If you want to live long and well, you know you should eat wisely, drink alcohol in moderation and exercise. But brains need exercise, too! If you’re tired of doing crosswords, OLLI may be right for you. The University of Texas at Austin Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (UT OLLI) is where curious adults can enjoy classes taught by leading scholars and experts, who share a fascination with exploring new areas of knowledge and traditional disciplines. Since COVID-19 arrived, OLLI has moved online!
Dr. Julie Martenson is Executive Director of the UT OLLI program. She will explain how OLLI is organized, including its funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation. She will share some of the past topics and information about the terrific speakers, like Sandy Kress, J.D., and Steve Saltwick, who have spoken to Austin Founder Lions. She will describe the transition to online classes this past spring, and plans for the 2020-2021 year.
If you are 50 or better, you have access to this premier, nationally-recognized, affordable adult learning program. If you’re under age 50, listen for a senior who might benefit from OLLI!
About Dr. Julie Martenson
Dr. Julie Martenson assumed the position of Director of the University of Texas-Austin OSHER Life Long Learning Institute in 2015. Before coming to UT, she served as the Senior Director for all Texas Tech University satellite campuses. During her tenure, she initiated the viticulture and enology programs in Fredericksburg, establishing the first teaching vineyard that provides hands-on training that supports the educational needs of the burgeoning Texas wine industry.
Dr. Martenson received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, at the James I. Perkins College of Education. After a 13-year career as a teacher and university instructor, she was offered an opportunity to work for National Biological Survey (NBS), now the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), under Secretary Bruce Babbitt while pursuing a doctorate at the Arthur Temple College of Forestry. Dr. Martenson’s research was devoted to economics, policy, public use and endangered species protection.
Following her three-year tenure at NBS, Dr. Martenson worked for U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Management Authority in Washington, D.C. as a biologist tasked with the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade otherwise known as CITES in endangered species policy and enforcement. Later she worked in partnership with Shell Oil and the U.S. Army in the demilitarization and clean-up of The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Superfund site in Commerce City, Colo. Leaving Colorado she returned to her Texas roots to manage and implement the interpretive planning effort for all state parks for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
She now resides in Lakeway with her husband Corey and three dogs: Shai, Eli and Charlie. Her son Josiah graduated from Texas A&M and currently works as a K-9, Swat officer. She has two grandchildren, Gabriel and Zuri.
How to Attend this meeting via Zoom using your computer:
