Through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
While so many seniors are staying ‘Safer at Home’ this may be the ideal time to consider registering for one of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (OLLI) online classes at Eckerd College. These non-credit liberal arts classes and activities are a great way to explore new worlds in this time of social distancing.
Designed for people age 50 and over and are open to all adult learners across Pinellas County and beyond. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes include topics in biography, culture and travel, film and television, Florida studies, history, theatre, science, and visual arts. In the past, programs have been typically held at several sites throughout Pinellas County; however, due to the pandemic, classes have moved online until further notice, with the goal to return to local session as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. With the expansion of online learning, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute plans to continue offering classes, activities and socials on an online platform in future terms to allow more opportunities for participants to attend and making the classes available to learners outside the local area.
Eckerd College’s Spring 2020 Catalog of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs include 30 online courses available to participants in the comfort of one’s own home through June. Among this spring’s classes are “A Royal Scandal: Queen Victoria’s Sons,” “American Voices of Tin Pan Alley: The Gilded Era—WWII,” “Major League Baseball in Florida,” “Frenemies: Henry Plant and Henry Flagler,” “W.C. Fields—Hollywood Curmudgeon,” “Your Body Works Chemically,” “Everything You Don’t know about the U.S. Presidential Actions But Should!”, The Examined Life—Philosophical Discussions,” “Your Destiny Is in Your Closet” and “The Greatest Miracle of All.”
Currently, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers online discussion groups and socials for FREE, as well as opportunities to engage with members, learn more about its diverse offerings and try out its online platform. Members receive class and trip discounts and many other community benefits, including discounted tickets to many cultural programs. Non-OLLI members are welcomed to participate in all classes and activities with advance registration. Most programs range from single sessions offered for one to two hours in a morning or afternoon to ones that have several session dates. Visit the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute website weekly for new additions to the schedule.
For detailed information on registration, fees and even a fall schedule of Eckerd’s OLLI classes, visit www.eckerd.edu/olli or call (727) 864-7600. For more details contact [email protected]. Eckerd College is located at 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL Osher Lifelong Learning Programs are offered at more than 100 prestigious colleges across the nation. In this area, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs also available at the University of South Florida and at Ringling College in Sarasota.
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