Hampton, Va. – Hampton University has been awarded a $1 million endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation in support of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at HU (OLLI at HU), which offers continuing educational opportunities to mature adults.
OLLI at HU offers educational and cultural learning opportunities for Hampton Roads citizens, ages 50 and older. The institute offers non-credit, six-week courses aimed at improving skills, exploring new ideas and interacting with active people who share similar interests. An array of courses taught by retired professors and professionals including computers, equestrian, music and theater, photography, psychology, and swimming is offered.
“We are so excited to have received the $1 million endowment. The gift will allow OLLI to continue to offer non-credit courses to its more than 600 members in Hampton Roads,” said Alisha Foster, director of OLLI at HU.
HU is the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to host an OLLI. There are currently 119 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes hosted by selected colleges and universities in the nation, with only four in Virginia.
OLLI at HU was launched in 2005 through a $100,000 first-year operating grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Due to the program’s tremendous success, it was named the winner of the Association for Continuing Higher Education’s (ACHE) Older Adult Model Program in 2007.
The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts. The Bernard Osher Foundation’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes grant program provides support to institutions of higher education to develop and strengthen initiatives that offer intellectually stimulating, non-credit courses specifically designed for students 50 years of age or older who are interested in personal enrichment. Emphasis is placed on learning for the joy of learning and on keeping in touch with a larger world.
What a fantastic initiative and generous support. We over 50's are often ravenous learners and need the stimulation of learning. I love the way that experienced people are able to pool their knowledge to help others.
ReplyDeleteThe University of Lifelong Learning (GULL) is also bringing hope to people of all ages. Linking mentors with young people and enabling them both to receive professional qualifications. GULL, in association with World Vision, is now working in Haiti to enable volunteer youth community workers to gain recognition for their work in educating children in the tent camps.
Through lifelong learning we enrich our current society and create hope for future generations. As one Samoan Chief (associated with GULL) said, "Gull...will assist many people to realize the potential that they have within them to help themselves, their families and the wider community...and create hope for the future.".
GULL's not-for-profit, global role in developing leaders is explained here:
The Global University for Lifelong Learning