The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Arkansas proudly joins the university community in congratulating Larry Foley, professor of journalism and documentary film in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, on being named Journalism Educator of the Year. On September 5, Professor Foley shared his acclaimed documentary, Cries from the Cotton Fields, with OLLI members.
Dr. Foley’s connection with OLLI runs deep. Over the years, he has led various well-received classes, including workshops on documentary filmmaking and Arkansas history. His dynamic teaching style and storytelling expertise have made his courses a favorite among OLLI participants.
OLLI member and volunteer Dr. Marv Wiseman attended the September 5 presentation and commented, “Professor Foley’s documentary shed light on a piece of Arkansas history I had never known. His storytelling was powerful, and I appreciated how it brought to life the experiences of the Italians in Tontitown.”
The event also featured Emily Pianalto-Beshears, Manager of the Tontitown Historical Museum, as a guest speaker. Her insights into the rich history of the Italian immigrant community in Tontitown added depth to the documentary’s narrative.
Another attendee, Susan Nix, expressed her appreciation, saying, “What a compelling piece of work! The visuals and personal stories made history feel so immediate and real. I’m so glad OLLI hosted this.”
Cries from the Cotton Fields chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the Italian settlers in Tontitown during the 19th century. The documentary is available to view on various streaming platforms.
This version emphasizes the significance of Foley’s contributions, highlights the guest speaker, and strengthens the participants’ voices to create a more engaging read.
