GOLD College Kickoff Set for Sept. 9

Published Wednesday, August 26, 2026

GOLD College at SMSU

The fall kick-off session for GOLD College will be held in the Conference Center Upper Level at SMSU on Wednesday, Sept. 9 starting at 1:30 pm with registration and social time. The fall instructors will give previews to their courses beginning at 1:45pm.

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 2026 courses are scheduled from September 14 through October 23. Coursework delivered in-person and in a hybrid format that allows students to choose in-person or Zoom. Participants can choose one class for $75, 2-4 classes ($110). Option to take additional classes for $10 each. Some courses will include nominal fees for supplies paid directly to the instructors.

Contact the Gold College office for registration material and more information: GoldCollege@smsu.edu or call 507-537-6266. Make checks payable to: GOLD College, SMSU Foundation, 1501 State Street Marshall, MN 56258.

We appreciate the dedication and support to GOLD College. To continue making the program a success, please consider making a direct donation. For more information, call (507) 537-6266 or email GoldCollege@SMSU.edu.

Fall 2026 GOLD College courses include:

MONDAY
The Life and Times of Toys and Games
See some. Bring some. Share some. Histories of a variety of toys and games (both vintage and newer). Histories of real people (including presidents). Inventions, traditions, customs, trends, even politics, have influenced toy production. New items added since the earlier “Toy Box” version of the course. Build your own shadow-box diorama (materials provided).
Instructor: Pat Hand ‘77/’96
Mondays 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

TUESDAY
iPhone Fundamentals
Join us as we engage in lessons on using our iPhones more effectively. This is strictly an iPhone course where you will learn photos and camera tips, widgets, iOS info, storage, Contacts, and Maps, and other iPhone apps.
**Limit of 30 – First to sign up get into the class
Instructor: Marci Petersen ‘92
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Launching the American Republic
This course will look at the crafting of the Constitution and Americans’ ensuing struggles and anxieties as the document went to the states for ratification. Those tensions were just beginning. Despite the stability of having the revered George Washington as the first president of the Republic, there was nothing smooth or collaborative about the early days of the great experiment.
This class could be subtitled “Founding Fathers Behaving Badly.” They faced intensely serious issues against a background of world conflict. These early years settled some important issues while grappling with others—the role of the federal government versus the states, for example—that are with us to the present day.
Instructor: Joan Gittens
Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Current Events
The class will be a summary and open discussion on some of the Current Issues facing us today, both locally and nationally. Suggested topics will include but not be restricted to Immigration, Free Speech and the Constitution, Iran and Israel, the Midterm Elections, and any other topics of interest to the class.
Instructor: Stephen Fredrickson
Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
Tell Us More, SMSU!
A talented and esteemed group of professors and directors will share information about programs and events at SMSU.
Instructor: Deb Ahmann ‘79
Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

iPhone Productivity Tools
Join us as we engage in lessons on using our iPhones Productivity tools more effectively. This is strictly an iPhone course where you will learn tips and organization for email, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Maps, and integration between these tools.
**Limit of 30 – First to sign up get into the class
Instructor: Marci Petersen ‘92
Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Back to Math Class — But Fun This Time!
Remember fractions, algebra, and geometry from school? Neither do we! Join us for a lighthearted math class designed especially for adults who want to keep their minds sharp, laugh a little, and rediscover the fun side of numbers.
We’ll explore everyday math topics like fractions and simple algebra, play with shapes and geometry, solve brain-teasing puzzles, and experiment with colorful tangrams. No tests, no grades, and absolutely no homework — just good conversation and fun challenges.
Whether you loved math years ago or spent your school days trying to avoid it, this class is all about learning, laughing, and proving you’re never too old to enjoy a good puzzle.
Instructor: Brenda Elton ‘88
Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

THURSDAY
Bible Study
During the six weeks, we will talk about letting go of the feeling that you have to perform, and how Jesus offers a freeing way to live. We will be using materials from Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen. Please join us!
Instructor: Katie Serbus ‘15
Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Painter’s Palette
Both experienced painters and those who’ve never painted before are welcome. As a start-up project, cattails will be the focus. During the course, an array of color-theory schemes will be explained for you to experiment with. A variety of “inspiration” ideas are offered for composing your own artworks. Acrylic paints and brushes are available for use in class. Stretched canvases (11”x 14”) may be purchased for $2.00 each. You may also opt to bring your own supplies. No experience necessary!
Instructor: Pat Hand ‘77/’96
Thursdays 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Origins of Islamic Civilization
The course will examine the origins of Islamic civilization and some of its key traditions. It will trace the social and political history of pre-Islamic Arabia and continue with a discussion of Muhammed as a religious and political leader. It will introduce several key aspects of Islamic civilization, including shari’a (Islamic law), sufism (Islamic mysticism), the division between Sunni and Shi’a Islam, and the rise of the modern Islamicist movement.
Instructor: Michael Hofstetter
Thursdays 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

FRIDAY
Mystery Travel
As we go “on the road again,” the location of our weekly journeys will remain a secret until Friday mornings. Emails to participants will be sent at 7:00am each Friday morning noting the location and meeting time of that day’s travel. Join us for the fun!
Instructor: Deb Ahmann ‘79
Fridays (time may vary)

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.