"Good job! Thanks for giving us your time. Your relational manner, character,

and professionalism displayed in the class represent the best of the U.S.

We are proud to have had you representing our country."

-Participant, The U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa

Jessica's Note

Registration tips for the upcoming semester

With the new semester rapidly approaching, this is the perfect time to ensure you're registration-ready! Spring 2024 registration opens on January 3 at 10:00 a.m. Have you had a mailing address, phone number, or email address change in the last year or two? Please ensure your information is current by calling the OLLI office or replying to this email.

You can also reset your password on our password reset page to ensure that you're ready when registration opens. Of course, you can still register through the mail, or if you need assistance registering online, you can call the OLLI office at 406-219-3292.

We can't wait to show you what we have in store. Read on to find the inside information on our upcoming courses! We will send an email announcement when the full Spring 2024 OLLI Offerings page is ready to view.

Jessica Alvarez

Program Coordinator, OLLI at MSU

You are invited to the OLLI at MSU Spring Semester Reception!

The twice-annual semester reception brings together lifelong learners from around the Gallatin Valley and beyond. Bring a friend, meet fellow lifelong learners, bring a friend, and enjoy this informative social event. Refreshments and light appetizers are provided. Learn about our upcoming programs, meet OLLI instructors and members, and enjoy a special video featuring presentations from our spring semester course instructors. We will have an information table at the reception where you can ask questions and learn about upcoming programs. However, as some programs feel quickly, we strongly recommend registering for programs using our secure website once registration opens on January 3 at 10:00 a.m.

If you are interested in volunteering at the reception with setup, packing up, serving food or drink, or greeting attendees, please reply to this email. Tasks include setting up, hosting the food or drink tables, greeting, information table, and breaking down.

Click or tap here for more information about the OLLI at MSU Spring Semester Reception.

OLLI at MSU Early Spring Semester Programs Announced

Full details available soon. Registration opens January 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Save these dates on your calendar and remember to register right away on January 3 so you don't miss these early offerings!

• Osher Online Course: Made in America: The History, Mission, and Vision of the Public Library with Caroline Nappo. Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Online via Zoom.
• Osher Online Course: Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Lauren Anderson. Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Online via Zoom.
• Osher Online Course: Nero Wolfe with Jeff Walker. Tuesdays, January 16 - February 20, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Online via Zoom.
• Community Event: Gallatin Women at War, at Home and Abroad with Rachel Phillips. January 18, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• OLLI Extra: Demystify Music Notation: Hands-on, Intergenerational, Multi-level! with Clark Chaffee and Lori Rosolowsky. January 19, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and January 20, 12:30 - 4:00 p.m.
• Speaker Series: My Life in Winters: History of the Ski Industry with Mike Ewing. January 22, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• Course: Reframing Rural: Rural Representations in the Media & Rural Issues in the West with Megan Torgerson. Wednesdays, January 24-February 14, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
• OLLI Extra: Attic Treasures: How to Easily Declutter Sentimental Stuff with Jamie Novak. Thursdays, January 25 - February 15, 10:00 a.m. - noon. Online via Zoom.

Full details will be available on the OLLI at MSU Offerings page soon. We will send an email notification when the website is available.

Demystify Music Notation: A Hands-on, Intergenerational, Multilevel Workshop

Introduction by Lori Rosolowsky

Do you love to sing or play an instrument but wish you could read and understand music notation better? This class can teach you “more in a weekend than in the past 20 years,” according to a previous participant.

This multi-level, intergenerational class is a fun, hands-on, time-tested workshop using an innovative curriculum called Chaffee Core Musicianship Project--CCMP for short. Past students and teachers of CCMP call it “mind-blowing.”

Nationally recognized, award-winning music educator Clark Chaffee will teach us the music program he created to help people like you master the fundamentals of music knowledge. Pianist Lori Rosolowsky (host of the popular Preludes & Performances) and MSU music students will co-teach this class. 

We will use the Howard Hall keyboard lab in the music building at MSU. Student coaches will join participants to guide them as they play. Our small group structure allows you to progress and review at your own pace throughout the two consecutive half-day sessions. Bonus: Clark Chaffee is available for individualized follow-up sessions at no extra charge.

So, please join us whether you are a musical newbie, a rusty amateur, or a seasoned pro hoping to pick up some coaching tips! It’s fun and brain-changing, which is what OLLI is all about. 

Pictured above are Lori Rosolowsky and Clark Chaffee.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Tuchsherer

Written by OLLI volunteer Charlene Krygier

“Everyone shares the same park bench when you are retired.”

It is always important to give credit where it is due. That stated, there are three children and seven grandchildren in the area to whom OLLI at MSU is grateful. Because of them, Jim Tuchsherer moved to Bozeman to be near his family. And our valley community has reaped the benefits of his relocation.

Jim left Wisconsin after a 40-year career as a civil trial attorney. He is a retired chair of the Litigation Section of the Wisconsin Bar. Not too cheesy! (A little Wisconsin humor!)

Jim’s introduction to OLLI came via a long-time member, Dick Young, whom we have also spotlighted.

For years, Jim has volunteered for OLLI (then Wonderlust) wherever needed, but most recently with the Speaker Series Committee, securing presenters and acting as the friendly greeter at the programs. He praises the Bozeman area’s wealth of presenters, especially highlighting MSU faculty and staff from all academic disciplines willing to impart their knowledge and wisdom to OLLI members.

Jim is pleased to be a volunteer, assisting in making these programs available to members eager to learn and expand their understanding of multiple topics. He believes that OLLI keeps improving, and his involvement is helping to pave the way in that direction.

Learn more about Jim and the role of volunteers at OLLI at MSU in a recent interview about OLLI on KGVM radio with Jim and OLLI director Bobbi Geise.

As Jim says, “And as long as I am able, I will stand at the doorway as members exit a program sharing the words, ‘Thanks for coming!’”

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.

December 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

Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism

Anne Appelbaum

January 15,

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

OLLI at MSU Book Discussion Group

The Bone People

Keri Hulme

January 8,

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Face-to-face

Hope Lutheran Church

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Do you enjoy OLLI’s diverse array of programs? Developing and hosting programs is an investment our dedicated volunteers and staff take seriously at OLLI MSU. We also depend on your support to help create and maintain the many programs and events enjoyed by our membership, especially those offered for free as part of your annual membership, like the Speaker Series, Friday Forums, and semester receptions. Consider a gift of learning to OLLI MSU.

With Gratitude,

Bobbi Geise

Director, OLLI at MSU

Help Us Connect and Learn!

Are you a retired photographer or budding visual art enthusiast? We like to feature our members in action on our print and web communications. If you would be interested in helping to take pictures and video during OLLI programs, let us know via our short volunteer form and we will work with you to get the camera rolling! 

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.