Lifelong Learning

The UW Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

By: Helen Oppenheim
Published May 30, 2012

One of Trilogy at Redmond Ridge’s most popular and enriching programs, the University of Washington Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) allows Trilogy members to participate in a wide variety of college courses and special events developed specifically for adults over 50.  There are no tests, no homework assignments, no prerequisites, and no academic credits given.  The whole idea is to provide stimulating educational opportunities and to share the experience, enthusiasm and vitality of the Trilogy members.

Bernard Osher and OLLI
The Bernard Osher Foundation, based in San Francisco, is an established philanthropic organization with a strong emphasis on higher education and, specifically, senior adult education.  Mr. Osher began the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Southern Maine with an endowment grant in the spring of 2001.  USM serves as the national center for the current network of over 100  lifelong learning institutes throughout the nation, including the University of Washington.  Each OLLI program reflects the culture of its own university and its learning community.

OLLI Comes to Trilogy at Redmond Ridge
The University of Washington was interested in Osher as early as 2002 but nothing developed until the grant was received in June 2006.  There is a specific set of standards to encourage excellence and promote long-term success as well as future grants.  Trilogy at Redmond Ridge is one of several venues in the Greater Seattle area, including the University of Washington campus.  We are, indeed, extremely fortunate to have the convenience of this worthwhile program right in our own backyard.

Broad Range of Courses
The OLLI courses are taught by current and retired professors and local experts in their field.  Some of the courses that were offered at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge in the Spring 2012 semester included The Story of Jazz; Masters of the Renaissance; Nature in Great Literature; Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; African Folktales & Storytellers; and the Financial Crash of 2008.

 

(Article continued on page 2)