Grant establishes institute for lifelong learning

Taking a wide variety of lifelong learning classes just got easier for Madison-area residents ages 50 and over. The Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) at UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) were recently awarded a grant to establish a joint UW–Madison Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

The $100,000 grant can be renewed for two years with the possibility of a sustaining endowment gift the third year. The institute will expand and improve access to educational opportunities for adults ages 50 and over in Madison and surrounding areas. OLLI places emphasis on learning for the joy of learning and on offering seasoned adults intellectually stimulating classes for noncredit.

Only 100 Osher Institutes will be created, and UW–Madison now makes No. 73 in the network of higher-education institutions across the country to receive OLLI status. UW–Madison was selected because of its strong history of offering continuing education, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a demonstrated adherence to and motivation by the “Wisconsin Idea.” In 1904, UW President Charles Van Hise described the Wisconsin Idea as the “compelling need to carry the beneficent influence of the university to every home in the state.”

The five-year partnership between DCS and WAA in offering continuing education courses was another reason the status was granted. In the past, the two entities have offered courses such as Senior Academy, with classes in subjects ranging from Writing Your Personal Memoirs to Good Guys in Baseball. DCS and WAA will continue to offer their shared lifelong learning courses, but the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will provide the resources to provide learning opportunities to a wider community.

Bernard Osher, a businessman and community leader, started his charitable foundation in 1977 to benefit a variety of educational, cultural and other nonprofit organizations primarily in the San Francisco Bay area and his native Maine. It was a logical extension of his foundation’s focus to consider learning programs targeted toward more mature students who have put the career ladders behind them and who want to learn for personal fulfillment.

UW–Madison Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes are open to the public; however, an OLLI membership will provide added benefits. OLLI membership is automatically extended to all Dane County WAA members and residents of Meriter retirement communities through a special partnership agreement. Anyone can become a WAA member by going to uwalumni.com/membership.

OLLI members – including WAA members – will receive program discounts, notification about lifelong learning opportunities, free coach transportation to all OLLI field trips and select lifelong learning events, and one free Senior Academy class per semester.