Registration is open for our trip with Road Scholar to Italy in September 2016!

We will spend 14 days and 13 nights experiencing the beauty of three historic cities of Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance acclaim: Rome, Florence and Venice.  Local experts will lead us on a journey as we explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Borghese and Vatican museums, and "David"-- a Renaissance period masterpiece in Florence-- and a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

For additional information, including trip dates, pricing, and brief trip itinerary, click here.

To reserve a spot and pay the $250 deposit, you can either call 309-677-3900, or stop by the Continuing Education office on the corner of Main and University Streets.

A few weeks ago, we ran an article featuring

 a story from OLLI Class instructor Richard Macdonald about his experience bumping into a group of OLLI members from Boston and some Bradley alumni on a river boat cruise through Europe (see the article in our December 15th newsletter by clicking here).  

Dr. Macdonald ended up giving one of his OLLI lectures on the cruise, after the program directors learned of his knowledge on a little-known concentration camp in Melk, Austria.

Since the article was published, Dr. Macdonald was approached by the Grand Circle Cruise Line and asked to share more about his reasons for seeking out that particular camp, to be featured in an article in their newsletter as well!

Read the full Grand Circle article by clicking here, in which Dr. Macdonald describes how his father's involvement in a seemingly forgotten hospital and the liberation of another nearby camp inspired his visit to Melk. 

The TODAY Show interviews Caroll Spinney about I Am Big Bird

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the man inside the big yellow suit?  Caroll Spinney is a shining example of living life to its fullest and aging successfully, as he has been warming the hearts of children for generations as the beloved character, Big Bird.

Join us for Cinema Conversations this February as we examine Caroll Spinney's life and work through an uplifting documentary, I am Big Bird.  We need a few more people to join this group!

This study group will look at ways the animators' strike in 1941 changed pioneering cartoonist Walt Disney's personal and professional perspectives.  From Steamboat Willie and Snow White to Song of the South and The Jungle Book, we'll examine Disney's life and the forces that drove him to near-genius.  

Participants are expected to read Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas, available from local or online retailers and libraries.

To register online, please use our new online registration system by clicking here, or call Bonnie at 309-677-3900.

This spring, OLLI will co-sponsor the Silver Screen film series at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

As a tie-in to upcoming exhibits at the museum about Peoria as the Whiskey City and the Prohibition, the museum will host three film events related to the Prohibition.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Great Gatsby (2013)

The Untouchables (1987)

Tickets will soon be available to purchase at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.  For more information, contact Elly at eepeterson@bradley.edu.

As you may know, starting in 2016, OLLI will begin sponsoring lectures held on Bradley's campus by other academic departments.  The first OLLI-sponsored lecture will be this spring as a part of the Liberal Arts and Sciences lecture series.

Advance registration is not required.  Come join OLLI and the LAS department for this free event!

Anyone on the OLLI newsletter email list can play by clicking on the link that will be available each Tuesday in February.  Make your selections via an online survey any time during the month.  After the trophies are awarded on Oscar night on Sunday, February 28, we will announce the top three OLLI members who guessed most accurately in our newsletter on Tuesday, March 1.  

To check out the 2015 nominees, click here.  Best of luck!