Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College Announces Its 2020 Fall Semester

(Sarasota-Manatee) — Registration opens on August 25 for Gold members and September 1 for the general public for the fall semester at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College). The fall semester features 44 courses and programs covering a wide variety of topics. Classes will be offered in a hybrid model—both on the Ringling College Museum Campus and via the Zoom platform. Classes cover a rich diversity of topics, including art and music appreciation, languages, health, global issues, philosophy, religion, digital and studio arts, photography, sculpture, painting, and more. When offered in-person, classes will be at the Ringling College Museum Campus (1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota); masks and physical distancing will be required. To register for classes, visit www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111. 

Highlights of the fall semester include:

Lecture: John Ringling and The Florida Boom. In this lecture, author, journalist, and architecture/history expert Harold Bubil traces the riches-to-ruin story of both the Florida Boom and John Ringling. He had many acquaintances but few friends, yet Ringling reshaped Sarasota’s image and helped make it the cultural capital it is today. Students will learn details of Ringling’s life that go far beyond the common perception. This is an online presentation, Thursday, October 1, 2:30-4 pm. To register and for more information, visit www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.

The fall Einstein’s Circle presentationis Turbulent Times and Their Effect on the 2020 Election, with political analyst Susan MacManus. Her talk will center on voting history, changing demographics in Florida, and what the numbers are telling us about the outcome of this contentious race. This online presentation takes place on Wednesday, October 21, 3-4:30 pm.To register and for more information, visit www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.

OLLI at Ringling College’s fall documentary film series, CONNECTIONS: Exploring Today’s Global Issues, is an opportunity for students to connect to many of today’s pressing global issues via the penetrating perspectives of contemporary documentary films. The moderator of the series is Julie Cotton, a member of the Advisory Council’s Strategic Program Committee, executive coach, and aficionado of documentary films. The fall term features two films that will be screened via Zoom. Following the screening, participants can engage in a Zoom chat with the moderator and one another about the film’s content and impact, as well as raise questions for further exploration. The films are shown on Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 pm; October 13 (Made in Boise) and November 10 (Liyana).To register and for more information, visit www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.

About Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College, or OLLI at Ringling College (formerly Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy), offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. Courses cover a wide range of stimulating topics and are taught by scholars, retired faculty members, and professional practitioners in an engaging, collaborative manner. Visit www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org.