Sharon Swan came for the chance to make new friends and get tips on local restaurants. She stayed for the lifelong learning opportunities.
Swan, 66, was among 80 retirees and others who attended an event held March 31 by a University of Oregon institute that introduces adult learners to the brightest minds for continuing and professional education.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon is an intellectual and social community of adult learners who connect with emeritus and current faculty from the UO and other universities, professionals from the community, and peer facilitator-leaders. Enriching lectures, courses and study/discussion groups cover topics from the humanities, the social and physical sciences, and the arts, in addition to issues of local, state, national and international interest. Topics range from practical geology and a comparison of capitalism and socialism to an everyday guide to beer and “feeling” our universe.
At the Spring Term Expo at the UO Baker Downtown Center in Eugene, the institute introduced itself to new members and other curious retirees, providing them and continuing members with information on the latest programs and activities. The event included a presentation, “What Is OLLI-UO and How Does It Work?”
Todd Gauthier, program manager, said the expo enables the community — including current OLLI members — to hear about what OLLI-UO is planning in the coming term March 31-June 27.
“Through events like our expo, we aim to continue expanding our membership, which is key to fostering an interesting and vibrant set of learning experiences and interpersonal and social opportunities for everyone,” Gauthier said. “Whether it’s history and the arts, science and math, languages or international relations and current events, we have a class or study group for every interest.”
The UO institute, originally called Learning in Retirement, was established in Eugene-Springfield in 1993. A sister site, the Silver Sage Society, opened in Central Oregon in 2003.
In 2004, the Bernard Osher Foundation selected the UO to become the first Northwest institution to join the national OLLI network. The foundation awarded a million-dollar endowment to the UO for annual supplemental funding. A new name was adopted: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon, with program sites recognized by geographic location — Eugene/Springfield, Central Oregon and Northwest Oregon. More than 3,000 dues-paying members have participated.
The program is designed for people 50 or older seeking lifelong knowledge and learners from all backgrounds and levels of education are welcome. There are no requirements for prior college experience or previous affiliation with the UO, Gauthier said, adding that university employees are welcome to participate. In Eugene/Springfield, OLLI-UO membership costs $250 annually, $140 for six months and $75 for three months.
There are various ways to join and membership is accepted at any point during the year.
—Matt Cooper, University Communications