Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Texas Tech University, Highland Lakes

10/29/2026

The Craft of a Great Cup of Coffee

Sunday, November 8 | 3:00 p.m. | Numinous Coffee Roasters

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

Coffee is more than a beverage; it's a point of interest, a medium for connection, a world to explore! Come experience the magic in preparing and enjoying a good cup of coffee. We will begin with the different coffee growing regions, then explore the different varieties in coffee roast levels and the specific flavors each brings out in the bean. Later, we will discuss the best grinding and brewing processes so that you can make the best cup of coffee in your very own home. Finally, we will discuss the taste profiles of different brews of coffee.

Caleb Jones owns Numinous Coffee Roasters and gets to explore the vast world of coffee daily, stewarding the roasting and serving of coffee one cup at a time.

10/29/2026

Listen To Your Landscape

Thursday, November 5 | 1:30 p.m. | Texas Tech at Highland Lakes

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

Your landscape will tell you what it needs – all you have to do is pay attention. This course will focus on the importance of having local native plants in your landscape for resiliency, ecological health, and beauty. We will cover considerations and questions to ask yourself for a healthy landscape, identify cues that tell you what it needs or doesn’t need, offer suggestions on when to take action, and provide tips for long-term landscape sustainability and success.

Lee Marlowe is a restoration ecologist and avid native plant gardener. She serves as the sustainable landscape ecologist for the San Antonio River Authority.

10/27/2026

10/14/2026

*Bring a Friend who is a Non-Member for the Price of the Class!*

The Art of Candle Making

Wednesday, October 21 | 1:00 p.m. | The Retreat Ranch

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

This is a dynamic and fun workshop where you’ll learn the art of candle making by creating a custom scented soy wax candle using eco-friendly, specially curated ingredients. Each person will go home with an 8 oz custom candle and an invaluable experience! Bring your own snacks and drinks.

Lily Lorenz, Retreat Ranch operations manager, has been passionately crafting candles for the past three years under the mentorship of Shannon Jamail, Retreat Ranch owner, who brings over 10 years of candle making expertise and love to the craft.

10/13/2026

*This Class is Full*

The Ancient Mountains of the Llano Uplift

Thursday, October 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Texas Tech University at Highland Lakes

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

In this class, we will discuss the ancient geology of the Llano Uplift, show the presence of a once-great mountain range, the Llano Mountains, and explain its creation by plate tectonics. We will also cover Reveille Peak Ranch, which is home to a world-class outcrop frequently visited by universities.

Frank P. Caramanica, Ph.D., is a former university instructor with a worldwide practice in subsurface petroleum geology. He is currently practicing as consultant to clients.

10/12/2026

Lesser-Known Lepidoptera: The Secrets of Moths

Wednesday, October 14 | 2:00 p.m. | Texas Tech at Highland Lakes or Zoom

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

Moths are so much more varied than we think. Butterflies get all the credit and attention for being pretty pollinators, but what about their moth-y relatives? Join us to learn all there is to know about these truly unique insects.

Samantha Weaver, Inks Lake State Park Ranger. Ranger Samantha has worked with Texas State Parks for six years now, and fell in love with moths through her job.

10/05/2026

Food, fun and conversation filled the air as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Texas Tech University's Highland Lakes site kicked off its fall semester.

This fall semester, Highland Lakes OLLI is offering 15 classes covering a wide range of interests, including art, gardening, history, data centers and so much more.

For more info, email [email protected] or call 806-834-4275.

09/24/2026

Edgar Degas: Not Just a Painter of Ballet Dancers

Thursday, October 1 | 2:00 p.m. | Texas Tech University at Highland Lakes

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

An Impressionist, but more accurately a classical painter of modern life: the cafes of Paris, portraits of his New Orleans family and Parisians; of arresting racehorse scenes, of a series of working-class women and bathers, and of ballet dancers as professionals. He left 150 wax sculptures when he died, later bronzed. Degas is remembered as an argumentative, curmudgeonly genius.

Carole Buchanan, Ph.D., is an award-winning teacher. She trains world and European history advanced placement teachers.

09/23/2026

ONLY A FEW SPOTS REMAINING! NO Walk-ins! Register now!

Paint a Vibrant Flower with Gouache

Tuesday, September 29 | 2:00 p.m. | Texas Tech University at Highland Lakes

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

Gouache is a vibrant medium that blends the luminosity of watercolor with the bold opacity of acrylic, making it an ideal choice for beginners. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn essential techniques—such as wet-on-wet washes, blending and rich layered color—to create your own beautifully framed three-dimensional artwork to take home. All supplies are provided; just bring your curiosity and adventurous spirit! You’ll also leave with a helpful resource list so you can continue exploring gouache at home.

Susan Tarrant, assistant director of OLLI at TTU, holds a BFA from the University of North Texas.

09/16/2026

LCRA in the Highland Lakes

Wednesday, September 23 | 2:00 p.m. | Texas Tech University at Highland Lakes

Register: https://engagement.ttu.edu/ttuolli/course/course.aspx?catId=13 or email [email protected]

Highland Lakes residents and visitors know the Lower Colorado River Authority manages the Colorado River and the Highland Lakes. But there's more to the story. Learn a bit of LCRA's history and how LCRA continues to impact the water, power, telecom, parks and communities of Texas.

Susan Patten is LCRA's local liaison to the communities in the Highland Lakes. She lives in Kingsland, where she is active in chambers, charities and community initiatives. She spent her career reporting on, or participating in, civic life.