Spending Time at UR
By George Pangburn
How do you like to spend your “free” time; that is, time spent going to events that are free? There are certainly a lot of choices in the Richmond area such as the Virginia Historical Society, Virginia State Capitol building, outdoor community events and many more. But did you know that as an Osher member you have access to a variety of free or reduced price events here on the UR campus? Following are just a few for you to think about over the weeks and months to come:
Free Events
Osher Open House: Looking for ways to enrich your life and stay mentally alert? We invite you to find out what the Osher Institute has to offer. Learn about our wide array of year-round offerings, including many free programs, on the beautiful UR campus. Enjoy light refreshments and great door prizes at the same time! Mark your calendar for the next open house on January 9, 2014, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.
Osher Back to School Mixer: Thinking about joining the Osher Institute? Already an Osher member? Join us for this “meet and greet” event held each September with food and entertainment, for Osher members and “not yet” members. We will also be recognizing our wonderful Osher Institute volunteers at this event.
Jepson Leadership Forum: The University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership Studies presents a series of programs each year where knowledgeable speakers explore leadership topics around a theme. Programs are free and open to the public and give students an opportunity to interact with national and international leaders and scholars. Past themes for the Forum include The Common Good, Lincoln's Legacy of Leadership, Global Leadership and International Challenges, The State of Public Debate, and Leadership in the Arts. Events often give audience members an opportunity to interact with speakers through book signings and receptions. Reservations can be made three weeks prior to an event. For more information about upcoming Jepson Leadership Forum events, visit jepson.richmond.edu/forum.
Osher Breakfast Social: “Born to Be Wild” Talk
If you’re an Osher member or thinking about joining the Osher Institute, meet us at the Heilman Dining Center in the Westhampton Room for great fellowship, food and a talk by Jill Baughan on how we are all “born to be wild,” the topic of her book and upcoming Spring 2014 Osher class. The breakfast is all-you-can-eat, cafeteria style, at the reasonable price of $6.75 ( 60+ senior is $5.75).
This talk is free and open to the public. Breakfast fee is the responsibility of each participant. Please note that registration is required for this event, to be held on November 1 from 8:30 to 9:30 am.
Information on the Heilman Dining Center, which is open to the public, may be found at dining.richmond.edu.
Campus Walking Tours: Join us for a walking tour of the beautiful University of Richmond campus. Led by Osher members, the tour will showcase what the dynamic UR campus has to offer. Learn a little about the history and architecture of UR, find out about available academic and cultural resources, explore some secluded spots on campus, and listen to interesting stories along the way. The next tour is scheduled for November 1.
One Book, One Campus: A campus-wide effort that encourages students, staff, and faculty to read and discuss a selected book on a social justice issue. Book discussions are offered each semester and participants are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. The 2013-14 book is The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman. This is a deeply complex portrait of the Laramie, Wyoming community after the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was beaten to death.
There will be a series of discussions throughout the year, hosted by the UR Chaplaincy, on themes raised in the book. The series included a talk by Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, on October 1, and will feature Moises Kaufman on February 24, 2014, as part of the Jepson Leadership Forum. Look for more details in upcoming SpiderBytes.
Reduced Price Events
Osher members are able to get tickets for UR events such as the following at reduced rates:
NT Live: The groundbreaking series, National Theatre Live, brings the best of British theatre direct from the stages of London to movie theatres around the world. Each performance is captured live in high definition and broadcast via satellite to participating venues. At UR, the NT Live broadcasts are shown at the Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music. Next up is Macbeth with Kenneth Branagh on Sunday, November 17 at 3pm.
Modlin Center Performances: Osher members are entitled to staff member rates on a variety of musical, theatrical and comedy performances at the Modlin Center for the Arts. An article about the center itself appears in the Behind the Scenes at UR column in this issue of the Insider. The program for 2013-2014 may be found at modlin.richmond.edu/events.