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Wonderings

A publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU

"I loved this experience. Thanks for making it possible.”

-Participant, 100 Million Years of History in Southeast Montana

New Program: Winter Ecology of Yellowstone National Park


OLLI at MSU is thrilled to present this new travel program, which is custom-designed in partnership with our friends at Yellowstone Forever. The serenity and beauty of Yellowstone in winter is truly one-of-a-kind, and this field course will provide a hands-on field exploration of winter ecology in the heart of Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley.


The first afternoon includes a presentation by legendary ecologist and wildlife tracking expert Dr. James Halfpenny. The OLLI group will stage out of the historic Lamar Buffalo Ranch (LBR) for the next three days and spend them with Yellowstone Forever (YF) field educators. Your mornings in the Lamar Valley will begin with early wildlife viewing on foot and from the bus, followed by a post-breakfast presentation at the LBR. The group will spend the afternoons exploring winter ecology, wildlife, habitats, snow science and tracking while traveling on foot, skis or snowshoes with YF field staff.


Tuition for a double occupancy cabin is $1150 per person for two people, or a limited number of private, single occupancy cabins are available for $1520 per person. Your travel program tuition includes transportation to/from Bozeman, daily guide and evening programs, a catered lunch on day one, three hearty family-style dinners with appetizers, morning coffee and tea. Participants provide their own breakfasts (3), lunches (2), and snacks (3). This travel program departs on February 20 and returns on February 23.


Physical and ski skill requirements: This fun trip is physically demanding. It involves cross-country skiing for up to three miles per day, climbs of up to 250 feet, and extended periods of standing and walking outdoors while exposed to cold winter temperatures and conditions. The program web listing, linked below, includes the complete list of requirements.


Click or tap here for more information about the Winter Ecology of Yellowstone National Park.


Lottery entry opens on November 14 and closes on November 20. OLLI at MSU will notify selected entries via email by November 25, 2024. Any registrants who are not selected will be placed on the waitlist. Click or tap here for full details about the lottery process.


Scholarship and tuition assistance are available!


The scholarship application deadline for this travel program is November 13. Please click or tap here to apply for financial assistance before entering the lottery for this program.

Jessica's Note


While long-time rivals MSU and UofM prepare to take to the gridiron, join MSU OLLI and UM MOLLI (virtually) for an inter-OLLI friendly and cheer-filled educational program. Sean Dotson, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance for the Montana State University Athletics Department, and Jean Gee, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Student Affairs and Compliance/SWA at the University of Montana, will give a presentation about NILs--name, image and likeness rights--in college sports, including definition, history, management, challenges and opportunities.


This is the 25th year of the time-honored tradition of the MSU Can the Griz Food Drive, which benefits the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and the Bounty of the Bridgers campus food pantry. Now is the perfect time to help neighbors stock their pantries by bringing nonperishable packaged or canned food to the OLLI at the MSU/MOLLI Brawl of the Wild, Today's Collegiate Sports: How NILs are Changing the Game program on November 20 or to the OLLI office before November 19.


You can also make monetary donations to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank on behalf of the Cat-Griz event by November 19. Remember to check the box labeled "This gift is in honor, memory or support of someone" and type "MSUOLLI" into the comment box so we can count your donation! The winner of the OLLI/MOLLI Can the Griz food drive will be announced at the OLLI at MSU Brawl of the Wild event.


What a perfect way to kick off this season of giving!


Jessica Alvarez

OLLI at MSU Program Coordinator

November Friday Forum: Post Election Analysis


The OLLI at MSU November Friday Forum will host a virtual post-election analysis of election results and predictions about how the results might affect regional, state, and national audiences. Which election results were as expected, and which (if any) were surprises? How will these results affect us here in Montana? If some races remain undecided, what is the process involved in resolving the situation? Friday Forum will be held via Zoom on Friday, November 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

 

A discussion on "Post Election Analysis" will be hosted by the Osher Livelong Learning Institute at Montana State University. Featured speakers include Jessikay Bennion, an associate teaching professor in MSU's Department of Political Science, and Montana Free Press reporters Mara Silvers and Tom Lutey. Silvers covers the governor's race, Supreme Court races, and CI-128. Lutey covers the Senate, Eastern District House, and attorney general races. 


Please note that the November Friday Forum is on the third Friday, November 15, 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 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions on how to join the Friday Forum. Registration is required to receive the Zoom information.

 

Friday Forum features presentations and community discussions on local and regional timely topics on the second Friday of each month from September through May. 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.

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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 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.