Lifelong learning, individual growth, and social connection for mature adults

Even on a snowy day in February, the office at The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Rhode Island (URI) is busy with activity.  Members are arriving for a course on Lincoln, or The Guided Autobiography, asking questions about an upcoming trip to Cape May, or just stopping by to say “Hi.” They are all part of a vibrant community of older learners who participate for the joy of learning without tests, grades, and papers to write or degree requirements. They are members of OLLI, where the only requirements are that students are all over the age of 50, they are curious, and they love to learn.

Established in 2009, OLLI at URI enjoys a rich relationship with the University, offering diversified courses and activities. Whether teaching, learning, playing, or exploring, OLLI members constitute an enthusiastic, lifelong-learning community. “OLLI members are essential in shaping, managing, and leading the organization,” says Beth Leconte, Executive Director of OLLI at URI. “We are a community offering a sense of belonging, building new friendships as we are learning. For faculty, we seek out people who want to impart their background, people who have a passion for a subject, great for members who want to expand their learning beyond their comfort zone, and enjoy new experiences as they take that next step.”

OLLI is part of a national network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, now numbering 117 in all fifty states.  It was founded in 2001at the University of Maine by Bernard Osher, a successful businessman. Soon The Bernard Osher Foundation was providing startup funding to universities around the country. Five years ago, when OLLI at URI began with an idea from Don Wilson, a local visionary, and the support and  leadership of Phillip Clark, Director of URI Program in Gerontology and Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center, it offered five courses per semester.  Today, with over 730 members, 38 courses are being offered this spring and numerous one-time lectures. That is in addition to six special interest groups including Storytelling, Travel Club, Great Decisions: Foreign Policy Discussion, a Writers Group, and even a Walking Club.

According to active OLLI member and volunteer Lois Cuddy, “I feel as though I am reliving college – but without the pressure and stress of homework, exams, papers, grades, emotional issues of youth, etc., just sheer enjoyment in the wonderful lectures and class discussions with people who are knowledgeable, traveled, curious, and interesting.”  Her opinions are echoed by Julie Yingling, who after joining OLLI in 2009 says, “I quickly found myself teaching a class, serving on a volunteer committee, and attending many enriching classes and joyful social events.” Lloyd Kaplan, an OLLI faculty member wrote, “I have taught music since 1960 and have enjoyed every year, but none as much as the three years of teaching for OLLI at URI.”  Most of our faculty has expressed the same sentiment.

“The pursuit of scholarship, discovery, and understanding does not stop upon the attainment of a degree,” according to URI President David Dooley.  Provost Donald DeHayes echoed these sentiments at last year’s annual meeting when he said, “OLLI is an essential piece of who we are, as our students seek their pathways to their continuous pursuit of learning….We are a society gaining in wisdom all the time.” This is now being borne out as OLLI offers intergenerational activities and classes with traditional college-age students — all looking forward to a rich set of programs.

According to OLLI member Phil Clark “We live life forward but make sense of life backward.

The annual fee for membership at OLLI is just $50. Courses are scheduled year round and fees range from $10 for a one-time lecture to up to $45 for an eight-week course. The OLLI facility is located on the URI campus, 210 Flagg Rd., and is handicapped accessible.  Best of all, parking is not a problem, because membership includes a campus parking permit for OLLI programs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, visit uri.edu/olli or call 401-874-4197.  Roberta Palmer, Membership Services Director, can be reached at roberta_palmer@ uri.edu.