By Andria Barrios
A new program is coming to the Hillsborough Community College Southshore Campus as of this semester. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a prominent educational feature which emphasizes enlightening and entertaining coursework for the seasoned adult.
A successful program at the University of South Florida for the past 15 years, OLLI, includes participatory classes on diverse subjects from scholarly to practical, serious to humorous. Subjects may include “GeoPolitics Today,” “How to Read a Beach: A Natural History of Florida’s Gulf Coast,” “Prohibition: The Lighter Side” or “Do You Really Need a Smart Phone?”
These courses are taught by retired college professors or experts in the given field and operate on a three term per year system, fall to winter, winter to spring and summer. A recent arrangement with USF now allows the adults of South Hillsborough County to enjoy this program as well at the Southshore campus of HCC. Because of this campus’s rapid growth since its groundbreaking six years ago and its newly built science building, the program is sure to be a success.
Three OLLI classes are set for the fall term at HCC. “John Ruskin: 19th Century Advocate for 21st Century Environment” will be taught by Dr. Diane Alvarez, a retired professor, and will begin on Saturday, October 10. Marilyn Carrasquillo, HCC faculty member, will also conduct two computer related technology courses, Windows 7 Parts I and II.
“If recent experience is any sign,” said Dr. Allen Witt, HCC Southshore president, “the OLLI menu of coursework at HCC SouthShore will expand rapidly.”
“The courses are always enlightening, often entertaining and worth so much more than the nominal fees for anyone who relishes learning, and many of us in the later years do,” said Melody Jameson who participated in the program at USF and encouraged Dr. Witt to bring OLLI to HCC. “Many of us enjoy being back on campus again exploring new topics with experienced educators.”
OLLI membership is $35 per year with class fees ranging from $20 to $40. No prerequisites or degrees are required and challenging college-level coursework is guaranteed. To register, call 974-2403. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu.
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