Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Announces 2018 Fall Semester

SARASOTA, FL -- “Integrating Art and Design through Technology,” “Writing About Your Life,” “Cuba: A Country Worth Seeing and Knowing,” “Pleasures of Lyric Poetry.”

This is a sampling of the more than 50 in-depth courses offered this fall by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College, formerly Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy).

Classes, lectures, OLLI Talks, Einstein’s Circle series, and special events are held at OLLI at Ringling College’s interim headquarters at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Building #1, Sarasota. Classes are also offered at State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch, The Center of Anna Maria Island, and Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton.

OLLI at Ringling College’s fall 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 fall 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., Oct. 2, 23 and Nov. 13, at Temple Beth Sholom.

There are two Einstein’s Circle events this semester. “Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive: An Insider’s Look at the Pharmaceutical Industry” features moderator Robert Essner, retired chairman of the board and CEO of Wyeth (now Pfizer). Oct. 31, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom.

The second Einstein’s Circle is “Stuck or Unstuck? Women in the 21st Century: Making Gender Equality a Lasting Reality.” Moderator Sherry Penney, Ph.D., is the former chancellor of the University of Massachusetts (Boston) and interim president of the University of Massachusetts’ five-campus system. She is also founding director and professor of the Center for Collaborative Leadership and College of Management. Nov. 14, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom.

Two lectures are included in the fall semester. The first is “Crossroads of Cuban Contemporary Art: Utopia and Lost Paradise.” Cuban art expert David Horta will discuss themes related to Cuban contemporary art and how they have impacted the general state of affairs in Cuban society over the last decades. Horta will present current changes that redefine the historical, political, and cultural paradigms that shape the Cuban sense of identity and world vision after the revolution. Oct. 24, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom.

The second lecture is “Painting Sarasota with the Colors of the Circus” with Robert Collins, who worked with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and served on the board of Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory, including two years as its chair. He will explore Sarasota’s circus history and the enduring legacy of the Big Top. Nov. 8, 2:30-4 p.m., at Temple Beth Sholom.

The fall semester also includes the Boomer Conference: “How to Live Your Best Life Pre- and Post-Retirement,” an all-day event featuring speakers and networking sessions that will offer a host of useful strategies on retirement’s social, financial, and practical implications. Keynote speaker Jeri Sedlar, co-author of “Don’t Retire: REWIRE,” will share her five-step approach to retirement. Conference sessions include “Networking for Fulfillment,” “The Caregiver’s Path: You CAN Care for Your Loved One Without Losing Your Self,” “Pathways and Tools to Embrace a Meaningful Life,” and “Embracing Joy in Your Life.” Conference speakers include Kathy Flora, Louise Gallagher, Debbie Grovum, Dr. David Klain, Susan Larson, Rick Miners, Andrea Nierenberg, and Janna Overstreet. Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom.

Janna Overstreet, OLLI at Ringling College's director, says, “Studies show that lifelong learning enhances our understanding of the world around us, improves our quality of life and boosts health and longevity. 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 faculty members, and professional practitioners in an engaging, collaborative manner.

For more information/to register, visit www.olliatringlingcollege.org or call 941-309-5111.