A publication of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU
|
|
“Thank you for sponsoring such excellent programs as this one!”
- Participants, Belgrade Community Library/ OLLI at MSU Event
|
|
Online Registration and Winter/Spring 2021 Program Snapshots
Our volunteer program committee's are very excited to offer a full slate of Courses, Side Trip lectures, Book Discussions, Community Events, and more this Winter/ Spring 2021 semester.
With continued concern for member and instructor health and well being, we will continue online learning this semester. With online programming, you can learn safely and conveniently, save time and fuel, avoid dark snowy winter roads, AND learn anywhere, anytime. Below is a sampling of our upcoming OLLI at MSU programs.
On line registration opens at 8am on December 28, 2020.
|
|
Community Events & Webex Tutorials
Belgrade Community Library and OLLI @MSU will again be offering their free community speaker series events, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Kenyon Noble. These events are free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive log-in information.
Back by popular demand, OLLI@MSU will be hosting free Webex tutorials. These are highly interactive and geared toward individuals who feel they need a bit more coaching and practice on the Webex online learning software used by OLLI@MSU.
|
|
Semester Reception
Last semesters online Reception was a smashing success. Considering the current state of the pandemic, we have again made the prudent decision to host the Reception online again this semester. Please join us to learn about our upcoming semester offerings and more!
The Reception will be held online via Webex on January 6th, from 4-6pm.
We will kick off the event with keynote speaker Robert (Bob) W. Rydell, a professor of history and director of the American studies program at MSU. Rydell's keynote is titled "I Have Seen the Future: Reflections on World's Fairs and their Imprint on the Modern World."
The Keynote will be followed by brief presentations and a Q&A session with our semester instructors, highlights of the upcoming Side Trip and community event speakers. The reception is free and open to the public.
Date: January 6th, 2021
Time: 4:00pm Keynote, 5:00pm instructor soundbite presentations, Q&A.
|
|
Book Discussion Groups
Free for OLLI MSU members, you are welcome to join any group for one or all of the group discussions. Log-in information for each group will be shared upon registration.
Original MSU Wonderlust Book Group, January 4 at 3pm- “Oh Pioneers!” by Willa Cather LINK
Mystery Book Discussion Group, January 21 at Noon– “The Honjin Murders” by Seishi Yokomizo - LINK
Non-fiction Book Discussion Group, January 25 at 1pm– “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius - LINK
|
|
Seeking Volunteers to Help With Program Support
Curriculum Committee Members
Have you ever attended an OLLI@MSU/Wonderlust course, wondered how such interesting topics are offered, where we find our knowledgable instructors? Curriculum Committee members discuss, identify, review and reach out amongst the community to help create the engaging programs you likely have grown to know and appreciate. The committee meets 2-3 times per semester (currently online) and communicates via email, to facilitate program development for the upcoming semester. Familiarity with the local community, university and public outreach are helpful attributes.
Virtual Ambassadors
With one semester of online learning under our belt, we are looking for a few additional virtual ambassadors (“VA”) to help with our 2021 programs. VA's provide critical support to our instructors and online program delivery.
Being a VA is a great way to get to know and work one-on-one with our fantastic instructors and presenters. If you have successfully attended and enjoyed our OLLI online Webex presentations or courses last semester and enjoy helping others, this may be a great role for you!
A few details: 2-3 one-hour Webex training sessions, presenter test run(s), attend all agreed upon VA classes/programs, reliable internet connection and computer capabilities, a positive ‘can do’ attitude. VA's have the option of attending their hosted course at no cost.
Traveling or out of town this winter? Since we’re online, as long as you meet the commitments and requirements above, you can be a VA anywhere! We hope you may consider becoming a VA this semester.
Interested in the above volunteer opportunities?
|
|
This Time in Montana History
Provided by OLLI@MSU volunteer members
It was in December 1866 when the first longhorn cattle arrived in the Montana territory. Thanks to Nelson Story, a herd of 600 plus arrived in Paradise Valley after a 3 month journey from Texas that included the Bozeman trail.
Story, Bozeman’s first millionaire, was a visionary. He funded the longhorn project from his mining profits during the Montana gold rush. Due to the influx of gold prospectors, trading posts, and railroad expansion, he saw an opportunity in the ranching business. Furthermore, the millions of acres of open grassland in Montana allowed for perfect conditions especially in the Deer Lodge Valley.
The precipitous drop of the buffalo population opened up vast expanses for ranching.
Unfortunately, the harsh winter of 1886-87 wiped out the majority of Montana’s cattle and the concept of open range ranching. Despite these set backs, Story left a long legacy on ranching and land management.
Sources: Great Falls tribune, Wikipedia, Brush News Tribune
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
