The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, also known as OLLI at UNL, will host a free open house from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 at the downtown Cornhusker Marriott, 333 S. 13th St. The institute’s courses, special events and travel opportunities are designed specifically for people 50 and older.

“At the open house, people will be able to get complete overviews of classes, meet instructors, join OLLI or renew a membership,” said Dee Aguilar, OLLI coordinator. “If you want to connect with peers, make new friends and have new experiences, then come to the OLLI open house to find your adventure.”

OLLI offers more than 150 courses and special events each year. Term 3 classes begin Jan. 25. OLLI and its partners will host informational tables with representatives from OLLI courses at the open house. Representatives will provide details about special events and travel opportunities.

For a $50 mid-year membership fee, members can enjoy all of the courses, events and travel destinations. An immediate credit of $30 is assigned to the member’s account to use for a course or event. Members also receive ticket discounts to performances of Abendmusik, Angels Theatre Company, Arts for the Soul, Lincoln Community Playhouse, Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music, Nebraska Chamber Players, TADA Theatre, as well as a new-member discount with Friends of the Ross Theatre and a 10-percent discount on books at the University Bookstore.

Term 3 will include courses associated with this year’s theme, “The Face of Lincoln: History, Culture and Change,” and special events related to the coming presidential election.

• The “Introduction to Chinese Culture” six-week course will help participants experience the rich cultural heritage of the ancient civilization.

• No institution plays a larger role in the assimilation of refugees and immigrants than public schools. “From Everywhere … They Became Americans” is a course that will provide an overview of how Lincoln and Crete public schools meet the needs of multicultural communities.

• See political history in the making. Travel with other interested political junkies to a caucus location in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to see firsthand the process by which Republicans narrow the field of presidential candidates.

For more information, click here, send email to olli@unl.edu or call 402-472-6265.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL is a member-driven organization committed to providing and promoting superior-quality, high-appeal learning experiences, special events and travel that bring together adults 50 and older who believe that “curiosity never retires.”