OLLI Bonus: Set Sail the Lifelong Learner Way! The Semester at Sea Experience (HYBRID)

Multiple Sections: Class location correlates with the section number. Please pay careful attention when registering.

• Section 001: Drake Hall
• Section 002: Online

It's a voyage, not a cruise! Learn what it's like to sail with Semester at Sea and join a global learning community as a Lifelong Learner aboard the MV World Odyssey - a floating campus that sails to 10 or more countries and cities spanning 3-4 continents over the course of a single semester. Hear from presenters who have sailed as Lifelong Learners or voyage faculty. They'll help explain why Semester at Sea is often described as a life-changing and transformative experience at any age, whether you're sailing solo, or with a friend or partner. Lifelong Learners join a multi-generational, vibrant, and welcoming shipboard community, sailing alongside undergraduate students and world-class faculty, staff, and crew on a true journey of discovery. You'll hear about (and see!) what it's like to live on a ship, what a typical Lifelong Learner day at sea might look like, the academic experience, and the program's unique appeal of four-to-five-day port stays, when voyagers enjoy opportunities to explore each destination along the ship's itinerary. Ahoy!

Vera Nicholas is a former 30+ year career diplomat who first sailed as a Lifelong Learner on the Fall 2022 voyage. This was supposed to be her retirement gift to herself, but instead, she loved the experience so much that she joined the Semester at Sea Lifelong Learning Program soon after disembarking.

Scott Denning is a world-renowned climate scientist, whose research has included extensive field work in and beyond the United States. Most recently sailing on Semester at Sea's Spring 2026 voyage as Global Studies Director, he's also a sought-after public speaker and astrophotographer, who says he spends clear moonless nights imaging the galaxy from remote dark sites in the Rocky Mountains.

Nancy Hartley has an academic and administrative career spans many years of distinguished service and achievements. Nancy has fifty years of experience working in higher education. She is a Professor and Dean Emeritus of Colorado State University serving as the former Dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences which became the College of Health and Human Sciences. Nancy has been a leading advocate for economic self-sufficiency for women and marginalized populations. She is deeply familiar with the Semester at Sea experience, having sailed as the Academic Dean for Semester at Sea on the Spring 2018, Spring 2021 (canceled due to COVID), and Spring 2023 voyages. 

Chris Melby has served as a professor at Purdue University and CSU for 43 years, and has an extensive research and teaching background, focusing on human metabolism and the role of nutrition and physical activity to reduce disease risk factors. He's lived and worked in the Middle East, Australia, and South America, and has sailed as returning Semester at Sea faculty, most recently on the Spring 2026 voyage.

Pete Seel is professor emeritus at CSU where he taught video production, photojournalism, telecommunication, and documentary history/production. A repeat voyager and faculty member with Semester at Sea (most recently on the Spring 2025 voyage), his research is focused on the global effects of new communication technologies.

Keith Williams teaches management courses at the CSU College of Business, for Semester at Sea - most recently sailing on the Fall 2025 voyage- and for a seminar abroad class in Ireland. He is a retired Human Resources professional, an active northern Colorado volunteer, and an avid bicyclist.

Notes

• Registration is required for this offering, but membership is not.