School's Back in Session For Ages 50+
By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: October 4, 2012
PEORIA- Wednesday was the first day of classes in October for Bradley University's OLLI program, but it's not just open to anyone.
"I just retired in June, so I thought, yay, finally I can do this," said student Pat Pusey.
It's her first class in the Osher Lifelong Learning Program, Bradley encourages people who are 50 and older to sign up.
Pusey is attending a lesson called New Theories About History's Mysteries, learning about King Tut's death, and other figures like Robin Hood and The Pied Piper.
"Everyone in class has had a lot of life experience and so they ask amazing questions, they're very engaged learners and they really care about being here," said Jon Neidy, Director of OLLI.
Neidy said enrollment goes up each year, there are 444 students this fall. They try to offer all the classes to keep up.
"We offer everything from DNA Biotech, which is a very popular science class, to Randy Saxon's classes on history, a lot of art classes, Neidy said.
Along with the opportunity to be back in the student's seat, students get a chance to talk to other people their age.
"I've run into tons of people I know from around town. So I think this is going to be very fun," Pusey said.
"They come for the learning and they stay for the socialization," Neidy agreed.
Pusey says it's good to get out of the house and try something different. There's one thing she's especially excited for.
"I don't have any homework because I'm not taking this for credit, so that's the best part, I can just enjoy it," Neidy said.
None of the classes are for college credit, just a chance to learn for the joy of learning.
OLLI courses will also take place in January and again in April. The four October classes cost $90. For more information on classes call (309) 677-3900, or visit the website at: http://www.bradley.edu/academic/continue/lifelong/olli/.
"I just retired in June, so I thought, yay, finally I can do this," said student Pat Pusey.
It's her first class in the Osher Lifelong Learning Program, Bradley encourages people who are 50 and older to sign up.
Pusey is attending a lesson called New Theories About History's Mysteries, learning about King Tut's death, and other figures like Robin Hood and The Pied Piper.
"Everyone in class has had a lot of life experience and so they ask amazing questions, they're very engaged learners and they really care about being here," said Jon Neidy, Director of OLLI.
Neidy said enrollment goes up each year, there are 444 students this fall. They try to offer all the classes to keep up.
"We offer everything from DNA Biotech, which is a very popular science class, to Randy Saxon's classes on history, a lot of art classes, Neidy said.
Along with the opportunity to be back in the student's seat, students get a chance to talk to other people their age.
"I've run into tons of people I know from around town. So I think this is going to be very fun," Pusey said.
"They come for the learning and they stay for the socialization," Neidy agreed.
Pusey says it's good to get out of the house and try something different. There's one thing she's especially excited for.
"I don't have any homework because I'm not taking this for credit, so that's the best part, I can just enjoy it," Neidy said.
None of the classes are for college credit, just a chance to learn for the joy of learning.
OLLI courses will also take place in January and again in April. The four October classes cost $90. For more information on classes call (309) 677-3900, or visit the website at: http://www.bradley.edu/academic/continue/lifelong/olli/.
