Senior Scholars

Senior Scholars offers a wide variety of classes every year to fit all interests, including courses in: history, studio arts & handicrafts, recreation & leisure, health & wellness, languages & writing, and much more! While we will have some reoccurring classes, others are only offered one time.

For a detailed list of our current offerings, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Like Berry College, Senior Scholars offers two full semesters of courses every year. For the 2024-2025 year, the Fall Semester courses will begin the week of September 16th and the Spring Semester courses will begin the week of February 10th. Most courses are between four and eight weeks in length. We also offer single-day courses and travel opportunities throughout the entire year!

Registration for each semester will open one month before the start of classes. 

For a detailed list of our current class times and offerings, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Senior Scholars courses take place at Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum, the Spires at Berry College, or on the Berry College Campus. See below for maps of each location.

If your class is in the Oak Hill Garden Room or Martha Berry Museum Auditorium, click here.

If your class is at the Spires at Berry College, click here.

If your class is at the Berry College Pickleball Courts or Richards Gymnasium, click here.

If your class is at the Cage Center or Krannert Center, click here.

Do you have a special skill or expertise that you would like to share as part of a Senior Scholars course? We are always looking for new instructors! Please email us at seniorscholars@berry.edu for more information.

Do you have a question that wasn't answered here? Call Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum at 706.368.6789 or email us at seniorscholars@berry.edu for more information.

Mondays, September 16 – November 11 (8 weeks) from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(No class on October 14th)

This course will cover key ideas in criminology and punishment from a sociological point of view. Each week, the class will discuss topics such as what crime is, how it is measured, how sociologists understand it, patterns of crime and victimization, the purpose of prisons, and the challenges people face when reentering society after prison. The course will end with a discussion of the book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Participants will need to provide their own copy of the book.

About the instructor: Dr. Sarah Allred has been a member of the Berry Sociology & Anthropology department for 22+ years. She is a trained Inside-Out Prison Exchange instructor and has offered classes in the Floyd County Prison for about 10 years (until COVID). Those classes were combined, including around 15 Berry students and 10-15 men incarcerated at FCP. She has also taught criminology for 10+ years.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $120

Registration for this course closes on September 11th at midnight.

This course offering is currently sold out. Please email oakhill@berry.edu to be added to the waiting list.

Tuesdays, September 17 – November 5 (8 weeks) from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join Georgia Backroads magazine editor and publisher Dan Roper in an exploration of Georgia's rich history and natural heritage. The course will touch on a wide range of local events such as the Trail of Tears, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Great Depression, along with stories and lore about Berry College and its surrounding areas. Additionally, the course will explore the natural beauty of Northwest Georgia through discussions on its trails, trees, and wildlife.

About the instructor: Dan Roper is the editor and publisher of Georgia Backroads magazine, a print publication devoted to Georgia history, nature, travel, and lifestyles. He practiced law in Rome from 1986 to 2005, and also has backgrounds in forestry, history, and writing. Since coming to Rome, he has taught in several capacities at Berry College – including serving as a regular instructor for Senior Scholars!

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $95

Registration for this course closes on September 12th at midnight.

Thursdays, September 19 – November 7 (8 weeks) from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This course will examine the history and development of American political parties, focusing on how they have evolved over time. Course material will explore various eras in the party system, including key shifts and their impact on elections and governance in the United States. By analyzing significant historical events and changes within the party framework, participants will gain insight into how political parties have influenced American politics and the functioning of government throughout history.

About the instructor: Dr. Eric Sands is the chair of the political science department at Berry College. He teaches courses on American political thought, political parties, constitutional law, ancient political thought, civil war and reconstruction, the American revolution, and the American founding.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $95

Registration for this course closes on September 16th at midnight.

Tuesdays, October 8 – November 12 (6 weeks) from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

This course will examine the forgotten stories of ghost towns across the southern part of the United States. From textile mills in South Carolina to mining communities in Arizona and Nevada, ghost towns are abandoned settlements that contain significant remaining buildings and roads. Learn about how changes in industry, natural and human-made disasters, and the Civil and Revolutionary wars led these once-thriving settlements to be abandoned to time.

About the instructor: Robert C. Jones served as President of the Kennesaw Historical Society for 21 years (1994-2015) and served as a member of the executive board of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation for 17 years (1998-2015). Robert has written 60+ books on historical topics, including "Top Innovations of World War II", "A Guide to the Civil War in Georgia", and "Heroes and Heroines of the American Revolution".

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $70

Registration for this course closes on October 3rd at midnight.

Monday, October 14 & Wednesday, October 16 (2 sessions) from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This class will be a brief overview of the changes the Progressive Era brought about in America. It will discuss how the Ford Model T changed not only the automotive business, but also society and government, the rise of mail order and self-service shopping, muckraking journalists, women's and workers’ rights, and prohibition.

About the instructor: Donald Casey has been a lifelong history nut. He has taught 8th grade Georgia History for 30 years. While working on his bachelor’s degree in history and education, he worked at New Echota State Historic Site in Calhoun, Georgia. He has a master’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus on History and has an Educational Specialist in Teaching and Learning.

Location: Martha Berry Museum Auditorium (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $45

Registration for this course closes on October 9th at midnight.

This course offering is currently sold out. Please email oakhill@berry.edu to be added to the waiting list.

Wednesday, September 18 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Come learn how to make charcuterie boards with our Executive Chef, Shawn Lawrence! Chef Shawn will lead you on how to properly place food items to craft an amazing charcuterie board for any event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about various meats, cheeses, and fruits while gaining valuable culinary skills. At the end of the course, participants will take home their very own charcuterie board! All materials are included in the cost of the course.

About the instructor: Chef Shawn Lawrence is the executive chef at Berry College where he develops and executes culinary solutions to meet students’ needs and tastes. He has worked at Berry for 2 years, and in higher education since 2013. He enjoys cooking and eating Indian Cuisine, especially curry. Shawn is also a proud husband, father, and Carolina Panthers fan.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $35

Wednesdays, September 25 – October 30 (6 weeks) from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Writing, for people who draw; graphics, for people who write; page design and lettering for all! Longtime journal-keeper and graphic designer Ellen Glass focuses on the significance of life’s daily details as well as its adventures, at home and when traveling. In this class, you will test-drive writing prompts, experiment with techniques for adding visual interest, and learn the basics of layout design. Drawing skill is not required—there are many ways to add eye appeal to your pages. You will learn how to modify your handwriting, how to use stamps, stencils and borders, and much more. Basic materials are included in the cost of the course.

About the instructor: Ellen Glass is a retired graphic designer/copy editor, and was an instructor at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She previously taught journaling classes in the Berry Senior Scholars program in 2022 and 2023. She is a member of Atlanta Urban Sketchers and has been a journal keeper for more than 40 years.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $120

Registration for this course closes on September 18th at midnight.

This course offering is currently sold out. Please email oakhill@berry.edu to be added to the waiting list.

Friday, October 4th from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy a peaceful day of watercolor painting with an experienced local artist! Perfect for beginners or those looking to expand their skills, this workshop will experience landscape painting through step-by-step guidance, hands-on exercises, and a supportive community. No prior experience needed—just a passion for art! All supplies are included. The class will break from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. for lunch. You are welcome to pack a lunch to eat here, or to leave and come back!

About the instructor: Cheryl Riner Hodge is a professional artist. Born in Seattle, WA, she has lived in Savannah, GA, Augusta, GA, Long Island, NY, Charleston, SC, Japan, and England. Her principal medium is watercolor; she also enjoys pen and ink drawing and painting furniture, tile, and fabric. Her favorite subjects include florals, portraits, pet portraits, historic buildings and home portraits. Cheryl has been a regular instructor with the Senior Scholars program since 2021.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $65

Friday, November 1 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

With step-by-step instructions, this class allows participants to craft two hand poured soy wax candles – one for you, and one for a friend! Each attendee will select a scent, a vessel for their candle, carefully measure and weigh the wax prior to hand blending and pour their candle! Candles will be ready to take home at the end of the class. All materials are included in the cost of the course.

About the instructor: Sue Ritt manages a small business, Critt’s Candle Creations, through which she makes hand poured candles and offers candle making workshops. She also teaches candle safety as well as proper care and usage of candles.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $35

Registration for this course closes on October 24th at midnight.

Wednesday, November 6 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Come learn how to decorate a cake with our baker, Megan Collier! Megan will lead participants on how to properly layer, frost, and add designs to cakes. Participants will then receive their own cakes to practice their frosting skills and add various toppings such as sprinkles, Oreos, and candy. All materials are included in the cost of the course.

About the instructor: Megan Collier is the in-house pastry chef at Berry Dining. She has worked at Berry since 2023 and as pastry chef for 16 years. At Berry, she oversees crafting delicious baked goods for our students, faculty, and staff. Her favorite thing to make is bread. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and shopping at Target.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $30

Registration for this course closes on October 29th at midnight.

Wednesday, December 4 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Freshen up your holiday decorations with a homemade, live wreath! In this workshop, you will learn how to decorate a fresh evergreen wreath with ribbon, pinecones, ornaments, and preserved materials in an on-trend, organic fashion. Supplies are included in the cost of registration. You will take home your completed wreath at the end of the course.

About the instructor: Voted Best Florist by readers of the Rome News Tribune and the Journal-Standard, Bussey's Florist & Gifts is a floral boutique known for its classical style, smartly updated with contemporary twists. Bussey's offers a wide variety of unique gifts, interior accessories, & plants along with beautiful fresh flowers for every occasion in your life. Founded in 1976, Bussey's Florist & Gifts is family owned and operated.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $115

Registration for this course closes on November 25th at midnight.

Mondays, September 16 – November 4 (8 weeks) from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Ruth Ozeki’s novel, The Book of Form and Emptiness, follows 14-year-old Benny Oh, who hears voices from objects after his father’s death. As his mother’s hoarding worsens, Benny seeks solace in a library, where he encounters intriguing characters and a talking Book that helps him navigate his emotions and discover what truly matters. This discussion group will meet weekly for one hour to thoroughly examine the work. Participants will read 60 to 100 pages prior to each meeting. Participants are responsible for providing their own copy of the book.

About the instructor: Cheryl Huffman has led the Book Club for 5 semesters with Senior Scholars. She is an avid reader and belongs to two book clubs that meet monthly. She is the treasurer of the Sara Hightower Library, treasurer of the Rome Symphony, and works part time in catering and special events. Prior to retirement, she worked in Financial Aid at Berry College and prior to that time was President of Northwest Georgia Credit Union. As an elected official, she served for 20 years on the Rome Board of Education.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $80

Registration for this course closes on September 11th at midnight.

Thursdays, September 19 – November 7 (8 weeks) from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Travel, no matter how near or far, exposes us to new environments and people, challenges us to act, react, and adapt, and ultimately helps us get to know ourselves better. This course will combine the reading of travel narrative excerpts from such writers as Ernest Hemingway, Martha Gellhorn, Pico Iyer, and others, while also encouraging written response to prompts meant to inspire participants to write their own travel narratives.

About the instructor: Melissa King directs the Berry College Writing Center and lectures in the English, Rhetoric and Writing department at Berry. She has greatly enjoyed the opportunity of guiding Senior Scholars courses for the past 4 years.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $150

Registration for this course closes on September 16th at midnight.

This course offering is currently sold out. Please email oakhill@berry.edu to be added to the waiting list.

Mondays, September 16 – November 11 (8 weeks) from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(No class on October 14)

This course explores the practice and philosophy of mindfulness, which traces its origins back nearly 5,000 years to yoga and South Asia, and still has relevance today. Through various mindfulness exercises, participants will learn to stay present and develop techniques that enhance awareness and inner peace.

About the instructor: Dr. Jeff Lidke has been professor of religious studies at Berry for 21 years and has taught Senior Scholars courses on multiple occasions. His area of specialization is South Asian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, but also Taoism.

Location: Oak Hill Garden Room (24 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Rome, GA)
Cost: $95

This course offering is currently sold out. Please email oakhill@berry.edu to be added to the waiting list.

Mondays, September 16 – November 11 (8 weeks) from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
(No class on October 7)

Experience yoga at a slower and less intense pace while learning how to use props (blocks, straps, chairs) to build your personal practice. Each class will begin with grounding breath work before practicing gentle yoga poses. Poses are held between 5-10 seconds each and have a variety of options to accommodate all skill levels. This course invites students of all levels to join her for a meditative hour of peaceful and restorative practice. Students will need to come dressed in clothing that allows for free range of motion. Providing your own yoga mat is encouraged but not required.

About the instructor: Jennifer Bressette is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She has practiced yoga for over a decade and teaches at the YMCA, as well as doing fundraising yoga classes for PAWS.

Location: The Spires at Berry College Fitness Center (600 Eagle Lake Trail NW, Rome, GA)
Cost: $85

Thursdays, September 19 – November 7 (8 weeks) from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Zumba Gold is perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves participants love at a lower intensity. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong! This class will focus on the following elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility, and balance. Students will need to come dressed in clothing that allows for free range of motion. Sneakers with a light tread (not running shoes) are recommended for Zumba.

About the instructor: Haley Richards is a licensed Zumba instructor and has been teaching Zumba since 2023. A life-long dancer trained in ballet, modern, and jazz, Haley enjoys building community with others through dance in a non-competitive environment. Haley is also a licensed Zumba Gold instructor to dance with active adults in a modified, lower-intensity Zumba class.

Location: The Cage Center at Berry College (Maple Drive, Mount Berry, GA)
Cost: $90

Friday, October 11 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Come take an educational walk with Tennessee Valley Authority botanist John Shelton-Sarabia as you look at common and uncommon plants alike on Berry College’s Victory Lake Trail. Bring appropriate footwear, water, and sun/bug spray for an exciting talk about native plants in the southeast and historically rare or interesting plants seen at Berry College and throughout Northern Georgia. Victory Lake Trail is approximately 2 miles in length. It has a mostly even, gravel path.

About the instructor: John Shelton-Sarabia is a botanist with the Tennessee Valley Authority and has done botany for over 10 years. He has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Austin Peay State University and a master’s in environmental science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Previously, he has helped teach Plant Taxonomy, Advanced Plant Taxonomy, a wetlands course for the Tennessee Valley Authority, and lead hikes for 7 years at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park with the Wildflower Pilgrimage.

Location: Meet at the base of Victory Lake Trail. A map will be sent out prior to the start of the course.
Cost: $35

Registration for this course closes on October 8th at midnight.

Friday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Possum Trot Church, located at the back of the Berry College campus, was built originally around 1830 and used by Martha Berry for her Sunday School starting in 1900. During this tour, you will be invited inside the original chapel and the three 1930s classroom buildings and will learn about how the Possum Trot Church and adjacent Shelton Family Cemetery fit into the overall history of Floyd County and Berry College. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate uneven paths and historic stairways.

Location: Meet at Oak Hill for bus shuttle service
Cost: $18

Registration for this course closes on October 15th at midnight.

Friday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the Berry College campus? Join an Oak Hill docent on a combination driving/walking tour of the modern Berry College Campus. During the tour, we will discuss both the historical and current uses of many iconic buildings on campus. Highlights include: College Chapel, the Ford Buildings, and the Hoge Building. The tour will include about a half mile of walking, broken up by sections of driving. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate uneven paths.

Location: Meet at Oak Hill for bus shuttle service.
Cost: $18

Registration for this course closes on October 22nd at midnight.

Wednesday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a visit to the world’s largest permanent exhibition space for Western art, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia! After lunch at Moore's Gormet Market in Cartersville, we will take a private, docent-led tour of the Booth’s permanent collection of Western art and Presidential portraits that allow visitors to “See America’s Story”  through paintings, sculpture, photography, and artifacts. After the tour, you will have time to explore on your own before returning to Rome. Lunch, transportation, and museum admission is included in the cost of registration.

Location: Meet at Oak Hill for bus shuttle service.
Cost: $100

Registration for this course closes on November 5th at midnight.