Seniors

Winter 2012 OLLI Scholar Graduates

Become a computer whiz with OLLI!

Do you want to become more computer savvy? The OLLI Scholar Computer Certificate Course at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education has helped many students to do just that.

The program, offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), began in 2008. To date, 169 students have successfully completed the program. The OLLI Scholar program offers people a chance to boost skills and/or learn new ones.

Participants have up to one year to take five foundation courses. The required courses include Introduction to PCs, Internet and Email Savvy, Windows 7 – Level 1, Microsoft Word and Easy Steps to Safeguard Your Computer. Computer novices are encouraged to take the Let’s Begin with Computers course before beginning the OLLI Scholar program.

All classes are taught by longtime OLLI instructor Lynne Mock, an engineer who also operates a consulting firm. She has more than 30 years of teach-ing experience. OLLI Scholars praise Mock’s instruction as well as the class setting and skills they attain. The specific age group – adults 50 and older – adds a certain comfort level for the participants in the program.

Michelle Girage, program director, said, “These classes are great for people who want to return to the workforce, refresh their memory, or show off to their grandkids! Students come away from the series feeling more confident about their computer skills.”

(Source: OLLI)

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Break out your cowboy (or cowgirl!) hats and your best boots and join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for its “Wild, Wild West” summer social at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University on June 17 at 6 p.m.

The OLLI experience is geared toward adults 50 and older. Classes explore calligraphy, Tai Chi, water-color, history – even Facebook! Socials are held throughout the year just for this special group. Nearly 250 people come out to listen to live music, meet new people and, most of all, have a good time.

The Society Express Band will provide the soundtrack to this summer’s social. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best western garbs. A prize will be awarded for the best costume!

Attendees are always encouraged to bring pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. The pop tabs collected help families of children that are ill.

“Through the OLLI program we not only have a really great time, but we also give back to the com-munity,” said Michelle Girage, program director.

The cost of the social is $10 per person and includes dancing, a catered dinner and an opportunity to make new friends while catching up with old ones. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and dinner is served from 6-7 p.m. Dancing will be from 6-9 p.m. Reservations are required and parking is plentiful!

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OLLI instructor Michael McMillan

Have you ever wanted to experience the joy of playing piano, but you don’t want years of weekly lessons? If so, Kennesaw State University College of Continuing and Professional Education’s OLLI program has a course you are going to love! In just a few hours with OLLI instructor Michael McMillan, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to make piano playing a part of your life.

If you already know your way around a keyboard a little, then you are ready for this workshop. Learn secrets your piano teacher never told you in this 3-hour session. You will learn all the chords you need to play any song, any style, and any key.

How is it done? Typical piano lessons teach you note reading, but piano professionals use chords. You will learn all the chords needed to  play songs in this one session. You will get a healthy dose of insider secrets. You can learn enough in this one workshop to play almost any song on the piano with two hands. Then go on to perfect your technique at home using a home-study CD.

This is the system the pros use—chords, not tedious note reading.

OLLI instructor Michael McMillan is a full-time professional musician/teacher with over 20 years of performing experience. Michael has been involved in music all his life. He began playing piano over 40 years ago and has taught privately for many years. He has been  teaching piano workshops for ten years.

A professional musician on piano, keyboards and vocals, Michael performs different styles of music in a variety of situations (clubs, concerts, weddings, USO tours, piano bars, etc.) around the USA, and in several foreign countries. This experience combined with his training provides him with a unique perspective to offer students. He can answer any question about “real world” applications of what he teaches, but mainly his emphasis is on having fun with music as to enrich your life.

Instant Piano class will be held Monday, May 13. Seats are still available, so register today!

(Source: OLLI)