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

Bernard and Barbro Osher

logo for the overall Bernard Osher Foundation

The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The foundation is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are found on the campuses of 120 colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska. Each provides a distinctive array of non-credit courses and activities specifically developed for seasoned adults aged 50 or older who are interested in learning for the joy of learning. The Foundation also provides support to the National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Northwestern University.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes Across the Country