The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of North Dakota (OLLI@UND), in partnership with Bismarck State College, is launching a new learning opportunity for people age 50-plus in the Bismarck-Mandan area with a full slate of classes this fall taught by local instructors.

 

UND President Robert Kelley and BSC President Larry Skogen will celebrate this special community outreach with an OLLI Open House from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, August 24, on the fourth floor of BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence at 1200 Schafer St., Bismarck.

 

“OLLI@UND is thrilled to bring this educational and personal enrichment program to the Bismarck-Mandan communities,” said Connie Hodgson, OLLI@UND coordinator. “We are eager to offer new opportunities to serve the intellectual needs of our baby boomers through non-credit courses and programs at affordable prices throughout North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.”

 

In addition to Kelley and Skogen, other members of the UND and BSC leadership teams will be on hand, including UND Vice President for Student and Outreach Services Bob Boyd; UND Chief Information Officer, Associate Vice President for Outreach Services and Dean of Outreach Programs Joshua Riedy; BSC Associate Vice President for Continuing Education, Training & Innovation Carla Braun Hixson; and BSC Director of Continuing Education, Training & Innovation Lori Heinsohn.

 

During the open house, potential members can preview upcoming fall courses, meet OLLI instructors, and enjoy refreshments with other OLLI members. UND and BSC staff will be available at the open house to answer questions, enroll members, and accept course registrations.
 
Classes are scheduled by semesters, with three semesters per year. The fall semester begins Sept. 21. Here’s a taste of the topics included among the course offerings: For the Love of Singing, History of the National Park Service, and Theology at the Movies. For a complete list of OLLI@UND course offerings this fall in the Bismarck-Mandan area, see www.olli.und.edu/bismarck

 

OLLI is a membership program for people age 50-plus who want to experience cultural and social growth through the learning and sharing of ideas, opinions, and talents. OLLI is supported by the Benard Osher Foundation. The UND chapter was established in 2007 to create an open, accessible, and innovative learning community for mature individuals in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.
 
Useful links:
www.olli.und.edu/bismarck
http://www.osherfoundation.org/index.php?olli

 

Contacts:
Connie Hodgson, Coordinator, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Division of Continuing Education—University of North Dakota
701-777-4840 conniehodgson@mail.und.edu

 

Juan Pedraza, UND Office of University Relations
701-777-6571 (office) 701-740-1321 (cell) juanpedraza@mail.und.edu
--30--