The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College kicked off the fall 2022 term with an open house this week. Despite the afternoon showers, several dozen members and guests came out to attend the event and learn more about the 50-plus classes that will be offered.
The highlight of the event featured nine different instructors talking about their classes. Course topics this fall will include history, music appreciation, health, living sustainably, improvisational theater, and there’s even a course titled “50 Things You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do.”
“At OLLI, our goal is to enrich the lives of mature adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing high-quality educational programs and social interactions that provide intellectual stimulation,” said Dr. Phyllis C. Brown, director of OLLI.
Fall classes begin September 28 and run through November 18. Classes are available during the week and range from two to eight-session courses. They are taught by volunteers, many of whom have retired from successful careers before relocating to Sarasota. Anyone “aged 50 and better” is invited to register for courses or participate in any of the workshops, special lectures, and programs held throughout the term.
Most courses are taught in person at the Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236. Classes are also available virtually.
Students can enjoy a myriad of classes including “Improv Brain Games” with Will Luera, director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theater or “Women of the American Songbook” with actress and pianist Sandra Moulin. Plus, there’s CONNECTIONS, the documentary film series, which features two films this term, Lives Well Lived and 100 Days with Tata.
“We are excited to be able to offer so many different and enriching opportunities to our community,” said Jeff Ryder, who retired after a career in the television industry and is chair of the OLLI curriculum committee. “We truly have something for everyone.”
To view the course catalog and to register for classes, visit the OLLI website. Students can also register by phone at 941-309-5111 or in person at Sarasota Art Museum, Mann Reception Area (room 105).
OLLI is a division of the Ringling College Continuing Studies Department.
ABOUT OLLI
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a division of the Ringling College Continuing Studies department. OLLI operates year-round and is supported through student registrations and private contributions. OLLI courses are non-credit and primarily based on a liberal arts curriculum. OLLI seeks to enrich the lives of mature adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing affordable and outstanding educational programs. OLLI offers classes with topics as varied as Arts and Entertainment, Finance, History, Science, Current Events, Languages, Psychology, and more without the pressure of tests, grades, or credits. Classes are offered purely for the joy of learning! OLLI at Ringling College is located on the Ringling College Museum Campus at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236.
ABOUT RINGLING COLLEGE
Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. Follow Ringling College on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube and for more information, please visit www.ringling.edu.