OLLI at OSU to host award-winning Irish journalist

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Media Contact: Christy Lang | Manager, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Oklahoma State University is pleased to host “Irish Spring,” an upcoming series of events featuring discussions with Deaglán de Bréadún (Declan Bredin), an acclaimed Irish journalist and author.

Bredin’s first presentation will be at the Stillwater Classic Cinema monthly showing on Friday, March 8, with a welcome reception at the Stillwater Community Center before the movie. Bredin will also speak at two OLLI Town Hall events on Monday, March 11, in Tulsa and Tuesday, March 12, in Stillwater.

These events offer a behind-the-scenes look at global politics from the perspective of an experienced foreign correspondent, according to OLLI Director Robbin Davis.

“Hearing from an award-winning journalist who has covered international issues for decades will be an eye-opening experience for OLLI members, friends and the OSU family,” Davis said. “It’s a chance to get a firsthand view of global events and how they have shaped our world.”

Bredin is a former writer for the "Irish Times" and other publications. He has reported extensively on the conflict in Northern Ireland as well as events in the Middle East and Russia. His decorated career has allowed him to form relationships with various high-profile figures in politics and culture, including James Joyce and Seamus Heaney.

The OLLI Town Hall events coincide with several Irish-themed courses and activities planned this spring. According to Davis, the programming ties into an upcoming OLLI trip to Ireland in September.

“In preparation for the trip, we’ve developed Irish-themed courses and events to immerse our members in the history and culture of the country,” Davis said. “Mr. Bredin's visit will provide important context about Ireland's complex political history and relationship with the U.K. He will also be meeting up with us during our time in Dublin.”

The OLLI Town Hall with Bredin is open to OLLI members and nonmembers. Those interested in attending should contact the OLLI office at 405-744-5868 or olli@okstate.edu. 

More information about the upcoming Ireland trip, membership and available courses can be found at olli.okstate.edu.

Story By: Jillian Walker | jillian.walker@okstate.edu