Winter Classes Gathering -- January 11 - 14, 2011

It was our largest Winter ever -- 186 members gathered for classes on the campus at Bradley University from January 11 through 14.

Our classes are gatherings of OLLI members who enjoy learning with peers and who prefer a non-credit, no-stress, no-test environment. This season's topics varied across a broad range including the practical and the theoretical as well as the playful and the serious. Each of the four consecutive days began at 8:30 a.m. and concluded at 3:30 p.m. with classes changing every hour. Between classes, participants enjoyed camaraderie and conversation in the Michel Student Center atrium.

For more information about OLLI, please visit our website or call 309.677.2523.

Ice Age Hike -- January 10, 2011

Nearly 20,000 years ago, the landscape of Central Illinois was under sheets of ice. Large lakes were being formed where moraines dammed the water from melting glaciers, and storms were depositing thick layers of dust over the area.

During a two-hour private hike at Forest Park Nature Center with Ed Stermer, geology expert and earth science instructor at Illinois Central College, OLLI members learned how Central Illinois was sculpted by these Ice Age glaciers. Stermer, who has led two previous OLLI geology hikes in the warmer months, guided our group through the geologic evidence of the glaciers (including changes in rocks and fauna), explained how plate tectonics and changes in the earth’s orbit affected the glaciations of the Peoria area, and discussed the reasons for past and possible future ice ages.

OLLI thanks Ed for providing yet another fascinating adventure for our group.

For more information about Forest Park Nature Center, please visit www.peoriaparks.com

Renaissance Coliseum -- January 6, 2011

Our first learning trip of 2011 was a private tour of the new Renaissance Coliseum at Bradley University.

Dr. Michael Cross, BU Athletic Director, and student-athletes from the BU women's basketball team personally guided us through the $50 million, 165,000 square-foot facility. Highlights of our visit included the Burkland Family Heritage Hall (home to the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame), athletic training rooms, player suites and coaches offices, practice court balcony, Braves Club Room, conference and hospitality rooms, and administrative offices for the Athletics Department.

OLLI thanks Dr. Cross and the women's basketball team for providing such an informative tour of the new facility.

For more information about the Renaissance Coliseum, please visit www.bradleybraves.com.