By the end of this month, Continuing Education will lose 60 years of institutional knowledge with the retirements of two long-time employees.

Debbie Devine, Administrative Support, celebrated her last day at Bradley on May 17.  She started her career at Bradley in 1989 in the Admissions Office, and after 13 years there, she transferred to our department.  Debbie is pictured in the front row, center.

Carla Rich Montez, Director of Marketing in Continuing Education and the Office of Summer and Interim Sessions, will retire on May 31.  Carla is pictured in the second row, second from left.

For 20 years, Carla taught OLLI classes, study groups, and workshops on how to tell the story of your life.  This past fall, she published the book, Then Again: How to Write the Story of Your Life.

If you wish to recognize Carla's 30 years of service to Bradley and OLLI, she asks that you send a card or note to her home address:  5109 N. Sunnyside Court, Peoria, 61614.

The entire staff at Continuing Education sends our best wishes to Debbie and Carla as they begin the next chapters in their lives.  

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After 25 years, we've created a lot of memories as lifelong learners.  In recent newsletters, we've been asking our members to share theirs to help us commemorate our silver anniversary this Fall.

Jennifer Bass, OLLI Past President ('18-'19) wanted to share hers in today's newsletter to encourage readers to send in their own anecdotes:

"I was asked to host a documentary film and discussion study group that was facilitated by the late Carol May.  The discussion was so lively and interesting and I got caught up in the talk.  All of a sudden I heard a cane tapping the table and a voice saying, 'Here, here!  We need to bring this discussion back on topic.' 

We all knew Carol well enough that I would live to host again the next week.  Thinking about that day just makes me smile!  We miss Carol and we continue to honor her by expanding and carrying on her ideas and her desire to challenging our minds and our thinking."

Let us know what OLLI has meant to you by sharing your thoughts about a favorite experience or telling us a favorite story.  

With your help, we can create a permanent record of our time together!  Email your favorite memory to [email protected], o r submit your OLLI memories  online . 

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Thank you to the members of OLLI's Executive Committee for their countless hours of volunteer work over the past year!  

These dedicated members meet monthly to help guide the development of our lifelong learning program, provide valuable insight for overall improvements, and are our most enthusiastic fans who spread the word about OLLI throughout the community.

Earlier this month, we said goodbye to four members whose terms expired:  Jennifer Bass, Past President; Greg Peine, Treasurer; Sally Yocum, Secretary; and Sharon Amdall, Strategic Planning Chair.

We also welcomed three new members to the committee:  John Amdall, Vice President; Bob Drake, Treasurer; and Phyllis Baylor, Secretary.

Thank you all so very much - your time and dedication is appreciated by everyone! 

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2019 Legislative Breakfast 
Tuesday, July 30
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. (Doors open 7:30 a.m.)

Bradley University, Westlake Hall 116

810 North Tobias Lane, Peoria

OLLI is proud to co-sponsor the third annual AARP-OLLI Legislative Breakfast, during which participants can meet elected officials and discuss issues.

Brad McMillan, Executive Director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley, will moderate the event.  As of press time, the following elected officials have been confirmed:  Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Illinois State Senator David Koehler, and Illinois State Senator Chuck Weaver.

The event is free and includes a hot buffet breakfast.  Parking is available on Bradley's campus and in the parking deck adjacent to the Renaissance Coliseum.

Advanced registration is required.  To RSVP, call 1-877-926-8300 or register online. 

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