Image of an OLLI member taking a picture of a staged set in a phone photography course.

Courses and Shared Interest Groups

Course Registration

Registration for Summer 2025 OLLI at WMU courses begins Tuesday, May 13 at 10 a.m.

To get started, you can browse the OLLI at WMU Digital Course Catalog below, or go directly to the course registration system.

Course fees: $10/session for members | $20/session for non-members

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are a free benefit for all OLLI members, offering opportunities to connect with others who share a common interest. Because SIGs are member-driven, participants must be registered OLLI members before joining. 

Explore our current SIGs below:

Want to start a new SIG? Complete this short form to get started.

Shared Interest Group Descriptions

Downsize or Declutter for the Life of Me

This monthly group tackles the emotional and practical sides of decluttering and downsizing—whether you’re clearing out a single drawer or preparing to move from a longtime home. Together, we explore questions to ask, where to donate items, how to get help, what works (and what doesn’t), and steps to take now. If you’re looking for support, motivation, and inspiration, join us as we embrace simpler living—one drawer at a time!

Leader: Niki Nimmo  

Details: Meets monthly; Contact the OLLI office for details

 

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EDISON: EDucation IS ON – Resident Scholars

The Edison Resident Scholars SIG engages OLLI members in the exploration, research, and discussion of the history, heritage, and culture of Kalamazoo’s largest and most diverse neighborhood: Edison. Too often defined by its challenges, Edison is also home to innovation, resilience, and community-driven change.

Viewing the neighborhood through a humanities lens, this group explores educational, historical, and cultural perspectives to better understand and support positive transformation. Monthly meetings are held in the evenings at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan.

The Edison Resident Scholars represent the diversity of the neighborhood and are committed to community-based research, lifelong learning, and sustainable change. With varied educational backgrounds and deep roots in the neighborhood, members bring lived experience and leadership to their work as change-makers in Edison and beyond.

Leader: Edison Resident Scholars Team

Schedule: Monthly dates TBD, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, 420 E. Alcott St.

 

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German Language

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? If you’ve taken a German course with OLLI or elsewhere, lived in a German-speaking country, or simply have prior exposure to the language, this group is for you. Participants of varying experience levels are welcome to join in casual conversation and continued language exploration.

Leader: Gail Ledbetter

Schedule: Fridays, ongoing, 10 a.m. to noon

Location: Contact the OLLI office for details

 

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Intro to Film

Love movies? This group partners with the Kalamazoo Film Society and Celebration Cinema in Portage to explore the art of filmmaking. Each month, participants attend a selected film screening, then gather for a lively discussion about its writing, cinematography, music, editing, and direction. We’ll also touch on film theory and its influence on today’s filmmakers.

Screenings are typically midweek matinees, scheduled one month in advance. Participants will receive details by email or phone as soon as they are available. While the SIG itself is free, attendees are responsible for the cost of movie tickets—Kalamazoo Film Society members receive a discounted rate.

Visit www.kalamazoofilmsociety.com to learn more about KFS.

Leader: Michael Marchak

Schedule: TBD (midweek matinees)

Location: Celebration Cinema, 6600 Ring Rd, Portage, 49024

 

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Photography

Calling all photography enthusiasts—whether you're using a smartphone or DSLR! This group brings together OLLI members who enjoy capturing and sharing images. Participants exchange ideas, provide feedback on each other’s work, and learn techniques for taking, editing, organizing, and displaying photos. Come sharpen your skills and be inspired by others who share your passion.

Leaders: Gillian Stoltman and Carole Smith

Details: Contact Gillian Stoltman at gillianstoltman@gmail.com or Carole Smith at carolesmith@chartermi.net for information about meeting times, dates, or other information

 

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Play Pétanque Monday Mornings!

Join us for a relaxing and social game of pétanque, played outdoors on gravel terrain in teams of two or three. The goal is to toss or roll steel boules as close as possible to a small wooden target ball, creating ever-changing strategies with each round. This group offers a chance to learn the rules, practice your skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow players. Originating in France over a century ago, pétanque remains popular across Europe and is gaining momentum in communities across the U.S.

Leaders: Stanley Sackett and Martha Beverly

Schedule: Mondays, weekly (seasonal), 10 a.m. to noon

Location: KVCC, 6767 W O Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009

 

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Readers Theare Comes Alive

Ready to meet great people and tap into your dramatic side? Join the OLLI Reader’s Theater, led by acclaimed director D. Terry Williams. No experience? No problem! No memorization required—just show up, have fun, and bring scripts to life with your voice. Whether you're a natural performer or simply curious, this group is your chance to laugh, learn, and shine.

Leaders: Dr. D Terry Williams and Mary VanDerMass

Schedule: Wednesdays, ongoing, 1 to 3 p.m.

Location: Parkview Hills Clubhouse

 

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Summer 2025 Course Catalog

How to use the digital catalog

The new OLLI at WMU digital catalog works like a virtual "book" or magazine on your computer or tablet screen.

  • To turn the page, click or tap the large arrows ( ) at the far left or right of the screen.
  • To change pages quickly, click and drag the main scroll bar at the bottom of the screen.
  • To adjust the size of the catalog on the screen, click and drag the zoom scroll bar, or click or tap the plus ( ) or minus ( ) icons.
  • To search the catalog for a key word or phrase, click or tap the magnifying glass icon.
  • To view the catalog in full-screen mode (recommended), click or tap the rectangle icon in the lower right corner of the screen. To exit full-screen mode, press the Esc key on your keyboard, or click the rectangle icon again.

 

graphic showing how to use the catalog navigation tools