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Two OLLIs One Ballpark - OLLI at University of Minnesota
A New Home - OLLI at University of California, Irvine
Oklahoma's Bedlam Learning Series - OLLI at University of Oklahoma
New Spaces - OLLI at Northwestern University
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Greetings from the NRC    Nov 2016 15
News from the Osher Network this month includes two excellent examples of Osher Institutes working together. One combines the love of baseball history with the game itself as OLLI members from University of Nebraska-Lincoln travel to Minnesota to join new friends at the University of Minnesota. OLLI at UofM course leader Tom Rooney (a game usher and die-hard Twins fan) helped bring the groups together for lively experiential learning. The other example shows how cross-state "rivals" and friends at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University learn and socialize together through a thought-provoking, ongoing lecture series utilizing experts from both institutions.
 
While your OLLI might not have the convenience or opportunity to work directly with another Institute, you can certainly learn from and cheer on your colleagues by following them in this monthly newsletter. The advantages of camaraderie and communication in our unique network of independent learning programs are many: ideas to consider for local adaptation; potential collaboration partners; comparing differing ways of approaching curriculum, events, and fundraising; and, celebrating milestones and successes of Osher Institute classmates near and far.
 
Here at the NRC we are thankful for and rely upon the spirit of sharing throughout the Osher Network. If you have a story or tip for success to share, please be in touch.
 
Our best wishes throughout November and for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday,  
 
Steve Thaxton, Executive Director


 
OLLIs at University of Minnesota and Nebraska-Lincoln
Two OLLIs, One Ballpark
On Saturday August 13, members of the OLLI programs at the University of Minnesota and University of Nebraska-Lincoln combined education and sports entertainment at Target Field in Minneapolis, the home of the Minnesota Twins.
 
How did this come about? As many great ideas do: through the sharing of good food and great conversation. Our Executive Director, Sandra Stevenson, sat next to Marvin Almy, then Board President of the Nebraska OLLI, at a dinner at last year's OLLI National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Said Marv: "We're thinking of heading up to the Twin Cities to take in a Twins game. Maybe we can work something out with our two OLLIs."
 
"Extra Innings-A Target Field Experience" was born!
 
In addition to the ball game, the four-day trip included visits to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Guthrie Theater (everyone loved "South Pacific"!), and the Swedish Institute. With my connections as a part-time Senior Guest Services
Specialist for the Minnesota Twins, u
sher, and self-described baseball fanatic, I was able to assist in developing and facilitating the program, including a stadium visit. Dave St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins talked with warmth and charm about his professional path and shared his perspective on the Target Stadium, pitching, and the team. Clyde Doepner, Major League Baseball's Best (and only) Curator, talked with his usual self-deprecating humor about his unusual path to becoming a baseball historian, and the trust and responsibility bestowed upon him. These two had the nearly 80 OLLI participants eating out of the palms of their hands. I also used the opportunity to have a little fun telling the group about my "job" in Guest Services and as a section usher (It's not work, it's fun!) and showed a video about the development of the stadium. 
 
The Nebraska folks bestowed upon me a cornhusker hat and a University of Nebraska OLLI baseball cap. And to think I expected no compensation! Next, we broke up for self-guided tours of the stadium and then we all met up again at 6:00 p.m. for the ballgame.
 
The Twins beat the Royals by 12 runs-ouch! And for one lovely summer day, we became two OLLIs, one ballpark. 

Submitted by Tom Rooney, course leader, OLLI at the University of Minnesota

OLLI at University of California, Irvine
A New Home
After more than ten years of searching, OLLI at UC, Irvine has found a home that will seat over 150 members, has an office, a conference room, and free parking to accommodate those members.  This is no small feat in Southern California, but occurred with an unusual agreement between the University's Division of Continuing Education and the City of Irvine to use OLLI at UC, Irvine's reserve funds as pre-paid rent to build out space in city property.
 
The search and final success was spearheaded by OLLI at UCI's Board of Directors, especially its Treasurer, Sherri Nussbaum. She found the property and oversaw the rather complicated negotiations while her husband Marc, STEM Curriculum Chair, designed both floor plans and audio-visual requirements.
 
The project took over two years to complete and classes began September, 2016, after a gala ribbon-cutting with both University and City officials present. The larger space gives OLLI at UC, Irvine the opportunity to grow as the demographics of the area evolve. This has been a wonderfully successful example of how "town and gown" can cooperate with the enthusiastic help of those of a "certain age."


Submitted by: Pat Linehan, president, OLLI at University of California, Irvine  

OLLI at University of Oklahoma and 
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma's Bedlam Learning Series  
This fall, the Osher Institute programs from the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) joined forces with a third party, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, to create the Bedlam Learning Series. The event's name stems from the long-lasting rivalry between the two schools' athletic programs, but instead of a physical competition, it is an educational collaboration. 

Once a month, each program brings a guest speaker, usually someone who is associated with their OLLI program and university, to present on a specified topic. Topics have included Politics, History, and International Relations. Each guest speaker has about 90 minutes to present and take questions from the audience. Once the presentations have concluded, the attendees break bread and share their thoughts about the presentations. This event was created to promote and encourage lifelong learning throughout the metro-area in central Oklahoma. The past two sessions have brought in over 150 senior learners each time and numbers are continually growing. This event has been so successful, directors from both OLLI programs are in the midst of scheduling speakers for the spring semester. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for Oklahomans to see and experience the many benefits from the OLLI program. Both OU and OSU have OLLI programs in Oklahoma City and are eager to provide the gift of lifelong learning to more mature learners living in the metro area. 

Submitted by Patrick Piscitelli, program specialist, OLLI at University of Oklahoma

  OLLI at Northwestern University 
New Spaces for OLLI at Northwestern
Since 2008, the Evanston home to OLLI at Northwestern University was a rented 2,642 square foot office space off-campus that overlooked the Union Pacific North railway line. This was in contrast to the other location of the program on the downtown Chicago campus in historic and beautifully renovated Wieboldt Hall.  While the Evanston space accommodated the basics of the program - and was a huge upgrade on previous facilities - it lacked social space, updated technology, a sufficient number of classrooms and a noise-free environment.
 
As of June 2016, this was dramatically remedied with new space, in a seventh floor suite of classrooms, lounges and offices. The inviting space has ample natural light and even boasts views of Lake Michigan. OLLIs new home includes 5,500 square feet; four dedicated classrooms with modular/movable wall design to accommodate groups between 20 and 80 members; the latest in technology with 90" video screens; and a Sennheiser audio system with speakers, handheld and lapel mics, and listening assistance features enabled for direct hearing aid or headphone amplification. The cafĂ© and lounge spaces are served by a large, open kitchen and importantly by two Keurig coffee and tea service machines. The social and reception areas allow for ample gallery space for member's creative work. Currently displaying WWI and II British war propaganda posters, some members note OLLI director Kirsty Montgomery's "cunning plan to make them all British" - with an affectionate nod to her Brit ex-pat status. 
 
Advisory Council chairperson Susan Gaud notes, "The new space, by bringing all study groups to a single location and providing ample classroom and lounge areas, enhances the development of the Evanston OLLI community. While the wonderful views of Lake Michigan could be a distraction, it is a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of OLLI participants that Study Groups continue to be engaging and stimulating."


 
Submitted by : Kirsty Montgomery, director, OLLI at Northwestern University

newstaff
Osher NRC 2016 Webinar Series

Mark your calendar for the next webinar on November 16, 2016 beginning at 2:00pm Eastern/1:00pm Central/noon Mountain/11:00am Pacific/10:00am in Alaska and 9:00am in Hawaii. Register for the webinar here. Note that if you registered for Part One of this series in October, you have automatically been registered for this webinar in November.

The Volunteer Cycle, Part Two
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Osher Institutes. Their expertise and hard work are crucial to operating an OLLI and they help keep member fees lower. Managing a team of engaged volunteers is both an art and science. There are effective practices at each point in "The Volunteer Cycle" that can bring added success to the program and the volunteer alike.

In this two-part webinar series, Osher directors Ann Nikolai from California State University, Chico, Jeanette Toohey from University of North Florida, and Megan Whilden from Berkshire Community College, along with key volunteers at their programs, share their Institutes' work in volunteer recruitment, strategy and development. They will outline the structure and effective processes they have established in working with volunteers. They will also share the lessons they have and continue to learn along the way.

Please note: Both webinars will focus exclusively on the roles of committee and leadership volunteers, not on the distinctly different roles of volunteer instructors or volunteer discussion leaders.


If you have interest in being a presenter or have ideas for other topics, please contact Diane Venzera ( diane.venzera@northwestern.edu ). 

  Irving, TX - April 2017
conferenceNational Conference Schedule
The 2017 Osher Institutes National Conference will be held April 3 - 5, 2017 at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Irving, Texas. Registration for the 2017 Osher Institutes National Conference will begin in January 2017. 
 
Who is Invited to Attend?
We limit participation to two attendees per Institute to make it possible for the delegates, National Resource Center staff and the Osher Foundation staff and Board Members to meet each other, network, and have substantive discussions and interactions. An email has been sent to only the main staff contact at each institute for their coordination. Each OLLI may decide upon the two delegates selected, but we request that one staff leader and one volunteer leader attend from each Osher Institute. The Osher Foundation is pleased to cover the cost of registration, accommodations, and meals for attendees. Individual Institutes will be responsible for arranging and paying for transportation of their participants to the conference, including airline travel, ground transportation to and from the airport and personal expenses incurred during travel. 

Schedule of Events

An Advice Column for Osher Institute Staff and Volunteers
dearolliDear Olli
Dear Olli,
I read and hear about how other Osher Institutes have terrific relationships with their host university. Candidly, ours is not as good as it should be. How can my OLLI strengthen its partnerships with our university? What sort of things do other Institutes do to be good university citizens?
~Hoping for More
 
Dear Hoping,
Strong Osher Institutes carefully and intentionally forge mutually beneficial and respectful relationships all around their campuses. It starts with friendly communication of your success stories to university administrators and faculty. Do they know all the great things that OLLI is doing? But perhaps more important is to listen to and understand the priorities and current focus of your university and host department. Consider what your OLLI could do to further the strategic plans and needs of the university. It likely includes simple things like attending athletic and arts events, supporting annual fundraising for the university (even small donations will be appreciated), and participating in campus-wide volunteer events and activities. Keeping up on the accomplishments of the university so that you can positively represent it in your community shows good citizenship - share that information and good news with your fellow OLLI members, too. Some Institutes members become mentors or volunteers to help students with research or other projects. And remember, everyone appreciates a thank-you note. If a faculty member presents a lecture or a university official attends an OLLI event, they will appreciate you telling them how much you value their interest and involvement in the Osher program. If they hear from multiple OLLI members, all the better! When you consider all of these things together - sustained and repeated over time, your relationships and resultant partnerships will be well supported to grow and flourish.
~Olli

Have a question for Olli? Please send it in care of Stacey Hart at the NRC:Stacey.Hart@Northwestern.edu  

OlliTraveler
Educational Travel Ideas from In and Outside the OLLI Network
The OLLI Traveler
OLLI at University of Denver
Adventure in Andalusia, Spain
The extraordinary diversity of landscape, lifestyle and culture sets Andalusia apart from the rest of the country making it an altogether different experience than Northern Spain. In partnership with Appleseed Educational Expeditions, our carefully selected guide will meet us in Madrid where we will begin our in-depth experience. We will wind our way down to Seville and then on to Jerez, the Rock of Gibraltar, Malaga, Costa del Sol, Granada and Cordoba. Learn more about this trip to Spain.
Dates: June 10-19, 2017
 
OLLI at Western Michigan University
Explore Grand Rapids II: Christmas
Celebrate the Season! Join OLLI at WMU Travel as we continue our Exploration of Grand Rapids, Part II. This afternoon and evening excursion begins at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park's annual exhibition featuring Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World. The glow of nearly 400,000 lights, strolling carolers and rooftop reindeer will delight. In addition, more than 40 international trees will be on display. Continuing the holiday theme, we will ring in the season with the GR Symphony Pops Concert. Beloved favorites performed by the symphony chorus, a holiday sing-along, a visit from Santa and Handel's Hallelujah Chorus are all part of this uplifting concert. Dinner served family-style at the popular and delightful Bistro Bella Vita is included. Learn more about this day-trip in Michigan.
Date: December 1, 2016

OLLI at University of Vermont
Italy: The Art, Flavors and Landscapes of Tuscany
From extraordinary paintings and sculptures to frescoes and architectural masterpieces, Tuscany is considered one of the greatest repositories of art in the world. Discover fine art, traverse the extraordinary countryside and indulge in the delicacies of the region's celebrated cuisine and fine wine. Visit the charming walled town of Cortona, explore Val d'Orcia (UNESCO site), and stroll through the pink stone town of Assisi. Experience Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and visit the world-famous Uffizi Museum and Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. Travel to Siena, where its spiritual and secular medieval monuments still sit in harmony filled with collections of Sienese art. Arrive at Felsina, once the farm of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, now a corner of paradise, for a Jeep tour around the property, then explore its ancient and modern wine cellars. Finally, enjoy free time to roam Orvieto. Learn more about this trip to Italy.
Dates: April 22 - May 2, 2017

Quick Tips for Helping Operate an Osher Institute
didyouknowLook to Partner with Campus Organizations in Community Service
Partnerships with other departments on your campus can be a win-win when it comes to combining resources and creating a feeling a good will between departments. There are many models for partnerships (see Ask OLLI above) and they can even be combined with community service projects. For example, the Osher Institute at Brandeis University partners with The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University to provide donations of coats, hats and gloves for students who are in the United States for the Sustainable International Development, Coexistence and Conflict, and International Health Policy and Management programs. These students are experiencing their first cold New England winter with warm help from the Osher Institute. 

  Career Openings in the OLLI Network
jobboardJob Board
Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Program Manager, OLLI, School of Extended and Lifelong Learning

Department Coordinator, OLLI

Is there a staff opening at your Osher Institute? Please send it to us at oshernrc@northwestern.edu