The Excellerate - UNLV Division of Educational Outreach

The Excellerate
“Janus” Edition Fall-2012
OLLI at UNLV: Where Mature Minds Bloom
A Program for Learning in Retirement
(702) 774-OLLI
OLLI.unlv.edu
Looking Back on 120 years of combined EXCELL/OLLI experience!
Standing (Beatrice Belcove, Marge Gately, Mary Pace, Donna Newsom)
Seated (Arlene Cohen, Helen “Mo” Payne, Martha Wood)
OLLI at UNLV Board of Directors (2012-2013) – Charting the Future
Page
1
Standing (Charles Vinnik, John Hurley, Ed Devore, Don Silverman, Bert Kulic, Mike Cutler, Howie Sussman)
Seated (Mary Pace, Elise Hanseman, Cathy Lowe, Lidia Mauer)
Cover Page (2 Photos) ........................... 1
Functional Directory .............................. 2
President’s Message........................... 3-4
OLLI Director’s Notes............................. 4
Editor’s Notes ........................................ 5
LOOKING BACK: EXCELL TO OLLI ........ 6-8
Helen “Mo” Payne .............................. 6
Elise Hanseman ................................... 7
Roz Braverman.................................... 7
Arlene Cohen ...................................... 7
Beatrice Belcove ................................. 8
Donna Newsom .................................. 8
In Memoriam ......................................... 9
FALL 2012 CLASS SCHEDULES ......... 10-12
Paradise Campus .............................. 10
Six Satellite Campuses ...................... 11
“Great Courses” Online 24/7 ............ 12
COMMITTEE REPORTS .................... 13-17
Membership ..................................... 13
New Member Lunch Sept. 25th ......... 13
Publicity ............................................ 13
Curriculum ........................................ 14
Events – Tours................................... 15
Events – Brown Bag Tuesdays .......... 15
By-Laws ............................................. 16
Strategic & Long-Range Planning ..... 16
Financial Summary............................ 17
Cultural Circus ..................................... 18
Important OLLI Reminders .................. 18
“Life-Changing” OLLI Classes ............... 19
Unblock Your Creativity .................... 19
Working With Dreams ...................... 19
Questioning Your Reality .................. 19
Open House Information..................... 20
Bring A Friend to OLLI .......................... 20
Fall 2012 Calendar ............................... 20
EXCELLERATE NEWSLETTER
Cathy Lowe, Excellerate Editor ...................................... 436-7096
Bert Kulic, Excellerate Formatter.................................... 837-6467
OLLI ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Heather Haslem, OLLI Director ...................................... 895-5446
Rich Easter, Operations Coordinator ............................. 895-2872
OLLI Administrative Assistant ........................................ 895-0453
General Information for OLLI ...................................... 774-OLLI
Telephone Registration for OLLI ................................ 895-3394
OLLI BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Elected)
Ed Devore, Board President ........................................... 256-0820
Don Silverman, Vice President ....................................... 242-6843
Cathy Lowe, Board Secretary ........................................ 436-7096
Bert Kulic, Finance Officer .............................................. 518-1567
Elise Hanseman ............................................................. 221-9121
Lidia Mauer ..................................................................... 869-6527
Mary Pace ...................................................................... 658-3395
John Hurley .................................................................... 641-2364
Howie Sussman.............................................................. 260-7507
Mike Cutler ..................................................................... 485-1067
Charles Vinnik ................................................................ 340-4007
OLLI COMMITTEE CHAIRS and “LIAISONS”
By-Laws, Don Silverman ............................................... 242-6843
Curriculum, Ann Tate .................................................... 646-3430
Communications, Bert Kulic ......................................... 518-1567
Elections, Linda Vish ..................................................... 451-3672
Events, Marge Gately .................................................... 898-0318
Pat Thorn, co-chair .................................................... 672-4942
Fund-Raising, Niels Clyde ............................................ 622-5137
Historical Archives, John Macdonald, ........................ 513-2229
Membership, Cathy Lowe ............................................. 436-7096
Niels Clyde, co-chair.................................................. 622-5137
Nominations, Mary Ellen Cardenas .............................. 260-1364
Photographer, John Macdonald ................................... 513-2229
Publications, Bert Kulic ................................................. 518-1567
Cathy Lowe, co-chair ................................................. 436-7096
Publicity, Mike Cutler .................................................... 485-1067
Strategic & Long-range Planning, Fred Ehrlich .......... 456-7920
Sunshine Liaison, Fay Chan ............................... (281) 300-1057
Technology & Facilities, John Hurley .......................... 641-2364
Telephone Calling Liaison, Gene Geller ..................... 456-9229
Volunteers & Outreach, Vickie Pieper ......................... 732-8412
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DESCRIPTION ................ PAGE
OLLI Functional Directory
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Generally, we have a tendency to
think of the past in nostalgic terms,
remembering people, events and
circumstances as much nicer, more
fulfilling and perhaps better than
“now.” This Janus edition of the
Excellerate allows me to realistically
consider where we have been,
where we are – and with all of the OLLI membership
help, where we are going.
In 1994, when I first attended EXCELL study groups, we
had a membership of just over 150 and consequently,
everyone knew each other. Various groups would meet
in “the commons” for the buffet lunch, to discuss family,
health issues, current events as well as the latest “must
see” entertainment and books to read.
Classroom space was at a premium and scattered all
over the campus; although this meant we frequently had
to rush from one class to another, it also gave us the
opportunity to see all the various buildings, gardens and
green walkways where UNLV students would
congregate. The old Student Union and book store were
places we “seasoned students” could mingle with kids
the same age as our grandchildren.
Some cause or other was always being promoted,
usually through a bull horn, to anyone willing to listen in
the large open area in front of the Student Union. All of
these exposures enriched our university experience but
the combination of very difficult-to-find parking and the
distance between classrooms dramatically reduced
member satisfaction.
When we moved to the Paradise campus of UNLV and
subsequently changed our name to OLLI (Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute), many new opportunities presented
themselves. Most importantly, parking is adjacent to our
classrooms, sufficient to hold all of the OLLI members’
cars and it’s free. Our new location also allows easy
access to Ed. Outreach staff, classrooms large enough for
our growing membership of approximately 1,000
members and continuously improving audio/visual
capabilities.
At a time when visiting speakers and coordinators
require PowerPoint presentations, DVD access,
projectors, flat screen TV's and portable microphones,
these devices are critical to a quality learning
experience. OLLI members have always come from a
broad spectrum of the population and consequently
As President of OLLI, there is no modest way to describe
the quality of the Board of Directors, committee chairs
and members of the various committees, who make the
decisions that have allowed OLLI at UNLV to be one of
the fastest growing OLLIs in the country; they are
extraordinary. Assuring the continued satisfaction of our
membership is the primary goal of the Board of
Directors. Looking to the future, there are many ways to
assure that satisfaction; some are relatively easy, others
will take diligence and perhaps several years to
accomplish.
The Board of Directors has agreed to participate
financially with Ed. Outreach in the continued upgrade of
all the classrooms OLLI utilizes. New Ed. Outreach staff is
dedicated full-time to ensuring that we have the
support needed for growth and continued success.
Our web site, Internet information and various
publications allow our membership to know what is
going on in board meetings as well as all the
committees. The ability to have an informed and
involved membership is critical to our long range goals.
Good communications, although not simple, are a
relatively easy thing to continue into the future.
Longer term goals will be more difficult but doable.
UNLV, under the very capable leadership of its president,
Dr. Neal Smatresk, has proposed a master plan which,
when completed, will completely transform the
university. OLLI will be part of the growth and
preeminent place UNLV will occupy among U.S.
institutions of higher learning when the master plan is
fully completed.
Our first goal is to double our membership to 2,000
within the next few years. It is estimated there are
nearly 500,000 people in Clark county who are
prospective members aged 50 or older (about half that
number are 65 or older). The publicity, membership and
long range planning committees are developing plans to
reach our 2,000 member goal. To ensure that classrooms
sufficient to handle our growth will always be available,
your Board of Directors has been assured that either a
free standing building or ”space dedicated to OLLI“ will
be part of the master plan. Our second goal and
obligation is to raise at least a portion of the cost for
these new facilities.
Continued on page 4
3
By Ed Devore
Page
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
represent every professional, business, educational and
work background. This diverse membership has assured
us of dedicated, capable, and interesting coordinators
who are up to the task of keeping equally intelligent
members coming back year after year.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Building and Facilities Upgrades:
Continued from page 3
New toilets were installed in the bathrooms! This
was one of the major complaints on the recent
member survey. Thank you to Dr. Rees for getting
this change made on the campus.
A new back entrance opened in time for the Spring
2012 semester.
New landscaping has been planted, which has
enhanced the look of the Paradise campus.
OLLI DIRECTOR’S NOTES
By Heather Haslem
UNLV is proud to offer OLLI at UNLV
for you, our members. It is our hope
that the assistance we provide for
OLLI, assists the program to grow
and thrive. There have been lots of
accomplishments within the last
year, some of these are highlighted
below:
OLLI Administrative Accomplishments:
We are now a designated unit within the Division of
Educational Outreach.
We have a new dedicated OLLI phone line
(702) 774-OLLI (6554).
We have a new “official” UNLV logo.
PAR 511 has been upgraded to a Technology
Enhanced Classroom.
New name badges are printed in house, with large
easy-to-read printed names, which has significantly
reduced wait time for a new badge.
A new copier is now functioning in our office for
coordinators and staff to use.
A new website launched in early August.
We saw the largest summer term in our history with
387 members – which is a 59% increase.
This is a new, much needed
position, within the organization.
Rich is responsible for the day-today operations of OLLI. He will be
your main contact for inquiries and
logistical questions. Rich has taken
on this position with such enthusiasm and talent. We are
incredibly lucky to have him join our team.
Additionally, we are currently in the process of replacing
an administrative assistant vacancy. This individual will
be responsible for providing excellent customer service
to our members, and prospective members, as well as,
undertaking administrative support for OLLI at UNLV.
One of my major goals for this coming year is to
strengthen the organizational infrastructure, and to help
support efforts to grow our membership. I will continue
to promote OLLI within the community, build community
partnerships, and help ensure we follow the policies and
procedures of the University. I have also taken on a new
role within the Division of Educational Outreach, as the
Assistant Director for Continuing Education. I will be
overseeing administrative procedures in Continuing
Education. My office has moved to PAR 206, so please
feel free to come and see me anytime. You can also call
895-5446, or my e-mail is [email protected].
I look forward to assisting the program to flourish and
transform, as we meet the desires of future and current
members. The future holds for us such promise – I look
forward to moving ahead with you.
Heather Haslem, Assistant Director
Division of Educational Outreach
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4
Ed Devore, OLLI President (2012-2013)
As you can see in the last year, we have seen many
positive changes. One of the biggest changes that I
haven’t mentioned yet is the addition of Rich Easter,
OLLI Operations Coordinator. Rich joins us from Feeding
America in San Diego where he was
Program Manager.
Page
The Fundraising committee will undertake a twopronged approach to raising two million dollars during
the next three to five years. Working with the UNLV
Foundation we will be permitted to approach “outside”
institutions and businesses as well as individual donors
for funds. Donations will also be sought
from OLLI membership. A fund raising plan to reach this
goal will be completed before the Fall semester begins.
The combination of these two goals will ensure the
future of this wonderful organization we call OLLI.
There’s a wave of nostalgia at
today’s Osher Life-long Learning
Institute at UNLV, when the EXCELL
pioneers recall the intimacy that
came easily when the group was
small. “We’re changing,” they say,
when we proudly point to the
nearly-1000 members who
populate the more-than-130 Study Groups available
during the 2011-2012 academic year.
They remember being an integral part of the main
campus at UNLV, when the EXCELL flagship had a crew of
seventy, many of whom gathered daily at their “own”
tables in the University Cafeteria, and “ran” across
campus from one class to another.
OLLI was then, and continues today to be a life-saver; a
life-saver not just in the academic sense, but socially as
well. In this edition of the Excellerate, we’ll dedicate an
In Memoriam section to the great EXCELL and OLLI
members we’ve lost this year, and share some of their
many contributions, including the friendships they
formed, and the exhilaration they felt when they first
stepped into a Study Group of their peers.
As time passes, and the word spreads, Life-Long Learning
is expected to appeal to more and more seniors, and is
targeted to grow to 2000 members in the next 5+ years.
OLLI is committed to participating in the University
Building Program, to contribute to that piece of the
general expansion that will dedicate a “permanent
home” to OLLI on campus. As EXCELL became OLLI, the
demographic has remained constant.
Today, as yesterday we share the life experiences of the
retired and semi-retired who gather with Study Group
Coordinators who range in age from 50 to 91. Free from
the anxiety of competitive or work-related studies, we
are free to explore new subject areas that would never
have fit our undergraduate or graduate curricula.
It’s easy to understand the nostalgia of OLLI’s charter
members, though. Phyllis Sperber, with and through her
husband, Mike has left both an academic and a fiscal
legacy of substantial proportions. Phyllis remembers
when everyone knew everyone else by name without
badges. She remembers how easily lasting friendships
were formed, and when academic and social lives were
almost seamless.
OLLI has not only grown in size, but decentralized to
satellite campuses around the Vegas Valley, where free
classroom space has been made available in partnership
with UNLV’s Educational Outreach, through which OLLI
receives administrative services.
Like EXCELL, OLLI remains a peer-led organization
working closely with a small full- and part-time
administrative staff, consisting of the OLLI Director, the
OLLI Operations Coordinator and an administrative
support person (whose position is under recruitment.)
Five technical support staff members are also available
on call from the University’s Division of Educational
Outreach.
OLLI’s peer leadership consists of an elected, noweleven-member policy Board of volunteers. In 2012,
Board policy directions include: sustained growth in
membership and budget, planning, expanded
curriculum, faculty and member services. In 2012 OLLI’s
active working committees were reviewed, and
parameters established to clarify responsibilities and
avoid overlap.
Several key committees were also added or accorded
broader responsibility. The new Membership
Committee, for example, is charged by the Board with
attracting individual members; supporting the Publicity
Committee in its campaign to recruit corporate and
media sponsorship; retaining existing members through
mentorship and member services; and tracking former
members to learn why they left OLLI, and what it would
take to bring them back. The Outreach and Volunteer
Services Committee is expected to give its talents both
within OLLI and in the larger community, building on the
highly successful model established for tutorial services
at the Paradise School.
But “member satisfaction” involves looking back at what
made EXCELL great, and looking ahead with a view
toward nurturing the camaraderie that readily supported
learning in a smaller, more intimate environment.
Adult learning experts tell us that at its best, learning is a
transformational process; it can make us happier, more
productive, even better people. How can we make it
happen in 2012 and beyond? The Board wants to hear
from you.
Cathy Lowe, Board Secretary (2012-2013)
5
EDITORIAL by Cathy Lowe
That nucleus is smaller now. After 21 years, only a few of
the founders are left… some still leading Study
Groups…participating in the metamorphosis from
EXCELL to OLLI in 1995, and the move to the classrooms
we now occupy on the UNLV Paradise Campus, and our
seven off-site campuses.
Page
THE JANUS EDITION:
LOOKING BACKWARD AND FORWARD:
FROM EXCELL TO OLLI
LOOKING BACKWARD – FROM EXCELL TO OLLI AT UNLV
REMINISCENCES FROM LONG-TIME EXCELL AND OLLI AT UNLV MEMBERS
I am convinced that participation in
the Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute at UNLV, formerly known
as EXCELL (the Extended Studies
Center for Lifelong Learning),
extended the life-span of my late
husband, Bob. Remembering how it
gave him purpose for turning off his TV and getting out
of his easy chair (after early retirement- following major
surgery), I am very thankful.
Early on, we learned of EXCELL when we became friends
with Sig and Blanche Stein, with whom we enjoyed many
classical music concerts at Ham Hall. During this time, Sig
was attending EXCELL regularly. Since we were still
employed, neither Bob nor I considered it for ourselves.
Sig was not a charter member of EXCELL, but after
joining, he soon became Coordinator of a popular study
group called the History and Culture of China. It was one
of three courses offered at the time- a fourth, in music,
didn’t survive. Sig never failed to remind Bob that with
his music degrees, he should think about becoming
involved with EXCELL as soon as he retired, if not before.
Meanwhile, Bob underwent surgery, which prompted his
retirement; and sadly, our friend Sig passed away. We
continued to be close with his widow, Blanche, who was
vitally interested in EXCELL. In early 1996, she had us
over for dinner, and introduced us to Doris Oberstein
and a music friend. Doris was president of EXCELL.
We soon learned that Blanche had a plan “up her
sleeve.” I don’t have to tell you that there was a spirited
conversation regarding classical music at that dinner
table … and little did we know that Bob was being
“graded” by Doris’ music friend as to his expertise on the
subject. By the time dessert was finished, Bob Payne
couldn’t say “no” to the two ladies who asked him to
initiate and coordinate a music study group for EXCELL.
Though intrigued, Bob was also a bit apprehensive. He
had left music teaching many years before, and though
his passion for the classics had not diminished, he
remembered how unappreciative his students could be
for such music. However, he started preparing his first
lesson, and put his heart in it.
Bob would “perform” in several buildings on the main
campus, and in Room 511 at the Paradise Campus, for
ten years! He told many people; “Those were the best
ten years of my life; playing great music for people who
sincerely appreciated it.”
During the latter part of the decade, as Bob’s health
deteriorated, I became his regular assistant. With his
encouragement, I also attended and enjoyed several
other study groups as time went on, including the
Writers’ Workshop. Later, after he could no longer
teach, I continued to attend what was now Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute at UNLV as often as possible,
and continued forming new friendships.
Bob’s admiration for fellow Coordinators and members
carried over, and it was always sad when we learned of
someone such as Allan Belcove, Bill Westley, Marvin
Feldman, Muriel Toffel, Bebe Cohen or Blanche Stein
passing on.
On Bob’s passing, a memorial was held at the Paradise
campus. It was heartwarming to see the caring OLLI
members in attendance…and it was a venue he would
have loved – having so many of his EXCELL/OLLI “family”
paying their respects, both seriously and humorously.
All of the above has paved the way for me to feel a part
of the OLLI family, too. Here, every day I learn
something, and add new friendships. I particularly
appreciate the efforts of those who go the extra mile to
make our OLLI program the success that it has become.
I think OLLI is like having Thanksgiving all year long!
6
by Helen (Mo) Payne
Loaded with individual copies of lessons for each
student, along with CD’s and a stereo he was not happy
with (Bob would take care of that problem later), he
asked me to assist him on the first day. We arrived at the
UNLV campus and found the elevator to take us to a
second-floor classroom with desk-chairs. I have
forgotten what music, of composer was the subject that
day, but I will never forget the members pouring into the
room long before the 10:00 a.m. start, clamoring around
Bob in anticipation of what he would be doing for them!
It was just so unexpected; but it seemed everyone was
eager to have a music class such as this at EXCELL…and
the room was full! I could see that Bob was very pleased,
and “Great Music” was launched!
Page
WHAT EXCELL/OLLI MEANS TO ME
By Roz Braverman
Many thanks to Donna Newsom for
introducing me to a program at
UNLV which, at that time, was
known as EXCELL. She had talked
about it for years, but finally, we sat
down to dinner and I got her to tell
me more about it. I had worked at
UNLV and expected classes would be two hours, three
times a week with lots of reading, homework and tests.
From her new residence in
Northridge, CA, Roz, a Lifetime
Member of OLLI, looks back on her
years at EXCELL/OLLI as “the
happiest years of my life!” She had
been “afraid to retire,” but at
EXCELL she met people from all
over the country who were retiring
too, and all of them “went to school and blossomed!”
Having recently retired I simply did not want to get that
involved. After learning there would be no credits, no
homework, no tests, no grades, and I could not fail a
class, I decided to give it a try and immediately signed up
for the Spring Semester of 2002. I was surprised to learn
that every member involved in the program, such as
class leaders and members of the Board of Directors
were ALL volunteers.
Roz was an early arrival. She recalls coming to EXCELL
during its second year. She launched both the
Excellerate monthly “newspaper” and the annual
creative writing Journal, the latter as a tribute to the
members of her creative writing workshop. Roz pored
over this year’s 2012 Journal, and declared it
“wonderful!” She is pleased to see both traditions
continuing, even as she moves into her new role as
librarian in her independent living community. Roz
thrives on “shaking things up” wherever she is; it’s a
revitalizing process, and Roz is very good at it!
My first class, GREAT DECISIONS, was led by Cameron
Ashby, Sr. and Mike Sperber. I loved the class! The
people were intelligent, interesting and friendly. My
brain was suddenly being taxed again with stimulating
discussions. I read in THE EXCELLERATE that the Board
was looking for a Publicity Chair. Knowing nothing about
publicity or marketing, but wanting to get involved, I
volunteered and focused on spreading the word about
EXCELL throughout the Las Vegas Valley. As a result of
this I became the first local winner of the Humana
Starlight Award for Volunteerism. As such, I was
awarded a prize of $10,000 for the non-profit
organization I represented: OLLI at UNLV.
The program has grown from approximately 350
members in 2002 to nearly 1,000 members currently.
There have been many changes along the way, such as
the addition of six satellite locations added in order to
bring our program to people living in areas of the valley
who could not get to the Paradise Campus.
Most important of the changes is that as a result of
receiving our first grant of $100,000 from the Osher
Institute, we were required to change our name from
EXCELL to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNLV
(OLLI at UNLV). After receiving two additional $100,000
grants, a grant of $50,000 and $25,000, we then received
a million dollar “endowment” from the Osher
Foundation. We have grown the number of classes
offered from approximately 24 classes in 2002 to 62
classes that will be offered in the Fall 2012 Semester.
Joining EXCELL/OLLI is undoubtedly one of the most
rewarding things I have ever done!
EXCELL TO OLLI THROUGH THE YEARS
By Arlene Cohen
EXCELL was not a computer
program as some folks thought. It
was an outstanding opportunity for
seniors. In this program we learned,
made new friends and began to
cherish retirement life for EXCELL
answered the question “what do we
do now”. Parking on Campus was awful, long distances
to class but what fun we had. Lunch at Moyer with
everyone invited to join a big table .Watching the
students and mingling with them was great.
Enter the era of “no room on campus”. We move to our
new home on the Paradise campus. We did miss seeing
the kids. But parking was a snap and the walks were
shorter and those there from the beginning were getting
older (not me of course).We had great parties, ice cream
socials, wine and cheese, a few trips. Fun years.
In 2005, an amazing opportunity came our way when a
grant request was accepted by the Osher foundation and
we became OLLI at UNLV. I was impressed by the
unlimited opportunities this grant afforded us. Growth
of our group will be nurtured by OLLI’s funds and
influence. The “Baby Boomers” will need something to
keep them occupied and learning. We’ll be there for
them as OLLI has been there for me for 16 years.
7
By Elise Hanseman
“WE BLOSSOMED”
Page
WHAT EXCELL/OLLI MEANS TO ME
When my husband, Allan and I
retired, we decided to move to a
community that was not too big,
was affordable, and housed a
Learning-in-Retirement program,
similar to the one Allan had
attended at Northwestern
University. An added stimulus for our relocation was my
daughter, Janet and her family lived in Las Vegas, which
was driving distance from Los Angeles, where my other
daughter, Sally lived with her family.
When we came to Las Vegas in 1992 to look around,
Janet brought us to the UNLV Continuing Education
Department, headed by her friend Paul Aizley. Paul and
his assistants, Carol and Tupp told us about EXCELL, a
continuing education program for retired people. The
program, founded by Stephanie Smith, Florence Frost,
Gill Yarchover and M. Harris, was built on the Harvard
model, featuring classes taught for and by retirees.
I was very impressed, but not sure I was ready to give up
my professional social work activities, but as it turned
out, Nevada had a reciprocal licensure agreement with
Chicago, where I was born and educated. So four years
later, in 1996, we moved to the Silver State, and even
before we fully settled at home, we joined EXCELL.
Here we met wonderful people, some of whom became
close friends. Meanwhile, I was offered two jobs in my
field, but after thinking it over for a few weeks, I realized
that I was having too much fun taking classes with Allan.
Concerts, shows, Shakespeare Festival, travel, book club
meetings- there was so much to do!
My husband became an EXCELL Coordinator and
oversaw classes on Shakespeare, the History of World
War I, Roman History, movies, and the Bible. This
involvement with EXCELL ended a few years ago, when
he got sick and could no longer continue. As time wore
on, our close friends and many of the WW II veterans left
town or passed away, and there were not enough
people to continue the book club. I went on with classes
after Allan was no longer able to be part of the program,
which had now become OLLI, a UNLV senior program
funded by a different organization (the Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute).
I keep meeting new people, striking new friendships, and
I feel very fortunate that OLLI is a major part of my life.
THREE LITTLE LINES
By Donna Newsom
Just three little lines … that's all.
Little did I know when I read those
words in the Review-Journal 18 years
ago that the phone call I would make
would be the beginning of an
experience that would continue well
into my retirement years. I thought
that I would just check it out since
my husband and I had retired in Las Vegas three years
earlier and my calendar was far from being full.
I went to the UNLV campus and found the building and
room that had been given to me during my phone call.
Walking across the campus I thought, “Gee, this is fun
seeing all these young college students coming and going
(some on bicycles). Las Vegas actually does have
something besides ‘The Strip.’ ” Arriving at my
destination I met several others who were also
interested in this program that they were calling EXCELL.
Joining EXCELL was a totally new experience. It was all
about attending classes on many different subjects. It
was peer- directed and those conducting the classes
were very knowledgeable about their subjects. With no
tests and no homework how could I not join! In fact, I
went to class all day Monday through Friday. The
classmates I met were every bit as interesting as their
topics. Our classes were small and a few classes didn't
have a Coordinator so we divided the material we
wanted to study among the small group of us and
presented it to the class ourselves!
8
By Beatrice Belcove
I don’t know many people anymore, and the classes are
now larger than ever. Still, I go to as many as I can, and I
am pleased to say that I’m never bored. The classes are
very stimulating, perhaps more than before, with
wonderful videos, guest lecturers and special events.
And people are as smart as ever.
Page
WHAT EXCELL/OLLI MEANS TO ME
One of the least heralded, but
certainly not the least important,
aspects of the OLLI experience is the
environment it provides for the
birth and nurturing of warm and
enduring friendships. This is the
story of one of these friendships
We first met some twelve years ago
at what was then EXCELL, and discovered that we both
had an interest in philosophy. We proceeded to
collaborate on presenting a series of courses in the
EXCELL-OLLI program over the next twelve years up until
his passing this past April. I always started our classes by
explaining that we leaders are given the title of
Coordinator and not Teacher because the learning
experience was meant to be collaborative among class
members and that my job was to ask the questions and
not necessarily to know the answers. As it turned out I
asked the questions and Mort provided the answers
when most needed. He volunteered to lead many of the
classes – always a treat because of his wealth of
knowledge and his ability to present it in an insightful
and informative manner. He was a welcome, thoughtful
and critical presence in all the OLLI classes he attended
over the years.
During the last couple of years he wrote, in addition to
his poetry, a series of critical essays on Religion and
Philosophy. I might have sometimes disagreed with him
but I could never criticize the logic and reasoning, which
can best be described as a scientific mind applied to
theology and philosophy. (Mort was a Biochemist with a
Doctorate Degree from Wisconsin.)
Mort wrote an extensive collection of poetry including a
lengthy collection of love messages to his wife June.
Early in their marriage he wrote the first poem which
brought about a “teary” reaction from his wife. No
dummy, Mort realized that he had “a good thing going.”
Thereafter he wrote a poem for every occasion from
New Year's to Halloween and most especially “whenever
I got into trouble.” It made a nice collection titled “For a
Goddess.” A later collection, “Strolling Toward Oblivion”
is a smorgasbord of his collected thought. Many of
these have been included in previous and in this edition
of OLLI's yearly publication of stories and poems.
It has been said that “we are best known by the
company we keep.” I may as well admit the obvious, that
I have been the greater beneficiary of this friendship. I
His warmth, humor and intellect will surely be missed by
all of us who were fortunate enough to know Mort.
IN MEMORIAM
By Fay Chan, “Sunshine” Liaison
In the six months since the last semi-annual issue of the
Excellerate, we have lost 13 OLLI members, or
immediate family members. In addition to the eight
members pictured below, we’ve lost the following
members and their loved ones in 2012:
Iris Bernikow
Jim Cheek
David Kline
Antonio Rosario
Donald Trujillo
Wayne Echt
Bud Hyman
Annette Goldstein Harry Houghton
Lois Klein
Doris Levis
9
SCIENTIST, POET, PHILOSOPHER AND FRIEND
By Len Grossman
can't recall the number of times OLLI members have
commented that “you guys are so smart.” Truth be told,
he was the smart one and I was fortunate enough to be
associated with him.
Abe Rothbard
Mort Schwartz
Page
MORTON A. SCHWARTZ (1928-2012)
OLLI AT UNLV – FALL 2012 PARADISE CAMPUS SCHEDULE
UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119
September 10th to December 7th, 2012
UNLV Official Holidays (Paradise Campus is CLOSED)
Nevada Day – Friday October 26th
Veterans Day – Monday November 12th
Thanksgiving Break – Nov. 22nd – 23rd (Thursday & Friday)
Morning
Classes
Room 511
Room 512
Room 401
MONDAY
10 AM to Noon
TUESDAY
10 AM to Noon
WEDNESDAY
10 AM to Noon
THURSDAY
10 AM to Noon
FRIDAY
10 AM to Noon
GREAT DECISIONS
SOAP BOX
Charles Vinnik &
Mark Gilmore
Ed Devore,
George Cohan,
Mike Wood
HOLLYWOOD &
BROADWAY
MUSICALS
HISTORY OF THE
UNITED STATES
SHAKESPEARE’S
HISTORIES
3 LEADING MEN
SO WHAT’S
NEW(S)?
WORKING WITH
DREAMS
Mike Cutler
Cameron Ashby
POP CULTURE
QUESTIONING
YOUR REALITY
WHAT IN THE
WORLD
HANDS ON ENERGY
MEDICINE
Grieg
de la Houssaye
Dennis Evans &
Mike Cutler
Grieg
de la Houssaye
FRENCH (SPOKEN)
BOOK CLUB
HOW TO LOOK AT
AND UNDERSTAND
Martine Patton
GREAT ART
WORLD WAR I
EMPIRES &
ALLIANCES
Room 511 Lunch
Martha Wood
Rm. 400 (10 AM)
Jo Ann Parochetti
HEALTH IS WEALTH
Room 403
Room 511 Lunch
OR
Room 400 from
10 AM – 12 Noon
Fred Greenberg
Room 511 Lunch
ARTS THIS WEEK
IN LAS VEGAS
BROWN BAG
TUESDAYS
OLLI Computer Lab
(Room 506)
Dave Dameron &
Liz Dameron
12:10 – 12:45 pm
Marge Gately &
Pat Thorn
12:10 – 12:45 pm
Afternoon Classes
1 PM to 3 PM
1 PM to 3 PM
Room 511
PROFESSOR’S
CHOICE
RUSSIAN HISTORY
20TH & 21ST
CENTURIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian Clayton
Room 512
Room 401
Room 403
Walt Veasy &
Dick Borghi
TURNING POINTS:
AMERICAN HISTORY
Howie Sussman
PHYSICS
FOR EVERYONE
John Macdonald
Part 1 of 2 terms
GEOGRAPHY
Sara Mayfield
Begins Sept. 17th
AGELESS WISDOM
Fred Ehrlich
Part 1 of 2 terms
Niels Clyde
MINDFULNESS
Lisa Agnew
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNET & EMAIL
FOR NOVICES
ADV. DRAWING
& PAINTING
WESTERN MOTION
PICTURES
Elena Cieslak
Robert Mirisch
GENEALOGY
M Louis, H Smith,
& J Kunzman
Ends Oct. 19th
John Hurley
Room 400
10 AM – 12 Noon
Lab – Room 506
10 AM – 12 Noon
PRACTICAL
PHILOSOPHY
GENEALOGY LAB
Hector Rosario
Lab – Room 506
1 PM to 3 PM
John Henry
Hoffman
Oct. 12th & 19th
½ class Oct. 12th
½ class Oct. 19th
1 PM to 3 PM
1 PM to 3 PM
JAZZ
GREAT MUSIC
APPRECIATION
Ken Hanlon &
Tom Lyon
UNCONQUERABLE
AFGHANISTAN
Dave Dameron
Chuck Carter &
Charles Boone
ISLAM:
FACTS AND MYTHS
HEALTHY AGING &
SELF-DISCOVERY
DRAWING &
PAINTING I
Aslam Abdullah
Cameron Ashby
Cieslak & Stillwell
WRITERS’
WORKSHOP
UNBLOCKING
YOUR CREATIVITY
MEDIEVAL
ENGLAND II
D. Silverman,
R. Theile, T. Lyon
Sharon
Gainsburg
Cathy Lowe
MAKING SENSE OF
GRIEF (1-2 PM)
SPANISH
TWEAK YOUR
MIND
Lynn Sommer
Mary Pace &
Chris Urago
Lidia Mauer
Ruth Elliott
Jay Gurian
CANCELED
OLLI AT UNLV – FALL 2012 SATELLITE CAMPUS SCHEDULE
September 10th to December 7th, 2012
Summerlin Area
Monday
S. C. Summerlin
(702) 363-1719
Sun Shadows Ctr.
Tuesday
Wednesday
INVEST LIKE
WARREN BUFFETT
Thursday
Friday
SOAP BOX
Ed Devore,
George Cohan,
Mike Wood
Jack Dien
10 AM – 12 Noon
PRACTICING
MINDFULNESS
S. C. Summerlin
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Paul Imahara
Las Ventanas
Retirement Home
(702) 360-2662
WESTERN MOTION
PICTURES
AGELESS WISDOM
JOY OF BRIDGE
Niels Clyde
Bob Lafleur
Barbara Wishnev
Robert Mirisch
HOLLYWOOD
MUSICALS
SPANISH
Lidia Mauer
Dick Borghi
10 AM – 12 Noon
L
Henderson Area
Monday
Sun City
MacDonald Ranch
(702) 270-7000
MEDIEVAL
ENGLAND II
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
RUSSIAN HISTORY
20TH & 21ST
CENTURIES
Cathy Lowe
10 AM – 12 Noon
Dave Dameron
UFO-LOGY
Merrill Gardens
Retirement Home
(702) 568-7900
Ruth Elliott
1:30 – 3:30 PM
Afternoon Classes
Various Start Times
Humana Guidance
Center Henderson
(702) 269-5200
SHORT STORIES
OF THE WORLD
Harold Ramage
1:30 – 3:30 PM
TURNING POINTS:
AMERICAN HISTORY
Howie Sussman
1:30 – 3:30 PM
PAGE TO SCREEN
Joan McCracken
2:00 – 4:00 PM
No Class Each
Month on the
4th Thursday
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
LESSON & GAME
Judy & Bert Kulic
12:15 – 3:45 PM
No Class on
Oct. 12th & 19th
EVERYDAY GUIDE
TO WINE
M. A. Molinaro
10 AM – 12 Noon
Humana
Henderson
1:00 – 3:00 PM
CONVERSATIONAL
SPANISH III
LIVING WELL
WITH DIABETES
M. A. Molinaro
Eileen Augente
Begins Sept. 27th
North Las Vegas
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sun City Aliante
(702) 638-5061
Morning &
Afternoon
Study Groups
WRITERS’
WORKSHOP
SHAKESPEARE:
4 COMEDIES
SHORT STORIES
OF THE WORLD
ISLAM:
FACTS & MYTHS
Don Silverman
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Begins Sept. 24th
Mary Pace
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Harold Ramage
10 AM – 12 Noon
Aslam Abdullah
1:00 – 3:00 PM
FALL 2012 CLASS GRID Version # 10 (Latest Corrections as of August 21st, 2012)
Friday
OLLI “Great Courses” Available Online (as of August, 2012)
For a Password and Instructions, contact Bert Kulic ([email protected] or 837-6467
MASTERWORKS OF AMERICAN ART
DUTCH MASTERS:
AGE OF REMBRANDT
IMPRESSIONIST PAINTERS:
MONET TO VAN GOGH
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ART
LOUVRE: MUSEUM MASTERPIECES
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
NORTHERN RENAISSANCE ART
BOOKS AND LANGUAGE (7)
AMERICAN BESTSELLERS
BOOKS THAT MADE HISTORY
CLASSIC NOVELS
HISTORY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE
THE ART OF READING
STORY OF HUMAN LANGUAGE
SHAKESPEARE – COMEDIES,
TRAGEDIES, & HISTORIES
ECONOMICS (3 courses)
BASIC ECONOMICS
MODERN ECONOMIC ISSUES
AMERICA AND THE
NEW GLOBAL ECONOMY
EMOTIONS & REASONING (2)
ARGUMENTATION: THE STUDY OF
EFFECTIVE REASONING
PASSIONS: THE INTELLIGENCE OF
THE EMOTIONS
HISTORY (19 courses)
AMERICAN REVOLUTION
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN HISTORY
ANCIENT GREEK HISTORY
BIG HISTORY: THE BIG BANG AND
THE RISE OF HUMANITY ON EARTH
CHINA: ITS FALL AND RISE
(FROM 1730 – 2008)
CHINA: FROM YAO TO MAO
(5,000 YEARS OF HISTORY)
CONQUEST OF THE AMERICAS
ERA OF THE CRUSADES:
1050’S TO 1295 IN HOLY LAND
WAR, PEACE, AND POWER:
EUROPE DIPLOMACY 1500-2000
EVENTS THAT CHANGED HISTORY
GREAT BATTLES OF THE
ANCIENT WORLD
HUMAN PREHISTORY AND THE
FIRST CIVILIZATIONS
JEWISH INTELLECTUAL HISTORY:
16TH TO 20TH CENTURIES
LONDON: A SHORT HISTORY
MIDDLE EAST: FROM 1914
TO SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
UNITED STATES:
A COMPLETE HISTORY
THE VIKINGS
WINSTON CHURCHILL
THE WISDOM OF HISTORY
MATH (6 courses)
CALCULUS: CHANGE & MOTION
JOY OF MATHEMATICS
JOY OF THINKING
INTRO. TO NUMBER THEORY
PROBABILITY:
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?
STATISTICS MADE CLEAR
POLITICS (1 course)
BROADWAY MUSICALS:
1828 TO THE PRESENT
HOW TO LISTEN TO AND
UNDERSTAND GREAT MUSIC
SYMPHONIES OF BEETHOVEN
PHILOSOPHY (5 courses)
EXISTENTIALISM AND THE MEANING
OF LIFE
BIRTH OF THE MODERN MIND:
16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES
19TH CENTURY EUROPEAN
THOUGHT AND CULTURE
POWER OVER PEOPLE: CLASSICAL
AND MODERN POLITICAL THEORY
RELIGION (9 courses)
THE BIBLE AND WESTERN CULTURE
BUDDHISM OVERVIEW
CHRISTIANITY OVERVIEW
CONFUCIUS, BUDDHA, JESUS, AND
MUHAMMAD: THE FOUR SAGES
HINDUISM OVERVIEW
ISLAM OVERVIEW
JUDAISM OVERVIEW
COMPARATIVE RELIGION
RELIGIONS OF THE AXIAL AGE
SCIENCE (8 courses)
MUSIC (3 courses)
20TH CENTURY EUROPEAN
THOUGHT AND CULTURE
PHILOSOPHY OF THE MIND
BIOLOGY AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR
BLACK HOLES EXPLAINED
HOW THE EARTH WORKS
HUMAN BODY: HOW WE FAIL
AND THEN HEAL
IMPOSSIBLE PHYSICS:
BEYOND THE EDGE
EINSTEIN’S RELATIVITY AND THE
QUANTUM REVOLUTION
SUPERSTRING THEORY: PHYSICS
UNDERSTANDING THE UNIVERSE
(2ND EDITION)
TOTAL = 70 COURSES ONLINE
========================
DVDs for Loan (NOT online)
ADDITIONAL “GREAT COURSES” ARE
NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE, BUT MAY
BE BORROWED FROM THE OLLI
OFFICE IN PARADISE 502 OR 504.
SEE TINYURL.COM/OLLILIBRARY
12
Page
ART (7 courses)
COMMITTEE REPORTS SECTION
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
By Cathy Lowe
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
By Mike Cutler
The dawn of a new decade
presented new challenges and
opportunities for the Publicity
Committee.
This year, the Membership Committee has grown to
more than a dozen volunteers- whose purpose is to
welcome and help orient new members, promote
continuing member satisfaction, and track departing
members to find out their reasons for leaving and
encourage them to return.
The current “Friend to Friend” campaign calls on current
members to bring at least one friend to the OLLI Open
House, Saturday, September 8th. The Membership
Committee will greet new members as they arrive, and
introduce them to the Study Group Coordinators who
will be offering fall classes in areas of interest to new
members.
The Committee will also “blitz” study groups during the
first two weeks of the semester, offering to serve as
resources for new members, and assuring that they have
received their welcome packets, including a handbook to
answer many frequently-asked questions. Lastly, the
Membership Committee will encourage new members
to consider teaching for OLLI when they “get their feet
wet.”
While some of our expanding volunteer faculty will
probably come from graduate schools at the University,
the primary source of academic leadership has
traditionally been OLLI’s own members…whose broad
expertise and innate understanding of learner needs
makes them invaluable to the organization.
You’ll recognize members of the Membership
Committee right away, by the badges that say “Ask me
Questions,” and by their rare and unusual taste in attire
(read “hats!”)
Perhaps Elise’s most important contribution was the
growth of the first six satellite learning centers around
the valley.
After many years at the helm, Elise handed off OLLI's
publicity duties to Mike Cutler in late 2011 and the pace
has not slowed.
Presentations to senior communities and groups are
still important tools for publicity, but thanks to
UNLV, OLLI is also part of a city-wide billboard
campaign.
Spreading the word will become even easier with:
the brand new phone # (774-OLLI),
shortened web address (OLLI.unlv.edu)
and OLLI’s newly minted “slogan” . . .
OLLI at UNLV, where mature minds bloom
Finally, the committee is hard at work on a TV program,
produced by UNLV-TV. Check your local listings for "The
Cover."
And stay tuned. We've only just begun.
NEW MEMBER LUNCH
Tuesday, September 25th – from Noon to 1:30 PM
Paradise Auditorium (133)
ALL NEW OLLI MEMBERS ARE INVITED
Meet the OLLI Board and UNLV Staff
Learn about the benefits of membership
Take your “head shot” photo, to be included in
the Member Directory (Fall publication date).
Get your questions about OLLI answered
13
Niels Clyde, Co-Chair
Page
Cathy Lowe, Chair
Former Publicity Chairwoman Elise
Hanseman, OLLI's #1 ambassador,
led an active group of volunteers
who spread the word about OLLI at UNLV.
The core of the OLLI program at
UNLV is the curriculum developed
and offered to members in many
different classes. The Curriculum
Committee is responsible for that
piece of the OLLI pie, working
closely with other committees that
play a huge role in curriculum
development– (including the Membership, Publicity and
Long-range Planning Committees).
Originally, classes were scheduled on the main campus,
and dealing with parking and shortage of classrooms was
often an issue for this committee. The move to the
Paradise Campus allowed for better availability of
classrooms, plus close and easy parking. That enhanced
the classes just through simplification of access.
The focus in the last few years has been on maintaining
and growing the courses offered at Paradise while
increasing OLLI opportunities at satellite locations
around the Las Vegas Valley.
The fall class schedule at Paradise is the largest we have
had- with all available time slots full. We have had
some success with satellite classes as well, with classes
being offered at seven satellite campuses beginning in
September.
Looking to the future, however, we recognize that at
most of these locations the number of courses must be
increased in order for members to experience the full
value of their memberships. The courses must also
change periodically with fresh new coordinators and
ideas.
One of the goals now is to identify and train volunteers
for each of these satellite locations. These individuals
would establish rapport with the site manager at each
specific location, determine time slots when classes
could be scheduled, recruit new coordinators to that
site, schedule classes in available slots, and then serve as
the contact for both members and coordinators at that
site.
In the past, a Coordinator Workshop has been held each
spring and fall to familiarize coordinators with processes
and coordinator responsibilities, both at the Open House
and during the semester. As we look to the future, it has
been suggested that new coordinators receive some kind
of organized, prescribed training on leading a class. This
might be required of all new coordinators and seasoned
As course proposals have been received with requested
time slots, those slots, if possible, have been assigned.
Consideration is being given to changing that process to
organize the courses by major topics, such as “History
and Current Events” and then scheduling all of those
classes in blocks to simplify access. This is just an idea
now and there are no current plans to start
programming this way.
Course evaluations have traditionally been done at the
end of the semester with the results tabulated by the
Cannon Center. Because OLLI members are not
obligated to complete a class, they are free to leave
anytime, at will, and the evaluation information is not
captured. Consideration is being given to conducting a
quick evaluation the third week of the class, hopefully
catching those who are thinking about dropping a class.
The evaluation process is important and needs to be
carefully considered.
Another goal for the Curriculum Committee is to identify
a member who would be willing to be a travel
coordinator. This was one of the highly requested items
on the extensive OLLI evaluation completed last spring.
This person would arrange for short trips requiring outof-town travel, longer trips in this country, and hopefully
for foreign travel.
OLLI has grown significantly during the past few years,
and as the baby boomers reach retirement, the potential
for OLLI is even greater. More members will require
more courses, more space, and more volunteer and
social opportunities. We may be looking at different
scheduling, more aggressive recruiting of new
coordinators with new course ideas, and more space.
COORDINATORS’
ORIENTATION
Wednesday, Sept. 5th
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Paradise room 511
All Fall Coordinators
Are Invited to Attend
14
By Ann Tate
coordinators who want and need supplemental training.
Training has been offered in several formats previously,
but this initiative would lead to a more formal approach.
Page
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
Looking Back . . . and Ahead
EVENTS COMMITTEE – TOURS
Tours are planned with several
goals in mind. One is to offer opportunities for members
to learn about exciting places and events in the vicinity.
Since many of our local residents are transplants from
throughout the country, it is likely that these sites are
unfamiliar. We hope that touring gives our members the
opportunity to socialize outside the classroom setting.
We also hope that the types of tours we arrange will
open up areas of future interest.
In the 2012 Spring semester, we toured the Techatticup
Mine located near Searchlight; took a docent-led tour of
the Nevada State Museum at the Springs Preserve, and
visited the Zappo’s Corporate headquarters in
Henderson. These events generated lots of positive
comments from participants.
Fall Semester 2012 tour plans include:
1. Master-Gardener-led tour of the Demonstration
Gardens at the University of Nevada,
Cooperative Extension offices (October 12th.)
2. Lost City Museum at Overton, Nevada, a site
with a wealth of artifacts from the Anasazi
Pueblo Native Americans. (November 16th).
3. Zappos Corporate Headquarters, back by
popular request. (Thursday, December 6th.)
Still in the planning stages, are:
a tour of the fantastic UNLV Lied Library and
a UNLV Men’s Basketball game!
Most trips are scheduled on Fridays. Right now, tour
dates are tentative, but we hope you will sign up for one
or all of them, when registration opens. Please watch
your e-mail in-box (OLLI News You Can Use) and the
Paradise Campus bulletin boards, which will have the
latest information on tour dates, prices (some tours are
free), plus sign-up arrangements and deadlines.
Brown Bag Lunches (in room 511,
starting at 12:10 pm, after SOAP
BOX ends), provide members the
opportunity to get together
between classes to relax and enjoy
lunch, meet other OLLI members
and learn new, interesting and
useful information. Both
instructional and entertainment sessions are provided
on most Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters.
Instructional topic areas include health, science, and
government, while entertainment topics include theatre,
dance, music and art.
During the Spring 2012 semester (January to May), we
were proud to present some of the following topics:
Meet the OLLI at UNLV Board of Directors with a
question and answer session, describing how the
OLLI Board functions and what it does.
Physical therapist, Dr. Sue Schuerman, of UNLV, on
tips for improving balance for successful aging.
A musical presentation by the “Ukulele Club of Las
Vegas.”
A local attorney gave us information on protecting
our assets (Elder Law).
Music provided by the “OLLI KATS” . . . our own
musical ensemble made up of OLLI members.
Las Vegas MEMOIR Project; an overview of the
“Great Courses” available to all members; a speaker
from “The Mob Museum;” and finally a “Talent
Show” with performances by OLLI members.
We hope you will join us regularly, starting on Tuesday
Sept. 11, 2012, for the first “Brown Bag Tuesday” of the
fall semester.
Brown Bag Tuesdays are held each week in Room 511,
from 12:10 to 12:45 pm.
Join us to learn new ideas, socialize with other OLLI
members and recognize their special talents.
Please check the bulletin boards and OLLI News You
Can Use for the latest Brown Bag schedules.
15
The Events Committee, co-chaired
by Marge Gately and Pat Thorn,
works in tandem with the Brown
Bag Lunch presentations and
arranges for off-campus local tours
each fall and spring semester.
By Marge Gately, Events co-chair
Page
By Pat Thorn, Events co-chair
EVENTS – BROWN BAG TUESDAYS
SEX: I deny that the women I have
appointed to serve on the By-Laws
Committee were chosen because
they are the sexiest members of
OLLI. That doesn't mean they aren't.
More about sex later.
VIOLENCE: The By-Laws may be
sexy (who knew?), but not violent. There has never been
an incident of violence at a By-Laws Committee meeting
or otherwise related to the By-Laws. Seniors tend to be
non-violent. Okay; there is this one guy, who is rumored
to be the founder of the Ovaltine Party, who spouts
vehement, delusional rhetoric, but he's never physically
violent. (The preceding sentence is included for comedic
effect, and any resemblance to an actual OLLI Member is
more or less incidental).
POLITICS: The By-Laws are our sole governing document
– we have no constitution – and they govern all aspects
of our procedures, subject only to compliance with UNLV
formal regulations. We have no contentious and
counterproductive political parties, no insane filibuster
rules, and no archaic procedures. All Committee
meetings and Board meeting are open to any Member.
Any Member can propose an amendment to the ByLaws, which is then vetted and voted on by the By-Laws
Committee and their recommendation is forwarded to
the Board. If the Board approves, it is sent to the
Membership, which can approve it by the vote of a
majority of those voting.
As a result of our transparent and democratic
functioning and our extraordinary progress, a recent poll
of OLLI at UNLV’s Membership has shown that a very
high percentage of Members are well satisfied with what
we are doing and how we are doing it. (Note: That part is
true). Most important politically, I am perfectly willing to
produce my birth certificate, although I am not proud
that I was born in Toledo, Ohio.
(Yeah, but what about more sex? Have patience.)
YOUR OLLI AT UNLV BY-LAWS: These are YOUR By-Laws,
and you should get a copy and read it. Be informed so
you don't end up like Member Ditzy Dingbat, who was
thrown out of the program due to her violation of Article
XXXIV, Section 36 (j) (vii), clearly stated on page 143.
Just kidding!
OKAY, OKAY – MORE SEX: Why is a By-Laws Committee
action like sex? When it's good, it’s great; and when it’s
bad, it's still pretty good.
If you want to view or print the current By-Laws, they
are always available on the OLLI web site.
From the HOME page, click on PUBLICATIONS.
Then click on OLLI at UNLV By-Laws (under the
HANDBOOKS category).
STRATEGIC AND LONG-RANGE PLANNING
By Fred Ehrlich
In the Spring of 2012, the Strategic
& Long Range Planning (S&LRP)
Committee met for the first time.
The Strategic and Long Range
Planning Committee identifies
trends and future needs (in one
year, three-year and five-year
increments) and submits
recommendations to the OLLI Board of Directors on a
monthly basis. The Board then determines whether or
not to take action on the suggestions offered.
Although this is a relatively new committee, three of its
recommendations have already been implemented:
1. adoption of a slogan for what “OLLI” means
(OLLI at UNLV – Where Mature Minds Bloom);
2. an identifying telephone number (774-OLLI); and
3. a new easy-to-remember website address
(OLLI.unlv.edu).
Long-range planning is “iffy” at best. Nonetheless as
OLLI’s membership continues to grow, it is clear to the
Committee that more Study Group Coordinators, more
classes and more classrooms will be needed.
The Long Range Planning Committee, in collaboration
with the chairs of other related committees, is preparing
a list of suggestions to present to the OLLI Board of
Directors for its consideration.
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By Don Silverman
The OLLI at UNLV By-Laws are only 3-1/2 pages in simple
English. Read them. If there is anything you don't
understand, give me a call. If I don't know the answer, I
will make up something up that sounds right.
Page
SEX, VIOLENCE, POLITICS, AND
YOUR OLLI AT UNLV BY-LAWS
OLLI AT UNLV – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
By Bert Kulic
Where do we stand with OLLI at UNLV finances at the end of fiscal year 2012?
What does our financial situation mean going forward?
As of the end of the 2012 fiscal year (ending June 30th), OLLI at UNLV is in healthy financial shape.
All figures are rounded to the nearest $1,000, for ease of understanding:
CASH FLOW SUMMARY
Total Revenues ..................... $128,000
Operating Expenses ............... $69,000
One-time Investments ........... $12,000
Cash Flow Increase ............ + $47,000
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Operating Account ............... $286,000
Gift Fund ................................ $66,000
Total “spendable cash” .......... $352,000
=================================
Osher Endowment ............ $1,121,000
Building Fund ......................... $10,000
.............................................................
Total “cash in the bank” ..... $1,483,000
Primarily membership fees (inflated, due to prepaid $150 Annual fees.)
Abnormally low (Operations Coordinator job not filled until May 2012.)
Shared part of one-time investment for classroom 511 TEC upgrade
Net increase in Operating Account (from 2011 to 2012 fiscal year-end)
Current balance in OLLI’s Operating Account (pays monthly expenses)
Primarily from previous cash grants and gifts from Osher Foundation
THIS IS THE “CUSHION” FOR OPERATIONS EXPENSES & INVESTMENTS
Endowment & Building Fund (below) is NOT for Operations Exp.
$1 million endowment, plus 2 years of investment/interest income
Building Fund started June 2012 – 5 yr. goal is $2 million, to guarantee
OLLI permanent space in a new building (on the Paradise Campus)
$1.483 million is total cash in various accounts owned by OLLI at UNLV.
In the last four years (2008-2012), OLLI has received extremely generous funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation:
1. $375,000 in various cash “grants” – which can be used to pay OLLI operating expenses, but may NOT be used to
pay for “rent” or any “building expenses.” The Osher cash grants basically ended in 2011-2012, although we may
apply for one more $50,000 grant, once OLLI at UNLV membership crosses the 1,000-member threshold.
2. $1,000,000 “endowment” – this money is expected to help fund OLLI operating expenses “in perpetuity.”
However, the agreement OLLI at UNLV signed with the Osher Foundation does not allow the “principal” (the $1
million “endowment”) to be touched. Only investment income or interest income may be used to help pay for
OLLI operating expenses, and we may NOT use any of this money for “rent” or for “building expenses.”
Bert Kulic, OLLI Finance Officer (2012 – 2013)
Page
4. Building Fund for OLLI at UNLV – the OLLI Board has approved the establishment of an OLLI BUILDING FUND,
with a goal to raise $2 million over the next 3-5 years, to insure that OLLI gets “permanent space” on the UNLV
campus, most likely the first two floors of a 3-story building which is in the UNLV “master plan” to be constructed
on the Paradise Campus, where the grassy area is located next to the parking field. The Osher Foundation has
been our “financial savior” during the last four years. In order to ensure that OLLI at UNLV has a long-term future
as a partner with UNLV, we committed to raise a substantial amount of money to contribute to building a
“permanent home” for OLLI at UNLV on the Paradise Campus.
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3. OLLI at UNLV currently has $1.483 million cash in various accounts. Considering that we have received
$1,375,000 in cash grants and endowments from the Osher foundation, plus we have earned $121,000 on the
endowment in the past two years ($1.496 million total), OLLI at UNLV would have ZERO CASH IN THE BANK if not
for the extremely generous funding support from the Osher Foundation over the past four years.
CULTURAL CIRCUS – FALL/WINTER 2012
MEMBER REMINDERS
NEW LARGE-PRINT NAME BADGES
All registered OLLI members will receive a new
Large-Print Name Badge, with a Fall-2012 Sticker.
As the Excellerate goes to press, we have confirmation
for 14 of the 29 Las Vegas production companies we
track. Based on this partial listing, we can predict that
Las Vegas will offer a terrific mélange of cultural events
this fall and winter.
1. Theater: 43 fully-staged productions are calendared
already. These include classics from Shakespeare
(“Romeo and Juliet”) and O’Neill (“Ah, Wilderness!”)
and such contemporary playwrights as Laight, Reza,
and Stoppard. We also expect many Broadway
Musicals.
2. Dance: Las Vegas’ own ballet theatre will offer 2
productions in the Smith Center this fall: “Jewels” in
October, and “Nutcracker” in December. The Joffrey
and New York City ballet companies will be here in
the spring, and UNLV’s Ham Hall and Judy Bayley
Theater will host the Russian Ballet and the Las
Vegas Contemporary Dance Company this fall.
3. Music: Our Philharmonic will have its first full season
at the Smith center, offering both a classical and a
pop series. First up, an International Guitar
Competition on campus in September. In October
and November, chamber music fans will welcome
the Parker Quartet and Trio Cavatina.
4. Reminder: When the Rodeo ends and the cowboys
leave in mid-December, there is a “dead spot” on
the Strip until after Christmas. “Locals Only”
bargains are expected to be available for Strip
productions of all sorts.
5. At the Movie Theaters: the Metropolitan Opera,
Bolshoi Ballet, Paris and La Scala opera companies
will make their productions available locally. See
London National Theatre’s two web sites,
www.operaincinema.com (for opera performances)
and www.balletincinema.com (for ballet listings).
6. Please note: Your UNLV Student ID (REBEL Card) is
good for discounts at UNLV-sponsored events. So if
you are new to OLLI, get your picture taken at the
UNLV Student Union and pay your one-time $10.00
fee for this major entertainment bargain!
The NEW Name Badge is required to attend all
OLLI Study Groups, at all 7 campus locations.
If you attend classes at the Paradise Campus,
please pick up your Name Badge and FREE
Parking Pass at the Building 100 “Front Desk.”
If you attend classes ONLY at one of our six
satellite campuses, please ask your coordinator
to pick up YOUR Name Badge from Paradise.
2012 MEMBER DIRECTORY
In even-numbered years, we publish a Member
Directory in the Fall (October or November).
It contains “head shot” photos (if available) of
each OLLI member from the past 12 months.
We also have a contact section, where we list
Name, Telephone, and E-mail address for all
OLLI members (current or previous 12 months).
If you are NEW, or if you never had your photo
in a previous directory, please contact OLLI
photographer John Macdonald (at 513-2229 or
[email protected] to take your photo.
John will take pictures at the OPEN HOUSE, the
NEW MEMBER LUNCH, and at several scheduled
“photo shoot” sessions during September.
If you wish to “opt out” of having your picture
and contact information published in the 2012
Member Directory, please contact Rich Easter in
the OLLI office. Either send an “opt out” e-mail
to [email protected], or visit Rich in
Paradise room 504, and sign a written “opt out”
request.
Deadline to “opt out” your information in the
Member Directory is September 30th, 2012.
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Dave Dameron
Page
Liz Dameron
DREAMING AND CHANGING
By Cameron Ashby Jr.
The benefits of dreaming are truly
surprising. It’s an important area of
growth that remains largely
unexplored. Most participants
discover that they have a wise inner
guide “onboard,” who provides
solutions to the physical, emotional
and creative challenges we
experience every day. Dreaming can give you early
information about developing physical problems as well
as assist in negotiating the often difficult terrain of losses
and other transitions. Dreaming is a significant way we
learn. It further reduces stress, along with much more.
It appears that having a group assist you with your
dreams facilitates recalling these elusive and important
stories. In this group, you’ll also realize that you’re the
only expert on your dreams. No one else can tell you
what they mean, yet the group members will assist you
to discover more about these extraordinary stories, in a
safe and supportive environment.
I was quite surprised when group members spoke to me
about their experience as” life changing,” yet with goose
bumps and all, I realized that they’d merely tuned into a
channel that had long been overlooked. Indeed, it
features the best and most personal prime time
“programming” available.
If this type of learning appeals you, come join us for a
surprising, touching and valuable new kind of learning
experience. The WORKING WITH DREAMS class is held
on Tuesdays from 10 AM to noon, in Paradise room 512.
QUESTIONING YOUR REALITY
Grieg de la Houssaye offers this
popular class on Tuesdays from 10
am to noon in Paradise 401. See the
testimonial at the right from former
student Susann Hughes, who
attended for two terms, to see how
the study group changed her reality.
By Sharon Gainsburg
Has the time come in your life that
you realize it is Your Time to
explore your creative expression?
In any area of creativity? Come and
join the “Artist Way” class (called
UNBLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY)
where you will increase your artistic confidence,
productivity and originality. Whether you are a
practicing artist or one who would love to be . . . you will
recover from PERFECTIONISM, SELF-CRITICISM,
JEALOUSY, FEARS, PROCRASTINATION and other blocks
to your creativity. Proven techniques and a supportive
community encourage risk-taking, consistent habits, and
true self-expression.
I have been teaching this method for 20 years, based on
Julia Cameron's book “The Artist Way,” in addition to
using it every day in my life as a sculptor and teacher.
Don't let any MORE time go by wishing you could
unleash your creativity. Take the leap of faith and join us
this fall semester on Wednesdays from 1-3 PM, at the
UNLV Paradise campus, in room 401.
CHANGING MY REALITY
By Susann Hughes
Grieg de la Houssaye’s class on
Questioning Your Reality truly
changed my life in several positive
ways. Grieg had an amazing
presentation and additionally he
showed us resources to continue
learning what resonated with us.
I was able to change some negative habits permanently
and also add some positive ones that have improved my
health. Self-empowerment is the key to this, enabling us
to change all of our negative programming.
I seem to need reinforcement of what I learn, and the
class and the participants provided it, making each class
interesting and rewarding. Another observation is that I
saw similar changes happening to other class members.
There were some people who had abusive marriages or
siblings. They found new and positive ways to deal with
that which gave them tremendous relief and newfound
happiness. A positive approach, going with the flow, or
“not paddling upstream” was the tool we all needed,
because our thoughts do create our reality. Questioning
Your Reality was a really “life-changing” class for me.
19
This page describes 3 OLLI study groups that have the
potential to change your life in positive ways. Many OLLI
study groups will help you to enjoy your retirement
years while you continue learning. Take a look through
the Fall Catalog to see all the amazing possibilities
offered by OLLI at UNLV, where mature minds bloom.
UNBLOCK YOUR CREATIVITY
Page
POTENTIAL “LIFE-CHANGING” CLASSES
UNLV PARADISE CAMPUS
Home of OLLI at UNLV
THROUGH THESE DOORS PASS THE MOST
INTERESTING PEOPLE YOU’LL EVER MEET.
MEMBER PHOTOS – Photographer John Macdonald will
take member pictures during the Open House. John’s
Photo Booth will welcome New OLLI Members AND
Existing Members whose picture OLLI does not have.
BRING A FRIEND TO OLLI (OR AS MANY AS YOU LIKE)
IN ADDITION TO THE OPEN HOUSE, PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIEND(S) TO JOIN OLLI FOR
TH
ST
ONE FREE DAY DURING THE FIRST 2 WEEKS OF THE TERM (SEPT. 10 TO SEPT. 21 ).
PLEASE GET A GUEST PASS AND A ONE-DAY PARKING PASS IN ROOM 502 OR 504.
Sept. 5th Wednesday .......................................... Coordinator Orientation (10 AM to 12:30 PM – Room 511)
•
Sept. 8th Saturday .................................................... Fall Open House (10 AM to 12:30 PM – Auditorium)
•
Sept. 10th Monday ...................................................................... Fall Classes Begin (week of Sept. 10th – 14th)
•
Sept. 25th Tuesday ...................................................“New Member” Luncheon (12 Noon – Auditorium-133)
•
Oct. 26th Friday ................................................... Nevada Day Holiday (NO OLLI Classes at Paradise Campus)
•
Nov. 12th Monday ........................................ Veteran’s Day Observed (NO OLLI Classes at Paradise Campus)
•
Nov. 22nd – 23rd Thursday & Friday ..................................... Thanksgiving (NO OLLI Classes at ALL Locations)
•
Dec. 7th Friday..................................................................................... Fall Classes End (week of Dec. 3rd – 7th)
•
Dec. 8th Saturday ................... Holiday Celebration Lunch at Gold Coast Casino (12 Noon – $25 in Advance)
Page
•
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OLLI Fall Calendar (September to December, 2012)