Fe University

Great Masters of Western Painting: Rembrandt, Turner, Monet and Van Gogh
2024-10-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
This course will take place on Tuesdays, October 8-29, 1:00-3:00p.m. at the Mercer Public Library, with David Barnhill.
The Great Masters of Western Painting course will introduce students to a wide range of great paintings by four masters and highlight their stylistic development over time. Students will not only learn about these paintings, but become inspired by them and perceive the world in a deeper way.

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). We will examine the paintings by the Dutch Master from his youth to old age: history paintings, individual portraits, group portraits, landscapes, and self-portraits, including his radical free style of painting late in life that turned the critics and public away, leaving him to die in obscurity.
J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851). Turner is Britain’s greatest and most complex painter, and his late paintings are considered a precursor to both Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism. We will discuss his early pictures in Britain, marine paintings, and history paintings, as well as pictures on contemporary subjects, then his depictions of the Alps and Venice, concluding with his late watercolors and radical visionary paintings.
Claude Monet (1840-1926). The great master of Impressionism, his art evolved from realistic landscape painting, to his emphasis on the effects of light and color in our perception of nature (including his innovative series of subjects seen in different seasons and times of day), to the goal of representing the envelope or atmosphere of light, and finally to his largely abstract water lilies.
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). Many of Vincent’s works are well known, but we will cover his early works with their subdued brown and gray palette, the explosion of colors in his works when he came to Paris, the flowering of his own style in the south of France, and the burst of creative energy in his last months before he committed suicide.

Requirements: The only requirement is an interest in art. There will be no printed materials and no homework.
Instructor: David Barnhill
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Intermediate Fine Woodworking: Level 3 - Introduction to Pocket-Hole Joinery
2024-10-30 16:00 - 2024-11-03 17:00 | Hurley High School, 5503 W Range View Dr., Hurley, WI, 54534, United States
Intermediate Fine Woodworking: Level 3 – Introduction to Pocket-Hole Joinery will be held October 30-November 3, 2024 at the Hurley High School Woods Classroom and Shop with instructor Tim Lutgen.
Make your own beautiful coffee table — just in time for holiday gift-giving.
In this class, instructor Tim Lutgen will teach students the fundamentals of pocket-hole joinery, which is commonly used in the construction of most commercial furniture and provides a quick and extremely strong butt joint. Students will learn to use the patented Kreg® pocket-hole joinery system to build their own coffee table from any wood or combination of woods they choose based on artistic preference and budget.
This is an intermediate level course. Completion of the Introduction to Intermediate Fine Woodworking: Level 2 – Introduction to Basic Joinery course is required. Students should feel comfortable using the following equipment independently with minimal supervision: Cut-off Saw, Table Saw, Band Saw, Jointer, Planer, Router Table, Belt Sander, and assorted hand tools. This class will follow an aggressive schedule and the instructor will not have time to teach machine fundamentals. However, the instructor will review essential safety procedures.
Requirements: Students will not be permitted in the Woods shop without appropriate eye protection. Full cover safety classes are recommended. Students are encouraged to bring ear protection due to loud machine noises. Food or beverages are not permitted in the Woods shop but may be consumed in the Woods classroom.
Materials: The registration fee does not include materials. Students must purchase their own wood.
Class Times: The class days and hours are Oct. 30 (4-7 p.m.), Oct. 31 (4-7 p.m.), Nov. 1 (3:30-6:30 p.m.), Nov. 2 (8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.), and Nov. 3 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), 2024.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 8 students.
Instructor: Tim Lutgen
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 4: Our Amazing Boomer Bodies
2024-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on November 12 and 19 in Mercer, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with Peggy Bronsberg.
Participants will explore how changes seen in the U.S. and the world over the last 60+ years have impacted our health status and expectations, and longevity. Health behaviors and practices which can impact quality of life in our later years will be discussed. Guidelines for beneficial use of the internet for personal health research will also be covered.
The course will be given in two sessions, each 120 minutes long, at the Mercer Community Center. There will be no prerequisites for taking this class. No required readings. Discussion and sharing with small groups and the class will be highly encouraged. Please do bring your smart-phone to class!
Instructor: Peggy Bronsberg
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to a generous donation from the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Northern Highland Psychoecology
2024-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
This course will take place on Dec. 4 & 6 and Dec. 11 & 13 in Mercer, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with George Conesa.
This course will explore the multifaceted and complex relationships between humans and their natural environments. Across four seasons, our activity patterns and ways of connecting to the natural world change. This is a psychoecological process in step with Aldo Leopolds’ “phenology”: “On our farm we measure the amplitude of spring by two yardsticks: the number of pines planted and the number of geese that stop.” (Aldo Leopold, “The Geese Return,” A Sand County Almanac.) Our Northern Highland winters demand perhaps the most extreme set of psychoecological accommodations: a tolerance for inclement weather and new perceptions and interpretations of “beauty”– our “sense of place.”
Materials will be provided freely online to the course’s students.
Register by Nov. 25 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $45!
Instructor: George Conesa
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Intermediate Fine Woodworking: Level 2 - Introduction to Basic Joinery
2024-12-04 16:00 - 2024-12-08 17:00 | Hurley High School, 5503 W Range View Dr., Hurley, WI, 54534, United States
Intermediate Fine Woodworking: Level 2 – Introduction to Basic Joinery will be held December 4-8, 2024 at the Hurley High School Woods Classroom and Shop with instructor Tim Lutgen.
Make your own beautiful keepsake box — just in time for holiday gift-giving.
In this class, each student will build a Keepsake Box crafted of Cherry, lined with Walnut, and detailed with Walnut accent splines. Instructor Tim Lutgen will teach fundamental joinery using precision 45 degree miter cuts which are then butt-joined and reinforced with decorative splines. The top and bottom of the box will be made using dados and tenons. Students will also learn how to re-saw hardwoods and machine them to precise tolerances before assembly. The box will be finished with a rubbed-on classic triple oil blend.
This is an intermediate level course. Completion of the Introduction to Fine Woodworking course is recommended but not required. Students should feel comfortable using the following equipment the following equipment under the instructor’s indirect supervision: Cut-off Saw, Table Saw, Band Saw, Jointer, Planer, Router Table, Belt Sander, and assorted hand tools. This class will follow an aggressive schedule and the instructor will not have time to teach machine fundamentals. However, prior to operating any piece of equipment, the instructor will review essential safety procedures.
Requirements: Students will not be permitted in the Woods shop without appropriate eye protection. Full cover safety classes are recommended. Students are encouraged to bring ear protection due to loud machine noises. Food or beverages are not permitted in the Woods shop but may be consumed in the Woods classroom.
Materials Fee: This class includes a $20 materials fee, including all hardwoods and consumable supplies.
Class Times: The class days and hours are Dec. 4 (4-7 p.m.), Dec. 5 (4-7 p.m.), Dec. 6 (4-7 p.m.), Dec. 7 (8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.), and if needed, Dec. 8 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), 2024.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 8 students.
Instructor: Tim Lutgen
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Sound Safari: Developing Musical Awareness Through Listening
2025-01-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on January 11, 18, 25, and February 1, 2025, in Mercer, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with Rusty Wulff.

This Fe University course offering will be devoted to awakening and enhancing the average student’s listening experience. Familiar music of varied styles as well as novel forays into “Wow-I-Never-Heard-That-Before Land” will be used for group exploration/discussion. The goal of the sessions is to provide opportunities for everyone to gain insight into how our thoughts and feelings are influenced by songs and sound.
Using quality recordings and supplemental live demonstrations, students will be afforded many opportunities to increase insight, awareness, and sensitivity in the world of music.
“Hey! I never noticed that!” and “Can we hear that again?!” will be phrases the teacher hopes to elicit because this is fun!
NOT a music theory course. Non-musicians will be very comfortable with our activities.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.

Register by Dec. 28 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!
Instructor: Rusty Wulff
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 6: Matters of the Inner Being - An Examination of Spirituality Across the Lifespan
2025-01-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
This course will take place on January 16 and 23, 2025, in Mercer, 1:00-3:00 p.m., with Martha Pierpont and Rev. Erv Teichmiller.
This interactive class will provide attendees the opportunity to explore the concept of spirituality and its role throughout the lifespan:
• Examine the spirit within us. What makes us spiritual beings?
• The definition of spirituality: explore its nature and mystery, share our understanding of spirituality.
• How do we perceive “self” and transition from “me” to “they.”
• Explore what spirituality has meant in your life and its evolution throughout your lifetime.
•. Brief history and discussion of spirituality and religion.
The course will be given in two sessions, each 120 minutes long, at the Mercer Public Library. There are no prerequisites for taking this class.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This course is limited to 15 students.
Instructor: Martha Pierpont and Rev. Erv Teichmiller
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

CANCELLED: Cross Country Ski Instruction
2025-02-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Mecca Ski Trail, 4686 Fierick Rd., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
Jan. 30, 2025 Update: This class has unfortunately had to be cancelled. Registrations and ski rentals will be refunded.
This class will take place February 4, 6, 11 and 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m., starting at the MECCA Trails warming cabin, with Chad McGrath.
At the conclusion of this course, students will understand the basics of both diagonal stride and skate style skiing, as regards both technique and equipment. They will be able to stand comfortably on skis, compress each ski and grip the snow, kick off and then repeat with the opposite leg. They will be able to glide forward on the gliding ski after their kick, maintaining balance, as they shift their weight forward over the gliding ski. They will be able to engage their poles at the proper time/angle and push, assisting forward movement.
You will learn:

how to attach/wear boots, skis and poles,
how to dress
the different types of Nordic skiing
how to stand up with skis on if (when!) you fall
how to grip the snow with your ski and kick forward with and without poles
how to glide on your skis in and out of the track
how to shift your weight forward after you kick to maximize forward momentum
how to push with your poles to further assist with forward motion and speed
how to use your ski edges (edging) to stop and turn
how to use the herringbone technique to climb a small hill
how to use the sidestep technique to climb a steeper hill
how to use the snowplow technique to slow down going down a hill
how to use skate ski technique down small hill

Requirements: Students should have been on skis before. They should have the basic ability to balance: ability stand on one foot for at least 5 seconds. They should also be able to fall onto snow from a standing still position without undue worry about injury.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 10 students.
Register by December 26 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $45!
Ski requirements: Students need to either bring their own skis, or rent skis through FeU for $20 (pay at registration, below).
Instructor: Chad McGrath
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
We thank MECCA for letting us use their cabin and trails once again! Click here to find out more about MECCA Ski Trails.

From Ice to Industry: How Wisconsin's Northwoods Evolved from Logging Boom to Conservation
2025-02-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 19, and 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Mercer Community Center, with Kerry Bloedorn.
Noted historian Kerry Bloedorn will explore the Northwoods of Wisconsin’s captivating history, from the glaciation that sculpted the land and set the stage for the 1800s logging boom to the gritty lives of the lumberjacks who fueled the industry. Explore how the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the forests in the 1930s, the evolution of forestry products from lumber to paper, and the innovations that shaped the modern forests we see today. Kerry’s presentations are filled with great stories and historic photos.
Register by Jan. 29 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!
Instructor: Kerry Bloedorn
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Basic Conversational Spanish for Travelers Part 2
2025-02-05 14:00 - 15:30 | Gogebic Community College, Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI, 49938, United States
This course will take place on Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2025, at Gogebic Community College, 2:00-3:30 p.m., with Natalie Patritto.
This four-week course is designed to be a follow-up to our “Basic Conversational Spanish for Travelers” class held in September and October 2024, or for anyone who knows a little beginning Spanish, such as rules of pronunciation, basic greetings, and basic verb/subject agreement, even if you learned it “once upon a time” and would like to review it. We will also discuss more about asking for directions and getting help at a medical clinic as well as learning how to use the metro to get around. Once again you will learn usable conversations and will practice with a partner.
Come prepared to have fun! Bring a notebook and a folder to hold handouts.
Register by January 22 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!
Instructor: Natalie Patritto
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Religions of China and Japan
2025-02-18 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 403 East Chicago Avenue, Minocqua, WI, 54548, United States
This course will take place on Tuesdays, February 18-March 18, 2025, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at St. Matthias Church in Minocqua, with David Barnhill.
The beliefs and practices of classical Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, and Shinto will be examined. Special attention will be paid to theories of human nature and the natural world, which is considered the source and location of the sacred. Students will come out with a better understanding and appreciation of the rich and complex tradition of Chinese and Japanese religions.

Classical Confucianism (500 b.c.e. – 200 c.e.). We will focus on theories on morality, human nature, and politics.
Classical Daoism (500 b.c.e. – 200 c.e.). We will examine their theories of nature, human nature, and the relationship between them, as well as their theories of action.
Chinese Buddhism (600 – 1644). Special attention will be given to the philosophical school of Huayan and Zen (Chan) Buddhism, including their views of nature and the practice of meditation. We will explore the development of Buddhism in Japan as well as China.
Neo-Confucianism (800 – 1900). Influenced by Buddhism and Daoism, Confucianism developed into a more complex religion. We will focus on theories of nature, human nature, and morality.
Shinto (Japan, 500 – present) and Japanese religious aesthetics. Shinto is the native religion of Japan, and we will explore its view of nature and divinity and its spiritual practices. We will also examine the complex tradition of the religious arts, especially in the Japanese medieval period

Requirements: The only requirement is an interest in the topic and an openness to study religious traditions quite different from those in the West. There will be no texts or homework, although sources for students to further explore the subject will be offered. There will be no printed materials and no homework. A few handouts will be provided by the instructor in the class as well as uploaded onto the course website at www.feuniversity.org.
Register by February 4 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $55!
Instructor: David Barnhill
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Insider Perspectives on USAID: The Promises and Problems of Foreign Assistance
2025-03-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on March 10, 2025, in Mercer, 6:00-8:00 p.m., with Gary Theisen.
Register for free to participate in this two-hour course!
USAID–the United States Agency for International Development–has been in the news lately, but what do we really understand about this government foreign aid program? Fe University is pleased to present Gary Theisen, Mercer resident and a former office deputy director at USAID, who will provide factual information and personal experiences about the Agency and hold a question and answer session afterwards. The two-hour program will be held on Monday, March 10, at 6 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center. Registration is required and space is limited.
For the first half-hour, Gary will focus on basic information about USAID’s history, purpose, structure and decision- making. The mandate of USAID, how it operates and what its resources are allocated for, where it operates, and how it is held accountable will be addressed. Further discussion will center on collaboration with other international assistance agencies to address global problems of health, sanitation, education, poverty, nutrition and policy formation in those areas. Insights into how the Agency works internally and how it is subject to political pressures will also be offered from personal experience.
In the second part of the session, Gary will entertain questions from the audience.
Gary Theisen spent 30 years working in international foreign assistance agencies, including five years as a Deputy Office Director in the Bureau of Science and Technology at USAID. While at USAID he oversaw and contributed to education research and planning efforts in a number of countries including Pakistan, Egypt, Botswana, Indonesia, Bolivia, and Jamaica, among others. From positions he held at other organizations, including the Ford Foundation, the Institute for International Education (IIE), and the World Bank, he gained an outside perspective on the role and efficacy of USAID as an organization and on the capabilities and contributions of USAID employees and programs.
There is no charge to attend this program, but registration is required and space is limited. Registration will end when the limit is reached.
Facilitator: Gary Theisen
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Still Learning 7: Bridging the Gap - Teens and Adults Share Thoughts in Hurley
2025-03-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Hurley High School, 5503 W Range View Dr., Hurley, WI, 54534, United States
This course will take place on March 12, 19, and 26, 2025, in Hurley, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with Neil Klemme. (Original starting date of March 5 was postponed a week due to inclement weather.)
Register for free to participate in this three-session course! The only requirement is that you must attend all three sessions.
A gathering of up to 10 adults and 8 to 12 high school students, facilitated by Extension Iron County 4-H Youth Development Educator Neil Klemme, the goal of this course is to provide a model for listening to and engaging in meaningful conversations with high school-aged students in a way that validates their concerns.
Each class will consist of three 90-minute sessions during the school day at Hurley High School, with one week between each session. Lunch is included, subsidized by the Iron County Youth Leadership Council!

Week 1 (March 12): Issue Identification: panel of students and adults brainstorm topics that matter to them. Identify one or two issues to discuss in depth in the next session.
Week 2 (March 19): Define and discuss feelings on issues previously identified.
Week 3 (March 26): Resolution: Looking for a common ground.

(A Mercer-based version of this course will be held at the Mercer School on April 17, 24, and May 1, 2025. Please CLICK HERE to go to that course’s page in our online course catalog.)
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 10 adults.
Facilitator: Neil Klemme
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

The Modern Era of Great Lakes Shipping (1954-Present)
2025-03-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Online
This online class will take place March 25, 27, April 1 and 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m., via Zoom, with Kelsey Prihoda.
Become an ambassador of Great Lakes shipping! Anyone with an interest in Great Lakes shipping and its impact on our everyday lives would benefit from taking this course.
Through storytelling and learning experiences, this course will provide you with foundational knowledge of commercial shipping on the Great Lakes in the modern era from the development and opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway to present-day opportunities for growth and sustainability.
The course will be giving in four sessions, each two hours long, covering the following topics:
● Session 1 – The Story of the Seaway: Linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean (1954 – 1978)
○ Importance of locks to commercial navigation.
○ Location of locks on the Great Lakes and how they operate.
○ Development of the St. Lawrence Seaway and its impact on Great Lakes shipping.
● Session 2 – One-Thousand Footers: The Expansion of Great Lakes Freighters (1972 – 1981)
○ Evolution of ship sizes since the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
○ Types of vessels on the Great Lakes.
○ Cargo types and how Great Lakes shipping touches your everyday life.
● Session 3 – Unforeseen Consequences: Ballast Water and Aquatic Invasive Species (1959 – 2024)
○ Importance of ballast water for vessel and crew safety.
○ Unforeseen consequences of using water as ballast.
○ Ballast water management strategies and Impact of national and binational policy on ballast-mediated aquatic invasive species.
● Session 4 – New Opportunities in Great Lakes Shipping: Containers and Decarbonization (2014 – Present)
○ Contrasting efficiency of transportation modes.
○ Rebirth of container shipping in the Great Lakes.
○ Great Lakes Green Shipping Corridor.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
● Identify the ways in which the United States and Canada have worked together in support of commercial shipping in the binational Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway.
● Describe the importance of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway to the era of modern, commercial shipping in the Great Lakes and the economic impact of today’s maritime sector.
● Compare and contrast the types of vessels that ply the Great Lakes and recognize typical Great Lakes voyage routes and cargo types.
● Explain what ballast water is, why it’s important, and how it has played a role in the introduction of aquatic invasive species to the Great Lakes.
● Recognize future opportunities for Great Lakes shipping, including cargo types and sustainability initiatives.
Requirements: The only prerequisite knowledge needed is an understanding of the basic geography and location of the five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the states and provinces that comprise the Great Lakes region. This is an online course and will require a computer with a microphone and camera. Some prior experience with the Zoom meeting platform will be helpful. Any other resources needed during this course will be provided by the instructor. Students will be assigned a Great Lakes vessel and will be asked to track its movements in between sessions; there will be a final presentation on each vessel and its two-week trade pattern that will require work time in between class sessions to prepare.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 25 students.
Register by March 11 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $45!
Instructor: Kelsey Prihoda
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 12: Better Bridge Basics - Review and Polish Your Game
2025-04-04 12:30 - 14:30 | Frank B. Koller Memorial Library, 5761 US-51, Manitowish Waters, WI, 54545, United States
This course will take place on Fridays, April 4, 11, 25, and May 2, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Frank B. Koller Memorial Library in Manitowish Waters, Wis., with Macy Washow.
Bridge is social, fun, always challenging, and sometimes competitive. All you need are a group of four friends and a deck of cards to play. Unlike most card games, however, bridge challenges your brain. No two hands are the same. It is not just luck. There is always something more to learn… a better outcome if you had only….
Maybe you played bridge in college, but need a refresher. Maybe you play party bridge but would like to take your skills to the next level. Standard American was developed to provide a simple, modern system that both partners can understand. It still forms the basis today for many more complex systems and common conventions. This class is for players who have some bridge experience. We will review the basics of the American Standard System, standard leads, signals, and play of the hand. Based on the skill level and interest of the class, some popular conventions will be introduced. Basic strategies, scoring and play of Duplicate or competitive bridge will also be covered. Sample hands will be dealt, played, and discussed.
Week 1: The Basics. Bidding NT
Week 2: Bidding the majors and minors
Week 3: Take out Doubles, Overcalls, Pre-empts, Strong 2 club.
Week 4: Review, Popular Conventions, Competitive Play, Scoring.
What is covered each week will be adjusted based on class experience and interest.
Requirements: Students will be expected to have some bridge experience.
Recommended: Bridge at a Glance by Audrey Grant. c 2023. Available on Amazon for $10.76. (This is a 40-page quick reference pamphlet.)
This class is limited to 14 students.
Instructor: Macy Washow
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Still Learning 7: Bridging the Gap - Teens and Adults Share Thoughts in Mercer
2025-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Mercer School, 2690 Margaret St., Mercer, 54547, United States
Rescheduled! This course will take place on April 17, 24, and May 1 (was originally March 20, 27, and April 3), 2025, in Mercer, 10:00-11:30 a.m., with Neil Klemme.
Register for free to participate in this three-session course! The only requirement is that you must attend all three sessions.
A gathering of up to 10 adults and 8 to 12 high school students, facilitated by Extension Iron County 4-H Youth Development Educator Neil Klemme, the goal of this course is to provide a model for listening to and engaging in meaningful conversations with high school-aged students in a way that validates their concerns.
Each class will consist of three 90-minute sessions during the school day at Mercer School, with one week between each session. Lunch is included, subsidized by the Iron County Youth Leadership Council!

Week 1 (April 17): Issue Identification: panel of students and adults brainstorm topics that matter to them. Identify one or two issues to discuss in depth in the next session.
Week 2 (April 24): Define and discuss feelings on issues previously identified.
Week 3 (May 1): Resolution: Looking for a common ground.

(A Hurley-based version of this course will be held at Hurley High School on March 12, 19, and 26. Please CLICK HERE to go to that course’s page in our online course catalog.)
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 10 adults.
Facilitator: Neil Klemme
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Great Art Museums of Europe: A Virtual Tour
2025-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
This course will take place on Tuesdays, April 29 and May 6, 13 and 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Mercer Public Library, with David Barnhill.
The “Great Art Museums of Europe” course will introduce students to a wide range of art museums in Europe. This will be a
virtual art tour, and students will be introduced to great works of art (mainly paintings) from the Renaissance to the 20th century at the various museums. Students will not only learn about these museums and these works of art, but become inspired by them and perceive the world in a deeper way
The course will begin with a very short summary of European art history starting with the Renaissance.

London. We will tour the National Gallery, Tate Britain, the British Museum, the Courtauld Gallery, the Wallace Collection, and Tate Modern.
Netherlands. We will visit the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, and the Mauritshuis.
Paris. The tour will include the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Marmottan, the Musée de l’Orangerie, Petit Palais, and Musée Rodin.
Other locations. To be selected from the following: The Hermitage (St. Petersburg), The National Museum of Norway, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (Copenhagen),The Art Museum of Basel (Switzerland), Museum Folkwang (Essen, Germany), Neue Pinakothek (Munich), Gemäldegalerie (Berlin), Kunsthistorisches Museum (Vienna), Uffizi Gallery (Florence), Vatican Museums, Prado (Madrid), Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Madrid).

Requirements: The only requirement is an interest in art. There will be no homework, and handouts will be provided on the museums and an outline of art history
This class is limited to 12 students.
Register by April 15 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $45!
Instructor: David Barnhill
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 11: Discovering Family History - Genealogy Basics
2025-05-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
This course will take place on May 1 and 8, 2025, in Mercer, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with Emmie Norton.
Participants will learn the basics of getting started on their own family history through genealogical research in the most efficient manner possible. Getting one’s research organization plan will be described. Primarily free Internet resources will be covered and utilized in class. There will be short descriptions of the major subscription based websites. Genealogy software will be discussed. We will do live searches in both classes.
Requirements: Since most genealogical research occurs on the Internet, students should have some basic experience with computers and Internet searches or be willing to learn. Family history research knowledge will still be useful to those who are less proficient with online searches. Prior to class one, the instructor will ask for some basic information from students about their own family history questions. There will be some simple homework tasks after the first class.
The course will be given in two sessions, each 120 minutes long, at the Mercer Public Library.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This course is limited to 15 students.
Instructor: Emmie Norton
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Iron Mining in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the Geological "Miracle" that Created the World's Purest Iron Ore
2025-05-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Iron County Historical Museum, 303 Iron St., Hurley, WI
This class will take place on Saturday, May 3, leaving from the Iron County Historical Museum in Hurley for a four-hour tour of geological, mining and infrastructure sites, before returning to the Museum for a one-hour conclusion.
In 1844 surveyor William Burt and his crew discovered an iron ore deposit near Negaunee, Mich. After being removed from the earth the 15 to 25% iron ore was smelted in charcoal furnaces to remove most of the silica (sand) content and then shipped to steel mills in the East. The smelting process was time-consuming and expensive.
Thirty-six years later another surveyor, Richard Langford, discovered another deposit of iron on Colby Hill just south of the current town of Bessemer, Mich. Astonishingly, this ore was almost pure iron. Within a few years many iron mines were developed, this first direct ship ore was shipped to steel mills in 1884. This ore required no processing and could be directly made into steel. The resulting iron rush ended about 82 years later and produced over 350 million tons of direct ship ore worth between $36 billion and $42 billion at 2024-25 prices.
In our Fe University class we will learn about the unique-in-the-world set of geological events that produced this “miracle” iron ore. We will observe the ancient exposed geological layers and visit at least eight historical mine sites, discuss the mining techniques, and see historic mine buildings and infrastructure. We will learn about the terrible cost of life these mines wreaked. We will discuss and observe the remaining ore in the west end of the range and posit geological, health and economic reasons why it will never be mined.
The one-day class will meet at the Iron County Historical Museum in Hurley, Wis.　After a one-hour lecture there, we’ll head out for a four-hour tour of geological, mining and infrastructure sites. (The tour will require short walks over unpaved and paved surfaces.) We will finally return to the Iron County Historical Museum’s mining museum to solidify our Gogebic Range education.
Please register by April 25 so we can arrange for lunches and the right size of transport vehicle.
This class is limited to 24 students.
Register by April 19 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $55!
Instructors: Richard Thiede and Tom Fitz
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Backyard Bugs and Beyond! A Beginner's Guide to Entomology
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Gogebic Community College, Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI, 49938, United States
This course will take place on Thursdays, May 15, 22, and 29, 10:00 a.m.-noon at Gogebic Community College, and Tuesday, May 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m.at Norrie Park, with Chenin Limback.
This course offers a hands-on, eye-opening introduction to the incredible world of insects, spiders, and other backyard invertebrates. Students will gain a foundational understanding of entomology and explore the significance of insects in both local environments and global ecosystems. From insect taxonomy and anatomy to evolution and ecology, students will develop an appreciation for the roles these organisms play as pests, pollinators, and predators in our natural environments.
Course structure:
Section 1: Entomology Basics

What is an insect?
Insect anatomy
The groups of insects
Insect ecology

Get to know physical attributes of insects and what makes them similar to – and different from – other invertebrate organisms. Learn how their specialized structures and body parts have helped insects evolve, adapt to, and function in diverse natural environments. Discover the major taxonomic groups of insects, their key features, and the important roles they play in ecosystems.
Section 2: Pests and Harmful Insects

Invasive species
Agricultural pests
Vectors of disease

Explore the ways certain insects can negatively affect our lives – from invasive species that disrupt our ecosystems, to agricultural pests that impact food systems and economies, to disease vectors with public health consequences. and vectors of disease impacting healthcare. We’ll focus on local examples such as the emerald ash borer and multicolored Asian lady beetle, while also discussing broader global impacts and potential solutions.
Field Trip: Observing and Collecting Local Insects

Observing insects in our local area
Insect collection and preservation basics

Head outside on a guided visit to Norrie Park to observe insects in their natural habitats! We’ll practice hands-on techniques like sweep netting and aquatic netting to get a closer look at these fascinating species. Interested participants will also have the option to learn basic collection and preservation methods, including how to pin and store specimens for a personal collection.
Section 3: Beneficial Insects and Spiders

Field trip reflection and insect identification
Pollinators and ecosystem engineers
Spiders and other invertebrate predators

Wrap up the course by reflecting on our field experiences and practicing insect identification using keys and guides. We’ll then explore the many ways insects benefit ecosystems and humans – from pollination and decomposition to natural pest control. Finally, we’ll highlight the roles of spiders and other predatory invertebrates, dispel common misconceptions, and (for those interested), enjoy a tour of Dr. Limback’s live tarantula collection.
Requirements: This course is designed for adult learners who are interested in exploring the fascinating world of insects and invertebrates. No prior knowledge of entomology is required, though students should have a general curiosity about nature and the environment, as well as an openness to getting up close and personal with insects and spiders (within reason)! The course will also include hands-on learning through a field trip and observational exercises.
No formal textbook is required for this course. However, participants may find it helpful to bring a notebook for taking notes during lectures and the field trip. Basic materials for the field trip (e.g., insect nets, containers) will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate outdoor clothing. Students should bring a water bottle and, if desired, snacks for the trip. Field trip activities will involve some walking, terrestrial sweep netting, and aquatic netting, which can involve light to moderate physical activity based on participant preference. Individuals who own waders may wish to bring them for aquatic collection purposes (optional), though waders of various sizes are also available from the instructor.
Materials Required: There will be no formal homework, but participants will be encouraged to observe and record any insects they encounter between sessions and on the field trip. Student are also welcome to take collection materials home and bring specimens of interest to share with the class (basic collecting supplies can be lent to the student upon request). Optional readings and online resources will be suggested for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of specific topics. Handouts will be provided by the instructor.
This class is limited to 12 students.
Register by May 1 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $45!
Instructor: Chenin Limback
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 10: Getting to Know Your Brain
2025-06-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
This course will take place on June 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25, 2025, in Mercer, 10:00-11:30 a.m., with Molly Rose Teuke.
This Fe University course offering will reveal insights into the brain — and how to help your brain work for you in some surprising ways. This is not a course in brain games or brain training; instead you will learn facts and insights revealed through advances in neuroscience. The course intention is that, armed with this information, you will become more skilled at getting your brain on your side.
Class begins with some of the brain’s universal operating principles. Using an interactive approach, class begins with some of the brain’s universal operating principles, including the role of the prefrontal cortex, as compared with the limbic system, what triggers us, and what what makes us feel powerful. We subsequently consider the cognitive importance of forgiving the forgetful brain, the fundamental role of sleep, and the value of exercise and exposure to nature in sharpening our cognitive skills. We also dig into the realities of willpower and how to get more of it, and consider the processes and cognitive value of forming habits. Through it all, we weave a thread about neuroplasticity, your brain’s ability to grow and change throughout your life.
Molly Rose Teuke has an abiding curiosity about how our brains work in everyday life. She reads avidly in neuroscience, and spent a decade facilitating brain-based leadership skills for a wide variety of audiences. She occasionally speaks and writes on diverse aspects of “How to Get Your Brain on Your Side.” She also hosts a live weekly classical music program on WXPR Public Radio.
Requirements: Students should have curiosity about what makes their brain tick. The instructor will suggest relevant books you may want to consider, and will provide links to readings that expand on individual class content. There is no formal homework, but you will be expected to internalize information from each class, and come to the next class ready to share examples of how you may have applied it in real life (with results). You will be given specific questions to help you do this. Not everyone will have to contribute each week.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This course is limited to 10 students.
Instructor: Molly Rose Teuke
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Still Learning 13: The New Clinic Coming to Mercer, and the History and Role of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Addressing Barriers to Health Care
2025-06-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on Tuesdays, June 10 and 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center and also by Zoom, with Greg Nycz.
Register to participate for free in this course!
Have you heard there’s a new clinic in the works for Mercer, and want to learn more? Here’s where to do it! Get your questions answered by Greg Nycz, Chief Executive Officer of Family Health Center, the federally qualified health center that’s working to restore primary care and pharmacy services in Mercer.
Learn too about the history of federally qualified health centers (FQHC) and how they developed to address medical underservice and improve our nation’s health care system. They’re open to all people, not just low-income. There is a sliding fee scale, and they accept most insurance.
In addition to information on Mercer’s upcoming 501(c)3 Family Health Center, the topics covered will include:

The origin of the community health center movement along with migrant health centers, homeless health centers and public housing health centers.
The federal legislation, which initially authorized the programs and later consolidated them under one authority.
The growth of the community health center movement over time, and the legislation which established federally funded community health centers as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), bestowing upon health centers special payment under Medicare and Medicaid as well as special pharmaceutical purchasing arrangements, accelerating the growth of community health centers across the nation.
The role and impact of Federally Qualified Health Centers in addressing unmet health needs in rural America, as well as supportive efforts like the National Health Service Corps to assist FQHCs in attracting the workforce necessary to support their mission.
Some basic information on the role of the State in supporting its health centers, as well as a brief discussion on the impact of consolidation and private equity in our health care system and the challenges that presents for FQHCs.

Requirements: Students should have an interest in the health care system and the problems many communities and individuals face in accessing health care. A listing of books that address the history of the community health center movement will be provided for those interested in learning more about the topic.
There is no charge to attend this course, but registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided so you can either attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
Instructor: Greg Nycz
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
This class is co-sponsored by the Northern Highland Health Foundation. They will provide refreshments.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Geology of the Apostle Islands
2025-06-19 09:30 - 15:30 | Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, 29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI, 54806-9339, United States
This class will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, Wis. An optional boat tour of the Apostle Islands, leaving from Bayfield, Wis., will follow at 1:15 p.m., for an additional registration fee.
[5/18/2025 Update: The optional boat tour is now limited to 25 students. We unfortunately won’t be able to accommodate any more after our few remaining seats for the boat tour sell out below, so act fast!]
The Apostle Islands are referred to as the Crown Jewels of Wisconsin because of their spectacular scenery and geology. This stunning landscape has been created by the action of glaciers, rivers, and most dramatically by the erosive forces of Lake Superior. This slideshow presentation and optional boat tour field trip will explore the factors that have influenced the spectacular coastal landforms such as sea caves and arches that the Islands are famous for.
If also registering for the optional boat tour, please register by June 12.
The optional boat tour is limited to 25 students.
Please note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to Ashland (and to Bayfield, if participating in the optional boat tour).
Instructors: Tom Fitz
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 9: What is "Organic" Anyway and Why Should You Care?
2025-07-08 10:00 - 12:30 | Dillman’s Bay Resort, 13277 Dillman's Way, Lac du Flambeau, WI, 54538, United States
This class will take place at Dillman’s Bay Resort on July 8 and 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with Renee Randall.
This is part of a trio of 2025 Fe University courses offered in partnership with Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat.
We thank Dillman’s for their generosity in working with us. Dillman’s is a beautiful Northwoods resort with a world-class art workshop series, and we are grateful to be offering these classes with them.
Still Learning 9: What is “Organic” Anyway and Why Should You Care?
For the last 50 years, instructor Renee Randall has been an organic farmer in rural America. Those years have given her a unique view of the history of the organic movement and of our food system from “farm to table.” She was a Chicago girl studying therapeutic nutrition who ended up leaving that life, and with her kids, moving to a farm in the Driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin. At that time, in 1973, being a woman farmer and certifying organic were trailblazing moves. But she had been a mother searching out and shopping for “organic” in the city, and so, with a chance to farm and that history in nutrition, it seemed the only way to go. As a student she was learning why organic could be important, but as a farmer over these last 50 years she has seen that it should be important. The reasons to care about how food is grown are critical for human health and ultimately the health of the planet. In this class, we’ll look at those reasons and your power as a consumer to understand and support the right kind of farming.

A light lunch is included.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 25 students.
Instructor: Renee Randall
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
All courses in our series Still Learning After All These Years are priced at a discount thanks to generous donations from Bader Philanthropies Inc. and the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Foundation.

Writing at Home in the Natural World
2025-07-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Dillman’s Bay Resort, 13277 Dillman's Way, Lac du Flambeau, WI, 54538, United States
This class will take place at Dillman’s Bay Resort on July 15 and 17, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m., with John Bates.
This is part of a trio of 2025 Fe University courses offered in partnership with Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat.
We thank Dillman’s for their generosity in working with us. Dillman’s is a beautiful Northwoods resort with a world-class art workshop series, and we are grateful to be offering these classes with them.
Writing at Home in the Natural World
In writing about the natural world, we need to write with both a sense of wonder and a scientist’s eye. We’ll focus in the first session on creative non-fiction. While it may seem that those two words – creative non-fiction – don’t go together, they really do. The genre is all about telling true stories using accurate facts about real life, but doing so in a vivid, enthralling manner that reads every bit as compellingly as fiction. Writers of creative non-fiction can supply information while being humorous, inspirational, and wildly creative at the same time.
During the second session, we’ll explore the world of poetry, reading works from poets who have made deep connections with their home places, and discussing what makes their words move our minds and hearts.
During both sessions, we’ll take the time to try our hand at each approach using some writing prompts, and as time permits, do some sharing.
No experience necessary – just an open heart and deep curiosity.
Requirements: Students must bring their own favorite writing implements–pen and notebook, laptop, etc.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 10 students.
Register by July 1 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!
Instructor: John Bates
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Nature Photography
2025-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Dillman’s Bay Resort, 13277 Dillman's Way, Lac du Flambeau, WI, 54538, United States
July 19, 2025 Update: This class has unfortunately had to be cancelled. Registrations will be refunded.
This class will take place at Dillman’s Bay Resort on July 22 and 24, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m., with Aline Fetter.
This is part of a trio of 2025 Fe University courses offered in partnership with Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat.
We thank Dillman’s for their generosity in working with us. Dillman’s is a beautiful Northwoods resort with a world-class art workshop series, and we are grateful to be offering these classes with them.
Nature Photography
This class covers the technical and creative aspects of seeing, visualizing and photographing nature. Among the techniques covered will be hyperfocal focus for landscapes, intimate landscapes, abstracts in nature, High Dynamic Range imaging, and macro photography.
Designed for all levels, session one will cover the basics of photography, the techniques mentioned above and photo composition. Class two will be incorporating learned techniques by going outside and photographing nature.
Requirements: Students must bring their own phone, point-and-shoot or DSLR camera with memory card.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
This class is limited to 12 students.
Register by July 8 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!
Instructor: Aline Fetter
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Still Learning 14: Yoga Basics
2025-09-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2025, in Mercer, 9:00-10:00 a.m., with Camille Kich.
Students will learn the basics of yoga. They will learn what yoga is, Patanjali’s 8limbs of yoga, and a few different styles of yoga asana practice, including hatha, yin, restorative, yoga nidra, chair yoga, with a potential for more depending on students interest.
The course will be given in four sessions, each one hour long, covering the following topics:

Session 1: What is yoga, Patangali’s 8 limbs of yoga
Session 2: Chair Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Session 3: Yin and Restorative Yoga
Session 4: Hatha Yoga

Requirements: All mats and other yoga materials will be provided, although if you have your own yoga mat and want to bring it, that would be fine. A notebook and pen could be useful, but isn’t a requirement. One who wishes to join this class must be able to stand up, sit down, and lay down on the floor. If you can’t meet this physical requirement there may be a way to still join in on the class, just limited to only certain yoga asana postures. Contact Camille with any questions regarding this aspect.
This class is limited to 10 students.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
Instructor: Camille Kich
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
This “Still Learning After All These Years” series course is priced at a discount, thanks to a generous grant from Bader Philanthropies Inc.

European Landscape Painting
2025-09-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Mercer Public Library, 2648 Margaret St., Mercer, WI, 54547, United States
Sept. 10, 2025 Update: This class has unfortunately had to be cancelled. Registrations will be refunded.
This course will take place on Tuesdays, Sept. 16, 23, 30, and Oct. 7 and 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Mercer Public Library, with David Barnhill.
Using high quality slides of artwork, “European Landscape Painting” will introduce students to the rich tradition of landscape art in Europe, from its beginnings to Post-Impressionism. We will cover the early developments of using landscape as a background to paintings in which landscape is the primary subject. Students will become familiar with the diverse art and complex development of European landscape painting and develop an appreciation for the tradition’s compelling nature art.
There will be five session, each two hours long:

The Beginnings of European Landscape Painting. Landscape in the Renaissance and Baroque periods and the classical landscape painting of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Dutch Golden Age (17th century). Aelbert Cuyp, Jacob van Ruisdael, Meindert Hobbema, and others.
British Landscape Painting (18th and 19th centuries). J.M.W Turner, John Constable, and others.
19th Century Realist Landscape Painting. The French Barbizon School, the Dutch Hague School, and landscape painting in Germany and Russia.
Impressionism and After. Pissarro, Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and others.

Requirements: The only requirement is an interest in the subject. A handout will be provided at the beginning of the class with details on artists, historical developments, and key terms.
This class is limited to 12 students.
Register by Sept. 2 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $55!
Instructor: David Barnhill
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Fungi of the Northwoods
2025-09-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Plum Lake Library, 8789 Peterson Street, Sayner, WI, 54560, United States
UPDATE 9/12/2025: The limit of 20 students has been reached for this class with field foray. However, if you have not yet registered and would like to take just the classroom portion, without the field foray, we’re now accepting a limited number of registrations for $10. The registration form is below.
This class will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Plum Lake Library in Sayner, Wis., with Anne Small. A two-hour outdoor field foray will immediately follow.
Have you been curious about mushrooms, how and where to find them, which ones are good to eat or use medicinally? This class will present an overview of the biology of macro-fungi and their roles in our environment. Common Northwoods species will be discussed, including both edible and poisonous. Tips on collection, identification and preparation will also be shared, followed by a field foray to put these skills into action.
These topics will be covered:

Basics of fungal biology and roles within the environment
Review of common fungi in our region
Discussion of collection practices, preparation techniques for use as food and medicine
Exploration of fungi finds in the field at a local forest trail

Requirements: Please bring a notebook with pen and a sturdy basket for collection of specimens. Optional is to bring your own fungi guidebook. The field portion of the class will be at an area trail, which does have some areas of roots and moderate terrain. Pace will be slow, so not very strenuous. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
This class is limited to 20 students.
Instructor: Anne Small
Online Registration: Scroll down to our Registration form to register online!
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Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.

Intermediate Guitar
2025-10-01 12:30 - 14:00 | Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer, Wisconsin, 54547
This course will take place on Wednesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, and 22, 12:30-2:00 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center, with Don Dugan.
If you have a beginner’s grasp of strumming, open position notes and chords, and are ready for more, then this class is for you! We will include techniques for spicing up those things you already know, and an introduction to blues and soloing, fingerpicking, and gaining some fretboard fluency. Some simple theory information will be included, but only useful, practical concepts. Grab your guitar and let’s take your playing to the next level!
Student prerequisites: Basic grasp of strumming, tuning, open position chords and notes.
This class is limited to 8 students.
Register by Sept. 17 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $35!
Instructor: Don Dugan
Online Registration: Scroll down to our Registration form to register online!
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Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.
