All University Park Courses   

Learn about the wonderful world of chocolate from bean to bar. Starting with the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, learn how cacao is grown and harvested in tropical locations like South America, West Africa, and Indonesia. Explore how cocoa beans are converted into chocolate and then marketed by leading confectionery companies around the world. The course will end by discussing efforts to sustain cacao farming and the resulting chocolate for generations to come. During the course you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of chocolate products. Course fee includes $3 for chocolate samples.

How does an artist interpret and creatively express the essence of a theme? Participants will hear directly from artists contributing to the 2025 Juneteenth Art Exhibition as part of the broader State College Juneteenth celebrations. The artists will share their unique vision and process in creating powerful art that embodies the enduring spirit of this significant moment in American history and captures the Exhibition’s themes of unity, resilience, and generational strength. Participants will also tour the Exhibition, which features compelling artistic expressions created by individuals of all ages in honor of the legacy of liberation and hope that Juneteenth represents.

Special notes: The nearest parking garages (pay for parking) are on Pugh and Fraser Streets. 

Stroll downtown State College to see art ranging from beautiful murals that span entire blocks to small bronze pigs. View and learn about various art installments with Downtown State College Improvement District (DSCID) representative Joseph Quinn (JQ). DSCID is a neighborhood improvement district devoted to preserving and enhancing the value and vitality of downtown and works to retain, expand, and attract businesses and investment to improve the downtown environment. JQ will share the history of public art in State College and the stories of the pieces as you admire the permanent art displays and discover some you may not even know are there!

Special notes: This course requires walking and standing for the duration of the course. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The nearest parking garage (pay for parking) is on Pugh Street.

Launched in late 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is NASA’s newest observatory in space. Discussions will focus on the capabilities of the telescope and some of the discoveries from its first three years of operations.

Launched in late 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is NASA’s newest observatory in space. Discussions will focus on the capabilities of the telescope and some of the discoveries from its first three years of operations.

Pennsylvania ranks number one in the United States in the number of Lyme disease cases per year, and ticks are a constant companion when spending time outdoors during the summer. However, there are many steps that you can take to protect yourself from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. In this course, learn about tick biology, how ticks cause disease, and how to use this knowledge to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
 

Pennsylvania ranks number one in the United States in the number of Lyme disease cases per year, and ticks are a constant companion when spending time outdoors during the summer. However, there are many steps that you can take to protect yourself from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. In this course, learn about tick biology, how ticks cause disease, and how to use this knowledge to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
 

Explore the trove of historic artifacts at the Boal Mansion, with its extensive 19th-century furnishings. See how eight generations of the Boal family reflect the American story. Learn how the Boals acquired the Columbus Chapel, with its collection of 15th–18th century European art, as well as an admiral’s ship desk. Participants will hear about the family’s connections to the Declaration of Independence and the founding of Farmers’ High School (now known as The Pennsylvania State University). Participants will also have access to special collections that are rarely on public display or are in the works for preservation initiatives.

Special notes: Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes — participants will be standing for the duration of the tour.

Course fee includes $12 admission fee. 

Take a paddle on Black Moshannon Lake to discover interesting facts about the plants and animals that live here. All kayaking equipment will be provided. 

Special notes: Meet at Black Moshannon State Park at Boat Launch #1. Boat Launch #1 is located across Route 504 from the beach area. There will be a restroom nearby for use before and after the kayak trip. Kayaks include 9-foot kayaks with a 250-pound weight limit, two 10-foot kayaks with a 325-pound weight limit, and two tandem kayaks. Two adaptive kayaks are available upon request. This includes wrist and hand adaptations, a seat to help with sitting up straight, and a pedal kayak. If a participant needs an adaptive kayak, please call the Black Moshannon State Park office at 814-342-5960 before the course. Bring extra clothes in case you get wet. Participants may also want to bring sunscreen, drinks, a snack, and bug spray. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be provided, and they must be worn while kayaking. A DCNR Bureau of State Parks liability form will need to be signed to participate in the course. This is available for review upon request.

The Central Railroad (CRR) of Pennsylvania turned its last wheel in 1918. So why should this 23-mile line that linked Centre and Clinton counties matter today? The birth and demise of this railroad mirrored almost perfectly important trends that shaped the nation’s transportation network for decades to come. So, to understand what was happening at the local level provides insight into what was occurring at the national level. This is aside from the fact that the CRR of PA was an interesting enterprise worthy of study for its own sake.

The Central Railroad (CRR) of Pennsylvania turned its last wheel in 1918. So why should this 23-mile line that linked Centre and Clinton counties matter today? The birth and demise of this railroad mirrored almost perfectly important trends that shaped the nation’s transportation network for decades to come. So, to understand what was happening at the local level provides insight into what was occurring at the national level. This is aside from the fact that the CRR of PA was an interesting enterprise worthy of study for its own sake.

Participants will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Eisenhower Auditorium, exploring areas not typically accessible to the general public, such as backstage areas, dressing rooms, and lighting catwalks. See demonstrations of some of the theatrical systems, learn about the history of the building, and hear anecdotes about various events that have occurred there over its 50 plus–year history.

Special notes: Please wear sensible footwear (i.e., sneakers or flats without slippery soles). Parts of this venue tour include navigating steep stairs, dimly illuminated mechanical rooms, and elevated catwalks. For those unable or unwilling to attempt these physical challenges, alternative opportunities may be made possible by advance request. The nearest paid visitor parking is the East Parking Deck or any campus visitor parking.
 

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was the most successful sculptor of the American Renaissance, and his works have helped to shape the perceptions of our past. If you have watched the movie Glory, you have seen his relief of the Shaw Memorial. He also created the iconic bronze statue of Diana that once topped Madison Square Garden and the majestic Adams Memorial in Washington, D.C. This course will serve as an introduction to his works as well as to the role of public monuments in the second half of the 19th-century in America.

 

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was the most successful sculptor of the American Renaissance, and his works have helped to shape the perceptions of our past. If you have watched the movie Glory, you have seen his relief of the Shaw Memorial. He also created the iconic bronze statue of Diana that once topped Madison Square Garden and the majestic Adams Memorial in Washington, D.C. This course will serve as an introduction to his works as well as to the role of public monuments in the second half of the 19th-century in America.

 

Take a tour of the State College Area High School. State High is a high-performing, comprehensive high school that has a robust course offering, including 63 advanced and AP electives, and 12 in-house career and technical programs. State High's staff is dedicated to helping their students become college- and career-ready and competitive in a global society.

Special notes: Parking instructions will be shared prior to the course date. Participants will be standing and walking for the duration of the tour.

Do you enjoy making Christmas ornaments for yourself and sharing with family and friends? In this course, participants will make one or more adorable gnome ornaments using yarn and other readily available materials

Special notes: Pease bring a pair of scissors.

Course fee includes $5 for supplies.

This course explores how the trillions of bacteria in our gut influence health, digestion, and disease. Look at how diet, medications, and environmental chemicals like PFAS, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances ("forever chemicals"), affect the balance of these microbes. Topics include the gut’s role in immunity, metabolism, and conditions like obesity and inflammation. Through real-world examples and discussions, learn how everyday exposures impact gut health and what we can do to support a healthier microbiome.

This course explores how the trillions of bacteria in our gut influence health, digestion, and disease. Look at how diet, medications, and environmental chemicals like PFAS, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances ("forever chemicals"), affect the balance of these microbes. Topics include the gut’s role in immunity, metabolism, and conditions like obesity and inflammation. Through real-world examples and discussions, learn how everyday exposures impact gut health and what we can do to support a healthier microbiome.

Enjoy a walking tour of the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State. The farm grows more than 75 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and cut and edible flowers marketed through several campus venues. During the tour, learn about sustainable farming principles, including rotating crops, encouraging pollinators, and planting cover crops. Throughout the tour, discover similarities and differences between home gardens and small-scale market farms. Participants will gain an appreciation for the complexity of market farming, and home gardeners will take home some pro tips, as well.

Special notes: Full parking information is available on the student farm website: https://www.studentfarm.psu.edu/find-the-farm/. Meet at the front entry gate next to the large, brown "Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm" sign. Please wear walking shoes and sunscreen. Bring a bottle of water. You must be able to stand and walk for the duration of this tour.
 

Mother Nature is providing increasingly variable rainfall. Delve into some hacks and ancient honored techniques that assist your watering routines. Learn how to ensure your plants stay hydrated and deliver production and beauty. Share strategies for maintaining plants’ health while away on vacation. Walk away with tips and tricks to keep your garden thriving in an unpredictable rainy season.

Roadside springs are often perceived as pristine water sources with good-tasting water. However, the use of these unregulated springs can pose unexpected health risks. Faith will share findings and insights from a statewide water quality monitoring of popular roadside springs. This course is for anyone interested in environmental and water resources, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, and roadside spring users. Learn insights into microbial and chemical contamination in roadside springs and potential human health risks from using untreated roadside springs for drinking water.

 

Roadside springs are often perceived as pristine water sources with good-tasting water. However, the use of these unregulated springs can pose unexpected health risks. Faith will share findings and insights from a statewide water quality monitoring of popular roadside springs. This course is for anyone interested in environmental and water resources, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, and roadside spring users. Learn insights into microbial and chemical contamination in roadside springs and potential human health risks from using untreated roadside springs for drinking water.

 

While enjoying a stroll through the heart of Penn State’s lovely campus, discover places that you didn’t know existed, such as the Penn State Honor Code hidden in plain sight, and learn some facts that are not well-known, such as the translation of the Greek words that adorn the War Memorial. The tour will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with optional lunch (at your expense) in a campus dorm cafeteria following the tour. 

Special notes: The class will meet at the Nittany Lion Shrine. The nearest campus visitor parking (pay for parking) is the Nittany Parking Deck. Participants will be walking for the duration of the course. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and wear good walking shoes.

Join the OLLI Hiking Special Interest Group (SIG) on this 4-mile hike (2 miles out and 2 miles back to the vehicles) at Black Moshannon State Park. The trail meanders along the stream, where the rhododendrons may be blooming. The hike is relatively flat  with some rocks and tree roots. Following the hike, join the Hiking SIG for a picnic lunch (optional); please bring a bag lunch and drink.

Instructor:  Alice Clark, is an avid hiker and photographer, and for OLLI, she is chair of the travel committee and leader of the hiking interest group. She holds Penn State degrees in art history, photography, and history.

Special notes: Please wear appropriate hiking shoes. Participants are encouraged to tuck pants into socks (tick control) and bring hiking poles (optional), a water bottle, and a snack. Meet near the bathroom area at the beach. To caravan to the meeting location, meet at 8:30 at Lowe’s lower parking lot area. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch and drink for picnic lunch following the hike.

This course is open to members only at no cost. Pre-registration is required.

Addiction has enormous social, legal, medical, and personal costs.  Addiction might be a disease, and yet using is a choice. New data show that brain changes resulting from addiction perpetuate the cycle of relapse. Are children destined for addiction? How do we understand these contradictions? Discussion will range from the neurobiology of addiction to the effects of stress on relapse, and we’ll discuss how brain science informs this discussion.  
 

 

Addiction has enormous social, legal, medical, and personal costs.  Addiction might be a disease, and yet using is a choice. New data show that brain changes resulting from addiction perpetuate the cycle of relapse. Are children destined for addiction? How do we understand these contradictions? Discussion will range from the neurobiology of addiction to the effects of stress on relapse, and we’ll discuss how brain science informs this discussion.  
 

 

Fort Roberdeau was built in 1778 to protect a lead mining and smelting operation on the Pennsylvania frontier during the American Revolution. The fort provided a safe haven for soldiers and settlers throughout the region. Fort Roberdeau, although open for only a couple of years, is a wonderful example of the hardships that America faced during its struggle for independence. Today, tours of Fort Roberdeau include an introductory video and presentation, a tour of our exhibition space, and a tour of the reconstructed Fort. Re-enactors teach and immerse you in the life of people on the frontier.

Special notes: The site is outdoors with limited seating. Please dress for the weather. Bring a water bottle/drink. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic areas following the course.

Course fee includes $10 admissions fee.

 

 

If we are not vigilant with our exercise, like most self-improvement endeavors, we can backslide. Failing to exercise with proper form will, at best, feed dysfunctional movement and, at worst, lead to injury. This alone is reason enough to invest ourselves into knowing and practicing proper form while training. The “Back to Basics” course teaches and reinforces important fitness concepts to help you exercise safely and effectively.

Special notes: Please wear exercise clothing and be prepared for movement.

Participants will take a tour of the Boal City Brewery in Boalsburg and learn about the basic brewing process and nuances that are specific to certain styles and objectives. Participants are invited to stay after the course for a drink at their own expense.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Frost Entomological Museum, which houses the insect and related arthropod collections of Penn State. Learn about natural history collections and how people in the Department of Entomology are expanding their collective knowledge of arthropods.

Founded in 1962 by Dr. Joel N. Myers in State College, AccuWeather is now the most recognized and most used source of weather forecasts and warnings in the world. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the AccuWeather Global Headquarters. 

Special notes: The AccuWeather building has 3 floors, and as such, there will be a fair amount of walking and use of stairs during this tour. There is an elevator available for anyone unable to use the stairs, but use will require a separate chaperone, which may mean missing parts of the tour.
 

Come to Shaver's Creek to enjoy an evening with the hummingbirds. Learn about their natural history and how to attract them to your yard.

Special notes: Please dress for the weather. Participants will take a short walk around the grounds of Shaver’s Creek. Allow for an extra five minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Center.
 

We may think our current situation is unique in featuring partisan bubbles in which people mistrust information from the other side. But immediately after the Civil War, a toxic partisan climate caused racial violence to become politicized, with accounts dismissed as fictions to mask a political agenda. To fight this attitude, military officers led by Ulysses S. Grant mobilized the Freedmen’s Bureau to document crimes against African Americans. They needed hard data to counter the nineteenth-century version of “fake news.” The results fortified efforts to pass the Fourteenth Amendment.

We may think our current situation is unique in featuring partisan bubbles in which people mistrust information from the other side. But immediately after the Civil War, a toxic partisan climate caused racial violence to become politicized, with accounts dismissed as fictions to mask a political agenda. To fight this attitude, military officers led by Ulysses S. Grant mobilized the Freedmen’s Bureau to document crimes against African Americans. They needed hard data to counter the nineteenth-century version of “fake news.” The results fortified efforts to pass the Fourteenth Amendment.

Take a deep dive in the Palmer Museum of Art's special exhibition, Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. 

Special notes: Paid visitor parking is through the HonkMobile app or pay station in the lot adjacent to the Lewis Katz Building. Parking is also available at the East Parking Deck, with a short walk to the Arboretum. Participants will be standing and walking for the duration of the tour.
 

The tour will include a presentation on the yearly life cycle of deer and animal care at the facility and an overview of past and current research. Participants will have the opportunity to view deer and participate in a question-and-answer session.

Special notes: Participants will be required to follow the bio-security policy; visitors do not wear footwear or clothing into the facility that has been worn in positive captive facilities or natural deer habitats (forests, agricultural lands, parks, etc.) within Chronic Wasting Disease Management Areas. Participants will be provided with a pair of plastic disposable boots to wear during the visit. The policy will be shared in advance of the course. Participants will be standing for the duration of the course.

Have you ever met someone who has their Christmas shopping done, presents wrapped, and handmade ornaments made months ahead of time? If that is appealing to you, join us to make no-sew felt ornaments for yourself and to share with family and friends. In this course you will make ornaments using felt and a variety of materials to embellish your creations.

Special notes: Please bring a pair of scissors and a glue gun if you have one. Several glue guns will be available for use during the class. In this class you will make ornaments using felt and a variety of materials to embellish your creations.

Course fee includes $5 for supplies.

Explore Fort Necessity with OLLI instructor CAPT Jim Bloom. Fort Necessity National Battlefield covers the story of the battle of Fort Necessity on July 3, 1754. This battle is the opening battle of the French and Indian War and leads to a worldwide conflict that sets the stage for the American Revolution. This fort is the site of George Washington's first military encounter and his only surrender. The field trip will include a guided walking tour of Fort Necessity by a National Park Ranger and a stop to see Jumonville Glen. At Jumonville Glen, a short skirmish between the French and colonial Virginian soldiers was fought; these were the first shots of the French and Indian War. The trip will also cover the story of the National Road, which was America's first federally funded highway. Interstate route 40 that you enter the park from is the current version of this historic road. You will have the opportunity to learn about how the road was created and maintained and explore a historic stagecoach stop in Mount Washington Tavern.

Instructor: Captain Jim Bloom retired from a 31-year career as a U.S. Navy officer and physician in 2011 and returned to his childhood home in central Pennsylvania. A 1975 undergraduate of Penn State, Captain Bloom attended the University of Pittsburgh medical school, then entered active duty with the Navy. In addition to clinical duties, he served as Deputy Chief of the Medical Corps, 6th Fleet surgeon, and Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Sigonella, Sicily. He is a popular OLLI instructor and is currently the vice president of the Central PA Civil War Roundtable.

Special notes: The field trip has a substantial amount of walking and standing, including outdoor walking (some on uneven ground), and not all areas are accessible. Stairs are involved.

Location: Fort Necessity National Battlefield, National Pike, Farmington

Fee: $105 members and nonmembers includes bus transportation. Meals not included.

Itinerary
Lunch is on your own — there are no dining options available. Please pack 
lunch/snacks/drinks. We will be eating at the picnic pavilion. The bus will stop at Sheetz on the trip down and back for a comfort stop and opportunity to purchase food.

7:00 a.m. — Depart Fullington Trailways bus garage, 2101 Alexander Drive, State College (near State College Regional Airport).

10:00 a.m. — Arrive at Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Explore Visitor Center on your own.

10:30 a.m. — View the film Road to Necessity, followed by a walking tour of Fort Necessity guided by a National Park Ranger. Tour concludes with a Soldier’s Life demonstration and musket firing.

11:30 a.m. — Explore on your own and picnic lunch (eat on bus or at picnic tables/pavilion).

12:30 p.m. — Board bus for Jumonville Glen (7 miles west of Fort Necessity, 732 State Rte. 2021, Hopwood). Short walk to site and a talk on Jumonville Glen by CAPT Jim Bloom.

1:15 p.m. — Board bus and travel to the Mount Washington Tavern, 3414 National Pike, Farmington. Self-guided tour of Mount Washington Tavern.

2:30 p.m. — Board bus for State College.

5:30–6:00 p.m. — Arrive in State College.