A $1 million endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation has ensured the continued success of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn.
OLLI is an organization devoted to higher learning for retirees.
"There are no formal requirements for membership other than an interest in continued learning," said Linda Shook, coordinator for OLLI. "One need not be fully retired, nor are there academic or experience requirements. Anyone interested in learning simply for the love of learning is invited to join OLLI at Auburn."
Shook said all study topics and activities are coordinated by members. The ability to choose that they want to learn is a key component of the program.
This endowment is the first that Auburn has received from the Bernard Osher Foundation.
"The interest earned from the endowment will be used to operate the OLLI at Auburn lifelong learning program," Shook said.
The Bernard Osher Foundation is devoted to providing scholarship funding to institutions of higher learning.
The official website of the Bernard Osher Foundation says, "The Foundation awards annual operating grants of $100,000 renewable for a second, and perhaps, third year. Upon demonstrated success, the Foundation will consider establishing endowments of $1 million to provide permanent support for such programs as individual Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes."
The Bernard Osher Foundation also provides grants and scholarships to individual students, integrative medicine programs and local arts and educational programs in California and Maine.
The Foundation currently supports 118 lifelong learning institutes at a wide range of universities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
OLLI at Auburn was originally founded in 1990 by Mary Burkhart as the Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners, but changed its name to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn after applying for a grant through the Bernard Osher Foundation.
"The designation of each grantee as 'The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of X' is a condition of the Foundation's grant-making, as is the use of a logo which consists of a simple circle with the words 'Osher Lifelong Learning Institute' arranged within," according to the Bernard Osher Foundation website.
According to Shook, OLLI at Auburn went through a three-year process with the Foundation, culminating in its application for the $1 million endowment.
OLLI at Auburn offers eight-week fall, winter and spring sessions, as well as a 12-week summer session. One term costs $65, and three terms cost $150. Membership dues are $10.
"Members plan the topics to be studied through a curriculum committee," Shook said. "Peer leadership is the key to its fun and success. Members make all decisions relating to the curriculum and the operation of the organization. All activities are designed, coordinated and evaluated by members."
The organization's 2010 fall curriculum includes classes such as Advanced Watercolor Drawing, Art and Architecture, Current Economic Topics and Humanity in the Midst of War.
"OLLI at Auburn has a well-deserved reputation for quality programs," said President Jay Gogue. "The generous endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation is recognition of OLLI's commitment to lifelong learning and its success in enriching lives."
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