The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a successful businessman, community leader, and philanthropist. The Osher Foundation provides scholarships and grants to postsecondary students in California and Maine and supports programs in integrative medicine in the United States and Sweden. In 2000 the foundation began to focus on programs for mature students who were not well served by most continuing education efforts. Today it has established 73 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at universities and colleges in 30 states. Initial grants of $100,000 are made with the understanding that the foundation will renew grants and provide endowment support to institutes that show the potential for continued success. The foundation aims to establish a network of 100 Osher Institutes, with at least one in each of the 50 states.
Lazar launched OLLI’s first film cruise, where participants kibitzed about the films of John Cassavetes in the Caribbean. This fall Lazar and OLLI member Henrie Moise coordinated Cuba: Up Close, an in-depth exploration of the history, politics, and culture of Cuba — with a Cuban dance lesson and Cuban lunches thrown in for good measure. Participants had the option to follow up their study with a mission to Cuba on a religious license in February. “Our group became very cohesive as we learned about Cuba,” says Lazar, who has proposed a trip to Argentina next. Part of a larger intellectual community
For many OLLI participants finding intellectual stimulation close to home is as rewarding as travel. “We’re lucky to have a program of this caliber right in our neighborhood at Northwestern,” says Bridgman. “It’s more than a program; it’s an entrée into other things,” says Woloshin, who joined what she calls “geriatric gym” at Northwestern, an exercise class for seniors. OLLI members receive WildCARDs, which allow them to use Northwestern libraries and computing services and ride a free shuttle on and between campuses. They are also eligible to audit SCS classes at a reduced rate. “They become part of the Northwestern community,” says Reinish. Strengthening those ties are new mentorship programs in medicine and law. In one, OLLI members who are retired health care professionals advise SCS
postbaccalaureate premed students. In another, retired attorneys — 21 have volunteered thus far — help international students at the Northwestern University School of Law with their study of English writing and language. “We’re looking forward to doing even more collaborative initiatives,” says SCS associate dean Linda Salchenberger, who adds that OLLI and SCS are natural partners in education. “OLLI is a very important part of continuing education. It completes the continuum of professional and personal development programming that SCS offers to a broad constituency.” OLLI publishes a newsletter and an annual juried literary journal (see spring 2005 issue of Continuum), and the grant from the Osher Foundation will help the institute create a handbook and video about the program. The Osher grant will also be used to improve training for discussion leaders, support strategic planning, boost technology, identify better classroom space, and enhance the scholarship fund. SCS Dean Thomas F. Gibbons views OLLI as an integral part of the School. “The School of Continuing Studies seeks to be a lifelong educational partner with its students,” says Gibbons. “OLLI is true to the SCS mission. It is a nationally recognized community program for seniors who have a true love for learning. OLLI offers to its adult students what Northwestern University offers to any student who comes through our doors — robust intellectual engagement.” —Leanne Star Spring 2006 Continuum 13