“Thanks so much for keeping Wonderlust alive and available
during this difficult time for so many of us.”
- Online Member participant
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Dear Members,
I have found that even amongst the uncertainty and chaos there are many gifts to celebrate.
I have facilitated hours of Webex coaching for members, presenters, friends and family this last month. I never envisioned all of us huddled around a computer screen in the name of lifelong learning. I also never envisioned some of the gifts this crazy time has presented. I’ve witnessed many heartwarming transitions. From frowning apprehensive users and nervous head scratching to smiles of joy and raised arm triumph. You have invited myself and your peers into your living room, kitchen and library to ultimately learn together. The enthusiasm for lifelong learning has won.
The deep seated resilience of our members has shone through during this time of adversity and challenge. Hats off to each of you who are giving this new mode of lifelong learning a try. It’s truly a journey of the mind, and most days, I too am learning right alongside you. There have been many unexpected gifts getting to work with and know many of you along the way.
I hope you can join us for an upcoming program or at the very least, in spirit, by renewing your annual membership this year. Our ability to offer the programs you have grown to enjoy depends on membership and tuition fees. Renew or join us and support MSU Wonderlust/OLLI programming today and into the future!
In Gratitude,
Bobbi J Geise, OLLI at MSU Director
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Upcoming Programs To Explore
Our dedicated volunteers have assembled a diverse and engaging array of online offerings this semester. We think you will enjoy our top-notch instructors and program line up.
With online programming, you can learn safely and conveniently, save time and fuel, and avoid dark snowy winter roads. You can even enroll in a course and view the recording at your convenience. Below is a sampling of our upcoming programs.
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Course - What We Can Learn from the Fall of Rome
Begins October 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
(5 sessions)
This course will illustrate the contrast between the Roman Empire at its zenith in the second century and at its nadir in the fifth century, allowing participants to see this tremendous collapse. Hundreds of causes have been proposed to explain the “fall of Rome.” The course will examine these many explanations, including environmental change and disease; economic, political and religious factors; endemic civil war; and impact of the so-called “barbarian invasions.”
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Course - The Five Senses
Begins October 19, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(6 sessions)
This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to better understanding the functions and perception of our five senses; crossing the boundaries between psychology, biology and engineering. The sensory stimulations coming "into" us get constructed into meaningful visual, auditory experiences, based on sensory input, the context, our expectations, our past experience, our current mood and so forth. What does it mean to "perceive" the environment? What kinds of problems must the brain solve to make perception possible...
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Workshop - Taking Care of You While Taking Care of Your Loved-One: Is There Enough Time for Two?
Begins October 27, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(4 sessions)
Lynn Paul, Professor Emeritus of Health and Human Development, will explore the challenges caregivers face as they fulfill the immediate needs of their loved ones with chronic illness while simultaneously making major financial, health and family decisions. Caregivers essentially need time and skills to manage their health, energy and feelings of self-worth. This workshop will also feature a guest speaker in the area of chronic illness and caregiver care. Come join this caring, fun and interactive group and together we will work to enhance self-care, calmness and compassion in your life.
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Course - Reading: Why It's Hard and Why It Matters.
Begins October 28, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(4 sessions)
The human brain was not designed to read! Learn about the remarkable journey of the brain and reading since writing began five thousand years ago, as well as what is involved in learning to read. Sara Bernall and Sarah Alexander, staff at Bozeman-based Gallatin Valley Learning Solutions, will explore the brain-based differences of the dyslexic brain, as well as common misconceptions about dyslexia, what effective remediation looks like, and the oft-celebrated “dyslexic advantage.” They will create simulations that allow participants to experience what if feels like to be dyslexic, and also discuss the other brain-based difficulties that frequently accompany dyslexia such as ADHD
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Side Trip Speaker Series -
A Journey of the Mind
Mondays, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free for MSU Wonderlust members. Registration required.
Light and Color in Nature
October 5
The world is full of beautiful and sometimes mysterious optical phenomena. We have all seen a rainbow, but what about a corona, a glory or the Aurora Borealis? In this talk, Joseph Shaw, professor of electrical engineering at Montana State University, will provide a photo-rich introduction to the concepts of light and color in nature. Read more and register here
The Cultural Geography of Medicine Wheel Country
October 19
Shane Doyle, an educational consultant and environmental activist and member of the Apsaalooké Nation, will describe the hunting-gathering-trading culture that defined native tribes of the Northern Plains—the heartland of Montana. Unlike many native tribes, the people of the Northern Plains never successfully adopted an agricultural economy. They led a temporal and ephemeral existence, moving their houses seasonally. Read more and register here
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Friday Forum - Keeping Our Community Safe: Perspectives on Policing in the Gallatin Valley.
October 9, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
OLLI at MSU, in partnership with the Bozeman Public Library Foundation, will host a panel discussion on "Keeping Our Community Safe: Perspectives on Policing in the Gallatin Valley." A panel of local law enforcement officials and civil liberties advocates will address the increasing demand to re-examine the role of police in our society. National events have raised concerns about the militarization of police and police behavior, including racial profiling and the excessive use of force. The panel will also discuss the appropriate community response to a range of issues such as civil protest, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health crisis, etc. Read more and register here
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Community Events - Collaboration with Belgrade Community Library
These free events are open to the public, hosted and presented via Zoom by the Belgrade Community Library.
Montana Forest Fires: Why we just burn our forests
October 15, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Peter F. Kolb, forestry specialist at Montana State University Extension and an associate professor of forest ecology and management at the University of Montana, will discuss the unique ecology of forests in the Northern Rockies. Montana forests are some of the most complex forest ecosystems in the world. Wildfires have played important role in the development of Montana forests. Read more and register here
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Webex 'How To' Resources
How to join a Webex event or class (aka 'meeting') - LINK
Webex Common Troubleshooting Tips - LINK
Best practices for online meetings and learning (read #1,5,6,9,10,11) - LINK
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COVID-19 Updates and Resources
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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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