Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Eckerd College

My husband and I moved to the St Pete area 3 years ago and shortly thereafter discovered OLLI at Eckerd College. Membership at OLLI is inexpensive and provides the opportunity to enroll in wonderful classes and to participate in a number of diverse social events. We developed lasting relationships with members and staff and truly have OLLI to thank for those connections. As OLLI continues to enrich our lives, I "give back" by volunteering as a class host and participating on 2 committees. My husband is also active in OLLI and regularly contributes to the monthly Sports Talk event. Come join us!

Attending Metropolitan Opera Live broadcasts brought me to the Eckerd campus 3 years ago, and OLLI classes keep me coming back. I've missed the Met broadcasts during this year of COVID, but the online OLLI classes have kept me out of the quarantine fuzzy-brain condition, if not fuzzy slippers. Topics have been interesting and varied, with excellent presenters sharing sharing their vast knowledge. Online or in person, frequent OLLI classes will remain on my calendar.

For anyone who enjoys a pursuit of lifelong learning for the pure enjoyment without the pressures of attending classes, taking notes, etc. then OLLI is the place for you. Given the variety of classes that OLLI offers there is something for everyone's tastes, from technology to current events, from history to performing arts, etc. You name it and in all probability has it either now or in the near future. If you also enjoy volunteer work that is NOT overwhelming then OLLI may be just right the place for you to also contribute your time while enjoying the educational and entertaining journey. I've been involved with OLLI since 2016 and have enjoyed every aspect of it, now serving as Chair of the Curriculum Committee as well as serving on OLLI's Advisory Council. If you have any questions about the program beyond what can be found on our website, please feel free to contact me at your convenience as I would be glad to engage in a discussion with you as to just why OLLI may be a great choice to complement your life.

What a marvelous opportunity to experience lifelong learning, make new friends, and expand your horizons. I found out about OLLI three years ago, and thoroughly enjoy the programs, even in these times of virtual togetherness. It's a chance to learn new things, revisit and expand old knowledge, and open your mind to so many subjects. From art to science, history to culture, nature to self-improvement, and more! Not expensive, and well-worth the money.

Having the opportunity to participate in OLLI ZOOM lectures and activities such as book discussions has been a wonderful experience during the lockdown. But we are hoping that the use of lecturers from out of town will continue even though we are moving back to in-person participation. With Zoom we have had access to an art historian in Italy, a wonderful lecture on the musical "Hamilton" from an individual in Maryland and now the wonderful Austen lectures by Sarah Rosenson. We hope that events such as these as well as the many in-person experiences we had pre-Covid will continue. OLLI/Eckerd is a quality product!

If you enjoy learning new things and meeting interesting seniors, the Olli program at Eckerd College is made for you!! Covering a wide range of engaging topics, their lectures and short-term classes offer informative, entertaining, and uniquely rewarding learning experiences. Don't overlook this gem of a program for seniors in this area!

My wife and I really enjoy the OLLI Lifelong Learning Program at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida. From the breadth of programming (pirates to climate change) to the social activities such as pickleball and the bistro sessions, my wife and I practically live there. The teaching rooms and audio-visual are top-notch too. Here, I should mention Conrad, the IT support guy, for his IT knowledge as well as his calm professionalism. As soon as the Eckerd campus re-opens, we will return.