Fall Term 2026

Week of October 26

Zoom links for online-only and hybrid classes are in the weekly newsletter. They can also be obtained by contacting the ALL Program Coordinator.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026  –  Hybrid
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Making Change from the Inside: Lessons from Local Government
Presented by Charles Maughan, Corvallis Mayor, and Gabe Shepherd, Benton County Commissioner
Moderated by Mark Henkels, Prof: Politics, Public Policy, and Administration

What happens when ideals meet the realities of governing? Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan and Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd will discuss the experience of public service, the opportunities and constraints facing local elected officials, and how citizens and institutions work together to shape the future of Corvallis and Benton County.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026  – In Person only; this presentation will not be recorded
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Homo Sapiens: A Natural History [Part 1] 
Presented by Dr. Jeff Hart, Naturalist and Writer

Have you ever wondered how humans came to be, where we as a species came from? Are we part of nature, or something special, apart from other life forms? Are we rational beings? What is the nature of our morality? Are we a social species that cares for one another, or self-centered primates seeking what is best for the individual? If so, then this four-part series is for you. In Part I, we explore how we became human, having evolved on the African savanna from other primates.

Thursday, October 29, 2026  –  Hybrid
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Honeybee Biology
Presented by Kurt Swenson, Retired Systems Engineer

There will be no statistics on their importance in agriculture nor lessons on how to do beekeeping. This talk is about biology. Their wings aren’t just for flying. They also use them both to heat and to cool their hives. Their antennas are like a nose and an ear. They communicate by dancing in the dark. But things will get really interesting when we talk about how they reproduce. They reproduce sexually, asexually, and socially. If you want to know what that means, you will have to come hear the talk.

DISCLAIMER: Some classes may present controversial issues which are subject to various points of view. ALL does not endorse the opinions or positions of our presenters. ALL believes the free flow of ideas contributes to the process of continued learning.