OLLI to Host Fall Open House on Sunday, Aug. 18

Shannon Magsam

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will host a fall open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, for those who'd like to join or renew their membership, register for classes or visit with instructors and volunteers. The open house will be held at the OLLI office, 211 E. Dickson St. in Fayetteville.

OLLI, an affiliate of the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions, offers a variety of non-credit courses and special events to its members.

Members explore intellectual and cultural topics of interest, share their experiences and talents, and make new friends.

OLLI courses and special events are taught and led by current and retired U of A faculty, community experts and enthusiasts in specific fields.

Linda Leavell has been an OLLI member since 2011, when she moved to Northwest Arkansas from Oklahoma. She'd been an American literature professor at Oklahoma State University for 24 years. Leavell, who wrote a critically acclaimed biography of poet Marianne Moore, teaches a variety of OLLI courses.

Leavell was among a group of OLLI members who recently toured the U of A's Faulkner Performing Arts Center, Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall and David W. Mullins Library.

Charlie and Rita Daniel, who were both undergrads at the U of A, were also in the group. Charlie Daniel played Razorback football and was on the team when they won the 1964 Football Writers Association of America National Championship. The Daniels currently have a grandson attending law school at the U of A.

"We enjoy all the classes and learning," Rita Daniel said. "And we definitely enjoy meeting new people."

One of OLLI's purposes is to allow for members to meet and interact with a variety of interesting people.

Rick Jones is new on the OLLI advisory council. He noted that as people age, they can often feel isolated and lonely. OLLI not only offers classes, but also social hours, book clubs and other events to help get members connected to the community, he said.

OLLI classes, programs and activities are geared toward the interests of adults 50 and over, but there are no age restrictions or academic prerequisites. Anyone is welcome to participate.

Annual membership is $50 and Arkansas Alumni Association members pay $40 every year. Courses are individually priced and payment is due at the time of registration.

For more information, visit olli.uark.edu.