Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at ASU

Before the internet and before the railroad, there were the canals. These artificial arteries were the high-speed data lines of the 18th and 19th centuries, carrying goods, people, and revolutionary ideas across continents. The Erie Canal, for example, didn't just connect the Atlantic to the Great Lakes; it turned New York City into the financial capital of the world by slashing the cost of transport and opening up the American interior.

Engineering a canal required more than just digging; it required a total mastery of the landscape. The invention of the "lock" system allowed ships to defy gravity, climbing over mountains and through valleys. This was the peak of human ingenuity before the steam engine took over. These waterways allowed for the mass transport of coal, grain, and timber, fueling the Industrial Revolution and shifting the geopolitical balance of power toward those who could control the water.

Canals also created a unique cultural world. The "canal towns" that sprouted along the banks became melting pots of different ethnicities and ideas. This was where news traveled, where fashions were set, and where political movements were born. To travel by canal was to move at a "human" pace, yet it was the fastest way to stay connected to the global market. It was a period of history where geography was something to be engineered and conquered.

In the modern era, we often forget how much of our current infrastructure relies on these old "liquid" routes. The Suez and Panama Canals remain the world's most critical choke points; a single ship stuck in the mud can stall the global economy for weeks. This reminds us that while we live in a digital age, we are still very much tied to the physical constraints of water and land.

As we look at the canals of the world this summer, we see them as more than just trenches in the dirt. They are the blueprints of the modern global economy. They tell a story of how humanity learned to bend the earth to its will, creating a network of connections that survives to this day.

Become an OLLI at ASU Member: https://www.asuolli.org/

Beat the heat this summer and join Dr. Kevin Sandler in July for the 16th Annual Prescott Film Festival. Think of it as a "Film School Retreat" with behind-the-scenes access and a curated film list that you can't find anywhere else.

✅Register Now: https://www.asuolli.org/

Go beyond the postcard ✈️ because at OLLI at ASU, we're not just taking you to new places virtually. Imagine standing on the windswept Cliffs of Moher or walking Derry’s historic walls. Our 2027 culinary and scenic journey to Ireland is designed to connect you to the real Emerald Isle, from artisan tastings to the landscapes that inspired poets.

✅Register Now: https://www.asuolli.org/

How does the man who played "Meathead" on All in the Family go on to direct This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men? Rob Reiner’s career is a masterclass in tonal agility, proving that a deep understanding of human character can translate across any genre. He didn't just direct films; he defined the cultural touchstones of the late 20th century. By the time he reached his directorial prime, Reiner had developed a reputation for being the ultimate "actor's director."

Reiner’s "unbroken streak" from 1984 to 1992 is legendary in Hollywood circles. What makes his work endure isn't just the humor or the tension, but a deep, human empathy. Whether he was exploring the nostalgia of childhood in Stand By Me or the sharp-witted romance of When Harry Met Sally..., Reiner prioritized the "truth" of the character over the spectacle of the shot. He understood that a movie is only as good as the conversation it sparks after the credits roll, and his films have been sparking conversations for decades.

Structurally, Reiner’s films often lean on the strength of the script and the chemistry of the ensemble. He famously gave his actors room to breathe, a trait likely learned from his years in front of the camera. This collaborative spirit allowed for the improvisation that made This Is Spinal Tap a comedy icon and the gravitas that made Jack Nicholson’s performance in A Few Good Men a piece of cinematic history. He bridged the gap between old-school Hollywood storytelling and the indie-spirit of the 80s.

Beyond the entertainment value, Reiner’s work often touches on universal themes of friendship, aging, and the search for justice. He has a unique ability to make the specific feel universal. Even in a fantasy world like Florin in The Princess Bride, the emotional stakes feel grounded and real. This is the hallmark of a director who values narrative integrity above all else, ensuring that his stories remain relevant long after the initial "blockbuster" buzz has faded.

As we revisit these films this summer, we look past the popcorn to see the craftsmanship. Reiner’s filmography serves as a blueprint for how to tell stories that matter without losing the "fun" of the medium. It invites us to look at the films we love with a critical eye, appreciating the nuance that makes a classic a classic.

Become an OLLI at ASU Member: https://www.asuolli.org/

🎭 Ah, the bright lights of Broadway! From the Ziegfeld Follies to the modern revolution of Hamilton, the American Musical is our greatest cultural export. We’re exploring the "Showstoppers" that changed theater forever in 038 | Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History, and your entry ticket doesn't need you to get dressed up, just good internet connection every Tuesday from Jul. 21 - Aug. 25.

✅Register Now: https://www.asuolli.org/

AARP (40+ Million members) recently selected OLLI at ASU instructor Ray Sol as one of their five "2026 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes." His class, 017 | Tai Chi for Health & Wellness, is currently open for registration and takes place virtually on Fridays, Jun. 19 and 26, from 10:30 a.m. - noon.

“I feel greatly honored to have been selected as one of Senior Planet’s 2026 Sponsored Athletes. I will strive to carry forward the great tradition of excellence of previous ambassadors, and I look forward to inspiring others to live healthy lives. My main goals will be to encourage others to exercise both the body and the mind, and to encourage learning healthy lifestyles. I want to have fun sharing my experiences and why one of my personal goals is to live a healthy lifestyle beyond 100 years of age!”

👉Read More: https://seniorplanet.org/articles/meet-the-2026-sponsored-athletes?utm_source=Senior+Planet+Email+List&utm_campaign=8464046f71-the-orbit_02-25-26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7aaa498d1b-8464046f71-602306784

Meet the 2026 Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes! Meet the newest Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes and be inspired by their stories of transformation and triumph!

🧵 Every knot tells a story. An Oriental rug isn't just decor; it's a map of cultural identity and ancient symbolism. We’re "unrolling" the history of these threads in 025 | Threads of History: The World of Oriental Rugs with instructor Sumru Krody, Chief Curator and Avenir Foundation Curator of The Textile Museum Collection at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum.

Join the class virtually for 6 sessions on Mondays, Jul. 6, 13, 20, 27, & Aug. 3, 10 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

✅Register Now: https://www.asuolli.org/

"For a long time, we were often called the “best hidden secret in the Valley" [...] Through stronger partnerships, expanded programming, and a focus on community, the word is getting out. More people are discovering OLLI, and in that time, we have grown by more than 700 members. What was once hidden is now becoming a recognized and thriving part of lifelong learning in our region..."

Jared Swerzenski, Director of OLLI at ASU, recently sat down with Voyage Phoenix Magazine to share a bit about the intentionally built community here at OLLI at ASU.

👉Read More: https://voyagephoenix.com/interview/conversations-with-jared-swerzenski

Conversations with Jared Swerzenski Local StoriesMay 14, 2026 Conversations with Jared Swerzenski Local Stories Share Tweet Pin Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Swerzenski. Hi Jared, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of y...

In the 15th century, a single sack of peppercorns was worth more than the life of the sailor who carried it. While we now reach into our pantries for a dash of cinnamon or a crack of black pepper without a second thought, these aromatic seeds once drove the most powerful nations on Earth to the brink of war and the edge of the known map. The "Age of Discovery" was a quest for flavor, a pursuit that transformed the culinary landscape of Europe and the economic landscape of the entire world.

For Portugal, a small nation with a massive coastline and outsized ambition, the goal was to bypass the Silk Road middlemen who controlled the overland routes to the East. This ambition birthed the caravel, a nimble ship that sent explorers like Vasco da Gama into uncharted waters. This maritime gamble paid off, turning Lisbon into a global hub and positioning Portugal as the world's first global maritime empire.

The impact of the spice trade extended far beyond the kitchen. It sparked a revolution in botany, as scientists rushed to classify exotic plants, and in cartography, as maps were redrawn to include the islands of Indonesia. However, this global integration came at a high price, involving colonization and the displacement of local trade networks. Understanding the spice trade is essential to understanding the modern world’s interconnectedness and the roots of global commerce.

Today, we see the remnants of this era in our fusion cuisines and international trade laws. The quest for flavor essentially created the "global" in globalization. As we examine the history of Portugal and the journey of spices, we see a story of human curiosity and greed, ingenuity and exploration. It reminds us that the most mundane items in our kitchen often have the most adventurous, and sometimes controversial origins.

Stay curious with 027 | Discovering Portugal, and 015 | A Global Food Journey: The Story of Spices. Registration is officially OPEN!

Register Now: https://www.asuolli.org/

"Inconceivable!" From the laughs of The Princess Bride to the love-struck tension of When Harry Met Sally, Rob Reiner has mastered every genre. We’re kicking off our Summer by deconstructing the films made by the man who defined the 80s and 90s cinema. Join instructor Dr. Kevin Sandler in 006 | Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” & “When Harry Met Sally” at the Tempe Public Library on Monday Jun. 1 and 8 from 10:30 a.m.- noon.

✅ Register Online: https://www.asuolli.org/