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I would like to put in a word of praise for an outstanding instructor, Stephen Chicoine. Recently, I completed a course through the University of Minnesota on the Civil War Period, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Stephen Chicoine was the instructor. I am a retired teacher who spent 34 years working with junior high students. During my career I have observed hundreds of high school and college instructors. I would rank Stephen’s teaching style and organizational skills to be among the very best I have observed. Any program looking for a speaker or instructor would be indeed fortunate to have Stephen Chicoine. — Chuck Perkins, Belle Plaine

As part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program, I attended an eight week program presented by Mr. Stephen Chicoine about the Civil War. I have been a member of the Twin Cities Civil War Roundtable, and The Harold C. Deutsch WW II History Roundtable for many years. I have also completed eleven years of postgraduate education. In my 30 year career, I have attended some 75 to 100 hours of coursework a year. In all this time I have never encountered an educator more dedicated and informed than Mr. Chicoine. His presentations required extensive research and were not merely regurgitations of the writings of others. I can truthfully say that I have never learned more in any of the presentations I have encountered over the years. Not only were Mr. Chicoine’s presentations enlightening, there were also well organized and professionally presented in such a manner to keep his audience closely involved throughout. I cannot recommend Mr. Chicoine’s presentations too highly and in fact have taken every opportunity to speak his praises to all those I know interested in the Civil War History and OLLI. I look forward to being able to hear more from Mr. Chicoine in other programs. — Dennis J. Callahan M.D.

I love coming to your class every week. Today’s account of the First Minnesota at Gettysburg was fascinating and so well taught. I appreciated the beautiful maps that went along with your lecture. It made it easy to follow and understand … I appreciate so much learning from you, because not only are so supremely knowledgeable, but you love your subject and communicate with enthusiasm. Thank you for all you do to prepare for us.

I find your class a wonderful source of information.

Steve’s encyclopedic knowledge of the subject was most impressive, as was his skill at making the subject interesting with anecdotes and film. I was particularly impressed with his descriptions of the main themes of the war, including root causes and campaigns

I really enjoyed the class. Not just your enthusiasim but the breadth of your knowledge. Well worth my time.
– Jim Chucker

I thought it was so helpful to hear your explanation. It was something I never understood. I am a retired high school biology teacher so exploring history in OLLI has been wonderful. I have found how fascinating history is.

I am very excited to be in your class. You have much to share and you are so engaging.

It is thrilling to take a class from someone so passionate about his subject. A friend and I both mentioned how interesting your perspective is. Not just battles and generals!

It added a dimension to my understanding that was thrilling. I love these new perspectives

What an incredible perspective on the Civil War

I like the class – you obviously know your stuff and you let people ask questions. I think you’ve done a good job of balancing individual stories and anecdotes with the big picture.