By CONTINUING EDUCATION STAFF
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Bradley University invites the central Illinois community to attend two upcoming campus events.
Designed to connect OLLI with the broader community and promote its lifelong learning experiences, both events are free of charge and do not require OLLI membership.
On Aug. 6, A Taste of OLLI — Ice Cream Social — will be held at the Michel Student Center at Bradley University. The gathering begins at 1 p.m. and parking is free on campus.
The event features complimentary ice cream, meet-and-greet with OLLI volunteers and Bradley staff, assistance with OLLI fall registration, and a panel discussion featuring some of OLLI’s most enthusiastic volunteers who will share their experiences and highlight what’s coming next.
A special address by Ray LaHood, former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, will cap off the event. A longtime supporter of OLLI and lifelong learning, LaHood will share insights about the Middle East, current national issues, and from his distinguished public service career.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the spirit of OLLI,” said Catherine Lawless, Associate Director of Continuing Education at Bradley. “Whether you’re new to OLLI or already involved, the Taste of OLLI is a great way to connect, learn, and explore what we have to offer.”
OLLI will offer nearly 100 Fall programs to choose from including classes, learning trips, study groups, and other presentations and events. OLLI’s Fall Registration Request week will be Aug. 4-8.
During this time participants have an entire week to request as many Fall programs as they like. All participants who request programs will receive an email the following week listing the programs they have been enrolled in. Our new registration system gives participants an entire week to request programs: “no hurry, no stress.”
On Sept. 25, Dr. Robert Ballard will present “Finding Titanic” at the Renaissance Coliseum. His remarks begin at 6:30 p.m., and again parking on the Bradley campus will be free for this event.
OLLI’s inaugural “Voices and Visions” Distinguished Speaker Series features Ballard, one of the world’s most accomplished deep-sea explorers.
Ballard is best known for his historic discoveries of the R.M.S. Titanic, hydrothermal vents, and the German battleship Bismarck. His in-person presentation will offer a rare glimpse into the secret U.S. Navy mission that led to the Titanic’s discovery.
Presented by OLLI in partnership with the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Ballard’s presentation is just ahead of the worldwide premiere of his exhibit, “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission,” on Sept. 27 at the PRM.
This new collaboration between OLLI and the Peoria Riverfront Museum also offers OLLI members another outstanding benefit. PRM is offering half price One + One membership to 100 OLLI participants in time to experience the Titanic exhibit.
Registration for this offer will be held in conjunction with OLLI’s fall registration. Additional details are in the OLLI Fall catalog which can be found on the webpage bradley.edu/olli.
There is no charge for either the Ice Cream Social or the Titanic speech, but advanced registration is required. To reserve seats, please visit bradley.edu/olli or call the Continuing Education office at (309) 677-3900.
In addition to those two free events, OLLI will host its ninth annual Trivia Night Fundraiser, Friday, Aug. 15, at the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center. This year’s theme is “Viva Las Vegas” and will be hosted by Greg Batton and Dan DiOrio from WMBD radio. Prizes are awarded for best costumes, most creative table decorations and, of course, most correct trivia answers.
Cost is $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. Call the OLLI office at (309) 677-3900 to reserve a spot. The event begins at 6 p.m.
OLLI serves more than 1,200 people in the Peoria area and beyond who enjoy a variety of programming geared to the 50-plus crowd, but everyone is welcome.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a program of Bradley University’s Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development, and is supported by Bradley. OLLI has been twice endowed by the Bernard Osher Foundation, which seeks to improve the quality of life through its support of education and the arts.