Welcome to Fall 2024 at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Miami!
As we wrap up our celebration of OLLI’s 40th anniversary this fall, we want to extend a warm welcome to both our new and returning members!
We are excited to offer more than 125 courses. 30 of those courses are new to OLLI and will be taught by a variety of both new and returning instructors.
This catalog highlights our impressive fall lineup of courses featuring a wide array of in-person, zoom and hybrid courses encompassing the arts and humanities; music and film; history and current events; languages and writing; science and technology, and wellness and social science. Whether you are drawn to exploring a new course this fall or will simply be seeking the joy of a familiar topic or course, our fall offerings provide something for everyone.
Also, be sure to look for announcements in our bi-weekly OLLI News and Notes and the flyers at Lau Founders Hall and join us at an OLLI event. Looking forward to seeing you in an OLLI class or at an event!
Spanish Advanced Conversation on Current Topics in Spanish Culture.......
Spanish
Spanish
Spanish
Spanish
CULTURE & TRAVEL
Walk Through Paris……………………………………………………….……………………….………...
Introduction of African American Cultural Studies.............................. “NEW” The Road to Damscus............................................................................
OLLI's Mission and History
OUR MISSION
OLLI's mission, as part of the University of Miami, is to provide adults 50 years old and older with intellectual stimulation, social interaction, service opportunities, and outreach to the university and to the greater community.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be a world class, member-driven learning community, accessible to and meeting the needs of a diverse and growing population of older adults in South Florida.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1984 as the Institute for Retired Professionals, OLLI offers members an ongoing menu of programs such as languages, history, literature, the arts, current events and world affairs, to name just a few. With expert instructors, including UM faculty, courses are designed for students aged 50 and over, high-level and high-interest, without being high-stress.
LOCATION
Osher Life Long Learning Institute
Lau Founders Hall 1550 Brescia Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(Between Red Road and San Amaro Drive)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: osher@miami.edu
Phone: 305-284-6554
Hours: 9am - 4pm, M - F
Closed for all holidays observed by the University of Miami
OLLI AT UM COMMITTEES AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEES
Advisory Council
Chair: Susan Rosenthal
Curriculum Committee
Chair: Rudy Gonzalez
Social Committee
Chair: Randy Letzler
Volunteer Committee
Chair: Shirley Katz
Marketing, Communications,
Membership Committee
Chair: Vicki Luther
Development Committee
Chair: Ed Cutie
Election Committee
Chair: Elizabeth Newman
Speaker Series Committee
Chair: Joe Falowitz
By-Laws Committee
Chair: Lucy Harper
STAFF
Executive Director:
Michelle Alvarez
Coordinator: Caroline Carlson
Office Assistant: Ciera Gamez
Office Assistant: Ryan Da Silva
ABOUT OLLI AT UM
For 40 years, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Miami (OLLI at UM) has been providing courses and social activities for its members.
As part of the University's Division of Continuing and International Education, OLLI at UM welcomes all members of the community who consider learning an integral part of life. Membership is open to all those who wish to continue their pursuit of learning. The Institute's programs are designed to accommodate a relaxed learning atmosphere; thus, making it easy for anyone who may have been away from a formal learning environment for many years.
Classes included in this catalog are offered with no tests and, in most cases, no homework. They are designed to spark your curiosity, encourage your participation, and fit a flexible schedule.
A NOTE FROM ONE OF OUR MEMBERS: HAIM KARP
"I like the atmosphere; I like the friendship with people; and I like to devote some time for activities at OLLI. I like volunteering.”
Membership Benefits and Volunteer Opportunities
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Eligibility to register and enroll in our OLLI at UM courses (tuition fees required)
Ability to audit University undergraduate classes (additional fee required)
Eligibility to participate in FREE Shared Interest Groups (SIGs/Clubs)
FREE Invitations to the OLLI Speaker Series throughout the year
Access to the University Library System with borrowing privileges at the Richter Library ($250 Value)
FREE general admission to the Lowe Art Museum ($60 value)
Invitations to University special events and speaker presentations
Contact with a lively and stimulating group of fellow lifelong learners
PARTICIPATION AND VOLUNTEER COMMITEMENT
Share your skills and knowledge! Members are encouraged to make a volunteer commitment to the program and its ongoing development. Join us in one or more of the following ways:
Teaching or co-teaching a course
Serving as a leader or facilitator of a Shared Interest Group
Serving as a virtual Class Assistant or Greeter
Participating in the Advisory Council and/or one or more committees:
SHARED INTEREST GROUPS
WHAT ARE SIGS?
OLLI Shared Interest Groups (SIGS/Clubs) are groups organized around areas of interest and offer a forum for you to discuss topics of importance.
WHO OPERATES SIGS?
OLLI member facilitators.
REGISTRATION
Registration is required. SIGS/Clubs are free with your OLLI membership.
WHEN DO WE MEET?
SIGs meet from 12 noon -12:50 p.m. (50 minutes).
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA?
If you have an idea for a Shared Interest Group that you would like to facilitate, please contact the OLLI Executive Director.
OUR CURRENT SIG OFFERINGS ARE:
IN THE NEWS
Led by Janet Krutchik and Leslie Gross
A discussion group focused on what is “in the news” each week. A committed group whose sole purpose is to have a lively and engaging discussion about the novel(s) chosen to read.
OLLI BOOK CLUB
Led by Susan King
MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK
Led by Arthur Young
Join other OLLI members who have an interest in sports.
CURRENT EVENTS
Led by Haim Karp
Would you like to discuss current events within a small group? Do you share the same passions as other OLLI members on certain national and/or global topics? Join us.
AS THE "BOOK" PAGES TURN
Led by Susan Rosenthal
Join other OLLI members who like to read and engage in a lively discussion about a book chosen to read and when possible, meet the author.
Auditing UM undergraduate courses is a benefit granted by the University of Miami.
Program Guidelines
An auditor is a person who enrolls as an observer or listener only.
Auditing is for lecture classes ONLY when space is available, and attendance has been approved by both the faculty member and OLLI. "Lecture type" classes are those in which students can observe the delivered lecture of material by the professor.
Auditing is limited to a maximum of 3 UNDERGRADUATE courses, per term.
Auditing is permitted during fall and spring sessions ONLY, not summer. Auditing is NOT permitted in language, laboratory, creative writing, seminars, performance courses, or in graduate programs (law or medical school).
You will be notified, via email, when you have received permission to audit the classes you requested.
You must complete and submit an Audit Request Form available on our website: miami.edu/olli. All requests to audit must come through the OLLI office through the online request form and be approved by the OLLI Executive Director.
Audit request forms should be submitted no earlier than ONE MONTH prior to the start of the class being audited. No audit request forms received 7 business days prior to the beginning of class will be accepted. OLLI members cannot attend a class without having received written permission from the instructor and clearance from the OLLI Executive Director.
$55 per year
Start Date
August 1st
End Date July 31st ANNUAL
non-refundable
JOIN OLLI
To become a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Miami, visit our website at miami.edu/olli.
REGISTER FOR COURSES
Registration information is available in the latest edition of the OLLI News & Notes and on the website at: miami.edu/olli. Online registration is encouraged. Should you need assistance, please call us from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and an OLLI staff member will assist you with your registration. All class information (times, days, and course descriptions) is contained in this catalog and is also available on our website.
HOW-TO REGISTER
MULTI-MODUAL LEARNING
All classes at OLLI at UM are taught:
Zoom Only (Online)
In-person Only OR
Hybrid: you can choose to attend either in-person OR via Zoom (online)
NOTE: The Zoom version of a Hybrid class has a “Z” after the course number. Example, OSH 686 Z4. Modalities are subject to change depending on enrollment and instructor preference.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
The University reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any class with insufficient enrollment or for reasons beyond our control. In such cases, a full refund of fees will be issued.
If a class is canceled for any reason, we will notify you via email.
Course tuition will not be refunded unless the refund request is received, VIA EMAIL, no later than the close of business (by 5:00 p.m.) on the Friday of the first week of class.
Fees paid cannot be transferred or pro-rated.
DROP/ADD COURSE
All requests for drop/adds must be IN WRITING via an email sent to: osher@miami.edu. All drop/add requests must be received no later than the close of business (by 5 p.m.) on the Friday of the first week of class.
ACCOMMODATION POLICY
OLLI at UM provides reasonable accommodations in its programs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request disability accommodations, you must contact the OLLI at UM office at 305284-6554 as soon as you register and at least two weeks before classes begin.
INCLEMENT WEATHER AND UNIVERSITY CLOSURES
OLLI operates only when the University of Miami is open. If the University is closed due to a holiday, inclement weather or any emergency situation, OLLI at UM is closed as well. Please check your local TV and radio stations for information or call the University of Miami’s Hurricane Hotline: 1-800-227-0354.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Phones: All phones are required TO BE TURNED OFF OR SET TO VIBRATE when classes are in session. If you must answer a call during class, PLEASE EXIT THE CLASSROOM.
Guest Policy: Bringing guests to class is a great way to introduce OLLI to a potential student, and you are encouraged to do so. Guest passes are available at the front desk. Please inform the OLLI office at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that there is space available in the class. Each guest must register with the front desk. Guests are limited to one complimentary visit where space is available. Guests are not permitted in sold out or full classes. Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to attend.
Smoking, Drinking, and Eating:
UM is a smoke-free campus and smoking is not allowed inside OLLI facilities, on the patio, outside entrances/exits, or anywhere on the UM campus. UM defines smoking as “inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigarette or electronic cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other such device which contains tobacco or smoke-producing products.”
Drinking alcoholic beverages is PROHIBITED at OLLI at UM. This is for the safety of our members.
While OLLI at UM encourages community celebrations and social activities, we also want to keep OLLI clean and pest free. With the exception of special events open to all OLLI members, eating is limited to the café/kitchen area. Eating in the classrooms is prohibited. Feel free to bring a beverage in a mug with a lid to keep OLLI clean and green.
MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS
Wearing a mask at Lau Founders Hall is now at your discretion. As members of OLLI at UM are categorized as individuals at high risk for severe illness, we extend an invitation to those who prefer wearing a mask for added comfort, both inside Lau Founders Hall and throughout all classes.
A NOTE FROM TWO OF OUR MEMBERS GUILLERMO & NORMA CUETO
"OLLI is such a vast and eclectic scholastic depository of knowledge, that there are always classes, guest lectures, and occasions to learn something new, something I never knew," said Guillermo. “It is the optimum place to ‘stay curious and stay connected,’ as we like to say." Norma agrees, adding, "OLLI is a place where friendships are made, minds are enriched, and new experiences happen."
OLLI AT UM CODE OF CONDUCT
OLLI at UM expects all members to be respectful of the thoughts and opinions of others expressed in the classroom. All members are encouraged to participate in the discussions and to express opinions freely in a way that respects others in the class. Members should conduct themselves responsibly and respectfully at all times.
In the event of disruptive behavior, OLLI at UM reserves the right to terminate a member’s participation in the class without refund.
BEST PRACTICES ON ZOOM
OLLI at UM suggests tips and tricks to ensure a great Zoom experience for our OLLI members!
Find a place with good internet and little to no background noise.
Wear headphones with a built-in microphone if you are in a public place.
Eliminate distractions. Make it less likely that anything will interrupt your meeting.
MUTE your microphone. This decreases background noise.
Turn off or silence other devices.
If the instructor/host sent out any content ahead of time, have it open and ready to view.
Close any unnecessary programs or tabs on your device.
Get everything ready beforehand: Get your coffee, water, etc.
Be on time. If possible, join the meeting 5 minutes early.
To access Zoom's detailed guide on how to join meetings, how-tovideos, and additional support, click the button below.
ZOOM SUPPORT
Transportation
The University of Miami Parking and Transportation department is responsible for parking and transportation policies for UM. UM would like to facilitate your visit to our beautiful campus. Please familiarize yourself with parking and mobility options.
CAMPUS PARKING OPTIONS
Parking on the University of Miami campus in UM lots is extremely limited. All vehicle owners parking on the University of Miami campus must:
METRORAIL/METROBUS
Our campus has a Metrorail station which makes it convenient for members to get to the campus. From the University Metrorail Station, you are able to catch a university shuttle or Metro Bus to get you close to Lau Founders Hall offices. From the Metrorail station, take bus 56 south to San Amaro Drive, which is a 3minute walk to our offices.
purchase parking using the Pay by Phone App on his/her iPhone or Android device be assigned a UM parking permit for the GRAY ZONE
purchase parking at the pay station(s) located on UM lots OR OR
OLLI members may purchase a discounted GRAY ZONE parking permit from UM Parking and Transportation Services located at 5807 Ponce de Leon Blvd., McKnight Building, Suite 100, Coral Gables. There is a cost for the full year, and prices are prorated weekly. Permits expire on August 15 each year. The parking permit does NOT guarantee you will find a parking space. You must be an active OLLI member and have a valid vehicle registration to purchase a permit.
NOTE: Remember to park head-in only. Call the UM Parking Department at 305284-3096 or go to their website at www.miami.edu/parking for more details.
OLLI at UM 50% Tuition Scholarships
OLLI at UM wants to ensure that everyone in the community has access to our program. Through the generous support of our members, a limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available to current, active OLLI at UM members. Awards are based on financial need and are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
A NOTE FROM ONE OF OUR MEMBERS:
DONNA GORDON
"OLLI is " the best kept secret for retirees”!
OLLIallows us retirees, to continue to have purpose, to continue to learn and to be intellectually engaged, particularly in those areas in which we may have had an interestin the past, butjust never got around to pursuing becausewe were always working."
These scholarships are applicable only to courses or lectures offered by OLLI at UM and cover 50% of the tuition. Only two classes, per session, per person, for a maximum of six classes for the year, are eligible for a scholarship. Scholarships are NOT applicable for OLLI membership fees, summer courses, field trips/social activities, or for auditing UM classes. Drop/adds are not permitted on scholarships.
Please submit your scholarship request by clicking HERE. All information on your application is kept confidential and awards will not be publicly announced. Please contact the OLLI office for more information at 305-284-6554.
To donate to our OLLI at UM Scholarship Fund, see the information contained in this catalog entitled Give to OLLI at UM.
Give to OLLI at UM
Be a part of our OLLI 40 for 40 campaign in 2024 as we celebrate OLLI’s 40th Anniversary. Your support in any amount work to maintain affordable membership dues and class fees, supplement scholarship funds and build the program’s capacity to provide excellent member service for years to come. Your support allows us to offer:
Classroom/Facility Enhancements: Your gift will help fund such classroom and building improvements as the purchase of comfortable classroom chairs and new classroom tables.
OLLI Scholarship Fund: Your gift to the OLLI Scholarship Fund allows members who otherwise would not be able to attend OLLI classes to experience and enjoy the dynamic lifelong learning experience here at OLLI at UM.
Technology Updates: Your gift will help improve the learner experience so that we can provide such things as new audio visual equipment and Smart TV monitors, a new digital audio system, and new computers for classrooms.
Take the opportunity to make a donation today. Your support will help ensure that these program enhancements will be funded, making OLLI at UM the absolute best it can be.
To donate online, please go to our website and complete our secure electronic donation form HERE. To donate by mail, make your check out to University of Miami and write either OLLI at UM or OLLI at UM Scholarship on the memo line. Send your donation checks to:
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI – ADVANCEMENT DIVISION
P.O. BOX 248073
CORAL GABLES, FL 33124
Meet your Instructors
Mr. Emanuel Abramovits is a native of Venezuela and received his MBA from the Universidad Catolica Andres Bello.
Ms. Simona Bai is a native of Italy and has a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Bologna in Italy.
Mr. Cesar Becerra is a South Florida historian who focuses on Miami and the Everglades, and recently the greater Caribbean as he is the new onboard lecturer on Celebrity Cruise Line's Beyond the Podium Series. He is the past publisher of Cuban Dreams, an award winning newsletter that was printed weekly during the 100th anniversary of The Spanish American War.
Ms. Liz Chifari holds a B.A. in English from the University of Rochester, an M.L.S. from Emory University, and a J.D. from the University of Miami. She spent her career working in publishing and then as the library manager at the law firm of Holland & Knight. She is now happily retired and is active in local literary and theater circles.
Ms. Andrea Clement has a BA in Art History from American University of Paris, France and an Associates of Science Degree in Professional Photography from Southeastern Center for Photographic Studies from Daytona Beach State College. She has been a workshop instructor at Fairchild Tropical Gardens since 2017.
Dr. Marsha B. Cohen is a lecturer, educator, independent scholar, news analyst, and writer in Miami, FL. She earned her PhD in International Relations at Florida International University.
Dr. Batia Cohen has a Doctorate in Mesoamerican Studies from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad Metropolitana in Mexico City.
Dr. Elizabeth Crocco has completed Geriatric Psychiatry Residency Program at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, a Psychiatry Residency Program Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and she also has a Doctor of Medicine and a Bachelor's in Biology from Rutgers University.
Dr. Crocco is currently an Associate Clinical Professor and Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine.
nstructors
Mr. Guillermo Cueto is a retired U.S. National Security Officer (Executive Branch). Presently, he gathers information and conducts analyses and research on geopolitical developments and events. Mr. Cueto is member and pro-bono contributing principal in U.S.-based humanitarian, religious, charitable and civic organizations assisting needy communities and societies, domestically and abroad.
Dr. Gabriel Das Chagas has a Doctorate of Philosophy in Comparative Literature, a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature, and a Bachelor of Arts in Portuguese and English from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He is currently a Portuguese and American Studies Teaching Assistant at the University of Miami and is working on completing his Doctorate of Philosophy in Literary, Cultural, and Linguistic Studies at University of Miami
Ms. Anush Dawidjan has her BS from Westfield State University and completed her graduate studies in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. She retired from the US Government after a successful 35 year career
Mr. Robert Dawson is a BFA graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Mr. Dawson creates and performs historic characters in the "Triumph and Tragedy" series.
Meet your Instructors
Ms. Jeanne DeQuine is an experienced journalist for Time, Newsweek and People magazines. She has graduate degrees from Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and Florida International University.
Mr. Alan Dietz is an active OLLI member who graduated with story at the University of Miami, where he nd world history as a graduate teaching
Ms. Susan Dow has taught adults for over 20 years. She is a retired director of adult education at Miami-Dade College and current adjunct lecturer at UM in Spanish and English as a Second Language.
er has a BA in English from Florida rsity and a Masters of Science from Nova ersity. She has a certification as a Group from the Athletics and Fitness Association tional Academy of Sport's Medicine.
Mr. Armando Droulers is an artist, art historian and educator. He studied at Bard College, Academia de Arte Federico Brandt, New World School of the Arts and the University of Florida.
Meet your Instructors
Mr. Mark Egdall is the award winning author of the popular science book Einstein Relatively Simple: Our Universe Revealed in Everyday Language. A retired aerospace program manager, he has been teaching at other South Florida lifelong learning programs since 2006 and at OLLI @UM since 2010.
Dr. Judith Etzion received her doctoral degree in musicology from Columbia University, and has enjoyed a distinguished career as a scholar, performer, and university professor in the US, Israel, and Spain.
Ms. Peggy Falagan, has a Bachelor of Art in Art Education K12. She is a retired Advanced placement art history educator and tutor. Ms. Falagan is an artist, art history lyceum instructor and volunteer with awards and acknowledgements
Dr. Luis Carlos Fallon has a Doctorate of Law, Political and Social Sciences from the Universidad Nacional, Bogota, Colombia. Dr. Fallon has published five books and has taught Spanish language and literature for over 40 years.
Ms. Grisell Gonzalez studied under Tai Chi Master, Tony Garcia, and Certified Tai Chi for Health by Dr. Paul Lam - The Yang 24, Sun Tai Chi for Arthritis I/II, Sun/Chen Tai Chi for Energy and Qi.
Meet your Instructors
Dr. Eugene Greco graduated cum laude from Union College as a Humanities major, concentrating in music and art history. He holds an MME degree in Choral Music Education from Ithaca College and a second masters from State University of NY at Albany in Educational Administration. Additionally, Dr. Greco holds a PhD in Musicology from UM.
Mr. Leslie Gross graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He taught Social Institutions at Miami Dade College while working at Greenberg Traurig.
Dr. Cynthia Halpern, has a PhD from Princeton University. She taught Ethics and Public Policy for over 30 years at Princeton University and Swarthmore College. She is an associate professor emeritus at Swarthmore College and a published author of Political Theory.
Mr. Stephen R Halsey has a Doctorate in Modern Chinese History from University of Chicago, a Masters in Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. He is an Associate Professor of Chinese History at the University of Miami.
Ed Harper, PhD, is an active OLLI member who earned a BA with honors from Principia College in Government and Foreign Affairs and a PhD from the University of Virginia. For several years, together with Richard Hauser, Esq., he has co-taught a series at OLLI at UM called “Law and Order."
Meet your Instructors
Dr. Cami Hofstadter has a Ph.D. focused on the role of female trustees in university fundraising from Barry University and a Masters in Comparative Law from the University of Miami. She has teaching experience at FIU and the University of Miami School of Law, she specialized in teaching law and directed programs for foreign graduate students.
Mr. Haim Karp has been an OLLI member for the past 11 years, after retiring from a Financial Services company.
Ms. Susan King is an OLLI member who enjoys leading and facilitating the Book Club.
Ms. Anita L. Klimek is an illustrator, graphic artist, freelance artist, layout artist, art director and art teacher.
Mr. Ronald Kohn graduated from University of Wisconsin with a double major in History and English. He worked as a real estate investor and developer. He has been reading Shakespeare for the last 7 years.
Meet your Instructors
Mr. Karl Koslowski received his degree in Industrial Design from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Mr. Koslowski has been teaching various courses in the Art of Digital Photography and Adobe post processing enhancement at OLLI at UM, Miami-Dade Community College and FIU.
Ms. Janet Krutchik is an active OLLI member who enjoys leading the “In the News” Special Interest Group. She is a retired educator with experience teaching film.
Ms. Randy Letzler is a professional actress, dancer, choreographer and director. She is a member of Actor's Equity and when not performing she taught improvisation, musical theatre and acting to students ranging in age from six to adult. She has directed and choreographed shows for numerous universities and off broadway.
Ms. Phyllis Levy is an active OLLI member who participated in the PhD Cinema Studies program at the University of Miami and belongs to several film discussion groups and has facilitated her own film group for the past three years. She is a retired librarian who managed the Kendall Branch Library for 18 years.
Ms. Ronnie Londner has a BA in Political Science from Long Island University, and a MEd in Community Psychology from the University of Miami.
Meet your Instructors
Dr. Alan Mason received the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Accompanying from the University of Miami. Additionally, Alan has completed post-doctoral coursework in vocal and operatic accompanying at Northwestern University, and several summers of study at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati.
Mr. Christian McDonald has a Master of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida International University and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology & Immunology with Translational Focus at the University of Miami.
Ms. Alicia Menendez-King, is a UM graduate with a double major in French and English. She received an MA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in French. Ms. Menendez-King studied in France and lived in Bordeaux.
Dr. Margarita Montemar has a Doctorate in Education from University of Miami, a Master of Science in Mathematics from New York University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from University of Puerto Rico. She is presently an Adjunct Mathematics Professor at the University of Miami.
Meet your Instructors
Mr. Brian Murphy is a pianist, composer, clinician, instructor and arranger who has recorded and performed extensively in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. He has guided Honors Jazz Ensembles in the development of their music related skills.
Ms. Joan Nurse is a Corporate Trainer. She trained in various computer systems at AT&T and FedEx, domestically and internationally. In addition, she has extensive experience in Microsoft and Macintosh.
Ms. Lauren Radick has a Master of Science in Education from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Literature. She has been an instructor at both OLLI at FIU and FAU as a literature instructor.
Dr. Mitra Raheb has a PhD from the University of Miami in Islam and extensive experience in academia, and a Master's degree in Soviet Union and Middle Eastern Studies. She is an accomplished consultant and educator, known for her expertise in negotiation, diplomacy, global strategy, and community outreach.
Ms. Nina Ramos graduated with a BA in humanities and art from the Escuela de Artes Visuales Cristobal Rojas, in Venezuela. She is a life coach, medical assistant, and licensed massage therapist.
Meet your Instructors
Dr. Daniel Rivera is an accomplished multilingual professor and translator of Arabic/English /Spanish, has 13 years of academic teaching experience. He is an expert on international relations and Middle history and politics. He is a political analyst for America TeVe (Ch 41 and Radio Miami. He is adjunct lecturer at the Univ of Miami. He holds a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies and a M.A. in international and Diplomacy.
Ms. Susan Rosenthal is a retired M-DCPS teacher. Susan attained her masters in Reading and is also certified by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals as an activity consultant.
Dr. Michael Scheibach has a PhD in American studies and is the author of four books on the Atomic Age. He has 20 years of experience as an adjunct professor of American history.
Ms. Judith Schwartz is a retired Clinical Social Worker. She is now a "by the book" Canasta instructor who teaches in accordance with NMJL and CLA standards. She has taught Canasta with as many as 125 students. She firmly believes that sharing the skill - and fun - of these games has been a productive way to spend her retirement years.
Meet your Instructors
Harvey J. Sepler, JD, PhD received his JD from the University of Miami and is a seasoned appellate attorney having personally litigated over 1,400 civil and criminal appeals spanning a 32-year career. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.
Ms. Blanca Silva has a Masters in Modern Languages and a BA in French and Spanish Literature. She taught French at Miami Coral Park High School for 17 years.
Ms. Valerie Sutter received her BS in Education from the Ohio State University with a major in French, then a Masters Degree from the Faculté des Lettres de Lyon in Lyon, France, followed by a second Masters in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, several years after that.
Rebecca Staton-Reinstein, PhD, has a Doctorate in organizational development from Union Institute & University, a Masters in Biochemical Genetics from Indiana University Bloomington, and a Bachelor in Biology from William & Mary. She is currently the President of Advantage Leadership, and she has been an instructor at OLLI FIU and NSU
Meet your Instructors
Ms. Adelina Tratarou has a Masters in History from the University of Miami, a Master in Arts and Cultural Management and a Bachelor in History from King's College London. She has worked as a Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant at the University of Miami and is currently working on her Doctorate in History.
Mr. David Vess is a composer, music theory instructor and nd Year DMA Student at the University of Miami Frost School f Music. Dave teaches classes about Classical Music and lm Music, helping audiences from all kinds of backgrounds nrich their enjoyment and love of music.
r. Daniel Vitaglione obtained a BA and master’s degrees in English and psychology from the University of Aix-Marseille and a master’s degree in Comparative Philosophy from the University of Hawaii. He was awarded his PhD in English and Comparative Literature at St. Andrews in the UK. He is the author of several books.
Mr. Arthur Young has coached and refereed youth sports and officiated high school and small college football for 43 years. He was a member of the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami and Orange Bowl games’ chain crew.
Meet your Instructors
Mr. Joseph Michael Zolobczuk has a Master of Science in Education from University of Miami School of Education & Human Development, Community & Social Change Program, a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from Florida International University, and a Associates in Arts from Miami-Dade College. He is presently the Executive Director at YES Institute.
Ms. Josie Zomerfeld is an active member who enjoys leading and facilitating technology classes. She attended Miami-Dade College and Barry University, obtaining a degree in Liberal Arts. She retired as a manager from AT&T and later worked as an Assistant to the Mayor of the City of Coral Gables.
