Senior University

Senior University at WSU is a peer-led set of short courses taught by WSU faculty, WSU retirees and topic experts. These classes aim to provide intellectual and cultural stimulation while promoting the fellowship of peers sharing a common quest for continued growth. 

Senior University courses are open to all adult learners in the community. You are welcome to join these classes whether you’ve had college opportunities or not.

Each non-credit course is about 4-6 weeks long with no tests, papers, or homework. The classes are about $40 each. 

Registration is required and subject to space availability. Early registration is recommended. 

Spring & Summer 2026 Classes

Register for Classes
Senior U Lite: Whale of a Time!

Instructors: Heather Casper & Kamala Nair

Start Date: Jan. 20 I 2 sessions total

Time: Tuesdays, 1:30-3pm

Location: Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Course Fee: $20

The Aging Brain

Instructor: Richard Deyo

Start Date: Feb. 4 I 5 sessions total

Time: Wednesdays, 2-4pm

Location: Phelps Hall 210

Course Fee: $40

Apocalypse Past: The Science of Mass Extinctions

Instructor: W. Lee Beatty

Start Date: March 18 I 5 sessions total

Time: Wednesdays, 2-4pm

Location: Science Laboratory Center 184

Course Fee: $40

Fizz, Funk, & Fuel: Adventures in Fermentation

Instructor: Jen Zemke

Start Date: March 26 | 5 sessions total

Time: Thursdays, 2-3:30pm

Location: Maxwell Hall 287

Course Fee: $40

Frank Capra, “Capricorn,” & Social Conscience: 5 Representative Comedies from the ’30s & ’40s

Instructor: David Robinson

Start Date: April 28 | 5 sessions total

Time: Tuesdays, 1-4pm

Locations: Pasteur Hall 237 (first class only), Science Laboratory Center Auditorium 120 (remaining classes)

Course Fee: $40

Contact the Retiree Center
WSU Retiree Center

507.457.5565

Email the Retiree Center
Office & Hours

Somsen Hall 102
175 West Mark Street
Winona, MN, 55987

Hours

Monday – Friday: 8am – 4pm

Mailing Address

Winona State University
WSU Retiree Center
PO Box 5838
Winona, MN, 55987