Each session brings a knowledgeable volunteer discussion leader who has researched a woman’s life and work using biographical, autobiographical and historical sources. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and join the conversation.
Feb. 10 Althea Gibson: A Women's Sports Hero
Althea Gibson, who attended high school in Wilmington, was the first Black athlete allowed to compete in USLTA (now the United States Tennis Association) tournaments, leading Billie Jean King to declare, “Althea was our Jackie Robinson….” OLLI member Mary Lowrance describes Gibson’s career, her 11 Grand Slams and historic wins at the 1956 French Open and the 1957 Wimbledon championships.
March 10 Women in Combat: Molly Pitcher to Tammy Duckworth
Patricia Kopchick and Glen Page consider the role of women in the military from both historical and individual perspectives. Kopchick taught history for 32 years but has never visited a battlefield. Page is a former Marine who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
April 14 Golden Achievements by Steel Magnolias
Born more than a century ago, two Wilmington women sought and earned leadership roles traditionally held by men. OLLI member and fourth-generation Wilmingtonian Julie Rehder shares personal stories about these women: her mother, Louise Davis Rehder, former Supervisor of Elections and Clerk of Superior Court; and her aunt, Jessie Rehder, founder of the creative writing program at UNC-Chapel Hill.
May 12 Lucille Ball: First Lady of Television
Most recognized for her work with her husband, Desi Arnaz, on the I Love Lucy television show from 1951-57, Lucille Ball's life was full, from her humble beginnings in Jamestown, New York, to her death at 77 in Los Angeles, California.?Victoria Keill, who has been fascinated with the actress since childhood, presents a retrospective and discussion of Ball's life and career, which added so much to America's cultural entertainment history.
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