A publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU
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“Thanks so much for being virtual--not only safe but accessible for us outside the Gallatin Valley."
- Side Trip Participant
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Ring in the New
Semester at the Wednesday Reception!
Last Semester was filled with many firsts. We began by kicking off our first ever semester of online learning with a virtual Reception, attended by over 100 participants. In light of the continued pandemic uncertainties, we have made the prudent decision to host the reception and all of our OLLI programming online again this semester. We invite you to join us to ring in the new year and new semester (virtually)!
The Winter/Spring 2021 reception will begin with keynote speaker Robert (Bob) W. Rydell, a professor of history and director of the American studies program at MSU. Rydell's keynote is titled "I Have Seen the Future: Reflections on World's Fairs and their Imprint on the Modern World."
The Keynote will be followed by informative soundbite presentations from our semester course instructors, highlights of our Side Trip lectures, community events and the opportunity to win one of our many "door" prizes. Gifts include a medley of certificates and/or baskets from The Wine Gallery, Country Book Shelf, Museum of the Rockies, Belgrade Community Library, MSU booty and more. Participants must be present to win.
The reception is free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive log in information.
Date: January 6th, 2021
Time: 4:00pm Keynote, 5:00pm instructor soundbite presentations, door prizes.
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Peopling of the Americas
Who were the first peoples to come to the Americas? Nancy Mahoney, an archaeology instructor at MSU, will present the latest research regarding the peopling of the Americas. The course will examine exciting new discoveries of recent archaeological and genetic evidence, balanced with the knowledge and perspective of Native American scholars. Particular attention will be given to the Anzick Boy remains....
Dates: Wednesdays, January 27 - February 17
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
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Sound Science
Why are some sounds pleasant while others drive you crazy? In this course, Rob Maher, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at MSU, will introduce the basic principles of acoustics. Topics include the human hearing system, microphones and loudspeakers, the way in which the science of sound influences music and philosophy, and even a few topics in audio forensic analysis.
Dates: Tuesday's February 2-23.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - Noon
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Thank you to Friends of Wonderlust
With the new year comes both change and opportunity. Friends of Wonderlust has been the fundraising arm of Wonderlust for many years. The organization supported the semester reception and other Wonderlust outreach and marketing efforts, promoting lifelong learning in the greater Gallatin Valley.
Friends of Wonderlust chose to disband and transfer remaining funds to OLLI at MSU. With the creation of OLLI@MSU fundraising and scholarship accounts at MSU Alumni Foundation, Friends former development role will be transitioned to an Advisory Council committee.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Friends of Wonderlust board members and recent leadership- Gerry Wheeler, John Sackett and Doug Young for their vision and support of lifelong learning and OLLI at MSU.
Photo: Gerry Wheeler, John Sackett, Kim Obbink, Bobbi Geise
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Seeking Volunteers to Help With Program Support
Curriculum Committee Members
Have you ever attended an OLLI at MSU/Wonderlust course? Wondered how such interesting topics are offered and how we find our knowledgable instructors? Curriculum Committee members discuss, identify, review and reach out to the community to help create the engaging programs you likely have grown to know and appreciate. The committee meets 2-3 times per semester (currently online), and communicates via email. Familiarity with the local community, university and public outreach are helpful attributes. See below for contact information.
Virtual Ambassadors
VA's provide critical support to our instructors and online program delivery.
If you have successfully attended our online Webex programs last semester and enjoy helping others, this may be a great role for you!
VA's are asked to attend 2-3 one-hour Webex training and presenter test-run sessions, attend all agreed upon VA classes/programs. You need a reliable internet connection, computer capabilities, and a positive ‘can do’ attitude. VA's have the option of attending their hosted course at no cost.
Traveling or out of town this winter? Since we’re online, as long as you meet the commitments and requirements above, you can be a VA anywhere!
Interested in the above volunteer opportunities?
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The Doug Young Memorial OLLI Scholarship
For those of you who were fortunate to know Doug, you know that he was an enthusiastic lifelong learner and supporter of OLLI at MSU. Doug's legacy continues, thanks to over 70 individuals who helped raise $10,000 in his honor for the new Doug Young Memorial OLLI Scholarship.
The OLLI Executive Committee is currently developing procedures for offering scholarships to curious lifelong learners. Stay tuned for an update on this wonderful opportunity. If you would like to contribute to the Doug Young Memorial OLLI Scholarship or make a gift to support and help underwrite lifelong learning programming, visit our donation page here.
We are truly honored by this generous outpouring of support in Dougs memory and look forward to offering scholarship supported programs to our OLLI members. We think Doug would be pretty darn pleased too. THANK YOU!
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Wish list for the Life Long Learner
in 2020-2021
- headset
- increase computer processor
- high speed internet service
- update router
- tech advisor to help with the above
- new slippers
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This Time in Montana History
Provided by OLLI@MSU volunteer members
The pandemic of 1918-20 was one of the pivotal events of the 20th century and how the world responded to it set precedent for decades. More than 500 million people worldwide were infected with more than 50 million deaths. More American servicemen died of the Spanish flu than died in WWI combat.
Montana was one of the hardest hit states with over 5000 deaths representing approximately 1% of the population.To make matters worse, many of the doctors and nurses in the state were in Europe attending to those injured in battle. Those front line workers left behind were stretched thin and had limited supplies to fight the pandemic
In the midst of all the despair, there were many front line hero’s. Thirty three year old Dr. Charles Robert Blake Sr. from Butte was one of them. With only 4 physicians in the area, he spent countless hours attending to his patients, making house calls, and caring for entire families. Like so many of the care givers, he eventually succumbed to the virus and died.
Best practices of the 1918 pandemic laid the foundation of how we are responding to COVID today: masks, quarantine, social distancing, accelerating vaccines to the public, etc. Most importantly, front line workers continue to risk their lives to save others. The strength of the human spirit will help us prevail over COVID as we did a century ago.
Sources:
Listen to a presentation by Todd Harwell here, recorded by KGVM.
Image: Infection Control Today October 10, 2018
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Osher lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU, formerly MSU Wonderlust, is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach that provides intellectually stimulating and enjoyable programs that foster lifelong learning and community engagement for individuals 50 and greater. There are no tests, no grades and no papers. OLLI at MSU offers opportunities for the pure joy of learning. Become a member or consider teaching for us.
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