunity to tell the same story from a variety of viewpoints. There is no wrong way to showcase a narrative, but one can be intentional. This class will help you assess the deepest core of that story — the viewpoint.

Non-Member Cost: $40

Self-Advocacy and Partnering in Healthcare: Empowering Yourself and Others | Virtual

Fridays, November 13, 20, & December 4, 11, 18, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Facilitator: Brittnie Peck

Many of us have experienced traditional healthcare where the provider makes most of the decisions. Today, a growing number of health experts recommend a more collaborative approach called patient-centered care. In this model, you—the patient or health consumer—work together with your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers as an active partner to get the best possible care.

Strong, respectful communication between you and your healthcare team is essential. It builds trust, empathy, and mutual understanding, making it easier for you to share important information about your health, concerns, and life circumstances. When communication is open and positive, you’re more likely to feel heard, and your providers are better able to address not just your physical health, but your emotional and social well-being too.

Poor communication, on the other hand, can lead to misunderstandings, missed details, or feeling dismissed—sometimes resulting in less effective care or unnecessary stress.

This course is designed specifically for adults in our community. It will help you explore and strengthen the patient-provider relationship through real-life health communication examples, practical strategies, and discussion. You’ll learn how to advocate effectively for yourself and for loved ones (such as aging parents, spouses, or children) in healthcare settings.

By the end of the course, you will feel more confident communicating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, and better equipped to take an active role in your own health and the health of those you care about.

Non-Member Cost: $50

Book Club: Water Bearers, Memoir | Virtual

Wednesdays February 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2027 from 3:00pm-4:00pm

Location: Zoom

Facilitator: Stephanie Warden

Join us for a meaningful discussion of a powerful memoir that traces generations of motherhood, exploring the intertwined legacies of love, resilience, and inherited pain. Through one woman’s journey to understand her family’s past and redefine her approach to parenting, this book invites us to reflect on how history shapes our identities and the choices we make for the future.

Non-Member Cost: $40

Exploring Korean Music: Samul Nori Drumming | In-Person

Fridays, February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2027, 2:00pm-3:30pm

Performance: February 26, 2027 at 6:00pm | Available in person

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Brett Jones

Join us for a 4-week introduction to Korean Samul Nori drumming. This hands-on class focuses on learning foundational techniques and rhythmic patterns using traditional instruments provided on-site. Participants will build skills within this drumming tradition while gaining cultural insight. Designed for beginners, this engaging experience connects music-making with Korean cultural traditions. This program will culminate with a participant performance on February 26 at 6 p.m., where family and friends are invited to celebrate what was learned while promoting appreciation for Korean culture and music.

Non-Member Cost: $60

Functional Nutrition and Movement | Virtual

Tuesdays, February 16, 23, & March 2, 2027, 2:30pm-4:00pm

Location: Zoom

Facilitator: Kim Lebard-Rankila

Join this transformative program focusing on optimizing health through targeted nutrition. This engaging three-session series covers enhancing brain, gut, and liver health; managing hormonal changes such as stress, menopause, and andropause; and using food to address chronic diseases, inflammation, and support mental well-being. Participants will gain essential, science-backed strategies and practical tools to thrive and enhance their well-being in this vibrant stage of life.

Non-Member Cost: $45

Poetry at the Thresholds | Virtual

Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2027 from 10:00am-11:00am

Location: Zoom

Facilitator: Ellie Schoenfeld

This workshop will utilize poetry to explore the idea of thresholds, of liminal spaces whether those spaces are as brief as the time between one moment to the next or as long as one epoch to the next, we are always finding ourselves in a time between what was and what comes next. There will be a variety of poems provided, encouragement but no pressure to write your own, and plenty of space for discussion.

Non-Member Cost: $40

Intro to Genealogy: Tips for getting started on your family history research | In-Person

Wednesday March 3, 2027 from 9:00am-11:00 am

Location: Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center; 305 Harbor View Pkwy, Superior, WI

Facilitator: Briana Fiandt

A beginner-friendly introduction to genealogy tools and resources, including what we have available for use at the Bong Center archives. There will also be a section dedicated to identifying military medals and badges and understanding military paperwork.

Non-Member Cost: $20

Life Out of Balance: Reconnecting with Nature, Self, and Awareness | In-Person

Wednesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, & April 7, 2027, 2:00pm-3:30pm

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Michael Anderson

Step away from the pace of everyday life and immerse yourself in a guided, six-week journey designed to restore balance, deepen awareness, and reconnect you with the natural world. Through a blend of indoor reflection and outdoor experiences, this program invites participants to slow down, engage their senses, and explore the profound relationship between nature, healing, and personal transformation. Using meditation, breathwork, and facilitated discussion, you’ll begin to notice shifts in consciousness, reconnect with the rhythms of nature, and rediscover a sense of peace and vitality that is often lost in modern life. Together, we’ll explore how nature is not simply a place to visit, but a community we belong to—opening the door to lasting change in how we live, breathe, and relate to the world around us.

Non-Member Cost: $75

Writing Your Humor Stories: Finding the Funny in the Fiasco | Virtual

Thursdays, March 11, 18, 25 & April 1, 2027 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

Location: Zoom

Facilitator: Gina Ramsey

If life has ever thrown you a curveball, this class will help you turn it into a punchline. In this fun and interactive four-session workshop, you’ll learn how to take your real-life experiences and transform them into engaging, humorous stories. You’ll explore storytelling basics, discover powerful humor-writing tools, and gain confidence in your unique voice. Whether your stories are laugh-out-loud funny or quietly meaningful, you’ll leave with practical skills—and a whole new way of looking at life’s little fiascos.

Non-Member Cost: $60

Caring for your family photographs and heirlooms: learn best practices for preserving your family history | In-Person

Tuesday, April 27, 2027 from 10:00am-11:30am| Available in person

Location: Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center; 305 Harbor View Pkwy, Superior, WI

Facilitator: Briana Fiandt

How to put order to your unsorted, unlabeled accumulation of family photos, heirlooms and other "priceless" memorabilia. Storage methods and materials, record keeping, environmental protections included.

Non-Member Cost: $15

Fishing Fundamentals for Beginners |

In-Person classroom sessions

Tuesday, May 4, 11, and 18, 2027 from 5:00pm-7:00pm

Facilitators: Alan Brew and Michael Nagel

Explore the history of fishing in our region, along with what, where, how, and why of fishing. In this program, you’ll learn the basics of both spin fishing and fly fishing, including techniques, equipment, licenses, and regulations. A three-part classroom experience builds practical skills and confidence for getting started in fishing. An optional inland fishing session on Sunday, June 6, is also available, offering the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real fishing setting.

Non-Member Cost for classroom sessions: $60

Creating Mosaics | In-Person

Thursdays, May 20 & 27, 2027, 2:00pm-4:00pm | Available in person

Location: UW-Superior

Facilitator: Gloria Eslinger

Explore the timeless art of mosaic in this two-session, hands-on workshop. Participants will learn the fundamentals of mosaic design, including selecting materials, arranging patterns, and adhering pieces to create a cohesive composition. Over the course of two sessions, you’ll design and complete your own unique mosaic artwork while gaining confidence in technique and creative expression. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and enjoy the process of building something beautiful, one piece at a time.

Non-Member Cost: $50

Already registered?

PROGRAM CANCELLATION POLICY: The Center for Continuing Education strives to maintain scheduled programming. However, if minimum enrollment is not met ten (10) working days prior to the start of a program, we may need to cancel or reschedule that program. There also may be times when a program needs to be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather, instructor illness or other unavoidable circumstances. Whether cancelled or rescheduled, you will be notified ASAP and your full fee will be refunded or applied to the rescheduled event, as you prefer.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event you need to cancel, we ask that you notify our office at least five (5) business days prior to the program. If notice of cancellation is received in our office less than five (5) business days prior to the program, you will be charged 40% of the cost of the program. If you fail to attend without cancelling your registration, you will be assessed the full workshop fee. For individual program registration, you may transfer your registration to another person at any time (excludes membership registration). Membership registration is non-transferrable.

REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION & EVENT EMAILS: If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of registering, please check your Spam or Bulk E-Mail folders. Please consider marking this email as "Not Spam," to allow future messages to get through to your inbox. In addition to the registration confirmation email, you can expect to receive follow-up emails containing specific program information at least one week prior to the event.

UW-Superior Continuing Education - 715.394.8469 - conted@uwsuper.edu

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