OLLI is Listening

Dick Harp, OLLI director, is all ears when it comes to suggestions for OLLI classes. Ask, and you just might receive … unless it involves flying a plane. Keep reading for more!

Occasionally, I receive an e-mail message from a member of our OLLI family.  Some of the messages detail a recent and pleasant experience someone has had as a result of being part of our program.

I appreciate these messages as most of them are from individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting.  I am happy to say that all of the messages over the years have been pleasant and enjoyable with only one that contained negative comments.

Yesterday, the most unusual message I have ever received was sent by a woman who had an idea for a new class.  She was asking if we could possibly add a course on flying. She had always dreamed of being a pilot and thought OLLI might be able to help. I politely responded that, unfortunately, this was a type of class that could not fit into our program and gave her the many reasons why it would not work.

However, her message made me realize that there might be some new classes or events that our members would like us to consider. One of the smartest things we did when we started our program 16 years ago was to convene a group of seniors and ask them what classes and social events they would like us to offer. The information we garnered from these meetings became the foundation for what we included in our program.

I have never been a believer in the “Build It and They Will Come” theory.  A better theory is, “Ask Them What They Want, Provide What is Feasible, and They Will Come.”

I would like to invite you to consider what you feel would be a good class or event for us to add to our program.  If you have an idea, please send your suggestion via email to either me at dickharp@kennesaw.edu or our new program manager, Pat Walker, at pwalker43@kennesaw.edu.

You can also send a letter to me or to Pat  at the following address:

College of Continuing and Professional Education
Kennesaw State University
3333 Busbee Drive
MD 3301
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Hope to see you in class soon.