January 14-March 8
Registration Open Now!
The winter semester includes more than 100 courses and programs covering a wide variety of topics. The semester also includes the Newtown History Makers Panel Discussion on February 6, Tech Day on February 8, and two timely Einstein Circle lectures and discussions.
(Sarasota-Manatee) Registration is now open for the winter semester at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College). There are more than 100 classes, workshops, lectures and other programs covering a rich diversity of subjects, including art appreciation, culture and travel, health and wellbeing, global issues, science, philosophy and religion, and more. Classes, lectures, Einstein’s Circle discussions, the Connections documentary film series, and other special events are held at OLLI at Ringling College’s interim headquarters at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Building #1, Sarasota. Classes are also offered at State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch, The Center on Anna Maria Island, and Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton. Weekly classes run two to eight weeks with half day and full day workshops also available. No refunds on lectures, workshops, or special events; registration is transferrable. To register, visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
Exclusive to this semester is “Newtown History Makers,” a panel discussion led by community scholar and activist Vickie Oldham. She and four distinguished panel members, Shelia Cassundra, Hammond Atkins, Lymus Dixon Jr., Walter L. Gilbert, III, and Ken Waters, will discuss Sarasota’s first black community—originally called Overtown. They’ll also talk about Newtown Alive, a groundbreaking initiative that has launched heritage tourism in Newtown and stimulates economic redevelopment there. February 6, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom. Free for Gold Members; $15 for Silver Members and general admission. To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
Another exciting new program this semester is Tech Day, a daylong workshop that explores current and future technologies. Participants will hear about the risks and rewards of this fast-changing world from six expert presenters. February 8, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom. $98 for Gold Members; $109 for Silver Members and general admission. To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
There are two Einstein’s Circle events this semester. “Protect Our Defenders: The Military and the #MeToo Movement” features moderator Nancy Parrish, the founder and chair, and former CEO of Protect Our Defenders, and founding co-chair of the Northern California Chapter of Human Rights Watch. January 16, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom. $9 for Gold Members; $10 for Silver Members and general admission. To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
The second Einstein’s Circle is “Fake News and Its Impact on American Society.” Moderator Robert Brent Toplin is professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina (Wilmington) and adjunct professor at the University of Virginia. He’s the author of 11 books and numerous historical articles, and a sought-after historical commentator by national television and broadcast radio. February 20, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom. $9 for Gold Members; $10 for Silver Members and general admission. To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
OLLI at Ringling College’s documentary film series, “Connections: Exploring Today’s Global Issues,” is an opportunity for students to connect to many of today’s pressing global issues via the penetrating perspectives of contemporary documentary films. The moderator of the series is Julie Cotton, a member of the Advisory Council’s Strategic Program Committee, executive coach, and aficionado of documentary films. The winter term features three films. Students may register for the entire series or for individual films. The films are shown on Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m., January 29 and February 19, at Temple Beth Sholom. Fees are per film $11 for Gold Members; $12 for Silver Members and general admission. To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
Two Lecture and Lunch Series are included in the winter semester. The first is “Sicily—Erupting with Culture,” a presentation, with lunch, that explores Sicily’s rich multicultural heritage and cuisine with food and travel expert Robert Gaglio. January 18, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Ramada By Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia, 425 U.S. 41 Bypass N, Venice. Tickets are $59 (includes a lecture, lunch, and live entertainment. Cash bar available for wine or beer). To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
The second lecture is “Palermo—Markets, Street Food, And Marionettes,” an exploration of Palermo’s street foods and markets with food and travel expert Robert Gaglio. February 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Ramada By Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia, 425 U.S. 41 Bypass N, Venice. Tickets are $59 (includes a lecture, lunch, and live entertainment. Cash bar available for wine or beer). To register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
Janna Overstreet is OLLI at Ringling College’s executive director. Lifelong learning is both her passion and profession.
“Studies show that lifelong learning enhances our understanding of the world around us, improves our quality of life and boosts health and longevity,” says Overstreet. “We offer educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons and enrich their lives.” She adds that courses cover a wide range of stimulating topics and are taught by scholars, retired university faculty members, and professional practitioners in an engaging, collaborative manner.
“Our motto is “Stay Curious. Stay Connected,’” she says. “That’s exactly what happens at OLLI at Ringling College. We provide people with vital intellectual and cultural stimulation in an informal, supportive atmosphere encouraging them to be open to new ideas, perspectives, and solutions. Our students and faculty engage in creative discussions that open up new worlds of ideas and insights. The OLLI learning environment encourages connection to other students, faculty, and to the community in which we live. Building community is what sets us apart; we embrace and encourage growth of that distinction through opportunities for social discourse and by providing volunteer leadership opportunities within our organization. We are a student-driven organization. The result is a program that is a true meeting of the minds between the institution of higher learning and students pursuing knowledge for enlightenment and joy.”
About Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College, or OLLI at Ringling College (formerly Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy), offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons and enrich their lives. Courses cover a wide range of stimulating topics and are taught by scholars, retired faculty members, and professional practitioners in an engaging, collaborative manner. Visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org.
About Ringling College of Art and Design
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 12 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, first-year 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. www.ringling.edu.