Community Members Invited to Discover Lifelong Learning at ‘OLLI Day’

UNIVERSITY PARK — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State is celebrating 25 years of lifelong learning and is inviting the community to join some of the educational opportunities available at no cost to members and nonmembers during “OLLI Day” from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on June 8, 2022, at The Arboretum at Penn State.

OLLI at Penn State offers community members aged 50 or better the opportunity to learn, explore and connect through educational experiences, travel, social and volunteer opportunities. Brynn Rousselin, director of OLLI at Penn State, said “OLLI Day” is a great way to learn more about what OLLI has to offer.

“Event attendees will experience a sample of lectures, hands-on learning, tours and connecting with other curious adults. Courses offered throughout the day will focus on a few of OLLI’s popular topics such as history, art, science, gardening, and health and wellness,” Rousselin said. “We look forward to seeing many of our local community members at ‘OLLI Day’ and sharing what makes this organization so special.”

Nancy Gamble is one of the founding members of OLLI at Penn State. She became involved in creating the organization, previously known as the Community Academy of Lifelong Learning (CALL), soon after she and her husband, Glenn, moved to State College. She and Glenn were two of the first instructors.

“Glenn and I taught a class about Panama. We lived there for two years while he was stationed in the United States Army. I also taught a more practical class about couponing,” Gamble said. “OLLI is a wonderful way to meet people, become friends and share expertise while staying active and developing a new and shared purpose. Along with classes, there are opportunities to travel, or if you prefer, you can also be an armchair traveler!”

Several mini courses will be presented throughout “OLLI Day.”  JoAnne Reilly, an instructor, and member of OLLI at Penn State, will be leading a class entitled “Qigong in the Gardens.”

“As a retired teacher, I realize the importance of continual learning. OLLI gave me an opportunity to pursue my interests in many of the classes,” Reilly said. “I will be teaching a class on Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise that involves movement, meditation, breathing and awareness. The exercise puts one’s body into a relaxation and a yet a regeneration state. Qigong calms the mind and allows the body to heal. The class is open to all experience levels.”

Other mini courses offered during “OLLI Day” include “The History of the Palmer Museum of Art,” “Bird Watching at the Bird House,” “Penn State Football from 1887-1949,” “Photography 101,”  “Line Dancing with the Silver Spur Line Dancers” and more.

Visit the OLLI at Penn State website for more information about “OLLI Day “and a complete schedule of events.

OLLI at Penn State is a service of Penn State Outreach.