The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the Palm Desert Campus recently launched an educational travel program in response to strong interest from the annual member survey — and response has been overwhelming.

For the past year, OLLI members have travelled to interesting destinations all over Southern California, and will be heading to New York City in April 2018 for a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway.

All OLLI trips are educational in nature and have a knowledgeable escort who travels with the group and provides narration and insight on the topic.

For example, the first OLLI trip in January 2017 was to the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, escorted by Col. Jack Brennan. Brennan served under six presidents and was President Richard Nixon’s post-White House chief of staff. He traveled the world with Nixon, including the historic 1972 trip to China. On the bus to the Nixon Library, Brennan entertained OLLI members with fascinating, funny stories about his experiences in the White House and meeting many world leaders.

Nearly every trip to date has been a sell-out, and the group is now taking reservations for its first international trip to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina in November 2019. Read more about the trip on the OLLI Travel Program website.

 In addition, the institute offers programs close to home.

On March 6 at 6 p.m., it will host a screening of the documentary “1948: Creation & Catastrophe,” which was co-produced and co-directed by Ahlam Muhtaseb, a professor of communication studies at CSUSB. She and co-producer/director Andy Trimlett will have a question-and-answer session after the film.

This program is offered by OLLI and the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus as part of The Humanities and the Experience of War, a series of multigenerational, community-wide conversations that consider the impact of war and conflict on individuals and society. There is no charge to attend.

On March 9 and 10, the institute will host a fundraiser featuring the play, “Marilyn, MADNESS & Me,” at the Palm Desert Campus’ Indian Wells Theater. The hit play was conceived by Didier Bloch and written by OLLI instructor Frank Furino, and will feature the original Hollywood actors.

“Marilyn, MADNESS & Me” is a poignant, compelling and shocking tale of unrequited love, centered amidst the last months of Marilyn Monroe’s life, including an infamous tryst in Palm Springs. This story is told first-person by the man who witnessed it, and enhanced by the beautiful and legendary Marilyn Monroe, reading excerpts from her diary.

All proceeds will support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State San Bernardino. Tickets may be purchased online.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a membership organization for people 50 and older who love to learn just for the fun of it —– no homework, tests, or grades. OLLI offers interesting courses, fun member events, engaging special interest groups, and fabulous trips for its nearly 800 members. 

Visit the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s website for more information.