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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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette - Tuesday, September 16

Today, we had the chance to tour the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette hotel, learn about its incredible history, and view the renovations that took place. Not only that--but we also had the opportunity to visit the Marriott Courtyard, which recently opened.

The historical Pere Marquette Hotel was first built in 1926 for $2.5 million. The 12-story building closed in 2011 to undergo an extensive renovation and expansion into a full-service, upscale Marriott Hotel.

Lauren Snopek,Marriott sales manager, began our tour with a private look at a few of the hotel's most famous ballrooms--the 'Marquette Ballroom' with the dazzling, sparkling chandeliers that hang from the ceiling of the ballroom,and the French-inspired 'Cotillion Ballroom " The historic Cotillion Ballroom has been the venue for numerous weddings, and social events of Peoria's elite. The mirrors lining the walls, the detailed carpeting,and preserved wood-work were absolutely breath-taking.

The concierge lounge was a highlight as well, since they kindly offered us treats as we relaxed in this beautifully decorated area with an entire wall of windows.

On our way to the adjoining hotel we checked out the recently completed walkway which links the hotels with the Civic Center and the parking deck. We really enjoyed the amazing view from one of the Courtyard Marriott's suites which provided a birds-eye view of downtown Peoria. Our final stop was the pool and spa area which looked tempting, but our group was hungry for lunch.

The visit concluded with a delicious meal at the Hotel's brand-new restaurant Table 19. Ever wonder where the name originated from? Apparently, during the original days of the Pere Marquette, Table 19 was the most sought-after table to dine at, and with its window seating was the location of many proposals, anniversaries, and birthdays.

Thank you to the Peoria Marriott staff for a wonderful, and informative tour of this historic gem. For more information about the Hotel and the restoration that took place, visit the website here!

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