Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Releases Spring 2018 Schedule
Wed, 01/10/2018 - 03:41pm
Spring 2018 courses and activities offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Southern Mississippi include enriching and fulfilling learning and social interaction opportunities. Registration is underway, with the schedule beginning Feb. 1 and continuing through April.
OLLI is an association of mature adults interested in stimulating learning experiences and developing new friendships. It began in 1991 at Southern Miss as the Institute for Learning in Retirement, and is supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. While its schedule is targeted toward individuals age 50 and older, membership is open to anyone and includes the opportunity to enroll in one free seminar to learn more about OLLI.
Highlights of the spring schedule include topical seminars led by Jon Caridad, Dan Ellis, Philip Levin, Charlie Mabry, and Dickie Scruggs; cooking experiences with Cheri Hiers, Julie Hall, and Shayne Varone; trips to the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs, Lazy Magnolia Brewery in Kiln and Mississippi's new museums; a ‘foodie' tour of Bay St. Louis; a Saturday matinee of An American in Paris at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans; and an overnight trip to Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.
“I'm very excited about the upcoming semester. We're lucky to be able to draw on the wealth of knowledge from experts at USM and across south Mississippi for our classes, and we have some interesting and fun activities lined up as well,” said Brett Harris, director of OLLI. “If I didn't have to manage the program, I'd be signing up for one of them every day of the week.”
With more than 180 annual courses, trips, interest groups, and skill-building opportunities in Hattiesburg and along the Gulf Coast, OLLI offers experiences for every interest, including exploration of new technology, connecting mind and body through exercise, or taking up a new interest in painting, photography, or writing – all in an environment that values learning. There are no grades or tests, and members pay only for the courses they take.
For more information on a free OLLI seminar, or to request a copy of the spring schedule, visit www.usm.edu/olli. Schedules are also available at the OLLI Hattiesburg office, located in the Peck House at 3601 Pearl Street; or at Elizabeth Hall, room 104 on the USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. For questions about OLLI and its schedule of courses and activities, call the Hattiesburg office at 601.264.2780, or the Gulf Park Campus office at 228.214.3277.