Around The Cracker Barrel - “Learning for Life: OLLI-UA Brings 40+ Classes to Green Valley” (Aired 09/05/2025)

Around the Cracker Barrel – OLLI-UA at Green ValleyIn this edition of Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes guests Neil Best and Janelle McCormick, volunteers with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arizona (OLLI-UA), Green Valley campus. Together, they explore the rich opportunities OLLI offers for adults 50+ to stay active, engaged, and curious through affordable, non-credit courses.Neil explains the origins of OLLI, founded by Bernard and Barbro Osher, now spanning over 120 campuses nationwide. Locally, OLLI has been part of the University of Arizona for more than 35 years, with Green Valley serving as the only secondary campus outside Tucson. Janelle shares how the program adapted during the pandemic by moving classes online and now thrives with a mix of in-person courses at CPAC and Zoom-based learning.The guests highlight the exceptional value—an annual fee of about $235 allows unlimited course enrollment. With over 40 classes in Green Valley this fall alone, topics range from U.S. History from a British Perspective and Hollywood Film Noir to The Changing Face of Local Journalism, Actual Innocence: Wrongful Convictions in America, Understanding Racism, and even Learn the Basics of Mahjong.Listeners also hear about Discover OLLI, a free kickoff event on Thursday, September 11 at 11 AM at CPAC, where prospective members can meet instructors, learn about classes, and receive hands-on help with registration. Field trips, social gatherings, and cross-campus learning with Tucson further enrich the OLLI experience, making it not only educational but also a vibrant community for building friendships.As Neil puts it: “If you want to stay young, engaged, and curious—this is the way to do it.”