Thank you for exploring more information about the summer semester! Many of our courses feature expert-led single lectures that dive into fascinating concepts and ideas. On this page, you’ll get to know the faculty guiding your learning this semester.
To make the most of your OLLI experience, snacks and beverages are available throughout the day. Begin your morning with coffee and conversation at 10 a.m. alongside fellow members. You’re welcome to bring lunch to enjoy between classes, and free Wi-Fi is accessible at all locations and free to the public.
BHM 101 Assessing Your Archetypes: Gain Self-Discovery through Exploring Your Motivational and Meaning-Making Patterns
Dates: June 1, 15, 22 (skip June 8)
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Dr. Donna Stone-Reed
Are you interested in letting your unique light shine more brightly, blessing yourself and the world around you? Would you like to identify 12 modern-day archetypal patterns that help define your uniqueness and learn how to work with them to bring greater wholeness to your life?
This three-session self-discovery workshop is based on the ground-breaking work of Dr. Carl Jung, an Analytical Psychiatrist. During these sessions, you will assess the strength of these 12 patterns existing within your psyche—filtering your perceptions and providing your sense of meaning and motivation. During the highly participative exercises that follow, you will discover how your strongest and weakest patterns unconsciously affect your life.
Donna Reed Stone holds a master’s degree and PhD in fields associated with human growth, change, and transformation. Her decades-long career includes corporate management, cultural change programs, external consulting, and corporate and university teaching.
Donna is a Jungian Archetypal Consultant and certified HeartMath facilitator offering seminars and workshops on related topics. She is a seasoned leader and educator, having applied her knowledge and skills in leadership, consulting, and education roles at corporations, universities, small businesses, professional associations, and churches.
BHM 102 The Art of Junk Journaling
Date: June 1, 8, 15, 22
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Chris Cruz
Junk journaling is a creative practice that involves using found and recycled materials to create a personalized journal filled with memories, thoughts, and artistic expressions. It combines elements of scrapbooking and traditional journaling.
It involves collecting various pieces of “junk” (treasures)—receipts, ticket stubs, fabric scraps, and memorabilia—and incorporating them into a journal. The goal is to repurpose items that would typically be discarded, transforming them into meaningful keepsakes that represent personal experiences and memories.
You will create something similar to the example image:
Meet the Artist: Chris Cruz
Faith brought me to Alabama 6 years ago to be near family. I love the beauty of this state and the warmth of the people. Not having to work full-time and being able to dedicate my heart and soul to painting was a gift.
Soon after moving, I was chosen as an Art Educator for GOLDEN paints—an honor I treasure. My purpose is to introduce as many people as possible to the therapeutic power of painting and creativity.
BHM 104 Healthy Living 360°: A Four-Expert Wellness Series
Date: June 8
Time: Noon
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructors:
- July 6 – Rodgie Parker, Registered Nurse (VA)
- July 13 – Dr. Robert Russell
- July 20 – Dr. Natalie Simons, The Anatomy of the Eye and the Effects of Aging
- July 27 – Dr. Hussein Abdullatif, The History of Immunization, Practice and Controversy
This dynamic series offers a comprehensive look at personal health from four perspectives. Learn from a VA nurse about navigating care systems, hear a podiatrist explain how foot health affects overall mobility, explore vision wellness with an optometrist, and get up-to-date information on vaccines from a leading expert. A practical, empowering course designed to support lifelong wellbeing.
BHM 107 August Wilson: His Life and The Pittsburgh Cycle in 3 Plays
Date: July 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Kel Laeger
Explore the legacy of August Wilson, one of America’s most powerful playwrights, through his life story and his groundbreaking ten-play Century Cycle.
August Wilson’s plays are a cornerstone of American theater, chronicling the Black experience with lyrical depth, historical insight, and emotional power. In this course, participants will explore Wilson’s life—from his upbringing in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to his rise as a Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist—and examine three plays from his Century Cycle.
Through readings, video excerpts, and guided discussion, participants will explore themes such as identity, migration, systemic racism, and cultural memory.
BHM 109 Introduction to Bridge
Date: June 1, 8, 15, 22; July 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:30 – 3 pm.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructors: Beth Stewart and Margaret King
Whether you’re brand-new to bridge or looking to refresh your skills, this course offers the perfect place to begin.
Each session builds on the previous week’s material, using a beginner-friendly curriculum. Participants will receive a workbook to follow along and practice concepts.
Each class concludes with hands-on gameplay in a relaxed, supportive environment.
BHM 110 OLLI Summer Book Club
Date: July 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Cynthia Smothers
Calling all readers! OLLI member Cynthia Smothers, an avid reader with many years of book-club experience, has curated four compelling selections and will lead each week’s discussion.
The course is scheduled for July, giving participants the month of June to enjoy the books at their own pace.
You choose how to participate:
- Read all four books and join every session
- Select only the titles that interest you
- Or attend discussions and read later
July Reading & Discussion Schedule:
- July 6 – The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau (Kristin Harmel)
- July 13 – Wild Dark Shores (Charlotte McConaghy)
- July 20 – Buckeye (Patrick Ryan)
- July 27 – Becoming Madame Secretary (Stephanie Dray)
Join us for thoughtful conversation, great stories, and a warm community of readers.
BHM 111 Marvels of the Ancient World: Exploring the 7 Wonders
Date: June 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 10:30 a.m.- Noon
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Dr. Shannon Flynt
Dr. Flynt joined Samford’s faculty in 2000 with expertise in anthropology, classical archaeology, and ancient studies.
Explore the history, discovery, and cultural significance of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World through expert instruction and engaging discussion.
BHM 113 Thriving with Purpose in the Later Years
Date: July 8 & 29
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Dr. Ann Clark
This summer, Dr. Clark offers two sessions:
- July 8 – Living Alone and Thriving in Your Later Years
- July 29 – Growing Forward: Finding Meaning in Your Later Years
Dr. Clark brings a wealth of academic and holistic experience, specializing in spiritual growth, healing, and life purpose.
BHM 114 Mystery Objects of Alabama: An Interactive Artifact Exploration
Date: July 8
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Edward “Chip” Gates
Step into the role of archaeologist and detective in this interactive session.
Participants will examine authentic Alabama artifacts, guess their identity, and then learn their history and significance.
This course encourages discussion, curiosity, and hands-on learning about Alabama’s past.
BHM 115 Health Care in America: Costs, Access and the Path Forward
Date: July 15 & 22
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Doug Hoffman
Explore the challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system, including rising costs, access issues, and potential solutions.
Drawing on decades of experience as a hospital finance director, the instructor provides insight into real-world healthcare economics and future possibilities.
BHM 118 Practical Steps to Experience More Compassion in Your Life
Date: July 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: Noon- 1:30 p.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructors: Dr. Janet Bronstein and Judy Jones
Based on 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong, this course explores how to cultivate compassion intentionally.
Topics include mindfulness, empathy, suffering, and practical ways to incorporate compassion into everyday life. Reading the book is optional.
BHM 119 Zentangle: Make a Simple Journal for Art or Writing
Date: July 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Darla Williams
Zentangle journaling blends structured pattern drawing with creative expression.
Participants will explore tangles, borders, layering, and design techniques to create unique journal pages using color, texture, and imagination.
BHM 120 Are My Coins Worth Anything?
Date: July 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church
Instructor: Mark Marker
Learn the basics of coin collecting and valuation.
Topics include identifying value, understanding coin types (uncirculated, proof sets), and recognizing metals such as silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. A great introduction to a potential new hobby.