The OLLI Fall 2018 Kick-Off Luncheon is tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. at the Michel Student Center.  We can't wait to see everyone on campus as we celebrate the start of our 24th year of lifelong learning on The Hilltop!

Here are a few reminders about the luncheon:

Please use OLLI's free park-and-ride service from the following locations:

• Shea Stadium, 1523 W Nebraska Ave
• Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1420 W Moss Ave (lower lot, left side)

Shuttle service begins at 10:30 a.m., and volunteer parking coordinators (and OLLI past presidents) Larry Trollope and Jennifer Bass will be on site to greet you.

A new member orientation meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m.  in the Marty Theater.

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OLLI members have shown support of our lifelong learning community through consistent and generous donations to our annual fundraising campaigns.

Your donations have funded audio-visual improvements and the construction of a soundproof wall in the Michel Student Center ballrooms, the purchase and ongoing maintenance of two 14-passenger shuttles, the sponsorship of cinema and lecture programming, and the support of Bradley University students through student volunteer awards.

For this fiscal year ( ending May 31, 2019 ), the OLLI Executive Committee has set a monetary goal of $55,000 to purchase new audio-visual equipment for the Marty Theater, site of many of our large classes each season.  This new equipment should greatly enhance your learning experiences during OLLI classes.  In addition, it will be a wonderful benefit to our campus, as the new sound system will improve the events held in the theater year-round.

We are so proud to have kept our donor participation rate near 40% for the past several years, and hope for at least 475 people to donate again this year.  By maintaining this high  rate of participation, we show Bradley University and The Bernard Osher Foundation that our members appreciate and support our lifelong learning program.

Every dollar - and donor - makes a difference.  Donate to OLLI and help us grow our program for 2020 and beyond!  Use our secure online system to make a convenient donation today.  Thank you so much for your support of OLLI!

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Study Group Facilitator Training

Wednesday, December 5

9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Peoria Next Innovation Center

Cost:  FREE - includes materials and lunch

RSVP required - call (309) 677-3900

OLLI is experiencing steady annual growth in the number of study groups offered and number of participants registered.  In fact, 2018 has been a record year in both categories.   As we grow, new leaders become necessary.

If you're interested in leading a study group, or if you've facilitated before but would like to learn new tips and best practices, we encourage you to take advantage of our FREE training session on December 5 at Peoria Next.  Veteran facilitators will be on hand to discuss what has worked well and what innovations might serve groups well in the future.  You'll also receive a facilitator handbook and enjoy lunch while we learn.

Facilitating (or, to use a less lofty term, leading) a study group is an opportunity to take a passion and learn more about it while sharing that passion with others who have a curiosity about that topic.  It does not require expertise.

A study group leader does NOT give a two hour lecture each week.  A leader fosters discussion by providing topical questions and avenues of inquiry for our curious members.   As a new leader, you will not be alone.  You will have friends at OLLI to guide you, support you, and even co-facilitate your group.  

If you have questions, or need more information about the facilitator training, please contact OLLI Director Michelle Riggio at [email protected].

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Dear OLLI Insider:

My neighbor is interested in taking an OLLI class, but would like to sit in on one first to see if she'll enjoy it.  Are we allowed to bring guests to classes?

Absolutely!  We encourage our members to bring a friend for one day at no charge - simply contact our office at (309) 677-3900 at least one day in advance so we can have a list of available classes prepared for their visit.

Please note:  it is important to reserve this privilege for those who haven't yet experienced OLLI classes.

OLLI Insider is a weekly article that addresses questions from our members.  If you have a question about OLLI you'd like featured in an upcoming edition, please email  [email protected].

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