The college’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a wide range of courses, cultural experiences and activities to enrich and inspire adults 50 and over.
Current and retired university faculty, graduate students, distinguished community members, business leaders, hobbyists and others share their knowledge on fun and thought-provoking topics guided by member interest.
Since OLLI is part of the college, faculty and staff often volunteer to teach classes. Recently, they’ve taught OLLI members how to make pizza, explained how exercise can be used as medicine and offered advice on estate planning.
Next month, the college’s Drs. Michael Hevel and Suzanne Kucharczyk will give OLLI members a campus tour of Peabody Hall, highlighting its unique history and the current updates that facilitate today’s teacher education. Peabody is one of the oldest buildings at the University of Arkansas and has been home to teacher education programs since its inception. For over 50 years, it also housed the Peabody Elementary School and University High School, educating Fayetteville youth while training generations of student teachers. In 2010, Peabody Hall underwent a nearly $10 million renovation to become a cutting-edge facility — with historic charm — to prepare future teachers. The restoration earned an award from the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas.
Former students of Peabody Elementary and University High — or teachers trained in Peabody Hall — are encouraged to attend and share their experiences of learning in this historic building.
During the last week of February, OLLI members learned from Dean Kate Mamiseishvili. She shared about the rich history and traditions of her home country, Georgia, at the intersection of Europe and Asia. They heard about the country’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition, a unique alphabet, diverse climate regions, breathtaking dances and polyphonic singing.
Mamiseishvili also shared about growing up behind the Iron Curtain, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the challenges of building a new democratic nation.
She relayed poignant stories of Georgian hospitality, unforgettable traditional feasts and the art of the Georgian toast. If friends are out to dinner, they always toast before eating. When someone says “gaumarjos” at a Georgian gathering, they raise a glass to celebrate and wish each other victory.
OLLI director Josh Raney praised the dean and all who have willingly shared their expertise to benefit the lifelong learners his team serves.
“Our partnership with the faculty and staff of the College of Education and Health Professions is invaluable to OLLI’s mission,” Raney said. “Their expertise and dedication enrich our programs, providing lifelong learners with engaging, high-quality educational experiences that foster personal growth and community connection.”
OLLI was established in 2007 at the U of A and is one of 120+ Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) across the U.S. This spring, OLLI is offering nearly 100 dynamic courses designed for those curious about art, passionate about history, eager to stay active, or ready to tackle modern challenges.
For more information about teaching a class, course descriptions or how to register, visit the OLLI website.
