A special kind of senior
Abbie Alexander, left, owner of AAA Antiques, discusses a piece of jewelry with OLLI participant Liz Webster of Peoria. “Antique Jewelry” is among 51 classes retirees could choose from for the fall semester of OLLI.
There’s nothing like seeing people have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to exchange ideas. I love being in the center of campus for that very reason, as I watch young adults learn and grow, question and understand. But for four Wednesdays each semester, I enjoy listening in on some other classes on campus, too. Nearly 400 retirees come to campus those days to participate in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, known as OLLI. They can choose from 51 classes offered on a wide variety of topics and taught by Bradley administrators and professors, people from the community, and OLLI participants who volunteer to teach classes.
I can hardly wait to see what’s in store today. Last week, Interim Provost Bob Bolla discussed genetic engineering in his class, “Current Topics in Science,” while professor Karen Bartelt led a class on “Global Warming.” Michael Slaughter, a retired Illinois Central College English professor, was on hand, ready to teach his class, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” His class looks at contemporary fiction to examine what has happened to the emotion of love in today’s world, as people worry about terrorism, violence, and the breakdown of family values. People were admiring and learning about beautiful antique jewelry in a class taught by Abbie Alexander of AAA Antiques. I could hear beautiful music coming from the Student Center ballroom and found participants were viewing a video from the Merry Widow in an opera appreciation class.
In another section of the ballroom, silk artist Rena Huber of Tremont was on hand with a display of brightly colored scarves and framed panels. I even considered buying one to accent my dress! Each week, the work of a local artist is featured. These art appreciation displays are the brainchild of Carol Morissey, who was president of this group when it was called the Institute for Learning in Retirement.
I heard this year’s president, Joanne Haupt, discussing the new study groups offered this year. She explained they are different from the regular OLLI classes, in that those enrolled also take turns leading the sessions. She also mentioned that the number of educational bus trips has increased. These trips range from behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and organizations, such as a recent trip to chef school at the Southside Mission, to day-long trips to museums and other points of interest in Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
It is such a thrill to see so many people eager to learn and grow. It just goes to show that whether you’re a young person preparing for your life’s work or a retiree interested in maintaining a vital, active life, Bradley University is the place to be!