OLLI at WMU stages fall kickoff, course registration begins soon

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University is staging a fall kickoff, while registration for courses and day trips it offers for adults is approaching.

The "Fall Kickoff: What's New at OLLI" is 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Peoples Church, 1758 N. 10th St. Fall courses begin Tuesday, Sept. 6, and registration opens Tuesday, Aug. 9, for members and Tuesday, Aug. 23, for nonmembers.

OLLI at WMU is now in its sixth year of operation, offering short-term courses and one-day trips for adults. This fall, 54 courses and special interest groups will be available. OLLI at WMU offers stimulating courses and trips to anyone interested in learning new things along with other curious, mature adults. Courses are non-credit, with most meeting once a week for one to four sessions. There are no tests or grades—simply learning for the joy of it.

About the fall kickoff

The fall kickoff will feature an introduction to the fall 2016 courses and trips catalog, three entertaining short break-out sessions, and opportunities to meet some of the fall instructors, socialize with other participants and enjoy refreshments.

A sampling of courses being offered includes The 2016 Presidential Election, Cutting Edge Issues in Bioethics, How the Railroads Came to Kalamazoo, Women in the Civil War and Michigan Geology. In addition, four courses about aviation will take place at the Air Zoo. Some courses are held in WMU's College of Health and Human Services building, while others take place in locations throughout the community.

Course costs vary based on the length and number of class meetings. However, members pay half price for courses and have many other benefits. A one-year membership in OLLI at WMU is $35.

OLLI at WMU also offers group trips. Four trips are scheduled for the fall term: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids; Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hastings; the Arab-American National Museum, Dearborn; and a special trip to Grand Rapids to celebrate the holidays with lights, carolers and the music of the Grand Rapids Symphony.

For more information, to make a reservation for the fall kickoff, to obtain or view a catalog, or to register for courses or trips, visit wmich.edu/olli or call the OLLI at WMU office at (269) 387-4200.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.