Celebrating 20 Years!

Celebrating 20 Years!


The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University (OLLI) is a group of more than 1,000 individuals, age 50 and over, who learn together through three distinct programs: OLLI Classes, OLLI Learning Trips, and OLLI Study Groups.

Here, members can discuss what they learned, what they enjoyed, and offer suggestions to enhance future program offerings.

Take a look at the photos we're taking, and the discussions we're having as OLLI members.

Whether we're in class, in town, or out of town ... we're on the go, having fun, and constantly learning.


We look forward to reading your comments!

While you're online, be sure to visit our website www.bradley.edu/continue/olli to register for our programs.

Don't forget -- OLLI has its own YouTube Channel, where you can see video clips of Learning Trips, Classes, and Study Groups!

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Peoria Lock & Dam -- March 19, 2012

During our tour of the Peoria Lock and Dam, we saw first-hand how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the nine-foot navigational channel on the Illinois River to ensure that inland traffic can pass through 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Todd Ernenputsch, a ranger with the Corps, was our guide as we viewed the dam and learned how it is only one of four wicket dams used for navigational purposes in the nation.

UICOMP -- March 16, 2012



On national match day for students, OLLI was privileged to tour the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.

As part of the nation's largest public medical school, UICOMP offers a balance of classroom education and clinical experience. During our visit, we learned how the school aims to improve healthcare in our community via education, research, and patient care.

OLLI thanks Dr. Gandhi and Dr. Rusch for taking time out of their busy schedules to make us feel welcome on campus.

Spring Kickoff Luncheon -- March 14, 2012



The Spring season of OLLI kicked off with our biggest luncheon to date -- nearly 350 members, instructors, and volunteers were in attendance!

More than 414 individuals have registered to attend OLLI classes this season, setting another record for participation.

OLLI thanks Dr. Jackie Hogan of Bradley University for her entertaining and informative presentation on Lincoln, Inc.: Selling the Sixteenth President in Contemporary America.

Monday, March 12, 2012

WEEK-TV -- March 12, 2012



On this trip to the WEEK-TV 25 studios, we learned how news is gathered, viewed editing bays and the control room, and had an opportunity to see reporters and anchors at work.

In addition, our tour included a behind-the-scenes viewing of the midday news broadcast and a question-and-answer session with the anchors, Garry Moore and Sandy Gallant.

For more information about WEEK-TV, visit http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com

Peoria International Airport -- March 9, 2012



On March 9, OLLI traveled to the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport for a private tour with Airport Director Gene Olson.

We enjoyed an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at ticket counters, inbound baggage facilities, passenger screening rooms, waiting areas, and jet bridges. We also learned how the new 125,000 square-foot terminal places ticket counters, baggage claim and rental car desks on one floor in the main concourse, serving around 1 million travelers through 12 gates annually.

For more information about the airport, please visit www.flypia.com

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Maui Jim -- March 6, 2012



On our first trip of Spring 2012, we visited the Peoria headquarters of Maui Jim, the fastest growing premium sunglass maker in the world.

During our tour, we saw first-hand how the company engineers its PolarizedPlus lenses, which combat the sun's intense glare and harmful ultraviolet rays. Chief Financial Officer Tim Krueger spent nearly two hours with our group, discussing the company's "Aloha Spirit" philosophy, its move from Hawaii to Peoria, and how its "ohana" (family) has steadily built a cult following for its products.

OLLI thanks Tim Krueger and the staff at Maui Jim for welcoming us during the tour. For more information about Maui Jim, please visit www.mauijim.com.

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