June 1-July 24
Registration Opens May 5 for Gold Members And May 12 for the General Public
Summer semester courses will be offered via Zoom and include approximately 15 courses covering a variety of topics.
(Sarasota-Manatee) —Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College) will offer its summer semester courses online from June 1-July 24. Registration opens on May 5 for Gold Members and May 12 for the general public. The summer semester features approximately 15 classes covering a diversity of subjects, including health and wellbeing, current events, literature, stress management, and memoir writing. To register, visit www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
According to Janna Overstreet, the executive director of OLLI at Ringling College, the school adapted quickly to the COVID-19 crisis. “We felt it was vital to continue offering courses during this period of social distancing,” says Overstreet. “Lifelong learning enhances our understanding of the world around us, improves our quality of life, and boosts health and longevity. That’s true in the best of times—and even more important in a time of social isolation. The distance learning model provides the perfect solution.” Overstreet adds that they’ve posted instructions on the OLLI website about how to use the Zoom platform and instructors will work with students to make sure they’re comfortable with it.
According to Overstreet, OLLI’s upcoming summer courses include “Breathing Through the Covid Crisis,” “Stress Management and Meditation,” “Survival Skills for Mind, Body and Life,” and “Happiness is an Inside Job.” She notes that, “These mind-body survival skills are especially relevant now. But other courses will be pure entertainment—and that’s important now, too. For example, Tony Moon will be teaching ‘The 27 Club: Rock & Roll Heaven,’ a discussion series exploring the short lives of artists like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Amy Winehouse.”
Overstreet says that her team has been actively planning for the fall semester, which starts in late September. “For now, we’re full steam ahead. We’re adhering to CDC guidelines and will decide as we get closer if courses will be offered via Zoom or in-person.”
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, creatives from every corner of the world have come to Ringling College of Art and Design to deepen, transform, and explore their passions. Our nearly 1,700 students are fueled by a need to create and we deliver the tools to turn passion into profession: an award-winning faculty, cutting-edge technology, and a supportive, creative community.
We offer the BFA in eleven disciplines and the BA in two. Beyond our rigorous curriculum—pairing studio and liberal arts—we excel in propelling students outside of the classroom through client projects, substantive internships, and national competitions, stopping at nothing to shape our students into tomorrow’s leaders of art and design. www.ringling.edu