Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Casper College Membership Structure

OLLI Members:

• Fall/Spring/Summer (3 Sessions)
  $50.00 per person:  Includes two free classes and admission to all lecture series events. Each additional class is $8.00 per class. Additional costs for books and materials may apply. Field studies priced separately, depending on duration and location of the excursion.
• Fall or Spring Only (1 Session)
  $30.00 per person:  Includes two free classes and admission to all lecture series events. Each additional class is $8.00 per class. Additional costs for books and materials may apply. Field studies priced separately, depending on duration and location of the excursion.
• Summer (1 Session)
  $15.00 per person:  Includes one free class and admission to all lecture series events. Each additional class is $8.00 per class. Additional costs for books and materials may apply. Field studies priced separately, depending on duration and location of the excursion.

Non-Members:

$27.00 per class, additional costs for books and materials.
$40.00  per lecture series.
Field studies priced separately, depending on duration and location of the excursion.

Learn for the Love of It and JOIN US TODAY!

The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded by Bernard Osher in 1977. Through the foundation, his philanthropy has benefited a wide range of educational, cultural, and other nonprofit organizations primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and his native Maine. In the 1990s, the Foundation funded a series of Osher Scholar programs, extending scholarship assistance for post-secondary education to nearly thirty colleges and universities as well as professional and technical schools in California and Maine.

Bernard Osher

Barbro Osher

Maine native Bernard Osher is a successful businessman and community leader, a patron of the arts and education, whose philanthropy has affected countless organizations over the past quarter century. His wife, the Honorable Barbro Osher, Consul General of Sweden in San Francisco, serves as chair of the foundation.

History of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Movement
What began in 1997 as the University of Southern Maine’s Senior College became the nation’s first Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. And its beginnings are the stuff of legend. Local Rabbi, Harry Sky, worked with the leadership of the University to invite potential older learners to a meeting about an exciting new learning opportunity for older learners in Maine. They expected 150 people, and had enough “chowdah” to feed 175. When 500 potential students showed up, the program was successfully launched, albeit with a very watered down fish chowder lunch.

The Senior College was renamed in 2001 after receiving a gift from The Bernard Osher Foundation that enabled the program to expand its peer-taught courses, workshops and other activities for more than 950 adult learners, ages 55 and over in the Portland, Maine area. OLLI was started, developed and remains an organization run primarily by volunteers who develop the curriculum, staff the office at USM, and design OLLI's extracurricular activities including local and international field trips. The USM institute also coordinates the Maine Senior College Network (MSCN), an organization of the state's 15 Senior Colleges that serves more than 6000 Mainers statewide annually.

Recognizing that the proportion of older people in the United States is growing rapidly, and with it, the demand for lifelong learning programs, the Osher Foundation began to encourage the development of vibrant learning communities of older adults. The Foundation funded Sonoma State University, a member of the California State University (CSU) system, which planned to model its lifelong learning program on the highly-respected Fromm Institute at the University of San Francisco.

Then across the country, new programs offering stimulating learning opportunities were started—and a national movement was born. Pleased with the results of their two pilot programs, the Foundation decided to join the “lifelong learning” field in a significant fashion. The concept of a network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes was compelling, and Requests for Proposals (RFP) were sent to the remaining campuses in the California State University system as well as to those in the University of California (UC) system.

In November 2002, the Foundation Board awarded initial grants to six campuses in the CSU group ( Bakersfield, Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, Dominguez Hills, Hayward, San Francisco, and San Jose) and four campuses of the UC system ( Davis, Riverside, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz). A separate award was made to the University of Vermont. In February 2003, two more CSU campuses ( Fullerton and San Bernardino) and two more UC campuses ( Berkeley and Irvine) were awarded Osher Foundation grants along with the University of Hawaii at Manoa. With these additional grantees, the Foundation was supporting Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes on 18 campuses in four states. In April 2003, the outstanding progress demonstrated by Sonoma State University led to an endowment grant along with its third year of operating grant support.

In an effort to expand and further diversify the network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, another RFP was issued in mid-September 2003 to nearly 30 colleges and universities in California and across the nation. In February 2004, the Board of Directors of The Bernard Osher Foundation approved first-year operating grants to 23 institutions of higher learning. In this cohort are eight additional California State University campuses (Channel Islands, Chico, Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Marcos, and San Diego; the remaining three University of California campuses (Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara); four private universities (Brandeis, Dominican University of California, Santa Clara, and Richmond); six state universities from Hawaii at Hilo in the West to New Hampshire in the East – with Arizona State, Kansas, Nebraska, and Utah in between; and two community colleges providing unique services to seasoned learners – Sierra College in Northern California and Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona.

Soon existing Lifelong Learning Institutes became interested in the affiliation with the Osher Foundation, seeking to expand and strengthen current programming. Although prior emphasis had been placed largely on start-up programs, the Foundation was also interested in helping to strengthen existing programs, of which there are nearly 400 across the country. In June 2004, with initial grants from the Foundation, the network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes was expanded to include seven established Lifelong Learning Institutes programs at George Mason University, Kennesaw State University, Duke University and the Universities of Dayton, Minnesota, Oregon, and Pittsburgh.

February 2005 saw the designation of 12 additional programs as Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. The institutes include existing programs at Rutgers University (NJ), University of South Florida, University of Miami; Eckerd College (FL); Tufts University (MA); University of Texas at El Paso; University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Northwestern University (IL); University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Clemson University (SC); and a new institute at California State University, Fresno.

Thirteen programs were approved in June, 2005 by the Foundation's Board of Directors. They include: University of Alabama at Huntsville, University of Alaska at Fairbanks, American University, Washington, D.C., University of Arizona, Hampton University (VA). University of Massachusetts-Boston, University of Missouri-Columbia, New York University, Saginaw Valley State University (MI), University of South Carolina-Beaufort, University of Southern Mississippi-Hattiesburg, Texas Tech University and University of Wisconsin-Madison. The programs at Hampton University, New York University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison programs are start-ups and the remaining ten are existing programs.

Thanks to the generosity of the The Bernard Osher Foundation, the network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the United States is meeting the needs of older learners who want to learn simply for the joy of learning and personal fulfillment.

OLLI at Casper College Summer 2009 Schedule

 

• Downtown Sculpture Crawl
  Join us for a two-mile stroll around downtown Casper to learn about the wonderful sculptures that have been donated to our city. Our tour begins at the Jonah Bank building where we will fortify ourselves for the walk with root beer floats. We will walk to the downtown area viewing and discussing sculptures along the way. Then we will stop at the Nicolaysen Art Museum to view a new installation and the Buffalo Sculptures created by local artists. While at the NIC we will enjoy refreshments before we complete our tour of downtown and return to Jonah Bank. *This class is rated moderate: some stairs or uneven surfaces; restrooms or outhouses on site or nearby; ability to walk for two miles is required; may not be accessible by wheelchair.
  • Course # OLLI 2030
    Mon., June 29
    3–6 p.m.
    Location: Jonah Bank, 777 W. 1st St.
    Instructor: George Bryce
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• Healing Friends: Therapy Horses and Dogs
  Do you love dogs and horses? Has your own pet ever made you feel better when you were having a bad day or not feeling well? In this class you will learn about therapy dogs and horses and discover how they bring joy and comfort to people in times of need. Instructor Sandy Ross will introduce some therapy dogs in class. We will learn how dogs are chosen and trained for this very important job. Instructor Karol Santisteven will teach about the different areas of equine assisted activities and special considerations for the horse in each area. The field trip is to Reach 4A Star Riding Academy to observe classes and see firsthand how equine therapy works. *The field trip is rated moderate: some stairs or uneven surfaces; restrooms or outhouses on site or nearby; walking required; may not be accessible by wheelchair.
  • Course # OLLI 3000
    Mon., June 8 and 15
    1:30–3:30 p.m.
    Location: AD 171
    Field trip: Wed., June 10, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
    Location: Vans depart from the Gertrude Krampert Theatre south parking lot.
    Instructors: Karol Santisteven/Sandy Ross
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• The Hidden Art of Casper College
  Learn about the art of Casper College. A variety of media and local favorites such as Navarro’s Thunderbird and the Foucault pendulum will be highlighted on this walking tour of Casper College. We will learn background information and discuss the artistic techniques used to make each piece. We will walk to various sites on the campus, please wear comfortable shoes and clothing and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • Course # OLLI 2041
    Mon., June 1
    1–3 p.m.
    Location: VA 102
    Instructor: Valerie Innella
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• Home Grown Adventure:
  Exploring the Natural Wonders and History of Natrona County
  How much do you know about the history and natural landscape of our little part of Wyoming? This class will investigate the geology, biology, and history of three local areas. Our instructors believe that it is easier to understand a geologic structure while standing on one or a plant when kneeling beside it. Local history makes more sense when learned on-site. All three subjects are packaged into this one class as we enjoy three consecutive day trips to areas of interest in Natrona County. Bring your lunch, board the bus, and set out for a terrific hands-on learning adventure each day. *This trip is rated moderate: some stairs or uneven surfaces; restrooms or outhouses on site or nearby; walking required; may not be accessible by wheelchair.
  • Course # OLLI 5011
    Wed., Thur., and Fri., June 24 to 26
    8 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Location: Bus departs from the Tate GeologicalMuseum parking lot.
    Instructors: Terry Logue, Ed Strube, and Dana Van Burgh
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    Fee: $15
    
    
• In the Neighborhood:
  The First Methodist Church
  Instructor Dana Van Burgh has been taking photos of historic Casper buildings and streets for many years. Out of this interest in local history has come a project in which he compares archived photos of buildings and streets with modern photos. This class is an opportunity to take part in a vital project to preserve our local history. This class will focus on the First Methodist Church. Discover Casper’s rich history while you learn research techniques, tour local neighborhoods, and delve into the archives of the Casper College Western History Center.
  • Course # OLLI 2032
    Mon., Tue., and Wed., July 20 to 22
    1–3 p.m.
    Location: LI 212
    Instructors: Dana Van Burgh and Kevin Anderson
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• In the Neighborhood:
  Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters Store
  Instructor Dana Van Burgh has been taking photos of historic Casper buildings and streets for many years. Out of this interest in local history has come a project in which he compares archived photos of buildings and streets with modern photos. This class is an opportunity to take part in a vital project to preserve our local history. The class will focus on the Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters store. Discover Casper’s rich history while you learn research techniques, tour local neighborhoods, and delve into the archives of the Casper College Western History Center.
  • Course # OLLI 2033
    Mon., Tue., and Wed., July 27 to 29
    1–3 p.m.
    Location: LI 212
    Instructors: Dana Van Burgh and Kevin Anderson
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• Older Than Dirt
  Back by popular demand, this class is a great introduction to working with fossils or a great refresher class for those who have taken the class before. In addition to lab work, we will take two field trips: one to the Glenrock Paleontological Museum and one to a dig site where the Tate Museum collects dinosaur fossils. Fossils collected remain the property of the Tate Museum. *This trip is rated Challenging: Numerous stairs; uneven surfaces; primitive trails; climbing and walking required; very limited or no wheelchair access; outhouses may or not be located on site; water not available; climate conditions may not be suitable for those in poor physical condition.
  • Course # OLLI 7010
    Tue., June 9 and 30
    9–11 a.m.
    Location: TM 121
    Field trips: Tue., June 16 and 23. Times to be arranged, plan for all day.
    Location: Van departs from the Tate Geological Museum parking lot.
    Instructor: J.P. Cavigelli
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    Fee: $15
    
    
• One Small Step: 40 Years Since We Landed on the Moon
  This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the first manned moon landing. Join us as we look back at the U.S. Apollo program and relive those exciting moments surrounding this important event. Weather permitting, we will observe the moon through telescopes and binoculars. There is an optional star party later that evening for those who want to look at other celestial objects.
  • Course # OLLI 6060
    Fri., May 29
    5–8 p.m.
    Location: Casper Planetarium
    Instructor: Kendall Jacobs
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    Fee: $5 (use of planetarium)
    
    
• Playing with Fire and Clay: Hands-on Fun for Grandparents and Grandkids
  Learn the rich history and ceramic techniques of primitive societies. This is a hands-on class where grandparents and grandchildren learn how to make hand-built objects and fire them using an ancient technique to finish and decorate their objects. There also will be cooking over the pit and the sharing of recipes. Grandchildren must register with a grandparent (or any adult, actually). No children under age 4.
  • Course # OLLI 2090
    Thur., June 11 and 18
    3–5 p.m.
    Location: VA 110
    Instructor: Mike Olson
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    Children – $0
    Fee: $10 (per person, including children)
    
    
• Sensitive Species in Wyoming
  Wyoming has more than 800 species of wildlife, of which, about 100 of these species are hunted or fished. Of the remainder non game species, 279 are listed as sensitive because more information is needed to ensure their survival. Participants will learn about sensitive species that live in Wyoming and the human impact on their habitats. An early morning field trip to the Audubon Center at Garden Creek will give participants hands-on experience at surveying wildlife by netting and banding songbirds.
  • Course # OLLI 5010
    Tue. and Thur., May 26 and 28
    2–4 p.m.
    Location: AD 171
    Field Trip: Tue., June 9, 6–9 a.m.
    Location: Murie Audubon Center, 101 Garden Creek Road
    Instructor: Robin Kepple
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• Summer Shorts: Stories for Busy Readers
  Too busy to read a whole novel? Going to be gone for a few days over the summer? Do not let that keep you from taking this class! We will read several short stories each session. So if you miss one, it is okay; just come to the next session. Authors include Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, James Joyce, and many more.
  • Course # OLLI 4030
    Thur., June 25 to July 30 (No class July 2.)
    1:30–2:30 p.m.
    Location: AD 283
    Instructor: Melanie Young
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• Where the Bats Are: A Study of Bats in Urban Settings
  If you enjoy being outdoors on a summer evening without being eaten by mosquitoes, thank a bat! Bats are some of the most fascinating and misunderstood mammals on earth. Reviled for being carriers of diseases and turning into vampires, few people realize how beneficial bats are to our well-being. Learn where to find and observe bats in our area, how they benefit our environment, and how to attract bats to our belfries or homes. Weather permitting, we will spend some time outdoors to seek out our new furry friends and get to know them better.
  • Course # OLLI 5031
    Tue., July 14
    7:30–9:30 p.m.
    Location: Pronghorn Room, Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., 3030 Energy Lane
    Instructor: Martin Grenier, Wyoming Game and Fish
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    
    
• AA and the Floods
  If you enjoyed last year’s Weathering Heights class you do not want to miss this chance to tour the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facility in Riverton. This NOAA facility monitors the weather for most of western Wyoming including Casper. We will learn about Doppler radar, digital forecasts, radar properties, thunderstorm development, flood monitoring, and the operation of upper air weather balloons. After the tour, we will stop for lunch at the airport before returning to Casper.
  • Course # OLLI 6030
    Thurs., July 16
    8 a.m.–5 p.m.
    Location: Vans depart from the Gertrude Krampert Theatre south parking lot.
    Instructor: Dan Grace
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    Fee: $10 (does not include lunch)
    
    
• Written in Stone: Old Rocks, Old Art, Old Tales
  The Castle Gardens prehistoric site northwest of Moneta, Wyo. is full of mystery. Centuries ago native peoples used the area for hunting, camping, and as a center of communication among the tribes. We will learn about the significance of this site to central Wyoming and the Bighorn Basin. We will take a field trip to the site to meet with a BLM representative and learn about recent research on the site and preservation efforts. This is an all-day field trip. Bring a sack lunch and other items you need for your comfort. Contact the OLLI office for a list of suggested items. *The field trip for this class is rated challenging: uneven surfaces; primitive trails; climbing and walking required; very limited or no wheelchair access; outhouses may or may not be located on site; water is not available; climate conditions may not be suitable for those in poor physical condition.
  • Course # OLLI 7015
    Wed., June 3
    1–3 p.m.
    Location: AD 283
    Field Trip: Thur., June 4, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Location: Vans depart from the Gertrude Krampert Theatre south parking lot.
    Instructor: Miles Edwards
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    Fee: $10
    
    
• Strike Up the Band: An Appreciation of Casper City Band Concert Selections:
  Participants will enjoy and learn about musical selections from two chosen Casper Municipal Band concerts. After learning about the compositions, their composers, and their musical genre, you are invited to enjoy the concerts at the city band
  shell in Washington Park.
  • Course # OLLI 2010
    Tue., June 9 to June 30
    1:30–3 p.m.
    Location: FA 305
    Instructor: Ron Alexander
    Cost: 01 - Free
    02 - $8
    03 - $27
    

Please click below to receive the registration form in order to print it:

• Register for classes with this Form
  
  

• OLLI Membership Form

Welcome to the National Resource Center website for the network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI). The OLLI at the University of Southern Maine (USM) serves as the national center for the current network of 101 lifelong learning institutes throughout the nation.

The National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes plays a lead role in disseminating information on effective educational programming for older learners. In addition to providing information and connections via a website, the Resource Center will publish a national research journal, plan a biennial national conference, and provide a number of other ways for OLLIs to connect with one another.

The Bernard Osher Foundation designated the Osher Institute at USM as the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in 2004. The Center is not a governance body so much as a center for excellence and dissemination of best practice models. Each Osher Institute reflects the culture of its own university and its learning community. The National Resource Center exists to facilitate the exchange of opinions, solutions and experiences among institutes throughout the country so that all can benefit.

About the OLLI National Network

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

Received Grants before November 2002

• University of Southern Maine (endowment grant in Spring, 2001)
• Sonoma State University (endowment grant in April, 2003)

Received Grant Notification in November 2002

• Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo
• CSU Bakersfield
• CSU Dominguez Hills
• CSU Hayward
• San Francisco State University
• San Jose State University
• UC Davis
• UC Riverside
• UC Santa Cruz
• UC San Francisco
• University of Vermont

Received Grant Notification in February 2003

• CSU Fullerton
• CSU San Bernardino
• UC Berkeley
• UC Irvine
• University of Hawaii at Manoa

Received Grant Notification in February 2004

• Arizona State University
• Brandeis University
• Dominican University of California
• CSU Channel Islands
• CSU Chico
• CSU Humboldt
• CSU Long Beach
• CSU Los Angeles
• CSU Sacramento
• CSU San Diego
• CSU San Marcos
• UC Los Angeles
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• Santa Clara University
• Sierra College (CA)
• University of Hawaii at Hilo
• University of Kansas
• University of Nebraska
• University of Richmond (VA)
• University System of New Hampshire
• University of Utah
• Yavapai College (AZ)

Received Grant Notification in June 2004

• Duke University
• George Mason University
• Kennesaw State University (Georgia)
• University of Dayton
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Minnesota
• University of Oregon

Received Grant Notification in February 2005

• CSU Fresno
• Clemson University (SC)
• Eckerd College (FL)
• Northwestern University (IL)
• Rutgers University (NJ)
• Tufts University (MA)
• University of Miami
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington
• University of South Florida
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Received Grant Notification in June, 2005

• University of Alabama at Huntsville
• University of Alaska at Fairbanks
• American University, Washington, D.C.
• University of Arizona
• Hampton University (VA)
• University of Massachusetts - Boston
• University of Missouri - Columbia
• New York University
• Saginaw Valley State University (MI)
• University of South Carolina - Beaufort
• University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg
• Texas Tech University
• University of Wisconsin - Madison

Received Grant Notification in June, 2006

• California State University Monterey Bay
• Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
• Colorado State University
• Florida International University
• Oklahoma State University
• Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
• Towson University (MD)
• University of Connecticut
• University of Denver
• University of Illinois
• University of Iowa
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan
• University of Montana
• University of New Mexico
• University of Oklahoma
• University of the Pacific (CA)
• University of South Dakota
• University of Washington
• Widener University (PA)

Received Grant Notification in December, 2006

• Boise State University, Boise Idaho
• University of Kentucky, Lexington
• Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
• Vanderbilt University, Tennessee
• University of Texas, Austin
• West Virginia University
• Casper College, Wyoming

• Fall Newsletter, 2008, Volume 2, Issue 1
• Summer Newsletter, 2008, Volume 1, Issue 3
• Winter Newsletter, 2007, Volume 1, Issue 2
• Fall Newsletter, 2007, Volume 1, Issue 1