Greetings from the NRC.........................December 2024 | |
As my family prepares to celebrate Chanukah, I recently placed our four menorahs in our window. This year, I took particular note of their identical purpose, but their dissimilar appearance. Each menorah helps us celebrate this Festival of Lights, marking a miracle that happened long ago. But each is so very distinct in size, shape, color, and design. The same but different.
Life is full of same but different situations. In the OLLI family, every Institute is providing stimulating lifelong learning opportunities to adults, but each accomplishes this mission in a variety of ways. The same but different. A situation that produced the saying, “To know one OLLI, is to know one OLLI.”
We, as humans, are also the same but different. A fact that makes learning from and with one another even more important. By studying together, asking questions, being in conversation, and engaging with one another, we gain greater acceptance of our differences, greater appreciation of our similarities, and simply a better understanding of the world around us.
In this month’s newsletter, I hope you enjoy learning about the many different ways OLLIs go about accomplishing our common goal of lifelong learning.
A very happy holiday season to all of you, no matter which holidays you celebrate.
Joy in Learning,
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OLLI AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
Celebrating Members
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OLLI at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) combined its annual Fall Semester Open House with a celebration of award-winning members. The annual Open House usually attracts 300 to 500 members and prospective members who can meet with instructors to learn more about the classes scheduled for the fall semester. OLLI at UNLV had a record number of offerings this fall with a curriculum of over 100- 10-week courses. Most instructors, who are all OLLI members, were present with their course syllabi that were shared with the many event attendees.
Over 24 community partners were also in attendance to provide SWAG and resources. Information on volunteer opportunities and university benefits were also highlighted. Partners included the Alzheimer's Association, RTC (Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada), local libraries, and even The Neon Museum.
This year’s event was more of a celebration than usual with two – yes, two – beautiful sheet cakes. One was to wish a Happy 95th Birthday to one of OLLI at UNLV’s longest members. The second, a dense chocolate cake, congratulated both Amelia Hippert who was awarded the first Mike Cutler Instructor of the Year Award, and Fran Smith, the inaugural winner of the Elena Cieslak/Cliff Reay Service Award. These outstanding contributors are just two of the remarkable volunteers that form the cornerstone of OLLI at UNLV.
All volunteers were honored with special “OLLI heart Vols” cookies. With a goal of making all feel special, both sugar and sugar free options were available!
This was a fun and memorable way to pay tribute and welcome the community to OLLI.
Submitted by: Beth Davis, Program Manager, OLLI at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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OLLI AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
Words Over Time, Intergenerational Learning
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The OLLI at University of California, Berkeley (UCB) has a long history of offering intergenerational programming, fostering meaningful connections between older adults and younger generations. Since 2007, the OLLI at UCB has provided a variety of programs including panel discussions, coaching initiatives, and collaborations with both undergraduate and graduate students. These efforts reflect OLLI's commitment to creating spaces where people of all ages can engage in dialogue, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Words Over Time brings together OLLI members and Berkeley undergraduates for thought-provoking conversations on critical issues. Facilitated by UC Berkeley faculty Darren Zook, Words Over Time fosters age-spanning dialogues on topics that are important to both generations. These discussions, which address contemporary issues such as climate change, the funding of higher education, and the #MeToo movement, provide a unique platform for cross-generational exchange. The program’s format encourages civil, reflective, and respectful conversations, offering participants a rare opportunity to bridge generational divides and engage in meaningful dialogue about shared concerns. Words Over Time dialogues are held twice a year, typically in the fall and spring, with the most recent session taking place in October.
OLLI at UCB executive director Susan Hoffman notes that these intergenerational dialogues often lead to surprising results as participants discover common ground on complex social and political issues. By facilitating these exchanges, OLLI at UC Berkeley not only enhances lifelong learning but also fosters a sense of connection and shared responsibility across generations.
Watch a video of Words Over Time (Fall 2023).
Submitted by: OLLI at University of California Berkeley
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December 2024 Osher NRC Webinar | |
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Join us for an engaging webinar that will provide practical strategies that empower older adults to navigate retirement with clarity, community, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Reimagine Retirement: Build Connections, Find Awe, and Create Community
- Wednesday December 18, 2024
- 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT/12pm PT/11am Alaska/10am Hawaii
- One hour
- Open to Osher Institute staff, volunteer leaders, and members
- Register Here
Join Rich Feller for an inspiring case study on how OLLI programs can help older adults reimagine their post-retirement lives with purpose and intention. Building on the timeless principles of What Color is Your Parachute?, Rich has developed a series of classes and retreats that guide learners over 50 to:
- Move beyond midlife identity
- Cultivate a mindset to explore what’s next
- Navigate life with purpose and meaning
- Engage in reflective activities that build connections, find awe, and engage in community
Presenter:
Rich Feller is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, trainer, and Counselor Educator with 30+ years of experience teaching at all educational levels. He has authored 125+ publications, including Career Transitions in Turbulent Times, and Knowledge Nomads and the Nervously Employed. He is a University Distinguished Teaching Scholar at Colorado State University and former president of National Career Development Association. Feller’s focus is on helping adults navigate life transitions, particularly retirement.
If you have interest in being a presenter or have ideas for future webinars, please contact Kevin Connaughton (kevin.connaughton@northwestern.edu).
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INNOVATIVE COURSES AND CONTENT DELIVERY
Curriculum Corner
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Osher Institute at University of Arkansas
Geographic Observation with Drones
Course Length: Two Weeks (two, two-hour sessions)
Course Instructor: Dr. Jason Tullis, professor of geography and chair of Department of Geosciences and professor Dr. Brad Peters.
Course Delivery: The class portion (session 1) was held at the OLLI classroom building; the second session was a demonstration session held at nearby Agri Park in Fayetteville, AR.
Course description: This course introduced the history of drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and included a full demonstration of their uses. It offered information on personal remote sensing, airspace regulations, geographic or geospatial data, drone platforms and sensors, photogrammetric concepts, cyberinfrastructure, air mobility initiatives in Northwest Arkansas, and safety in flight operations. The second session included a field component, introducing preflight and flight preparation, and a demonstration of automated survey and autonomous scanning of a 3D structure. Participants had the opportunity to fly a small UAS (under 55 lbs.) with support from subject matter experts at the U of A.
From OLLI at UA director Josh Raney: “The class not only sparked curiosity but also empowered members with a deeper understanding of how drones are transforming industries like agriculture, public safety, and photography. The lively discussions and hands-on experiences from this class reflect the very essence of lifelong learning.”
Photo: OLLI Member Jane Shipley pilots a drone. Photo courtesy of NWA Democrat-Gazette and photo editor Andy Shupe.
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QUICK TIPS FOR HELPING OPERATE AN OSHER INSTITUTE
Quick Tip - Entice Alumni to Return to their Old Stomping Grounds
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Alumni who have moved away from their alma mater can still join your OLLI and participate in online learning. In addition, you can encourage the occasional campus visit by reminding them of the city’s unique charms while highlighting new attractions that have emerged since they were a student. Include this information when sending a catalog to alumni in and around the area. Some may be inspired to take on a bit of a commute to attend an interesting course, while reconnecting with their old stomping grounds. See how OLLI at Indiana State University highlighted the city of Terre Haute as a means for attracting new members.
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CAREER OPENINGS IN THE OLLI NETWORK
Job Board
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National Resource Center for Osher Institutes, Northwestern University
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth Floor, 339 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
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