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Ode to the Joy of Learning
My parents were lenient, but there was one area where they stood firm. I earned good grades in school but unlike my friends who scored ice cream cones, dinners at their favorite restaurant, or cold hard cash, I never got such rewards for an A on my report card. “Learning is its own reward,” my father said. Even as a child, I got it. I never argued the point because I knew what he meant. Fast forward a bunch of years and as director of the Osher program, I know I sound practically giddy when I tell people about it. I use that well-worn phrase, “learning for the joy of learning”. I don’t know any better way to put it. Little did I know all those years ago when I was in elementary school that learning for the joy of learning could be an elixir for people as they get older. It’s a great sign that we have so many people who know intrinsically that learning never has to stop and that there are so many benefits. It’s not necessary to get a gold star each time you learn something new. Staying engaged and connected is good for our mental and physical well-being. Learning is its own reward, but you already know that.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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Wednesday, March 13, 4-5 p.m.
Get to know Towson University's new president, Dr. Mark R. Ginsberg, and help inform his agenda with your feedback. Local leaders, businesses and neighbors are invited to join President Ginsberg for coffee and a conversation about the university's role in the community.
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Space is limited. Please register by March 17.
Each NRC Osher Online course has a fee of $80.
Osher at Towson University is excited to offer members more online course options through the National Resource Center (NRC) Osher Online program. Osher Online offers high-quality shared, synchronous courses to members of participating Osher Institutes. Study with subject matter experts, learn with Osher members from across the country, and experience this exciting new opportunity offered in partnership with the Osher National Resource Center. The NRC Osher Online courses are 6-week courses that meet via Zoom. Each class session is 90 minutes long. The sessions are live and are not recorded. Each class is provided in the Zoom meeting format to enhance participation. The National Resource Center for Osher Institutes (NRC) manages the Osher Online courses and communications to registered students.
You must be a current Osher member to attend. Not a member? Join now.
Spring 2024 NRC Osher Online courses:
- The Sixties in America: From Rebellion to Rights to Commodity
- Peace Leadership: Exploring Peacebuilding from the Ground Up
- Chemistry Inside You
- Psychology Fundamentals: A 101 Overview
- The Great Con: The Talented Mr. Ripley in Literature and Film
- Human-Animal Connection
- Our (Inter)National Pastime: Baseball from Inception to the Modern Era
- The Intersection of Maps & History
- AI for Regular People
- Billy Wilder in Hollywood: Director, Writer, and Social Critic
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Making It Up as You Go: The Importance of Improv
Thursday, April 11
Towson University—University Union
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Arrival & reception
6:30-8:00 p.m.: Lecture
$20/per person (includes parking and reception)
Join other Osher members and members of the community for this “edutainment” event. Steven Gimbel and Michelle Faulkner-Forson pull back the curtain to show us how improvisation has become not just an entertaining comedic form, but a requirement for adapting to the curves everyday life throws at us. Get insight into the tenets, the philosophy, and the history of improv comedy while also having a good laugh. This event promises both levity and learning as the conversation homes in on what makes us laugh and why. Enjoy a special appearance from Towson University’s own improv comedy group, ImprompTU. Kick back and enjoy!
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Osher at Towson University relies on volunteers to help in different areas. We could use your help, so please consider volunteering. Not only is volunteering at Osher a terrific way to contribute your talents, but it’s also a great way to meet other Osher members.
Membership Engagement Committee
As part of this new committee, you will help create opportunities that deepen the sense of community in our Osher program. Members of this committee will serve as program ambassadors who welcome new members, assist in planning social events, and help forge a greater sense of community among members of the Osher program. If you are interested in participating in the Membership Engagement committee, please contact Jessica Tye at jtye@towson.edu. Please provide your name and contact information. Jessica will follow up with more information about meeting.
Curriculum Committee
Members of the Curriculum Committee assist the director in assessing course proposals for upcoming courses and lectures. The Curriculum Committee reviews proposals, discusses course evaluations, and suggests course topics and instructors for the program. We aim for balance and variety in the curriculum and welcome some new voices to this committee. If you are interested in being part of the Curriculum Committee, contact Tracy Jacobs at tjacobs@towson.edu. Please provide your name, contact information, a brief bio, and reasons why you are interested in participating in this committee.
Day Trip Coordinators
If you are detail-oriented and enjoy planning trips, we would like your help planning Osher day trips with another day trip coordinator. Day trips can range from interesting local excursions to trips in the region. Day trip coordinators attend curriculum committee meetings to learn about upcoming offerings that may tie in well with a day trip. If you are interested in being a day trip coordinator, please contact Tracy Jacobs at tjacobs@towson.edu with your name, contact information, brief bio, and reasons why you would like to serve as a day trip coordinator. Training for day trip coordinators will be provided.
Classroom Facilitation
The classroom facilitation volunteers are critical to the success of the classes. As a classroom facilitator, you will help instructors with the audio/visuals, set out and collect attendance sheets, and deliver announcements at the beginning of classes. This role is best for someone who is friendly, outgoing, and willing to learn how to assist the instructors. If you are interested in assisting in the classroom as a classroom facilitator, please contact Ilene Lewandowski at ilenecares@hotmail.com. Let Ilene know your name, contact information, and she will contact you with additional information. Training is provided for classroom facilitators.
Advisory Council—APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Osher Advisory Council would like to add a couple more members. The Advisory Council members serve as a sounding board for Osher staff. Meetings occur every other month with some additional meetings scheduled as necessary. For more information on how to nominate yourself or another Osher member, please find information at the link below. Please apply by March 22.
OSHER ADVISORY COUNCIL NOMINATION FORM
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American Red Cross Home Fire Safety Campaign Event:
Sound The Alarm in Baltimore, MD
Saturday, April 13
Locations:
Baltimore – East Side (parking at Biddle Street Garage)
Baltimore – West Side (parking at Pimlico Race Course)
Shifts (available at both locations):
8 a.m.–12 p.m.
12–4 p.m.
Dress for the day’s weather with comfortable walking shoes.
Training and all supplies provided.
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Support Osher at Towson University. Your tax-deductible contribution helps to provide a rich experience for our members and a vibrant, affordable program for years to come.
Donate online through the link below. If you prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Towson University Foundation, Inc.” and note Osher fund in the memo line. Mail to: Towson University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219.
If you would like to honor a friend or loved one with a donation in their memory, please consider supporting Osher at Towson University with a gift to the Osher Excellence Fund.
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In this section of our newsletter, we remember Osher members that have passed away recently. While we work hard to provide accurate updates, please let us know if you are aware of an Osher friend’s passing by contacting osher@towson.edu.
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