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   from the issue of July 14, 2005

     
 
OLLI program fosters lifelong learning

 BY JESSICA LUTTON, FOR THE SCARLET

EDITOR'S NOTE - This is the last in a series of stories composed by students in "Advertising and Public Relations Techniques" at UNL. The class is taught by Phyllis Larsen, assistant professor.


The smell of coffee wafts through the air. A cell phone rings and a student runs - embarrassed - from the classroom to answer it. A bell rings and class begins as two students sneak in late.

However, in this classroom things are a little different. No one takes notes. No tests are offered. And, there is no pressure for a grade.

Hosted by The Legacy Estates on 72nd and Van Dorn, this classroom is filled with lifelong learners between the ages of 50 and 95. Each is a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and they are here because they simply want to learn.

Formerly known as SAGE, the OLLI program officially began in 2004 after the Bernard Osher Foundation offered a $100,000 grant to UNL. The program joins a national network of 61 other OLLIs, which include institutes at Harvard, Brandeis, Duke, California-Berkeley, Minnesota, Maine, Kansas and 52 other colleges or universities. Administered through the College of Education and Human Sciences, the UNL OLLI is making changes to become stronger in the future.

"We were OLLI in spirit before we were OLLI," said Deanna Eversoll, Osher development director of the grant. "The process of what we are doing and the excitement of the people is not any different, and we now have many expanded opportunities."

OLLI offers eight classes in six-week sessions, four times a year. The 2004-2005 sessions have almost 200 members enrolled. Themes varying from history to music, writing and science to other topics, offer members a wide variety - and most enroll for almost every course.

Members of the program say the classes and friendships keep them coming back to the classroom.

"If you walk away and say 'that was really neat,' you have probably had excellent content that interests you, an excellent teacher and a lot of colleague learners," said Eversoll.

OLLI presenters are also dedicated to the program. Bucking national trends, local professors are willing to donate their time, going unpaid for their OLLI presentations. Some UNL professors who have appeared on recent program syllabi include Patrice Berger, Louis Leviticus, James Carr, Brett White, John Comer and Joe Starita.

OLLI classrooms are one of a kind. OLLI members take it upon themselves to challenge each other and the presenter, as sharp minds and attentive ears combine experiences, opinions and worldly knowledge to engage in the joy of learning.

"It is the sharing of information for learning's sake," Eversoll said.

Keeping in an active learning mode is not proven to prevent conditions such as Alzheimer's and aging dementia, but research indicates that it may delay these effects. The Bernard Osher Foundation realizes this necessity, therefore continuously works to establish programs that encourage people in the United States to stay mentally active throughout their lifetime.

With the support of the Bernard Osher Foundation, Eversoll has high hopes for OLLI. Currently catering to the WWII generation, in 10 years the program will be ready to serve the next generation, the Baby Boomers.

To learn more about OLLI, please visit www.huskeralum.com or call 472-6265.


Lutton is a junior advertising major at UNL and hails from Ashland.


GO TO: ISSUE OF JULY 14

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Bombings fail to halt UNL travels
Museum celebrates gift with Discovery Center renovation
University makes switch to alternative fuels
A Piece of University History
Milliken lauds Unicameral commitment to NU
OLLI program fosters lifelong learning
Tractor museum continues work toward pulling its own weight
University dedicates new research facility
UNL delegation presents book to tribes
UNL, UNMC join forces for Bio 2005 convention

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