The Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco has awarded the University of Connecticut a $1 million endowment to support its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Investment returns on these endowment funds will be used to sustain lifelong learning programming for older adults at OLLI, which was established at UConn’s Waterbury Campus with an initial grant from the Osher Foundation.
Now in its fifth year, OLLI at UConn provides lifelong learners with opportunities for intellectual development, cultural stimulation, and social interaction in a university environment. The program, which has served more than 1,100 individuals from 75 cities and towns, offers a full schedule of courses, special events, lectures, and trips. It is currently serving more than 700 members.
Annual basic membership is $60, with most four- and eight-session courses ranging in price from $20 to $50.
In announcing the gift, Mary G.F. Bitterman, president of the Bernard Osher Foundation, said, “The nature and variety of educational opportunities that the program offers is impressive. From personal enrichment courses on philosophy, literature, and history to practical offerings on health, nutrition, and computer usage, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UConn consistently provides a diverse array of engaging learning activities for seasoned adults in Connecticut.”
The University of Connecticut was invited to apply for this endowment after successfully developing the program with four operating grants from the Osher Foundation. With this latest award the total amount of funding provided by the Foundation is nearly $1.5 million.
Dr. William J. Pizzuto, executive director of the UConn-Waterbury campus, said that strong support from the community and regional partners was an indication to the Osher Foundation that the program is ready to expand for even greater impact in its important work with older adults.
“OLLI has developed a strong reputation in the region and throughout the state,” he said. “Civic leaders, organizational leaders, and community members recognize the program and have publicly acknowledged our work. This is a wonderful affirmation of the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and proof that learning doesn’t need to end when one leaves school.”
UConn faculty experts serve as advisers to the OLLI program, and also as leaders of special programming and courses. The UConn-Waterbury campus has several faculty members who specialize in aging; their work with OLLI both strengthens the program and benefits the faculty.
According to Brian Chapman, director of OLLI at Waterbury, the Osher Foundation’s approach generally is to provide seed funding at a sustaining level in the formative years of a program and then to promote long-term establishment through endowment, as in this case, while encouraging the OLLI to build new streams of revenue. The program will hold a fundraiser and celebration, An Evening of Cabaret at the Palace, on June 27 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, beginning at 7 p.m. The event ticket includes a reception, performances by three top New York City Cabaret performers, and a presentation by UConn’s incoming President Susan Herbst. Tickets for this event are now available by calling 203-346-2000 or through the Palace Theater website.