GOLD College Kickoff Sept. 13

Marshall, Minn. — The fall session of GOLD College at Southwest Minnesota State University will kick off at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 in Charter Hall 201 on campus.

GOLD is an acronym for Growth, Opportunity, Learning, Development. GOLD College offers non-credit classes with a variety of topics. Each class is held one day per week for two hours. There are no tests or grades, and it is for people of all educational levels.

The program features a presentation by special guest Portia Martinson. A mother of three, wife, and teacher in inner-city, suburban, rural, and alternative schools, her life has overflowed with memorable moments. She will share her joys, triumphs, disappointments and experiences through humor and stories.

Registration will be held from 2:15-3 p.m. GOLD College participants will have the opportunity to pick up class schedules and parking permits while enjoying refreshments.

The Kick-Off Program will begin at 3 p.m. with an overview of the GOLD College fall session, followed by Martinson’s presentation and an opportunity to meet the study group leaders.

Study groups are planned for six weeks, from Sept. 18 through Oct. 27.

Contact the GOLD College office for registration materials and more information: GoldCollege@smsu.edu; 507-537-7164.

Classes this session include:

Mondays

• American Homefront in WW1, 9-11 a.m., presenters: Dr. Joan Gittens, Sheila Tabaka, Anita Gaul, Mark Fokken, Dr. Pat Brace, Dr. Jan Loft and Jennifer Andries. This course features six different presentations focusing on the American homefront during WWII.
• Poetry: Anyone Can Do It, 9-11 a.m., Doug Bengston, instructor. This class will teach you new techniques and explore what makes your poems successful.
• Philosophy/Religion, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Chad Conway, instructor. Each session we will work though different intriguing ‘thought experiments’ to recognize hypothetical situations that employ “What if” questions in our daily lives.
• Computer- Beyond the Basics, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Beth Westra, instructor. Discover stuff beyond the basics of computer software. Topics to be explored will be on-line items such as Maps and MapQuest, making photo books thru Shutterfly or i-photo, downloading audio or to read books and various search engine features.
• Digital Photography, 2-4 p.m., Alma Hale, instructor. With the advent of digital photography, there are more photographs taken worldwide than ever before. This course introduces you to photographic concepts and practices designed to help you improve your photos.

Tuesdays

• Memoir Writing, 9-11 a.m., Carol Purrington, instructor. Writing the story of one’s life may sound daunting, but in this class, you can learn how to leave a legacy for your family by writing “one bite at a time.”
• Chair Yoga, 10-11 a.m., Leo Langer, instructor. A variety of gentle yoga poses and deep relaxing breathing done while seated.
• Bring Home the Goodness — Freezer Meals, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rachael Holmgren, instructor. Enjoy the magic and life-changing convenience of freezer meals! You will prepare a diverse selection of 12 delicious meals and 2 breakfasts, with 4-8 servings per dish.
• The United States in the 1930s, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Dr. Joan Gittens, instructor. The class will focus on this critical decade of the 20th century, when Americans were faced with the Great Depression and the growing threat of war around the world.
• The American West, 2-4 p.m., Dr. Lloyd Petersen, instructor. Examine the western frontier from the Pony Express to the gunslingers, from the settlers to the cowboys.

Wednesdays

• Living Well with Diabetes, 9-11 a.m., Prairie Home Hospice, instructors. This class is designed for people with Type 2 diabetes and the people who live with or care for someone with diabetes.
• Wood Carving, 9-11 a.m., Don Fischer, instructor. We will be carving a “Clinging Cross” made to fit perfectly in your hand, which will offer comfort and assurance during your lonely or darker moments. Additionally, we will be carving a bird in flight.
• A Search for Truth: Trust your Intuition, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Jacob Fahl, instructor. Is your inner voice being muffled by external noise? This class is a Search for Truth: Thinking, Reacting and Your Unconscious Selves.  Topics include: Your 2 Systems (selves), Feeling verses Knowing, The Illusion of Control (being objective and unattached), Natural Learning, Quieting Your Mind and Living your Best Life!
• Current Issues: Policing, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Brian West, instructor. Students will learn how officers are trained to protect themselves and the public from incidents that are life-threatening. Learn the officers’ thought processes used when making decisions that have significant consequences. There will be a field trip to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department.
• Exploring Color through Glazing (Acrylic), 2-4 p.m., Allen Ness, instructor. Students will paint two versions of the same picture, one using a limited palette of color and the other done in earth tones.

Thursdays

• Current Events, 9-11 a.m., Gary Grabau, instructor. A thoughtful and provocative discussion to those interested in world, national and regional events.
• Line Dancing, 10-11 a.m., Eunice Herrick, instructor. Exercise your body and mind by dancing to lively, upbeat music. Line dancing is a fun way to dance without a dance partner at our own pace. No previous dance experience necessary. Only requirement in line dancing is to have fun!
• A Review of Art, Music and Literature from 1750 to present, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Steve Linstrom, instructor. Extend your knowledge and experience of the arts! Explore a sampling of painters, sculptors, writers and composers from the mid-1700s to present.
• President Trump and the U.S. Constitution, 2-4 p.m., Dr. Doug Simon, instructor. The U.S. Constitution is a venerable document that has always triumphed in the worst of national times. Since the nation observed the election of Donald J. Trump, a number of constitutional issues have surfaced. Such issues are challenging our understanding of the Electoral College, presidential power, and impeachment. This course surveys those issues and explores the text and the history of the U.S. Constitution.