The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Connecticut’s Waterbury campus is celebrating its fifth year of operation, the recent announcement of a $1 million dollar endowment from The Bernard Osher Foundation, and the role that community support plays in its successes – both past and present.
“An Evening of Cabaret at The Palace” will be held: Monday, June 27, 2011 beginning at 7 p.m. The general public is invited. The evening will feature performances by three award-winning cabaret performers. Ticket prices range from $45 to $125 and can be purchased at the Palace box office by calling 203-346-2000, or online at: www.palacetheaterct.org.
OLLI at the University of Connecticut is an academic cooperative that provides older adults with opportunities for intellectual development, cultural stimulation and social interaction. It is the only Osher Institute in Connecticut and one of just 117 operating on higher education campuses nationwide. Its programs center around classes developed and taught by members who volunteer their time and talents to share their knowledge and interests with their peers. The OLLI program also sponsors special events featuring noted authors, scholars and experts in respected professional fields. Over the past five years, OLLI has offered hundreds of courses, lectures, events, and travel opportunities and greatly enriched the quality of life for older adults in Connecticut.
Headlining “An Evening of Cabaret at The Palace” will be three acclaimed New York City cabaret performers: Waterbury’s own Sue Trosell Matsuki, Jeanne MacDonald and Miles Phillips, who will sing selections from the Great American Songbook. Composers like Cahn, Mercer, Arlen, Berlin, Porter, Whiting, Sondheim, Gershwin and others will be featured. It is an evening of top-notch entertainment and will be enjoyed by anyone in the general public who loves American Music.
Dr. Brian Chapman, Director of the OLLI program, stated, “We are making a large theater very intimate by draping around the orchestra seating and only using 635 seats. Additionally, there are a limited number of exclusive seats on the main stage with a private bar creating an intimate ‘cabaret club’ – only a few of these seats remain available.” He adds, “We are reaching out in a special way to anyone who has been involved with OLLI over the last 5 years, those who are interested in OLLI, UConn Alums, and those who want to support learning programs for older adults–a movement whose time has come.”
OLLI at UConn exemplifies public engagement in mission and in practice. During the formative years, four special organizations provided OLLI with funding and/or technical assistance-The Bernard Osher Foundation, The Leever Foundation, The Connecticut Community Foundation, and The University of Connecticut Foundation. OLLI’s success has also been built upon the dedication of many individuals, including Mr. John DeCesare of Waterbury, who will be honored at the event posthumously.
“OLLI has developed a strong reputation in the region and throughout the state,” said Dr. William Pizzuto, Waterbury Campus CEO. “It is fitting that we celebrate the largest gift ever associated with our campus at the Palace Theater-it represents architectural excellence and is one of the great gems of Waterbury. OLLI is a venue for educational excellence and is fast becoming recognized as another gem of downtown Waterbury.”
For additional information please contact: Brian Chapman, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 203-236-9881 or Brian.Chapman@uconn.edu Or visit: www.waterbury.uconn.edu/osher.