The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will kick off the 2018-19 academic year with a free open house from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th St.

The institute’s courses, special events and travel opportunities are designed for people 50 and older. OLLI at UNL creates opportunities for learning, civic involvement, personal growth and fun.

At the open house, attendees can register for fall courses and events, meet OLLI instructors, join the institute or renew memberships. OLLI and its partners will host informational tables while representatives from OLLI courses, events, interest groups and travel will be available to answer questions. OLLI offers more than 220 courses and events each year. Fall courses begin Sept. 4.

For a $75 annual membership fee, OLLI members can enjoy year-round programming from Aug. 1 to July 31. Members also receive discounts to Abendmusik, the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, Lincoln Community Playhouse and Arts for the Soul.

This year’s theme is “A Brave New World: How the Future is Rooted in the Past and Present.” Courses associated with the theme include:

• “Good Morning Vietnam: Broadcasting in a War Zone.” In 1968, a young Army captain was sent to Vietnam to serve as officer-in-charge of network news for the American Forces Vietnam network — six radio stations and eight television stations manned by the U.S. military to broadcast news and entertainment to the half-million American troops stationed there. After 50 years, Randy Moody, OLLI member, will revisit some of his experiences.

• “Black Lincoln: A History.” This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which is a perfect time to examine and reflect on Lincoln’s black history. OLLI members will visit the Nebraska History Museum and the Malone Community Center, where they will examine archival documents related to the chartering of Lincoln’s NAACP branch and its early operation.

• “Beyond Borders.” The first of four films being offered this academic year, this 2016 documentary takes an intimate look at the struggles, contributions and aspirations of undocumented Mexican immigrants and their families in the United States. The film examines U.S. policy decisions that triggered the rise of undocumented immigration. The film reveals the reasons millions of Mexican workers have settled in the United States over the past four decades. It also illuminates the networks that connect the film’s characters with the families they left behind and the human impact of the anti-immigration backlash now sweeping the country. A moderator will introduce the film and facilitate a panel discussion with local experts.

• “It’s in the Bank: The FDIC and the Federal Reserve Bank.” Today’s world of banking and finance is supported by a variety of governmental agencies and organizations that affect everything from how safe money is to interest rates on savings accounts and loans. Experts will fill attendees in on the origins, missions, evolution and potential future of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Federal Reserve Bank.

The fall symposium, “Seeking a Just World Order: The Quest for Peace and Prosperity,” is Oct. 27. The event is sponsored by OLLI and the Unitarian Church Winter Lectures Series. U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry will speak.

“The Aging Brain: Everyday Solutions to Stay Sharp in Mind and Body” is a half-day symposium on Nov 3. It is sponsored by OLLI, Aging Partners and Southeast Community College.

For more information or to acquire a catalog, email olli@unl.edu, click here or call 402-472-6265.