Co-Facilitator: Karen Christensen

Discover the extraordinary life and legacy of Scottish scientist Mary Somerville (1780-1872). One of the most influential minds of her era, she was often referred to as "The Queen of Science." Somerville defied societal expectations to become a well-respected figure within the British scientific community. Course participants will gain insight as to how her groundbreaking achievements in math, astronomy, geography, science, and social justice inspired future generations and why her legacy and courage remain relevant today.

Dr. Roger G. Johnston, our guest presenter, has conducted extensive research and development in applied physics. In addition to work at both Los Alamos and Argonne National Laboratories, he holds multiple patents and has received numerous awards. He has lectured in ten countries, and teaches at WCC, North Central College, Aurora University, and Lewis University.

Discover the folk tales and mythologies from around the world that explore the themes of the Wild Woman archetype, the forces that stand in the way of female self-awareness, and the necessary growth cycles of life, death and rebirth. Author Clarissa Pinkola Estes, a Jungian psychoanalyst, theorized that the woman and the wolf share a primordial bond. She attempts to realign the psyche of her female patients with the creative, instinctual, passionate and fierce aspects of their own natures embodied in the female archetype. We will explore stories about Vasalisa and Baba Yaga, LaLoba, Bluebeard, St. Lucia, La Llorona, The Little Match Girl, Baubo, The Crescent Moon Bear, the Woman With Hair of Gold, The Ugly Duckling and more! Everyone welcome...join our discussion!

This class will cover Chapters One through Six in the book.

Guest Speaker: Laura Meredith, Waubonsee Instructor of Psychology

Required Book: Women Who Run With The Wolves By Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Co-Facilitator: Kim Carew

Participants will explore the fascinating world of seeds and their profound impact on our planet in this engaging course based on Nancy F. Castaldo's, The Story of Seeds. Through a combination of readings, discussions with the author, and hands-on-activities, together we will gain a deeper understanding of the role seeds play in biodiversity, food security, and environmental sustainability. Join us on a journey to uncover the secretes of seeds and their vital importance in our world.

REQUIRED BOOK: The Story of Seeds by Nancy F. Castaldo

Co-Facilitators: Evelyn Porter, Carl Hays

This class will be led by Waubonsee Economics Professor Elior Iseli. It is an overview of the tariff system of the United States since 1920. We will explore the latest changes that have occurred under the Trump Administration.

The Tao Te Ching, has been translated into the English language more often than any other piece of world literature. The 81 verses are a slim volume of several paragraphs per page focusing upon foundational, universal life issues. The faciliator is eager to explore the sayings of the Tao translated from Chinese by Stephen Mitchell, with the first ten LLI members who sign up for this round-table discussion.

Course prerequisites: an open mind, and intention to have fun. Join us. What is there to lose?

A copy of the text, Tao Te Ching by Lao-tsu, translated by Stephen Mitchell, will be provided at our first session to the participants.

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ever wonder what's really happening when ice melts, bread bakes, or fizzing bubbles rise in a glass? In this hands-on science class, you'll explore the fascinating world of chemical and physical changes using everyday materials. Conduct safe, simple experiments, observe surprising reactions, and learn how to tell whether change is temporary—or something totally new. No science background needed—just curiosity! Come ready to mix, melt, fizz, and explore the science behind the challenges all around us.

Registration Deadline 2/25/26 Activity Level: easy going

“Tell me what you want, tell me who you want me to be, tell me what would make you happy.” These are the cries that drive people to Co-Dependents Anonymous. The characteristics of excessive caregiving, difficulty setting boundaries, low self-esteem, people pleasing, and fear of abandonment create relationships ripe for dysfunction. In this class, we will look at these characteristics more closely and plummet the gems of goodness that are hidden within. Like all of life, nothing is simple, nor can this class make it so. Instead, we can begin to see examples in movies, politics, and sports how some form of codependency can be used to enhance relationships and the world around us. As lifelong learners, we can begin to discover the art of distinguishing the good news hidden in the bad news.

This course will discuss extraterrestrial beings— aliens. We will discuss several of the most prominently asserted alien species, and the role of supposed aliens throughout human history. We will then apply science to several aspects of beliefs about aliens. We will conclude with an exercise of creating our own alien based on conditions on a known exoplanet and the principles of exobiology.