"I have so enjoyed your classes! I love how you teach, and I love learning!"

-Participant, "An American Portrait-Part 2, Reconstruction to Present"

Jessica's Note

Picture this: your favorite warm beverage, a snug blanket, and a front-row seat to intellectual exploration! Say goodbye to chilly outings and embrace the joy of learning from the coziness of your home. The next two OLLI Speaker Series presentations invite you to a virtual haven of knowledge – no need to brave the weather, just savor the warmth and wisdom. Can't make it live? No worries – catch up on your own time with the recording.

It can be hard to get out of the house when the weather turns slushy and the sky is dim all day. At least until the snow is good enough for skiing! So, enjoy your cozy home or coffee shop with a hot cup, and let OLLI guide you to a season of enriching insights.

Remember to register to receive the Zoom information!

Jessica Alvarez

Program Coordinator, OLLI at MSU

Newly Added Programs

February Friday Forum

Parking Problems in Bozeman: What Are Possible Solutions

Parking availability and management affect downtown homeowners, businesses and visitors alike. Paul Reichert, executive director of the Prospera Business Network and a city parking advisory committee member, and Ellie Staley, director of the Downtown Bozeman Association, will discuss the issues and strategies to address problems. An additional panelist may be announced at the event. 

This Friday Forum meets on February 9 from noon to 1:30 p.m. online via Zoom. Click or tap here for more information or to register directly through Zoom.

Participants must register by 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 9. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions to join the Friday Forum. Registration is required to receive the Zoom information.

Friday Forum offers presentations and campus discussions on local and regional timely topics. OLLI at MSU Friday Forum is free and open to the public.

Click or tap here for past Friday Forum recordings on the OLLI at MSU Recordings page.

Putin's Russia: Two Years into the War

Nearly two years later, the war still rages despite the continuing pressure on Russia from the West and the resulting economic hardships it has created. Returning OLLI instructor Asya Pereltsvaig will give a historical perspective on the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine on February 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm online via Zoom. In this news-oriented presentation, learn more about why Putin is still in power and why Russia is still at war.

This event is open to OLLI at MSU members and the Montana State University campus community.

Click or tap here for more information or to register. Registration is required to receive the Zoom information.

Upcoming OLLI at MSU Programs

February Courses

Weighing the Scales of Freedom: Communities in Conflict with Bruce Gourley. February 13, 20, 22, 27, 29 and March 5, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Hope Lutheran Church. This program meets on irregular days. You will receive a reminder email on the day before each session.

The Prophetic Passion of Leonard Cohen with Michael Beehler. Tuesdays, February 20 - March 12, 10:00 a.m. - noon. Hope Lutheran Church.

February OLLI Extras

Putin's Russia: Two Years into the War with Asya Pereltsvaig. Wednesday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Online via Zoom.

Introduction to Fly Tying with Matt Wilhelm. Fridays, February 23 - March 15, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Hope Lutheran Church. Learn to make your own flies in this hands-on workshop for beginner anglers. Few spaces remain.

February Speaker Series

Separation of Church and State: Vital in 1787, Vital Now with Jay Avner. February 5, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Online via Zoom.

Citizen Science: It's More Than Just Science! with Suzi Taylor. February 12, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Museum of the Rockies.



It Isn't Glass Until It Breaks with Ruth King. February 26, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Online via Zoom.

Osher Online Courses

Osher Online programs are not recorded.

Fake News: Keys to Ethical and Impactful Journalism with Annie Krall. Saturdays, February 24 - March 30, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. Online via Zoom. Registration closes February 22.

Preludes & Performances

Bohème Backstage Saturday, April 20, noon - 1:30 p.m. The Ellen Theater.

How to Listen: Orff's Carmina Burana Thursday, May 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall.

Volunteers Needed!

Montana FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge are seeking volunteers to serve as judges, referees, scorekeepers and other roles for our 2024 state tournaments on February 1-3, 2024.

FIRST volunteers share their time, talent and enthusiasm, making a difference in the lives of students across Montana. Volunteering is easy and does not require any previous experience. 

The links below contain a PDF with a description of the roles.

Click or tap here to volunteer for 4th-8th grade FIRST LEGO League, February 2-3, 2024.

Click or tap here to volunteer for the high school FIRST Tech Challenge, February 1-2, 2024.

Please email info@mtroboticslliace.org with any questions or to discuss volunteer roles.

Learning Opportunities for Everyone - Feed Your Curiosity at a Price That Works for You!

We strive to keep member participation affordable so everyone 50 years of age and better can engage with us in lifelong learning. Therefore, OLLI at MSU offers financial assistance for both tuition and membership.

We are grateful to the family and friends of our late OLLI at MSU leader and consummate lifelong learner, Doug Young, for establishing the Doug Young Memorial Scholarship Fund.

We encourage you and your neighbors or friends to apply for membership or program tuition assistance as needed. Our application is quick and easy. Click or tap here to view more information or apply for financial assistance. Applications must be submitted prior to program registration.

January Reads



OLLI at MSU offers three member exclusive book discussion groups. We are sharing the below titles to allow you time to enjoy a good cozy autumn read and join in the discussions! You may join any of the groups below for one, a few, or all of the sessions.

OLLI Mystery Book Discussion Group

The Devotion of

Suspect X

Keigo Higashino

February 6,

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Online via Zoom

OLLI Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017

Rashid Khalidi

February 19,

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

OLLI at MSU Book Discussion Group

Stella Maris

Cormac McCarthy

February 5,

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Face-to-face

Hope Lutheran Church

Help us connect and learn!

We're on the lookout for incredible volunteers to add their flair to the OLLI experience! Whether you're a master multitasker or have a knack for shaping unforgettable programs, we want YOU on our team.

Power Up Your Ideas: Be a part of the OLLI Extras Committee! If you are passionate about crafting engaging programs and public outreach, share your brilliance and help us create experiences that resonate with our vibrant community.



Fuel Future Moments: Consider joining our efforts to plan and implement fundraising initiatives for long-term sustainability. The Development Committee seeks enthusiastic volunteers to help shape and execute these crucial fundraising endeavors. Join us and help ensure the continuous magic of OLLI experiences.

Ready to dive in? Complete our short volunteer form or reply to this email, and we will contact you with follow-up information. Let's make every OLLI moment extraordinary together! 

We hope you enjoy the selection of items we have chosen for this edition. Everything in this email will be archived on the Newsletter Archive page of our website.