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BSC announces Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC – Kickoff event March 22 | Bismarck State College

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BSC announces Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC – Kickoff event March 22

Published: Mar 15 2018
Bismarck State College has received a grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation to develop the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC (OLLI@BSC), a non-credit education program specifically designed for people who are age 50 or older. To celebrate and introduce the public to OLLI@ BSC, a launch event will be held Thursday, March 22 from 2-4 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the BSC Student Union (1425 Schafer Street, Bismarck).

Appetizers will be served and the event is free and open to the public.

The event includes a presentation by Assistant Professor of Theatre, Dr. Danny Devlin, on “The Producers: From Screen to Stage, From Broadway to Bismarck.” A short history of the many permutations of the script from Brooks’ original film, to the Broadway production, and a short overview of the upcoming BSC production will be discussed.
 
Participants also will learn about the highlights planned for OLLI@BSC. Those who become a member that day (a $40 fee) receive three additional months for free, and members can purchase BSC Theater tickets to the Sunday, March 25 production of “The Producers” for $5 (a $10 savings).

The Osher Foundation’s grant is accompanied by the possibility of an endowment in the future, which is contingent on the successful development of the program and on exceeding required membership levels.

“We are delighted to support Bismarck State College’s efforts to provide enriching and engaging educational programs for seasoned adults in North Dakota,” said Osher Foundation President, Mary Bitterman. “Bismarck State has already demonstrated its ability to develop an outstanding curriculum of great variety as well as a dynamic learning community in which people come together to explore ideas and form new and lasting friendships. We are enthusiastic about the future of the program and look forward to seeing it continue to grow and thrive.”

Similar to OLLI at UND classes previously presented at BSC, OLLI at BSC will offer an array of classes and activities that range from free movies to special events. Additionally, BSC plans to incorporate OLLI members and the concept of lifelong learning into existing offerings on the campus – from continuing education to music and art.

UND discontinued its Osher Institute last fall.

“We’re very pleased to offer the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BSC. Because we have so many OLLI members already in our area, the ability to continue providing the meaningful and popular OLLI offerings here is exciting,” says BSC President Larry C. Skogen.  “And we are looking forward to folding our OLLI members into our campus life wherever possible – this is a great opportunity to truly embrace lifelong learning and offer more value to those 50 and older in the community.”

For more information about OLLI at BSC, visit bismarckstate.edu/OLLI.