OLLI@UND Facebook equals engagement opportunities
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars…”
That pretty much sums up the experience of people who are getting new knowledge, new experiences, and new friends through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI@UND) . That group also includes many women age 50-plus—who are the fastest growing demographic of new Facebook users.
For the statistics-minded, here are a couple of key facts about “older” people and new knowledge:
- Facebook is the No. 3 site visited by users 65 and older.
- Fastest growing segment of Facebook users: women over 55.
“People sometimes assume that older generations are not willing to learn and try new things. The Facebook statistics dispel that myth. OLLI@UND takes learning to a whole new level without the pressure of homework, tests or grades,” said Lynette Krenelka, director of Lifelong Learning and Professional Development with the UND Division of Continuing Education which runs OLLI@UND.
“People who join OLLI@UND and take some of the many courses, do our tours and day trips, tell us they’re getting a whole new perspective on what it means to learn—it’s really about getting a lot more enjoyment out of life,” Krenelka said. “It’s absolutely true: we’re never too old to learn something new. And we’re certainly never too old to meet new people and make new friends.”
“OLLI@UND brings lifelong learning, joy, and lots of fun to people who want to learn,” Krenelka said. “You cannot help getting excited about all that is happening with OLLI—great courses, day trips, tours, special events, brown bag lunch with a movie and more. The fun keeps building.”
OLLI@UND, now in its third year, is sponsored by the San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI@UND now has about 425 dues-paying members. The organization is aiming for a total of 500 or more members this year—a goal that, if reached, will entitle OLLI@UND to a $1 million endowment from the Osher Foundation.
To find out more about OLLI@UND, this fall’s lineup of courses, to meet OLLI@UND leaders, instructors, and current members, the public is invited to the Fall Social and Course Preview, 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, Minn.
Join other OLLI members as they pursue their quest for lifelong learning. There will be a milk mustache contest and dishes of Cass Clay ice cream for $1 with all proceeds going to the Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA).
Fall Social and Course Preview, 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, National Energy Center of Excellence, Room 101, Bismarck State College, 1200 Schafer Street. Enjoy the fun as you preview new courses and meet the instructors.
For a complete list of fall 2010 courses, instructor profiles, events, and day trips, see http://olli.und.edu.
