Wonderings
A publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU
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“Derek was a dynamic speaker. I loved his stories. I learned so much and appreciate the complexity of our countries history; it's far more than a sequence of names and dates.”
-Participant, An American Portrait: Part 1, 1607-1877.
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Jessica's Note
The numbers are in and we want to celebrate with you! OLLI at MSU has broken all of our previous records and we now have over 700 members. Our membership total in 2019/2020 was 611. Thank you and welcome to our new and renewed members alike!
Your membership and tuition offsets OLLI at MSU's direct program expenses, allowing us to offer and expand the lifelong learning programs we all enjoy.
Of course, with more members come greater opportunities for program offerings, like the new Osher Online pilot program this spring (read more below). Remember, if a program is full, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist for the course, tour, workshop, or trip so we can call you when a space opens up, as is often the case!
Jessica Alvarez
Program Coordinator, OLLI at MSU
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Announcing NEW Osher Online Offerings
Experience shared online courses with OLLI members from across the Nation this spring! The Osher Online pilot program is offered by the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (Osher NRC) in collaboration with Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. We invite you to join us for this exciting pilot program as the first wave of Osher Online participants.
As part of the Osher Online pilot project, MSU OLLI is offering two online courses taught by premier OLLI instructors and moderators (see below). Participants will experience OLLI in a new way, have the opportunity to network with other OLLI members across the Nation and help shape the future of Osher Online.
To register and read more information about each program, click or tap on the titles below. Registration opens tomorrow, March 20, at 10 a.m.
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Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Its Impact on Our Society with Douglas Burks.
Explore the history of Charles Darwin, his theory of evolution by natural selection from a biological and moral perspective, and the positive and negative impacts of modern evolutionary science. Darwin's theory of evolution was considered one wedge between religion and secular society. It is the central unifying theory of biology and the cornerstone of all biological and medical disciplines in the 21st century. Explore how the fossil record, comparative anatomy, biogeography, and molecular biology all provide support for evolution. The course is for both novice and those experienced in science.
Thursdays, April 6- May 11, 10:00-11:15 a.m. (MDT). Online via Zoom.
Click or tap here for more information or to register. Registration opens tomorrow, March 20, at 10 a.m.
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Ethics: The Good Life
with Peter Bolland.
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that focuses on values, morality, and concepts of justice. We will study the major ethical theories of the world's philosophical traditions, immersing ourselves in an inquiry into the nature of justice, virtue, and the good life in this six week course. We will also examine egoism, relativism, utilitarianism, deontology, and a number of other prominent ethical perspectives by applying them to real-life situations and the ethical dilemmas in the world around us.
Wednesdays, April 12- May 24, 11:00 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. (MDT). Online via Zoom.
Click or tap here for more information or to register. Registration opens tomorrow, March 20, at 10 a.m.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Billie and Bill Ranard
Written by OLLI Volunteer Charlene Krygier
Billie hails from Bozeman, having graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1967. After spending nine years away from the Treasure State, she settled in Deer Lodge where she worked for Montana State Prisons, writing social histories. Billie then earned a degree in English Lit and a M.Ed in counseling from MSU. She worked as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in mental health, serving the needs of addicts and gamblers. Although she enjoyed her career, she is happy to be free of the stress and free to travel and now volunteers with Love INC and Family Promise, organizations which support needy and homeless families.
Bill was born in Helena. He enlisted in the Montana National Guard and served for eight years. While attending Carroll College, he was offered a position in computer operations in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1982, Bill began working for a 40 man start-up firm as a sales manager. Within seven years, the company had expanded to 1400+ employees. He retired from US Bank after 32 years. Bill’s early retirement at age 56 has been a plus for Bozeman. He has volunteered with church, neighborhood, and charitable organizations. He has served on selection committees for both the Bozeman Police Department and City Commission. He has served for 15 years as Bozeman Police Commissioner and continues today as a Bozeman Police Foundation board member, an organization that he co-founded. When national disasters struck, Bill and Billie answered the call to assist in the cleanup effort after Katrina in 2005 and Nashville’s flood damage in 2010-2011.
Both Billie and Bill have enjoyed OLLI (Wonderlust) courses for years and are pleased to be ambassadors for the program which Billie believes enhances the class environment. Bill gives a special shout out for top notch instructors like Derek Strahn and for the “Bob Dylan” class, presented by Michael Beehler and Eric Funk. Both found Bruce Gourley’s course “Understanding Islam I and II” exceptional.
In addition to all these accomplishments, the Ranards have found time to achieve the status of Bronze Life Masters the American Contract Bridge League. The Ranards are proud parents of four children and six grandchildren, most of whom live near enough to visit often.
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Spring 2023 Offerings
Click or tap the titles below for more information
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Courses
Vanished Kingdoms of Eastern Europe with Asya Pereltsvaig. Thursdays, April 6 - May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Online via Zoom.
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Preludes and Performances
Rigoletto sneak preview with Intermountain Opera Bozeman's Brenna Corner. April 30, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Willson Auditorium.
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OLLI Tips and Tricks
Did you know that you can view your course history with OLLI? There's a lot of interesting information in your OLLI account. Click or tap here to visit the account log in page, then click "View my Account" and "History" to see a list of programs you have previously enjoyed with OLLI!
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Learning Opportunities for Everyone - Don't let fees stop your curiousity!
We strive to keep member participation affordable so everyone 50 years of age and better can engage with us in lifelong learning. We also understand that program or event fees can sometimes be prohibitive. Therefore, OLLI at MSU offers financial assistance for both tuition and membership.
We are grateful to 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 to apply for membership or program tuition assistance as needed and encourage your neighbor or friend to do the same. Our application is quick and easy. Click or tap here to view more information or apply for financial assistance.
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March Reads
Click or tap the titles below for more information and to register
OLLI at MSU offers three book discussion groups. We are sharing the below titles to allow you time to enjoy a good cozy read and join us for one or all of these book discussions!
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Would You Like More OLLI?
Follow the OLLI at MSU Facebook page for program updates and reminders, news, and technology tips. The best time to follow is now.
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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. | |
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU, formerly MSU Wonderlust, is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach. OLLI at MSU 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, support lifelong learning, consider teaching for OLLI at MSU. Contact the OLLI office by phone at 406-994-6550. | | | | |
