This is the time of year we spend reflecting on the previous year’s accomplishments and shortcomings. We also spend time looking forward to and setting goals for the new year.
When it comes to OLLI, we did a lot more in 2014 than ever before. We offered more courses and had more members take our courses than any time in the 25-year history of the program. The fall semester saw historic enrollments of more than 100 members in several classes. Sometimes I felt like a broken record when I would kick off a course and announce yet another milestone in the program. Making those announcements meant we were doing things right and each of you were participating and enjoying your journey of lifelong learning.
One of my favorite days came last spring when we had two courses meeting at the same time with about 75 members in each. All the other classrooms in between the two large courses were filled with our courses. OLLI at OU took up an entire corridor at the Forum Building.
January is also a time to look forward to what we want to accomplish in the new year. There is no doubt 2015 is a pinnacle year for us – especially the spring semester. This is the time we have the chance to go from good to great. I know everyone has heard me stress the importance of reaching 1,000 members so we are eligible to receive another million dollar endowment. I hope you’ve heard me talk about not just receiving the money but what the money will do for our program. We will be able to double our course offerings and recruit even more OU faculty to teach the courses as recommended by our members.
I’m especially looking forward to this semester because it’s the biggest and best OLLI at OU has ever offered. Patrick, Amy and I worked very hard to recruit the best faculty and the best topics for you. I seriously cannot thank Patrick and Amy enough for their hard work. I hope you feel the same way we at OLLI at OU feel about this semester.
We are so excited about the spring semester we’ve decided to dedicate it to President and Mrs. Boren for their 20 years of service to the University of Oklahoma. We will kick off the semester with a special Mornings with the Professor featuring former U.S. Representative Dan Boren.
I hope to see you soon. May this year bring you much happiness and health!
Chris Elliott
