The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Network is a dynamic consortium of more than 120 lifelong learning institutes dedicated to serving adults aged 50 and better. Funded in part by The Bernard Osher Foundation, each independent Institute is affiliated with a college or university, offering intellectually stimulating, non-credit courses and learning opportunities tailored to meet the diverse interests and needs of their local communities. Since the establishment of the first Institute in 2001, the network has expanded to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 300 towns and cities across the nation. Courses, study groups, social events, and educational travel opportunities foster a culture of joy in learning and personal fulfillment without tests or grades.
About
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute was established at the University of Arkansas in 2007 through an endowed gift from The Bernard Osher Foundation. The mission of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Arkansas (U of A) is to provide a community of mature adults with a lifelong learning venue that promotes intellectual vitality through exploration and discussion via diverse, high quality and affordable educational programs. OLLI programs are tailored to adults, 50 years of age and older, however there are no age restrictions or academic prerequisites.
OLLI at the U of A offers a variety of courses, special events and social activities to its members, who come together in a lively learning environment to explore intellectual and cultural topics of interest, share their experiences and talents, and make new friends. Courses and events cover thought-provoking and wide ranging topics from global events to the arts, from history to health science research, to important local and worldwide issues of the day. Courses and programs are led by current and retired UA faculty and community experts who are knowledgable, engaging and passionate about the topics they teach. There’s no pressure of tests or grades and no papers to write. Classes are held around Northwest Arkansas, such as Fayetteville Municipal Airport at Drake Field, on the University of Arkansas Uptown campus, Rolling Hills Baptist Church, Butterfield Trail Village, Grand Village at Clear Creek, David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, as well as many other sites throughout the region.
Videos on OLLI UA activities, instructors and events are available on our YouTube channel “OLLI at the U of A.”
Bernard and Barbro Osher
The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader Bernard Osher. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through innovative funding in higher education and the arts.
The Foundation supports a national lifelong learning network of programs designed for adults 50 and better; Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes operate on 120+ college and university campuses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
View a brief animated video history of The Osher Institute Legacy of Bernard Osher.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Network is a dynamic consortium of more than 120 lifelong learning institutes dedicated to serving adults aged 50 and better. Funded in part by The Bernard Osher Foundation, each independent Institute is affiliated with a college or university, offering intellectually stimulating, non-credit courses and learning opportunities tailored to meet the diverse interests and needs of their local communities. Since the establishment of the first Institute in 2001, the network has expanded to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 300 towns and cities across the nation. Courses, study groups, social events, and educational travel opportunities foster a culture of joy in learning and personal fulfillment without tests or grades.