Welcome!
Welcome to the National Resource Center (NRC) website for the network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI). To learn more about our work please visit our About Us page.
We are planning our next OLLI National Conference!
The National Resource Center is thinking ahead and looking for session proposals from OLLI staff.
Please download our Request for Session Proposals. We look forward to hearing from you!
OLLI News Stories
A Successful Partnership at CSU Channel Islands
In the spring of 2011, a group of Sociology students at California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) partnered with CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to conduct a survey of OLLI members’ satisfaction and needs. They also surveyed former members to assess the reasons they no longer belong to OLLI, and to invite them to return. Please visit the following page for more information: A Successful Partnership for Research: California State University, Channel Islands' 2011 Survey of OLLI Members Conducted by Sociology Students.
OLLI at the George Mason University donates $20,000 the GMU Office of Military Services
OLLI President Manny Pablo and Executive Director Thom Clement presented a ceremonial OLLI check for $20,000 to Dr. Merten and Jennifer Connors, director of the Mason Office of Military Services.
See video of Jennifer Connors thanking OLLI at GMU for selecting the Office of Military Services the recipient of their 20th Anniversary Celebratory gift.
Become Your Own Brain Fitness Coach with OLLI @ Berkeley
Online facilitators: Alvaro Fernandez (image above) plus other guest speakers. Onsite facilitator: Mary Heller
How can you apply today’s emerging science on lifelong neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve to stay mentally sharp? This fast-paced online course — available in an OLLI classroom or at your home — will equip you to become your own “brain fitness coach” in order to enhance brain performance and delay decline. The class is based on SharpBrains’ ABBC framework (Address Basics, Build Capacities) and includes weekly assignments. A private online social network will enable students to interact between January 17 and February 28, 2012. For more information visit the OLLI @Berkeley website.
OLLI at UConn Showcases Creativity
Grace Van Akin (above) ended the show by singing 'Somewhere OverTthe Rainbow'
OLLI at the University of Connecticut marked the end of its Fall session with a very special event. Over 200 people attended their OLLI Café one-hour lunch and learn time slot to celebrate the new learning and the creativity generated by the recent OLLI at UConn's classes.
Artwork created by OLLI members in visual arts classes was displayed: Learn How to Draw Your Favorite People, Places, and Things along with paintings from Come to the Artist’s Studio, both taught by presenter Maryellen Considine; Beginning Art / Drawing with Aileen Singleton, and Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain with Judy Jaworski. The Fun, Factual and Fascinating Mathematics class, presented by Rosalie Griffin, created Tessellations – a tiling of a plane surface using a shape that is repeated over the plane without overlapping or leaving any gaps – and these creations were also featured.
Members of Julie Cook’s music class, Singing for Fun and Well Being, sang several selections, followed by readings of original poems by Chuck Micelli, Catherine Capuano, Rich Reimold, Kathe Reimold and Richard Kupstis. Tom Kmetzo performed a humorous stand-up comedy act and the show ended with members of Sue Matsuki’s Life is a Cabaret class – accompanied by pianist Jane Bates – singing solos to the audience. Performers included Mary Bruno, “I Enjoy Being a Girl” – Alice Telesca, “My Foolish Heart” – Richard Fogg, “I Remember You” - Lou Reignier, “All of You” – and Grace VanAkin ended the show singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – OLLI members all joined in and sang along!
OLLI at the University of Delaware receives Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award
(Above) Representatives from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware receive a Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. Standing below Gov. Jack Markell (center back, in gray suit with red tie) are Ruth Flexman, Osher statewide program coordinator, and Jim Broomall, assistant provost for professional and continuing studies.
More than 900 people volunteer in various capacities at UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning programs. The positive impact in the community is felt through outreach programs as well as the benefits members themselves gain. Some retirees have even relocated to Delaware so they can participate in the program. For more information about OLLI at UD and this prestigious award please visit the UDaly website.
OLLI Science Program at the University of Illinois
Watch the video below to see Katherine Holden, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Illinois explain how OLLI opens doors for its membership. In this particuar case, a collaboration was created between the University of Illinois' OLLI, the Institute for Genomic Biology and the Beckham Institute with the aim of embedding OLLI members into science labs. The three institutes jointly funded a graduate student from the university's neuroscience program to orient OLLI members to life in the labs and then act as an advisor and mentor to these citizen scientists.
The LLI Review is now available for download
The 2011 issue of the LLI Review is now available for download as a pdf. The LLI Review is published by the National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. The journal's mission is to present original research and provide thoughtful and engaging commentary on issues related to learning among persons over the age of fifty. Please visit The LLI Review page of our website to see earlier issues.
