Fall 2025 GOLD College Kickoff is Sept. 10

Published Thursday, August 21, 2025

GOLD College provides opportunities for lifelong learning

The kick-off session for GOLD College will be held in the Conference Center Upper Level at SMSU on Wednesday, Sept. 10 starting at 1:30 pm with registration and social time. The program begins at 2:30 pm featuring keynote speaker Joyce Tofte speaking about the Mustang Market, SMSU’s food pantry.

Tofte is the Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator in the University Public Safety office at SMSU in addition to her work with the Mustang Market. Tofte’s talk is free to everyone, even those who are not registered for GOLD College.

GOLD College is an exciting program that offers lifelong learning opportunities to adults in areas of personal interest. 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.

Fall 2025 courses are scheduled from September 15 through October 24. Coursework delivered in-person and in a hybrid format that allows students to choose in-person or Zoom.

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

Fall 2025 GOLD College courses include:

MONDAYS

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 on Mondays, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Band for Beginners

Ever wish you could go back in time and relive that joy- filled experience of picking up an instrument for the first time? Now you can! “Beginning Band” is a GOLD College course modeled after elementary music. Participants will choose a band instrument they want to work with for the duration of the course. This can be an instrument you’ve never played before or one you haven’t touched in a long time. Instruments are available from the college for a small rental fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Class time will be split into two parts: we will begin as a large group learning basic techniques for playing and reading music; then there will be time for individual practicing, with the instructor circulating to help as needed.

Participants will be responsible for their instrument rental (if applicable) and instruction book. The course will be facilitated by Megan Eide, lifelong musician and private lesson instructor from Tyler, MN.

Instructor: Megan Eide on Mondays, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

From Cave Painting to Stained Glass

Enjoy a look at early art history. View prehistoric cave paintings; ancient Aegean, Etruscan, Persian and Egyptian art; selected artworks of ancient Greece and Rome; Stonehenge; and the European Middle Ages. Sculpture, ceramics, mosaics, metalcraft, wood, paper, stone, and glass will be discussed. Discover interesting peoples and cultures, along with their contributions to the visual arts.

Instructor: Patricia Hand ’77/‘96 on Mondays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.

“Let Them Eat Cake: How the French Revolution Transformed the Globe”

Join us for an engaging journey into one of the most dramatic and influential events in world history—the French Revolution. This class is designed for those who are curious about the incredible people, ideas, and events that reshaped France and inspired movements around the globe. We’ll explore the causes of the Revolution, from economic hardship to demands for political equality, and meet key figures like Marie Antoinette, Maximillian Robespierre, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Through lively discussions, short readings, and multimedia presentations, we’ll bring “liberty, equality, fraternity” to life!

Instructor: Rick Purrington on Mondays, 4:00-5:30pm

TUESDAYS

Experimental Arts Group

If you are new to art or to this class, I encourage you to try it! 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! Each week is a different adventure! This session will include wire-wrapped gem jewelry (this project comes back each session for beginners or skill- building), Christmas ornaments from recycled jewelry parts, and I will spend one session explaining and showing framing techniques for the artist, including cutting a mat and fitting a picture using a reclaimed frame. We may also repeat one-stroke painting, since most people loved it! Start looking for those rocks you collected on vacation last year and keep looking down for more! Grab bags of old jewelry at rummage sales! Art materials are EVERYWHERE! There is a one-time fee of $10. All materials included.

Instructor: Michelle Koppien on Tuesdays, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

The Painter’s Palette

Have fun and be creative with this GOLD College painting class. We will begin with some painting warm-ups and an “ice-breaker” project. We will learn about applying gesso to canvas in preparation for painting. We will select from a variety of “inspiration” ideas, in order to put together a composition of your own to paint on stretched canvas. Acrylic paints and brushes are available for use in class. Canvases (11”x14”) may be purchased for $2.00 each. You may also opt to bring your own supplies. No experience necessary.

Instructor: Patricia Hand ’77 ‘96 on Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m

Journeys Thru Art & Design 2

We will continue the Art-Design exploration series, embracing various approaches to create art with spontaneity, random chance events, and ambient conditions, i.e., music. There will be more human figure studies and painting using various mediums. Chinese ink painting and vegetable carving for the dinner table will resume with more fun projects.

Instructor: Kenneth Lam ‘18 on Tuesdays, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

The Fight to End Slavery

“The Fight to End Slavery” looks at the most confounding problem of the new American Republic: the existence of a slavery so severe that it denied the very humanity of those subjected to it in a country that was committed in its founding document to the “unalienable right” to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Americans dealt with this painful irony in a number of ways: by determined silence; by gradual measures; and eventually by a vigorous assault on the “peculiar institution,” as its defenders named it. Eighty-nine years after the Declaration of Independence, the United States passed the 13th Amendment ending slavery, though the problem of racism that enabled it remained unsolved.

Instructor: Joan Gittens on Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Current Events

Join us as we explore and discuss the issues of the day including immigration, the war in Ukraine, and other topics relating to our country.

Instructor: Steve Fredrickson on Wednesdays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.

Sweeten Your Skills This Fall!

Join us for a fun and flavorful 6-week baking and decorating series designed especially for GOLD College! Whether you’re a total beginner or ready to take your skills to the next level, this hands-on course is the perfect opportunity to learn the art of cookie, cake, and cupcake decorating in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Each week you’ll master new techniques—from piping basics and buttercream borders to creating beautiful pull-apart cupcake cakes and trendy naked letter cakes. Leave each class with new skills, sweet treats, and plenty of inspiration to keep baking at home! No experience necessary—just bring your sweet tooth and creativity! $20 one-time supply fee.

Instructor: Macey Bofferding on Wednesdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

THURSDAYS

Composition in Photography

This class will use the art of Photography to explore classical visual composition and develop the artistic eye. Each session will begin with an assignment briefing or sharing of past works. We will go to various shooting locations to capture content based on the theme of the week. Then, it is back to the classroom to upload to the big screen TVs to share and critique the results. Media/Method: A mobile phone or tablet camera. Students will need to bring their own.

Instructor: Kenneth Lam ‘18 on Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Great Trials

Great Trials focuses on some of history’s most famous trials, the events that led to them and the events that followed. The class will look at the Trial of Socrates (Maureen Sander-Staudt); the Trial of Galileo (Tony Amato); The Salem Witch Trials (Joan Gittens); The Dreyfus Trial (Tom Williford); the Trial of Leopold and Loeb (Brett Gaul); and the Trial of Emmett Till’s murderers (Joan Gittens).

Instructor: Joan Gittens on Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a gentle form of martial art that combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and meditation. It is known for its various health benefits, including improved balance, flexibility, and stress reduction. Open to both beginners and the experienced.

Instructor: Sue Morton on Thursdays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.

Tech Talks

Join us for this introduction to basic computer and Android smartphone usage, hardware, apps, and security. Topics will include online security and privacy; cyber- security and Cloud-computing; Microsoft 365, Google, and Apple apps; computer maintenance, safety, and data backup; Android phone basics and photography; Google backup, Find My Device, Workspace, and Maps.

Instructor: Kari Howey ‘00 Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m

FRIDAYS

“On the Road Again…”

Our “spirited” Friday journeys this session will include tours and lunches at area wineries and breweries! Students may carpool with us from SMSU or meet us at the designated location. A complete list of destinations and dates will be available at the GOLD College Kickoff Event. Join us for a fun and friendly way to spend a Friday!

Instructor: Deb Ahmann ‘79 on Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

ADDITIONAL FREE SESSION

Happy Birthday, Jane Austen

2025 marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen and to celebrate the SMSU Entertainment and Theatre Arts program is presenting PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, along with other Austen-esque events.

Come, listen, discuss and enjoy as director and costume-designer Sheila Tabaka presents on what goes into putting on this show. You’ll get a sneak peek at the set, props, music, and costumes and also get a chance to meet SMSU student Alyster Schmidt, dramaturg for Pride and Prejudice as he presents on the research he’s done for the show.

Instructor: Sheila Tabaka

Wednesday, October 29, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Location: Black Box Theatre (FA112)

Note: Years listed indicate the instructor obtained their degree from SMSU. First year is the undergraduate degree, second year is the graduate degree, if applicable.