The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (OLLI at UNL) will host its fall symposium, “America at 250: Our Past, Present, and Future,” on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Nebraska East Union. The symposium is open to the public, with options to attend in person or via Zoom. The cost is $20 for in-person attendance, which includes a buffet breakfast, or $15 for virtual participation. OLLI membership is not required to attend. The registration deadline for in-person attendance is Thursday, Oct. 8.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the symposium will examine the nation's founding principles, how those ideals have been carried out over time, and what the future may hold for the country.
The morning will feature three presentations exploring the past, present and future of the United States. Eric Berger of the University of Nebraska College of Law will begin by examining the founding principles of the country and how they were expressed in the founding documents of the era.
A panel discussion featuring Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, and UNL professors Rose Holz and Gwendolyn Combs will then consider where the United States stands today in living up to its founding principles.
The symposium will conclude with former U.S. Rep. Doug Bereuter and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon offering their perspectives on the future of the country and the prospects for adhering to its founding ideals.
Featured Speakers:
Don Bacon – Don Bacon has represented Nebraska's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. Before entering Congress, he served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a brigadier general.
Douglas Bereuter – Douglas Bereuter represented Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 2004. He later served as president and CEO of The Asia Foundation, leading the organization from 2004 to 2011.
Eric Berger, J.D. – Eric Berger is a professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law whose teaching and scholarship focus on constitutional law. He has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, including being named Professor of the Year eight times.
Mindy Rush Chipman, J.D. – Mindy Rush Chipman is executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska. She has held leadership roles in civil rights, legal aid and public service, advocating for marginalized communities across Nebraska.
Rose Holz, Ph.D. – Rose Holz is associate director of Women's and Gender Studies and professor of practice at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her teaching and research focus on the history of women, sexuality, medicine and reproductive politics in the United States.
Gwendolyn Combs, Ph.D. – Gwendolyn Combs is a retired associate professor of management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is recognized for her leadership in workplace inclusion, student mentorship and human resources education.
Agenda:
8:15 a.m. – Doors open
8:30 a.m. – Buffet breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Welcome
9:15 a.m. – The Promises: Founding Fathers and Founding Documents – Eric Berger, J.D.
10:00 a.m. – Break
10:15 a.m. – The Progress: The Ways the Experiment Has Played Out – Mindy Rush Chipman, J.D.; Rose Holz, Ph.D.; Gwendolyn Combs, Ph.D.
11:15 a.m. – Break
11:30 a.m. – The Prognosis: Where Do We Go From Here – Don Bacon, U.S. House of Representatives; Doug Bereuter, former U.S. House of Representatives
12:15 p.m. – Closing statements
Register for the symposium online at https://olli.unl.edu. Everyone must sign in to an existing account or create an account to register for this event. Registration is also available by calling the OLLI office at 402-472-6265. Cancellations after the Oct. 8 registration deadline are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by UNL or OLLI.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is committed to ensuring that its events and programs are accessible to all participants. For questions about event accessibility or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Karen Case at 402-472-6265 or olli@unl.edu. To help coordinate accommodation effectively, requests should be submitted at least two weeks in advance whenever possible.
OLLI at UNL is a member-driven learning community offering non-credit courses, events and travel opportunities for adults 50 and older. OLLI provides opportunities to learn, connect and engage with others through a wide range of programs and activities. Membership is not required to attend this symposium.
