Want to become the most interesting person in the room? How about discovering a talent you never knew you had? This fall, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at LSU is offering dozens of courses for folks fifty and older interested in expanding their horizons. You could close out 2025 being well-versed in Napoleon Bonaparte, or confident in a tried-and-true jambalaya recipe, and plenty more in-between. Here’s a sneak peek at this Fall’s offerings, available through OLLI at LSU’s Camellia City, Crescent City, Felicianas, and Lagniappe chapters.
NOTE: An OLLI at LSU membership costs $50 and runs from July 1 through June 30 each year. Once a member, you are able to register for as many courses, field trips, and special events as you'd like, offered by any chapter. *Cost of individual courses, field trips, and special events will apply.
Tales From the Bayou: Louisiana Folklore
1:45 pm–3:45 pm Mondays, Sept. 22, 29 & Oct. 6,12, 20, 27
Zoom & in person at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge
$45
Over six weeks, dig deep into Louisiana’s long and rich culture of storytelling. Taught by Dr. Erica Daigle, this course demonstrates the influence of various cultures—from European and African, to Caribbean and Indigenous—on Louisiana’s legends, ritual practices, and artifacts. Students explore the intricately woven traditions that have come to define and articulate this region’s cultural identity, discussing everything from stories our grandparents told us, to characters like the Rougarou.
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Contra Dancing
1:30 pm–3 pm Tuesdays, Sept. 23, 30 & Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
Grace Episcopal Church, St. Francisville
$35
This is one you’ll learn on your feet—just step right in. Contra dance is an energetic form of social dancing that dates back to colonial times. Standing in line with other dancers, students learn the cues of the “caller,” who calls instructions to “do-si-do,” “circle,” and “swing”. The resulting figures created by the dancing group are beautiful to watch, and even more satisfying and fun to take part in. You don’t need a partner, just bring comfortable shoes. Most classes feature live music.
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The History of Food and Culture in New Orleans
10:30 am–noon, Mondays Sept. 29 & Oct. 6, 13, 20
Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center, New Orleans
$55
Join food historian and author Liz Williams for a four-week course that explores the Crescent City’s long and storied relationship with cuisine—all the way back to the influences of the Native Americans who once called this region home, and traveling through history to the current state of the city’s food culture. The class will feature lectures and discussions, and a food demonstration and tour of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans, which Williams founded.
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Beginning Birding
10 am–noon, Wednesdays Sept. 24 & Oct. 1, 8, 15
Firehouse Event Center, Covington
$40
Taught by the president and education chair of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, Jane Patterson, this class will transform the way students view treetops, bushes, and the entire sky. Patterson will reveal the secrets to identifying birds in your yard, and great locations for spotting out interesting birdlife in Louisiana and beyond. You will also be introduced to selected guides and online resources to help you maximize your birdwatching journey. The class will feature a combination of lectures and field trips to local parks for hands-on birdwatching experiences. Binoculars will be provided.
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Wanna Be a Little Happier?
11:15 am–12:15 pm Thursdays Sept. 25 & Oct. 2, 8, 16
Zoom
$20
This online course, taught by Phil Chenevert, is rooted in psychological studies and centered on techniques proven to make each day more fulfilling based on one’s own strengths and inner desires. Students will take home more than just aspirational inspirational hopes and dreams, but actual, actionable techniques to assist in making life more enjoyable.
Find the entire OLLI at LSU Course Catalog for Fall 2025 at ce.lsu.edu/upload/olli-bulletin.pdf and learn more about how to become a member at ce.lsu.edu/olli.
