Catalog

We're excited to share the online version of our catalog with you here. For a quick glance at the class schedule by month, please visit the Classes and Events page.

MSU LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER

FALL 2026 OPEN HOUSE

Date/Time: Thursday, August 27 11am-1pm

Join us for our Fall 2026 Open House—a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow learners and to preview our exciting upcoming courses!

Stop by to:
• Pick up your name tag for the semester
• Grab a copy of the new course catalog
• Enjoy cookies and refreshments
• Ask questions and get help with registration

Whether you are a longtime participant or new to the Lifelong Learning Center, we would love to see you there. Bring a friend and help us kick off another season of learning, connection, and fun!

DER FÜHER AND COMRADE STALIN: HITLER AND STALIN, 1929-1939

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 1, 8, 15 at 10am

Presenter: David Hartman

*Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

These three sessions in this ongoing series will address Germany’s Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union’s Josef Stalin in the decade between their ascension to ultimate power and the onset of the cataclysmic war between them. On Vladimir Lenin’s death in 1924, Stalin was part of an informal leadership coalition that included his fellow Communists Lev Kamenev and Gregori Zinoviev, while Lenin’s closest peer in the Bolshevik takeover of Russia, Leon Trotsky, was expelled from the Communist Party and sent into exile. By 1929, Stalin had almost unilateral control of the reins of power in the Soviet Union. He instituted a massive purge known as “The Great Terror” against other leading Communists (notably his erstwhile allies Kamenev and Zinoviev), seized privately-owned farmlands and mandated policies which led to the mass starvation in Ukraine known as “the Holodomor,” purged the Army of its most senior leadership, brutally suppressed all public dissent, and incited Communist movements and uprisings throughout the world, notably in Europe and China. In August, 1939, Stalin approved a secret Soviet pact with Nazi Germany known as the “Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty,” intended to divide Poland and other eastern European nations between them. When World War II commenced in September, 1939, Hitler and Stalin were effectively allies, an arrangement that endured until Hitler launched a massive surprise attack on the Soviet Union in June, 1941. In April, 1932, 84-year-old Paul von Hindenburg was re-elected President of the German Republic (known more familiarly as “the Weimar Republic”), while Adolf Hitler finished second in the vote tally. Though short of a majority, Hitler’s German National Socialist Party—the “Nazis”—became the leading party in the Reichstag (the German equivalent of Congress). Under the Weimar Republic’s Constitution, an elected President served as Head of State and the military, while an appointed Chancellor served as head of government. Under political pressure (and against his better judgment), the increasingly senile Hindenburg appointed Hitler Chancellor on January 30, 1933. Hitler earned Hindenburg’s respect by purging (and murdering) his long-time ally, Ernst Rohm, the head of the Nazi militia known as the SA, or “Brownshirts.” Hitler earned even more of Hindenburg’s respect after the Reichstag building (the German equivalent of a House of Congress), was set on fire, ostensibly by a Communist, on February 27, 1933. At Hitler’s urging, the Reichstag passed what became known as “the Enabling Act” on March 23, 1933, which granted Chancellor Hitler and his government authority to issue decrees independent of the President and the Reichstag. The Enabling Act became the basis of Hitler’s rise to full power. In July, 1933, the National Socialist Party was decreed the only legal political party in Germany. On Hindenburg’s death in August, 1934, the Act enabled Hitler to assume the duties of both President and Chancellor. Hitler chose to be addressed henceforth as Der Führer, “the Leader,” as he had been known while head of the Nazi Party. Henceforth, even the German Army made its oath of allegiance not to a constitution, but to Hitler alone. Thus was the Third Reich birthed. We will address Hitler’s actions in the 1930’s, which included the vicious suppression of Jews and other ethnic minorities, as well as the astonishing reconstruction that occurred in Germany that decade. We will look at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the making of the Volkswagen (“the People’s Car”) in 1937, the 1938 annexation of Austria (Hitler’s country of birth), known as “the Anschluss,” and the Munich Pact with Great Britain and France that same year, which conceded Germany’s seizure of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. We will also look at the onset of World War II in September, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, and Great Britain and France declared war. We will also look at burgeoning neo-Nazi movements in other countries in the 1930’s, and focus on some of the public figures, like the popular radio priest Father Charles Coughlin and carmaker Henry Ford in the United States, who were adamantly anti-Semitic and implicitly pro-Hitler. On a date yet to be determined, we will also watch the landmark documentary, Triumph of the Will, by the filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, about the 1935 Nuremberg Rally. That same day, as a palate cleanser, we will also watch the 1940 comedy short You Nazty Spy by your instructor’s favorite comedians, The Three Stooges, all of whom were Jewish. It is noteworthy as the first Hollywood production to openly mock Adolf Hitler (as well as this then-allies Mussolini and Stalin), preceding Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator by a matter of months.

Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman has a B.A. in History from Lynchburg College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He also has over forty years of parish ministry, where he addressed religious issues on both a pastoral and scholarly basis. Hartman attained six hours of accredited post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford in the summer of 2012. He has been published in various religious journals. Dave Hartman is the former Coordinator of the MSU Lifelong Learning Center.

A HISTORY OF PLANNING COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES IN WICHITA FALLS

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 1 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Carol Grove

The shaded tree-lined streets, welcoming neighborhoods, elegant estates and public green spaces of the Country Club Estates can be attributed to Hare & Hare’s careful balance of science and art: a systematic approach to planning that provided for “the welfare, convenience and happiness of present and future citizens.” The Kansas City firm of Hare & Hare, founded in 1910 by the father-and-son team of Sidney J. and S. Herbert Hare, became one of the most influential landscape architecture and city planning practices in the country. By 1960 it had commissions from Massachusetts to Washington state that included parks and cemeteries, institutional grounds, university campuses, and neighborhoods. Their projects in Texas number in the thousands. Beginning in the early 1920s they made major contributions to the cities of Dallas, Houston and Fort Worth. But they also shaped Wichita Falls whose earliest project dates to 1919. Plans and plant lists for Country Club Estates, that continued over four decades, began with the master plan of 1926. What followed were gardens for large estates along Hamilton and Harrison Streets, the grounds for the Women’s Forum and Ben Franklin School, and Martin Circle. Essential to their plans were curving streets such as Miranda, Clarinda and Martin Boulevard. Then came residential lots west toward Speedway and Roselawn Park and south to Irving Place. These components, woven together, resulted in neighborhoods, as described by developers Hamilton-Martin, “where life is worth living.”

Presenter: Carol Grove specializes in the study of American landscapes and architecture and has taught at the University of Missouri, Columbia, as an adjunct assistant professor of American Art. Her books include Henry Shaw’s Victorian Landscapes: The Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park (2005; University of Massachusetts Press in association with the Library of American Landscape History) and, with co-author Cydney Millstein, Hare & Hare, Landscape Architects and City Planners (2019; University of Georgia Press in association with the Library of American Landscape History). She is one of three authors of the Buildings of Missouri (2025; University of Virginia Press in association with The Society of Architectural Historians). Grove’s articles can be found in such publications as Landscape Journal, Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, Nineteenth Century, and Journal of the New England Garden History Society.

WALKING CLUB

Date/Time: Every Wednesday at 9am

*Please note this is the only catalog entry for Walking Club*

Join a friendly group of walkers who enjoy staying active, connecting with others, and exploring the outdoors at a comfortable pace. This walking club is for LLC members who want to improve their health, boost their energy, and enjoy regular social time—all while taking in the beauty of the path around Sikes Lake. Along the way, members share conversation, laughter, and encouragement, making every outing both enjoyable and supportive. Whether you’re looking to increase your daily steps, build strength and balance, or simply spend time with others in a welcoming environment, this club offers a fun and accessible way to stay moving. No special equipment is needed—just comfortable shoes, a positive attitude, and a desire to get out and enjoy life one step at a time. New walkers are always welcome!

BOOK CLUB

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 2 at 1:30pm; Wednesday, October 7 at 1:30pm; Wednesday, November 4 at 1:30pm; Wednesday, December 2 at 1:30pm

*Please note all dates and times. This is the only catalog entry for Book Club*

Join fellow readers for a lively and engaging book club designed to spark conversation, curiosity, and connection. Each month, participants explore a selected title—ranging from contemporary fiction and timeless classics to thought-provoking nonfiction—and come together to discuss themes, characters, and personal reflections. Whether you're an avid reader or someone looking to rekindle a love of books, this welcoming group offers a relaxed atmosphere where every voice is valued. Discussions are informal, encouraging participants to share insights, ask questions, and discover new perspectives. Come for the books, stay for the friendships—new members are always welcome!

Book titles will be included in the newsletter.

FIELD TRIP: MUSEUM OF NORTH TEXAS HISTORY AND WICHITA FALLS BREWERY

Date/Time: Thursday, September 3 at 10am

*Limit 50 people*

Spend the day discovering the rich heritage and local flavor of Wichita Falls! Our morning begins at the Museum of North Texas History, where we will explore exhibits that tell the story of our region through photographs, artifacts, and engaging displays. From the founding of Wichita Falls to its growth through the oil boom, agriculture, railroads, and military influence, the museum offers a fascinating look at the people and events that shaped North Texas. Following our museum visit, we will enjoy lunch at the Wichita Falls Brewing Company and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Learn about the brewing process, the ingredients that go into crafting quality beer, and the history of one of Wichita Falls' favorite local gathering spots. Whether you're interested in local history, the art of brewing, or simply spending the day with fellow Lifelong Learners, this outing offers a perfect blend of education, community, and fun.

AUDOBON CONSERVATION RANCHING INITIATIVE

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 8 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Chantalle Vincent

Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) is a certification-based program which creates partnerships between private landowners and the National Audubon Society, an international bird conservation organization, in order to protect grassland ecosystems and restore bird habitat. Audubon launched the program in 2017 in light of two facts: 1) grassland birds are declining rapidly, at a rate unmatched by other functional groups and 2) a majority of grasslands in the United States are privately owned. To make a large-scale impact, it is vital to work with these private landowners and assist in implementing conservation practices on their land. ACR aims to have a broad array of benefits for ranchers, consumers, birds, and the environment. Ranchers implement a series of protocols based upon the programs three pillars: habitat management, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. Each of these pillars offer guidance for ranchers to improve their land stewardship and utilize livestock as a tool for conservation rather than an impediment. By implementing practices such as rotational grazing, native plantings, prescribed burns, and reducing broadcast herbicide spraying, ranchers actively create habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, while simultaneously improving the health and resilience of their rangeland. The end result is a landscape which provides greater amounts of forage for livestock, has healthier soils, can recover more quickly from drought and other natural disasters, and supports a thriving native plant and wildlife community.

Presenter: Chantalle Vincent is a range ecologist with the National Audubon Society based out of Fort Worth, Texas. She works with ranchers to implement conservation practices on their land, improving the environment for the benefit of birds, livestock, landowners, and the consumers who rely upon their products. Prior to working with Audubon, she was an ecological site specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a department of the US Department of Agriculture, and a biological science technician with the National Park Service.

REMEMBERING THE REMARKABLE LIFE AND MILITARY SERVICE OF LT. ROY R. ROYSTER, A DECORATED FIGHTER PILOT IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF WWII

Date/Time: Thursday, September 10 at 10am

Presenter: Barry Macha

Tony Robert Royster was born in Henrietta, Texas on July 27, 1922, and raised in Wichita Falls. He was attending Hardin Junior College when he answered his country’s call to action following Pearl Harbor and enlisted at age 19 in the United States Navy and became a fighter pilot. Flying Wildcat and Hellcat fighter planes against the legendary Japanese Zero, Tony was awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with six (6) Gold Stars (each Gold Star representing an additional individual award). After the war in the fall of 1946, Tony continued his military service by joining the Naval Air Reserve and returned to Wichita Falls and his wife, Regina Elizabeth (“Jean”) Lewis, whom he had married during the war while on leave (June 8, 1944). He was attending Hardin College on the GI Bill and scheduled to graduate in 1949. As a reserve aviator, Tony was required to periodically attend drills on weekends at the Dallas Naval Air Station to maintain flight proficiencies and combat readiness. Tragically, on Sunday, April 25, 1948, the Corsair fighter plane that Tony was flying on a training mission crashed and he was killed. He was 25 years-old and survived by his wife, Jean, his parents, Carl and Lovella Royster, and his sisters Dorothy Jean and Vivian. This presentation will chronicle the life and military service of one our own - Lt. Tony R. Royster - a student at our university who, in answering his nation’s call to action, became an unsung and fallen hero making the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

Presenter: Barry Macha has served as general counsel for Midwestern State University (“MSU”), a component institution of Texas Tech University, since November 1, 2010. He previously served as the elected Wichita County district attorney for over 25 years (1985-2010), and twice (1998 and 2009) served as president of the Texas District & County Attorneys Association. He received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center and bachelor’s degree from MSU. Barry and his late wife, Jane (also a MSU graduate), have a daughter, Hannah (“Scout”).

MEDICARE MADE SIMPLE: UNDERSTANDING YOUR COVERAGE OPTIONS

Date/Time: Thursday, September 10 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Mindy Dodd

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when approaching eligibility or helping a loved one understand their options. This informative session is designed to simplify the Medicare enrollment process and provide a clear overview of the choices available to beneficiaries. Participants will learn about Medicare enrollment timelines, important deadlines, and the different parts of Medicare, including hospital coverage, medical coverage, prescription drug plans, and supplemental options. The presentation will also explore considerations related to dental, vision, and other health care coverage needs that may impact plan selection. In addition, attendees will be introduced to helpful tools and resources that can assist in comparing plans and evaluating coverage options based on individual health care needs. The session will highlight key factors to consider when selecting a Medicare plan and help participants better understand the terminology and decisions involved in the process. Whether you are nearing Medicare eligibility, currently enrolled and considering changes, or simply planning ahead, this class will provide practical information to help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about your Medicare choices.

Presenter: Mindy Dodd has worked for Nortex Regional Planning Commission as a Caregiver Specialist for the Area Agency on Aging of North Texas since March of 2022. In September 2022 she became a Certified Benefits Counselor as well. As the Caregiver Specialist she helps to provide short term Respite Care for family caregivers and as a benefits counselor, Mindy, also assists Medicare Beneficiaries with their Medicare questions and Part D enrollment as well as assists with applications for the Extra Help program and the Medicare Savings Program. She has been with the Area Agency on Aging for just over 4 years now.

THE PROPHET LAUGHS: COMEDY AS MODERN PROPHECY

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Brandon Hudson

We tend to think of prophets as fortune-tellers — people who saw the future coming. But that's not really what a prophet did. A prophet was a forthteller: someone who looked at the world exactly as it was and said the true thing out loud, right when the room needed to hear it. That's not a job that ended in the ancient world. It just changed clothes. This talk makes the case that stand-up comedy — and comic writing more broadly — has become one of the most important prophetic voices left in American culture. From George Carlin's word games to Richard Pryor's raw honesty, from Mark Twain's satire to Flannery O'Connor's grotesque Southern parables, comedians have been doing the prophet's work: naming what everyone senses but no one will say. We'll dig into why comedy works — the mechanics of incongruity, superiority, and relief — and what Kurt Vonnegut understood about the shapes stories are allowed to take. We'll meet some overlooked prophets too: Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Norman Lear, women who used laughter to say things television wasn't supposed to say. This isn't a lecture on comedy history — it's an invitation to see the comedians in your own life, the ones who made you laugh and then made you think, as something closer to sacred than you assumed. Expect clips, questions, and a story about a Vonnegut book eating dog.

Presenter: Brandon Hudson is a creator, storyteller, and culture thinker who has spent two decades studying what makes people — and organizations — come alive. He holds a BA in English Literature and a Master of Divinity, and spent 20 years in pastoral and nonprofit leadership before moving into HR leadership and, eventually, into the work he does now: developing leader and culture programs for the Texas Tech University System with an emphasis on MSU Texas. Along the way, he's picked up a few other identities: Enneagram educator, musician, fiction writer, and self-described robotics enthusiast. He's fascinated by comedy, art, and the strange places where big ideas hide in plain sight. Brandon brings a conversational, warm, and occasionally irreverent voice to serious subjects. He loves exploring concepts alongside groups, uncovering new ideas and insights together.

WFMA/MSU LLC WORKSHOP #1

FELTING

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 16 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Jennifer McLarty

MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS THROUGH ITS ARCHITECTURE

Date/Time: Thursday, September 17 at 10am

Presenter: Joe Ross

Take a closer look at the history, beauty, and design of the Midwestern State University Texas campus through the stories told by its buildings. This presentation explores the architectural styles found across campus, from its earliest structures to more modern additions, and examines how each reflects the University's growth, mission, and evolving identity. Learn about the inspiration behind iconic buildings, the architects who helped shape the campus, and the unique features that make MSU Texas one of the most distinctive university campuses in the region. Whether you are a longtime member of the Wichita Falls community, an MSU Texas alumnus, or simply interested in architecture and local history, this class offers a fascinating new perspective on a familiar place.

Presenter: Joe Ross is a practicing architect in Wichita Falls and is active in the design of workplaces, civic buildings, schools, and residences in north Texas. Joe studied architecture at Texas Tech and Harvard before starting his practice in Wichita Falls. Joe and Kimberly Ross live in Wichita Falls with their two children, Elizabeth and Henry.

VIOLENCE AND DEATH IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Date/Time: Thursday, September 17 and 24 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Ziegler

*Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

There is no such thing as the Middle Ages, especially for those who lived in the medium aevum that spanned the period between the ‘fall of Rome’ and the rise of the Italian Renaissance. And yet, in our collective cultural imagination, the phase, ‘The Middle Ages’, conjures notions of a dark, damp, backward period in which all advancement halted. Never would the peasants and barbarian kings live up to the ideals of the long-gone Roman past, and never would these same religiously-oriented peoples achieve the developments brought by the ‘secular’ Renaissance. These were the people who locked women away in castle towers, who bled people dry because they lacked any medical advancement, and who never bathed. Such descriptions exist and are perpetuated because we have allowed them to take shape, to persist, often favoring the fables for the truth. The purpose of this four-part course (two courses in the fall and two in the spring) is to tackle some more of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the Middle Ages in order to understand from where they come, why they emerged, and about what we may learn—both of the people who lived the myth as well as the people who created it. This series will be in two parts. In the fall, we will explore violence and death through an exploration of the Crusades and the Black Death. In the spring, we turn to innovation and will examine universities, education, and architecture. This series continues the quest to understand why people perpetuate such blatant myths regarding the Middle Ages.

Presenter: Tiffany A. Ziegler is the Graduate Dean of the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School and a Full Professor of History at Midwestern State University. She received a B.A. from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska (2003), a M.A. from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas (2005), and a Ph.D. from the University Missouri in Columbia, Missouri (2010). Dr. Ziegler’s areas of expertise include the Middle Ages, the Crusades, Vikings, Greece and Rome, World History, Women, and Renaissance and Reformation Europe. Her research interests include Saint John hospital, urban society, medieval health care, the history of charity, and women. She is the author of the book Medieval Healthcare and the Rise of Charitable Institution: The History of the Municipal Hospital. Dr. Ziegler’s forthcoming manuscript (Brepols), The Hospital Sisters: Gender, Power, and Communities of Care in Medieval Europe, explores the lives and deeds of some feisty and persistent nuns.

Museums 101

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22 at 10am

Presenter: Dr. Matt Bailey

What do museums do? Where do they come from and why do we have them? How do they operate? What are their most pressing concerns? In this talk, we’ll discuss these questions and more, exploring the history and purpose of museums, how they work and who runs them, and the political, ethical, and philosophical issues that drive museums today.

Presenter: Dr. Bailey earned a BFA from the University of Kansas and an MA and PhD in art history from Washington University in St. Louis. He has worked with several museums since 2001, when he was a Katzenberger Intern for the Smithsonian American Art Museum, including the Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, Kansas, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in Saint Louis, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. He was also an inaugural Tyson Scholar at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art from 2012-2013. Dr. Bailey also has over twenty years of teaching experience. Most recently, he served as Gallery Director for the UAFS Gallery of Art and Design and Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, where he staged over twenty exhibitions of contemporary art and taught courses in American Art and Museum Practice.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN U.S. TRADE AND SECURITY REGULATIONS, JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2026

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Richard Glenn Young

U.S. policies and regulations at the intersection of international trade and security have changed substantially over the past year. Notable changes include the end of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the escalation in U.S. sanctions on Iran-related persons as part of the Economic Fury campaign, and growing attention to Cuba and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. These changes have affected the lives of U.S. persons in numerous ways, including with respect to the prices people pay and how secure they feel, but it is difficult for people to track the many changes that have occurred. In this presentation, Richard Glen Young, co-owner and managing director of the trade consultancy SECURUS Strategic Trade Solutions, will identify and analyze important changes in U.S. policies and regulations related to international trade and security in 2026. This will include discussions of the dynamic tariff environment, controls on exports of U.S. items, sanctions, U.S. positions toward partners, competitors, and adversaries, and changes that may occur in these and other areas related to international business, trade, and security in the future.

Presenter: Richard Glen Young is a co-owner and managing director of SECURUS Strategic Trade Solutions, LLC, a Texas-based consultancy that provides businesses and governments with information, training, and guidance on global developments at the intersection of trade and security. Young specializes in international trade legal and regulatory development, nonproliferation, and illicit trafficking in weapons and related items in the former Soviet Union, Southeastern Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa. He has worked in international trade and security and consulting for over 20 years. Young has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Midwestern State University and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia.

FIELD TRIP: FORT SILL

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 23

*Limit 44 people*

Join us for an engaging journey through more than 150 years of American military history at the Fort Sill Museums in Lawton, Oklahoma. Home to one of the nation's most significant collections of U.S. Army Field Artillery artifacts, Fort Sill has played a vital role in military training and national defense since 1869.During our guided visit, we will explore fascinating museum exhibits featuring historic artillery pieces, military vehicles, uniforms, photographs, and personal stories that bring history to life. We will also visit several preserved historic buildings on the post, including the quarters once occupied by notable military leaders and the site where the famed Apache leader Geronimo spent his final years as a prisoner of war. Whether you have a passion for military history or simply enjoy discovering important landmarks in our region, this educational day trip offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Oklahoma's most historic military installations.

THERE IS NO CLASS ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 AT 10AM.

CLASSES RESUME IN THE AFTERNOON AT 1:30PM

FROM MENTORS TO RIVALS: A HISTORY OF THE WORLD CUP RIVALRY BETWEEN ENGLAND AND ARGENTINA

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 29 at 10AM

Presenter: Brandon Blakeslee

In 1893 the Scottish headmaster Alexander Watson Hutton created the Argentine Football Association to coordinate a football (soccer league) among English high schools in Argentina. England than is credited with introducing football to Argentina. Fast forward to today, England versus Argentina is one of the greatest rivalries in World Cup History. The countries have met each other in two highly charged matches where the winner of the match went on to win the World Cup. This course will track the development of the rivalry between the two notable soccer nations and how rivalries bind the rivals together. I will touch of the development of the World Cup from humble origins to the global phenomenon it is today. I will also talk about how soccer went for an English game to Argentina’s national game. Finally, I will talk about the role sports play in societies.

Presenter: Brandon Blakeslee is a professor of Latin American history and has taught at MSU for the last four years. He focuses on the role sports play in the development of national identity especially in Colombia. He has a wife and nine-month-old son (who was born right here in Wichita Falls). This will be his fourth presentation at the LLC and you guys are always his best and most attentive class.

FUNGI: THE THIRD KINGDOM OF LIFE

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 30 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dr. James Masuoka

*Please note the day of this class*

Fungi have been a part of human culture—in our myths and in our diet—for millennia. Fungi play critical ecological roles in recycling dead organic matter, particularly wood. Until the advent of microbiological and biochemical studies able to describe cellular structures and processes, fungi were all included in the Plant Kingdom. This presentation will provide a survey of the diversity of fungi, their biology, and their roles in the environment. We will see what makes these organisms unique and deserving of their own taxonomic kingdom.

Presenter: Dr. James Masuoka is a Professor of Biology at Midwestern State University. He earned his BS degree in Microbiology from Montana State University. He completed his PhD in Biology with Paul Saltman at UCSD characterizing trace metal binding to blood proteins. Post-doctoral research in Kevin Hazen’s lab at the University of Virginia Medical Center focused on Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans. He joined the faculty at MSU in 2007. Dr. Masuoka’s current research interests extend his post-doctoral work on C. albicans to include the effect of human signaling molecules such as serotonin on C. albicans cell surface properties. Since joining the faculty at MSU, he broadened his research efforts with undergraduate and graduate students to include characterizing bacterial-fungal interactions, identifying microbial symbionts of native Texas plants, and determining the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and other virulence factors in bacteria isolated from local water systems.

YOUR CELL PHONE IS STALKING YOU

Date/Time: Thursday, October 1 at 10am

Presenter: Ken Wyrick

This course is designed to help cellphone users take control of their device. It will provide helpful hints for maintaining privacy, security, scam avoidance, as well as practical tips to get around your device and change the settings for your particular needs. We'll cover topics such as: Password management, multi-factor authentication, Artificial Intelligence usage and dangers.

Presenter: Ken Wyrick is a 22-year Army veteran that transitioned to a second career as an IT Specialist with the U.S. Department of State. His work at numerous embassies and consulates around the world included, not only the implementation and security of all cellular communications, but also radio, satellite, telephone, computer networks, and mail communications. He and his wife retired to Wichita Falls in November of 2025. hey have one son who has also moved to Wichita Falls to be near his retired but active parents.

US GRANT: A HISTORICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Date/Time: Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dr. Rick Redd

*Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

This 4-part series on GEN Ulysses S Grant will assess his life from both historical and psychological perspectives. We will explore the some of the factors which shaped Grant’s character and his style of leadership as an officer in the United States Army and as the 18^th US president.

Part I: The Early Years (1822-1861)
Part II: The Civil War (1861-1865)
Part III: Post-war years and his election as the 18^th US president (1865-1877) Part IV: Grant’s Legacy to our country (1877-1885).

Presenter: This is the third year that Dr. Redd has had the honor of speaking with the Lifelong Learning group from Wichita Falls. In the past, the group has explored health and wellness, as well as the United States Military Academy at West Point and its Honor Code. Today, they will begin to explore GEN US Grant together. This experience has been as valuable and as much fun for the presenter as it has hopefully been for the participants. The members are to be congratulated for their persistence and curiosity in considering new mental “territory,” and for being willing to challenge themselves with new ideas. Rick has always been a bit of a maverick, both physically and mentally. Never blessed with great size or height, he adapted to sports like wrestling and shooting (instead of football or basketball) in order to blaze an individual trail. Once success was found there, it became rather easy to adapt mentally as well. He grew to love studying and questioned everything. It quickly became clear that things of the heart and mind were not dependent on size either. As always, participants will probably not agree with everything he says. That is to be expected and welcomed. They are encouraged to think about these “points of divergence” and use their own resourcefulness and ingenuity to discover more novel and even better ways to express the concept or idea. They are invited to share those thoughts with the group. In that way, everyone “wins.” Dr. Redd looks forward to spending time together over the next four weeks, and beyond…

LARRY MCMURTRY’S THE LAST PICTURE SHOW: A LOOK BACK TO BOTH THE NOVEL & FILM

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 6 at 10am

Presenter: Dr. Greg Giddings

Never one to toot his own literary horn, Larry McMurtry attributed much of his literary success, which was substantial, to the fact that his novels made good movies. And that claim is certainly underscored with The Last Picture Show. My presentation will revisit the 1966 novel, including its obvious flaws, as well as the making and reception of the essentially flawless 1971 Academy Award-winning film. Though McMurtry died in 2021 at the age of 84, two well received biographies have recently been published on his amazing life and achievements, and these reminisces have only invigorated interest in Texas’s most famous author. I will attempt to synthesize much of this recent information, and my presentation will also feature stories that I heard growing up in Archer County, where I walked the same school halls and drove the same dirt roads as Archer City’s favorite son.

Presenter: Associate Professor of English Greg Giddings has taught at MSU Texas for over twenty-five years. An Americanist, Professor Giddings’s scholarly interests lie primarily with southern and southwestern authors, and he has published articles on Pat Conroy, William Faulkner, and Larry McMurtry. Dr. Giddings also enjoys scholarly discussions on popular culture, recently attending conferences that focused on Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles. A previous lecturer with the LLC, Professor Giddings relishes the opportunity to share his knowledge of local authors with Life Long Learners.

MOVIE: THE LAST PICTURE SHOW

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 6 at 1:30pm

*Popcorn will be served*

LOOKING BACK: TERRIBLE TUESDAY

Date/Time: Thursday, October 8 at 10am

Presenter: Becky Trammel

Wichita Falls, Texas, has a documented history of tornado activity. The first recorded Wichita Falls tornado occurred in 1888 with livestock and barns damaged, estimated as an F-2 on the Fugita Scale. (The Fugita Scale grades the severity of a tornado based on damage surveys after a tornado.) A more destructive tornado occurred in 1969. An F-5 tornado struck the northwest area of Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, killing 7, injuring 111, and causing 15 million dollars in damage. Tuesday, April 10, 1979, started out as any day in Wichita Falls. Children went to school and people went to work. At approximately 5:50 pm, just before the local news started, a supercell thunderstorm located near Holliday, Texas intensified. The unsuspecting citizens of Wichita Falls didn’t know their lives and city would soon change. April 10, 1979 would forever be remembered as Terrible Tuesday.

Presenter: In 2010, Becky Gellner Trammell walked into the Wichita County Archives looking for Lita Watson, the Wichita County Archivist. She did not realize at the time she would still be there over fifteen years later, serving as the marker chair and later, co-chair of the Wichita County Historical Commission. Becky and Lita Watson worked on a re-publication of the book, Pioneers Remember. Elizabeth Hawley and Becky have co-edited and written two books, Historical Markers of Wichita County and Women of Wichita County, Texas – Stories About Remarkable Women. Becky is a graduate of Midwestern State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and the University of Texas at Tyler. She received her doctorate from the University of North Texas.

FIELD TRIP: BLUE OSTRICH WINERY

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 13

*Limit 44 people*

Escape to the scenic countryside of North Texas as we travel to the charming town of Saint Jo for a relaxing day at the beautiful Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard. Nestled among rolling vineyards and known for its award-winning Texas wines, this unique destination began as one of the Southwest's largest ostrich ranches and still pays tribute to its fascinating history. Guests will enjoy learning about the winery's story, the winemaking process, and what makes North Texas an exceptional region for producing fine wines. We will also gather for a delicious lunch while taking in the beautiful vineyard views. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a delightful day trip with friends, this outing promises wonderful scenery, great food, and a memorable experience.

WFMA/MSU LLC WORKSHOP #2

CROCHET

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 14, 21, 28 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Jennifer McLarty

*Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

LIFE’S BETTER OUTSIDE!

Date/Time: Thursday, October 15 at 10am

Presenter: Penny Miller

Texas Parks and Wildlife slogan is not just a catchy phrase to encourage people to visit state parks, but is a prescription for health. Physicians and mental health professionals are increasingly giving their patients a nature prescription to address a variety of health issues, especially for children. It isn't necessary to spend hours outside or going on rugged hikes to reap the benefits. Let's evaluate the evidence and prescribe ourselves some self-care.

Presenter: Penny Miller has had a lifelong interest in nature. As a child she would spend hours turning over rocks and watching, studying, and bringing home a variety of living things. Sometimes with hilarious outcomes She has a degree in Biology from Purdue University and although the Air Force had other plans for her professionally, she has remained curious about nature and active in many related organizations throughout her life. An avid birdwatcher, Penny enjoys sharing her love or the outdoors, especially birds, with others through the Texas Master Naturalist program.

THE OLDEST STORY IN THE WORLD—1800 B.C.

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20 and Thursday, October 22 at 10am

Presenter: David Wolverton

*Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

When most people think of ancient heroic literature, they immediately recall Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey or Virgil’s later Aeneid. This course turns to a work far older—one that stands at the very dawn of world literature. Composed more than a thousand years before Homer and already ancient during the formation of the Hebrew Bible, The Epic of Gilgamesh offers a rare window into humanity’s earliest storytelling. Although the epic is roughly 4,000 years old, it remained unknown to the modern world until its dramatic rediscovery in the mid‑19th century. While the tale of that discovery is fascinating in its own right, our focus will be on the epic itself: Gilgamesh’s sweeping journey of self‑discovery. Through themes of friendship, mortality, power, ethics, suffering, and the search for meaning, the work explores what it means to be human. Despite its profound philosophical depth, The Epic of Gilgamesh is also lively, humorous, and filled with wonderfully unexpected dialogue. Participants can expect a rich blend of insight, storytelling, and enjoyment.

Presenter: David Wolverton served on the founding council of the Lifelong Learning Center, established in 2018 by MSU President Dr. Suzanne Shipley. Eight years later, he remains both amazed and proud of the program’s growth. As an active presenter, he has contributed courses such as The Documentary Hypothesis of the Hebrew Bible, The Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, The Nag Hammadi Scrolls and the Battle for Christian Orthodoxy, and an earlier version of The Epic of Gilgamesh. When asked why his courses often explore obscure corners of antiquity, David explains: “I enjoy the research and love introducing audiences to remarkable but little‑known histories and stories. The settings may be ancient, but the people are the same fallible human beings they have always been.”

HOMEMAKING AND HASHTAGS: PERFORMING DOMESTICITY PAST AND PRESENT

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dr. Melissa Nivens

Long before #tradwife began trending on social media, American culture had largely assigned homemaking to the private domestic sphere. Yet for more than a century, women have worked to elevate the labor of home and family into something with broader cultural significance. Catherine Beecher framed household management as a moral calling essential to the nation's future. Ellen Richards reimagined the home as a scientific laboratory where sanitation and nutrition could improve public health. Julia Child brought French cooking into American living rooms, while Martha Stewart transformed homemaking into a media empire. Together, these women demonstrate that domestic labor has long been performed in public spaces. This presentation traces the evolving rhetoric of domesticity through advice columns, cookbooks, television, and today's social media influencers. By examining how homemaking has been framed as virtue, expertise, entrepreneurship, and identity, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how ideas about gender, work, and domestic life continue to shape American culture.

Presenter: Dr. Melissa Nivens is MSU’s Associate Vice President for Academic Innovation and Success and an Associate Professor of English. She is a North Texas native who grew up in Wise County and currently lives in Alvord with her husband of 26 years and their daughter, a recent graduate of Texas Tech University. Dr. Nivens came to Midwestern State University in 2013 after teaching high school English in Alvord for 13 years. Her research interests include student success, first-year writing, composition pedagogy, and feminist rhetoric. She earned all three of her degrees from East Texas A&M in Commerce, Texas.

NOBODY TOLD YOU TO STOP MAKING ART: CREATIVITY, PRESENCE, & CLARITY AT ANY AGE
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 27 at 10am

Presenter: Brandon Hudson

Somewhere along the way, most of us were told art was for children or for the gifted, and the rest of us should get back to something "productive." New neuroscience says that was bad advice — and it may have cost us more than we realized. Drawing on the research behind Your Brain on Art and Adam Grant's Originals, this talk explores what's actually happening in the brain when we make something, or simply stop long enough to really look at something someone else made. The findings are striking: engaging with art doesn't just feel good, it appears to slow cognitive aging, sharpen problem-solving, and build exactly the kind of flexible, original thinking that makes people better leaders — at any age, in any season of life. We'll spend time with two unlikely case studies: Jacob Collier, a musician who treats melody and harmony like a playground, and OK Go, a band better known for elaborate music videos than radio hits. Neither requires prior fandom — the wonder lands on first viewing, and that's exactly the point. This talk isn't about becoming an artist. It's about reclaiming a capacity you already have, and understanding why using it might be one of the smartest things you do for your mind, your leadership, and your life going forward. Come ready to watch, wonder, and maybe pick up a paintbrush again.

ANOTHER WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: US-ISRAEL WAR WITH IRAN

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 29 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dr. Mohsen Jalali

*Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

On February 28, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of Operation Epic Fury, undertaken in coordination with Israel. The stated objectives were to overthrow the Iranian regime and destroy Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities. The war itself began after only a brief military buildup in the Middle East. While the United States and Iran were engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, mediators in Geneva and Oman, together with British representatives, continued to report progress and the possibility of compromise. Against this backdrop, the outbreak of war came as a surprise. What made this war particularly different from previous American wars in the Middle East was that the administration made little effort to build a political consensus before launching it. Neither the public nor many politicians had anticipated the decision, and from the outset the war proved unpopular, especially because it was initiated by a president who had campaigned on ending America’s “endless wars” in the Middle East. The central question guiding these two lectures is this: How did a president who campaigned against endless wars come to initiate one of the region’s largest military conflicts shortly after assuming office? To answer this question, we will consider several related ones: What prompted the war? What were its principal objectives? Who were the pro-war and anti-war forces in Washington? Who are the winners and losers of the conflict? And what does this war reveal about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and beyond?

Presenter: Mohsen Jalali is an Assistant Professor in Political Science at Midwestern State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a BA and MA in Philosophy from the University of Tehran. He teaches courses on Middle East Politics, Political Conspiracies, Global Studies, and Political Corruption.

MURDER, MYSTERY, AND THE LEGEND OF WITCHES GATE

Date/Time: Thursday, October 29 at 10am

Presenter: Dr. Pam Morgan

Perched on the lonely plains outside of Wichita Falls, the Ranch Circle H—better known as “Witches Gate”—has become one of North Texas’ most chilling legends. What was once an elegant ranch home was forever altered in 1975 by a brutal robbery that ended in murder, leaving behind tragedy, unanswered questions, and whispers of hidden treasure. Over the decades, stories of restless spirits, mysterious lights, and eerie encounters transformed the ruins into a place where history and legend collide. Today, Witches Gate remains a source of fascination for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike—join us for an unraveling of the facts from fiction, as we revisit this fascinating piece of local folklore.

Presenter: Dr. Pamela Morgan has worked in higher education for 37 years and recently retired as Director of Distance Education & Academic Outreach at Midwestern State University. Dr. Morgan has taught in the fields of communications, education, business, and integrated technology for MSU and the University of North Texas and she continues to teach today. Pam was raised and educated in Wichita Falls, Texas, attending City View and Hirschi High School before enrolling in Midwestern State University for her bachelor's degree. She then attended UNT for her Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Pam has co-authored and authored articles and was a contributing writer on the book Women of Wichita County, Texas: Stories About Remarkable Women. Dr. Morgan has presented at conferences, events, and special lectures throughout her career. She has served on numerous university and community committees and enjoys being involved. Pam has two grown children, Rustin and Rachel, and she and her husband Mike live in Lakeside City, Texas, where she serves on the City Council. She enjoys researching and writing about history, reading, gardening, exploring, antiques, shooting, meandering, and being outdoors.

BIRDS IN MYTHOLOGY AND ART

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 3 at 10am

Presenter: Penny Miller

The connection between birds and people has been a close one in history. Our fascination with birds' ability to fly and some of their behaviors led our ancestors to ascribe them with certain powers or traits important to their survival. Whether bringing messages from the gods or foretelling disaster or good fortunes, birds have been an important part of our history and art. In this session, we'll explore some of the interesting stories and symbols in mythology and art.

THE TEXAS KANGAROO RAT (DIPODOMYS ELATOR): TEXOMA’S ENDANGERED MAMMAL

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 3 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Joel Brant

First recognized in 1894, the Texas Kangaroo Rat has been an elusive component of the mammalian fauna of Texoma. Since 1982 the US Fish & Wildlife Service has recognized the imperiled condition of this species but did not possess sufficient information regarding the species to construct a conservation plan. Since 2011 researchers have been studying the status of this species in order to determine a suitable conservation strategy for the preservation of this species. This course will explore the history of the Texas Kangaroo Rat in Texoma, the biological context in which this species lives, and the conservation efforts currently being explored to preserve this species.

Presenter: Dr. Joel Brant is currently a Professor of Biology & the Department Chair for Biology at Midwestern State University. Trained as a field mammalogists, Dr. Brant is most at home in the wilds of western Texas exploring the faunal diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert & the Southern Rolling Plains. A specialist in rodent community ecology, Dr. Brant dabbles in herpetology (amphibians & reptiles), ornithology (birds), & wildlife photography.

THE VIETNAM WAR: HISTORY COMBAT AND LASTING IMPACT

Date/Time: Thursday, November 5 and 12 at 10am

Presenter: Robert Palmer

Please note that this is the only catalog entry for these classes*

Join Robert Palmer for a two-part exploration of the Vietnam War, examining both the realities of the conflict and its enduring effects on American society. Drawing on his experience as an active-duty U.S. Army officer from 1967–1969, Palmer will separate historical fact from common misconceptions while discussing military training, weapons, and the realities of combat during the war. In the second session, he will examine the war's far-reaching impact on the United States, including its influence on American society, public opinion, and future military planning. This course offers a thoughtful look at one of the most significant and complex conflicts in modern American history.

Presenter: Robert Palmer is a lifelong resident of Wichita County, Texas, where he grew up on his family’s farm along the Red River. A graduate of Electra High School, he was active in athletics and served as Student Council President. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in History and Biology from Midwestern University and a master’s degree from Midwestern State University, later obtaining certifications in Mid-Management and School Superintendency. Palmer served as a U.S. Army officer from 1967 to 1969 and taught for seven years at Electra High School. He went on to serve as principal of First Ward Elementary and Electra Junior High, then as Assistant Superintendent at Iowa Park CISD for 15 years, also serving as Interim High School Principal and Superintendent. Additionally, he worked as a College Field Supervisor for Midwestern State University, Texas A&M, West Texas A&M, and Angelo State University, retiring after 52 years in public education. A dedicated historian, Palmer has been a member of the Wichita County Historical Commission for 43 years and has served as Chairman for 15 years. He has written 150 columns for the Commission’s newsletter and edited two historical books: Electra: A Story of People and Events and Electra 100 – A Classic Texas Story. Robert has been married to his wife Dorothy for 57 years. They have one son, Dr. Bruce Palmer, a daughter-in-law, Chondra, and two grandsons. He continues to farm the family property, which has been in the family for 117 years, and has traveled extensively to China, England, Germany, Israel, Argentina, and on safari in Botswana, Africa.

THE WING GIVER-A REVERENT FAIRY TALE

Presenter: Jane Spears Carnes

Date/Time: Thursday, November 5 at 1:30pm

“The time has come to speak of many things.” So says the Walrus in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In this discussion, we have an artist, memoirist, and fantasy writer, Jane Spears Carnes, revealing a few of those “many things” as she lifts her head into clouds of imagination to merge her real-life adventures, painful reality, Biblical truths, and personal convictions into an engaging series of narratives she calls her “reverent fairy tale.” One of the many things she explores is the possibility of transformation, saying: “Ultimately, we learn that life offers us the Opportunity to put the hurtful past behind and start over, one deep, glorious breath as a time Another is to explore the beauty and the heartache of being human under the watch-care of a perfect and powerful God…One who isn’t just way up there somewhere in the sky, but always close…a God who may not always appear to be rational or understandable but whose love is profound, dependable, and eternal. The Wing Giver is a collection of stories written over a period of years when the author would regularly leave her city home and fine arts gallery to spend long weekends at her farm. Previous trials and tribulations plus a number of transforming events helped fill her with a mystical sense of the Divine, leading to a change in the direction of her life as well as to a mélange of fictional characters she meets along the way in narratives. Join the author as she goes forward to “Sing to God, sing in praise of His name; extol Him who rides the clouds; rejoice before Him…His name is the Lord.” -Psalms 68:3-4

Presenter: Jane Carnes has been an art teacher herself. She previously owned an art gallery and gave lessons to children. After the gallery closed, she taught art to adults in her home and now writes. “I realized how critical it was to have time and solitude to work,” Carnes said. “It’s crucial to have time to block out the world so you can focus.” A longtime supporter of all the arts in Wichita Falls, Carnes has served on boards for the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU Texas. She also served on the MSU Texas Board of Regents from 2008-2014.

CITY OF WICHITA FALLS UPDATE

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 10 at 10am

Presenter: Mayor Tim Short

Stay informed about the latest developments shaping the City of Wichita Falls in this timely and engaging community update. Topics will include the final 2026 City budget, the latest progress on Lake Ringgold, economic development initiatives, and updates from Sheppard AFB. This interactive discussion encourages audience participation, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversation about issues that impact our community.

Presenter: Tim Short, an active community leader and business owner for over 25 years, is the current Mayor of Wichita Falls. Tim is a product of West Texas, graduating from Shallowater High School and then Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications in 1988. The first in his family to graduate from college. Tim chose Wichita Falls to grow his family and his State Farm agency in 1999. Tim has been very active in the Wichita Falls Kiwanis Club (3 times serving as President), Hands to Hands Community Fund (2 times serving as Board Chairman), the 100 Club (President 2 times), coached Little League Baseball for 10 years and has served as a volunteer and board member for Meals on Wheels for the last 14 years. Tim and his family are members of Grace Church. Tim and Kerri Norman Short were married in 1991. Kerri is a long-time early education teacher at Christ Academy. They have one son, Parker, who graduated from Rider High School and Midwestern State University and received an MBA from Texas Tech. He is now a graduate of PA School and has completed his Doctor of Medical Science from Butler University. He practices Family Medicine at URPG in Wichita Falls. He is married to Macie Miller Short, a Midwestern State University graduate. Tim’s strategic goals as Mayor focus on securing a generational water source, Economic Development of our city, opportunities for the city and private businesses to work together, and transparency.

WFMA EXHIBITIONS TALK AND GALLERY TOUR

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 10 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Matt Bailey

In this session, we’ll explore the WFMA’s Fall 2026 exhibitions, examining their themes and highlights along with the principles and philosophies that drove their curation. Then, we’ll take a tour of the galleries, analyzing the exhibitions and select works in person as well as cultivating our important skills of visual analysis through slow, patient looking—a lost yet wanted practice in today’s world!

MY RUNNING LIFE

Date/Time: Thursday, November 12 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dick Crislip

In this presentation, Dick Crislip will relate his journey from being told he could never run again to becoming a marathoner. He will relate his experiences in training and carbo loading, speak of some unusual races he encountered, as well as his most memorable moments in marathoning. The history of some of the marathons will be covered, as well as why the marathon distance is 26.2 miles. Pedestrianism, a distance walking sport of the early 1900's, will be discussed, as well as how women were once barred from marathons and how the first woman got into the Boston Marathon.

Presenter: Dick Crislip doesn't claim to be a great runner. He never set any records. But he ran more than most people. He began running at age 36 and logged over 30,000 miles and completed 45 marathons, including Boston, New York, and Pikes Peak. He also ran a 50-mile race in Chicago and a 40-mile race in Tennessee, and was on the winning military team of the Texas Sesquicentennial Triathlon. Dick is retired from the Air Force and the Wichita Falls State Hospital. He has a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master's and Education Specialist degree in Counseling from Troy State University.

THE POLITICS OF BARBEQUE: HOW SMOKE, MEAT, AND FIRE HELPED SHAPE AMERICA

Date/Time: Monday, November 16 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Dr. Jeremy Duff

*Please note the day of this class*

Barbecue is more than just great food—it's woven into the fabric of American history and politics. From colonial election rallies and presidential cookouts to cattle drives, immigration, and regional rivalries, barbecue has helped bring communities together and even influence political culture. Take a look at how one of America's favorite culinary traditions tells the story of our nation's history, identity, and politics. Whether you're a history buff, a barbecue enthusiast, or simply curious about the surprising connections between food and government, you'll leave with a new appreciation for what happens around the pit.

Presenter: Dr. Jeremy Duff is the Associate Vice President of Accreditation and Planning and an associate professor of Political Science at Midwestern State University. He has been teaching at MSU Texas for 18 years. He earned a bachelors in Political Science at Texas A&M University and a masters and Ph.D. in Political Science from Michigan State University. Since 2016, he has been in charge of SACSCOC Accreditation at MSU. He has also served on the Board of Commissioners for the City of Burkburnett. Dr. Duff and his wife Tracy reside in Burkburnett with their two children, Lydia and Ryan.

THE SIX LOVES OF SCRIPTURE: CONCLUSION

Presenter: Dr. Dave Hartman

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 17 at 10am

Three semesters ago, we considered the first two: Theocentrism and eros. Theocentrism is a belief that the first formative love is of God for God as encompassed in the uniquely Christian mystery of the Trinity, in which God is revealed as “Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. We considered how the Trinitarian perspective differs from the other great monotheistic religions of Judaism and Islam, how it derives from the teachings of Jesus (most notably the baptismal commandment the resurrected Christ gave to his disciples in Matthew 28.19), and how the Trinity may also be discerned in the Creation accounts of Genesis 1.1-3 and the opening verses of the Gospel of John (1.1-5). The second love we considered was that of eros, which traditionally originates in deep physical desire between a man and a woman. We talked about how that love could possibly lead to the sacrament of marriage and the creation of new human life. The distinction was drawn between eros, in which the dignity of each person is honored in a covenantal relationship, and simple lust, in which the worth of the other could be reduced to that of a pleasurable (and disposable) commodity. We also looked at a variety of Biblical man-woman relationships, notably Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Hagar, David and Bathsheba, and Mary and Joseph. Two semesters ago, we considered the third great love, storge, the love between parent and child, which also includes adoptive relationships and the deep affection between grandparents and grandchildren. That class incorporated many personal memories of the instructor. This semester will address the final three loves of scripture:

Philia: Brotherly, sisterly, or friendly love. This is the love with the fewest illusions, but also the one which usually involves the longest relationship between, or among, persons.

Patria: Love of country, or homeland, from which the word “patriotism” derives.

Agape: The divine love that pours from God into persons and then overflows to encompass others who, prior to the love’s manifestation, may not even be known to the giver, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Agape is unique among the loves in that it is not necessarily motivated by feelings, but by actions, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 25: “I was hungry, and you fed me, naked and you clothed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink, sick and you cared for me, in prison and you came to me, a stranger and you welcomed me.” It is from the Greek word agape that the Latin word caritas derives, from which we get the English word charity. All three classes incorporated scripture, personal anecdotes, and the insights of class members.

HISTORY OF FLOODS AND FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS IN WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 17 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Tyson Traw

This course will cover a summary of the historical record of flooding events in Wichita Falls, Texas and the corresponding flood control projects that were pursued by the community. Additional topics will include both present and future flood mitigation efforts being implemented by the City of Wichita Falls and potential partners.

Presenter: Tyson Traw, P.E. is a licensed professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering. After 18 years in private practice, he joined the City of Wichita Falls, where he currently serves as Director of Engineering and Solid Waste. Mr. Traw holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis in water resources, from the University of Oklahoma. Raised in rural eastern Oklahoma by parents who were public school educators, Mr. Traw developed an early appreciation for public service. His formative experiences—including working summers at a local water department—helped shape his commitment to serving communities, a passion he now fulfills in his role with the City of Wichita Falls. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mr. Traw enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their three daughters. He is also an avid outdoorsman who appreciates time spent afield with fine bird dogs and horses while enjoying the company of friends.

WFMA/MSU LLC WORKSHOP #3

CHRISTMAS

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 18 at 1:30pm

Presenter: Jennifer McLarty

MOVIE: VERTIGO

Date/Time: Thursday, November 19 at 10am

*Popcorn will be served*

Luncheon following movie.

++++++++++++++

VERTIGO: A JOURNEY INTO OBSESSION AND ILLUSION

Date/Time: Thursday, November 19 following luncheon

Presenter: Steve Tucker

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece Vertigo is much more than a classic mystery thriller; it is a deep dive into the dark side of romantic obsession. This cinematic analysis explores how Hitchcock uses clever camera tricks, color, and set design to show the main character, Scottie, losing his grip on reality. This presentation breaks down the famous opening title sequence with its hypnotic spirals, explains why Scottie's movements across the screen hint that he is trapped in the past, and looks at the ultimate tragedy of him falling in love with a woman who never really existed. By contrasting the bright, safe world of Scottie's friend Midge with the deadly, manufactured trap set by the villainous Gavin Elster, this study shows how Hitchcock created a brilliant psychological puzzle where no one is exactly who they seem.

Presenter: Steve Tucker, an actual native-born Wichitan, began and ended his formal college experiences at Midwestern. After starting his academic journey here, he embarked on a whirlwind tour of seven other universities, collecting transcripts like souvenirs. This educational odyssey resulted in two master's degrees and enough credit hours to qualify for multiple majors. Steve subscribes to the philosophy of “knowledge is power,” but with a healthy dose of “why pick one area of expertise when you can be vaguely familiar with almost nothing?”

FIELD TRIP: GRAPEVINE, TX HISTORICAL TOUR

Date/Time: Thursday, December 3 at 7:30am

*Limit 44 people*

*Members who were scheduled to attend this trip last year will be given first priority when registration opens*

Travel to historic Grapevine, Texas, for a day filled with fascinating history, delicious food, and small-town charm. Our visit begins with a guided tour exploring the colorful exploits of the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde and their connections to North Texas. We'll also discover the rich history of Grapevine, beginning in 1843 when President Sam Houston of the Republic of Texas met with local tribal leaders on the Grapevine Prairie to negotiate a treaty that helped shape the region's future. After our historical tour, enjoy lunch and free time to stroll the beautifully restored Historic Main Street, where you'll find unique boutiques, specialty shops, and inviting local wineries offering tastings in a relaxed setting.

MSU Lifelong Learning Center Christmas Party and Lights Tour

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 8 at 5:30pm

Celebrate the holiday season with your friends at the MSU Texas Lifelong Learning Center! Enjoy a festive Christmas party complete with delicious holiday treats, seasonal cheer, and great company before boarding the Polar Express for a tour of some of the area's most beautiful Christmas light displays. This annual holiday tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the season together.

Lifelong Learning Center Catalog