Spring 2017 Course and Activity Schedule
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida State University From OLLI Executive Director Debra Herman Another new year is upon us, and that means another set of excellent classes! Check out, “The Social History of Comic Books” or “Walking with Mastodons” or perhaps, “Robert Redford: The Director”. Maybe, “Riding the Silver Tsunami” or “Spanish Murmurs and Secrets”? These are just a few of the classes being offered for our OLLI Spring Term. You can visit our OLLI website now and throughout the year for classes, activities and special lectures that are taking place: www.olli.fsu.edu. There are so many ways to stay active and engaged. In April, Frank Alarcon, who will move into the OLLI Member Presidency role, and I, will be attending the National Osher Lifelong Learning Conference in Irving, Texas. We’ll be able to network with other leaders from OLLIs across the country – 119 in all. OLLI at FSU is so fortunate to be a part of this solid lifelong learning organization nationwide. As always, we’ll bring back new ideas to consider for our program. 2016 was an eventful year. With the extraordinary support of the Bernard Osher Foundation and the University, our excellent relationship with the College of Social Sciences and the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, we begin our 26th year stronger than ever. Retirement, and near retirement, continues to be redefined. Wishing you all a healthy, happy, joyful and active new year!!
A Message from OLLI Member President Carroll Bewley I have had the privilege of serving as your OLLI Member President during a memorable year, during which we have celebrated OLLI at FSU’s 25th anniversary. The successful OLLI program of lifelong learning that we enjoy today is the result of the vision and hard work of many people over the years, and our challenge is to perpetuate and improve it for those who follow us. Many of you participated in the special events marking this celebration, such as acclaimed National Public Radio correspondent Ina Jaffe’s presentation on lifelong learning, our Gala party at the University Center or the lectures on topics of particular interest to seniors. And there’s more to come as we begin the Spring Semester. Our Curriculum Committee has once again put together a program of courses that I believe you will find very appealing. They always try to strike a balance between subject areas such as history, science, literature, the arts, etc., and you’ll see that reflected in this semester’s lineup. After you take a look, paraphrasing the old potato chip commercial line, “We bet you can’t take just one.” On the Activities side, we’ve started a couple of new clubs this year: the OLLI Paddler’s Club and the OLLI Plant-Based Eating Club. And check out the interesting field trips, culture and arts and social events we have planned; there’s something for everyone. One of our emphasis areas this year has been inclusivity. Our Inclusivity Committee is actively working, as its mission statement says, “to recruit and retain members from all facets of our community.” But all of us have the opportunity to reach out to friends, neighbors, acquaintances from church or clubs and many other connections to let them know about OLLI and that we are a welcoming and inclusive organization. So I ask for your help in enabling us to reach our goal of an OLLI at FSU that mirrors our entire community. Finally, I wish you a rewarding experience as you continue on your lifelong learning path this semester. A quote attributed to Goethe says, “No one has ever completed their apprenticeship.” So, fellow apprentices, let’s continue in the quest to expand our knowledge.
Adults 50+ You’re Invited to OLLI’s Spring 2017 Showcase of Classes
Friday, January 27, 2017 1:00pm - 3:30pm FSU Conference Center (Turnbull Center) 555 W. Pensacola Street Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1640 Come and listen as Spring OLLI instructors describe their upcoming courses. For further information call 850-644-7947.
FREE parking and light refreshments! Registration for Membership, Classes and Activities begins on Tuesday, January 31 at olli.fsu.edu
Classes begin February 20