The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute received a $1 million endowment from The Bernard Osher Foundation, and a celebration and open house was held Oct. 12 at the East Union to note the accomplishment.

Since 2003, OLLI at UNL has been dedicated to creating lifelong learning opportunities for adults 50 and older. The institute offers a variety of non-credit courses to members year-round, on topics ranging from writing, music, science, and history to movies, theater and art. Programs are designed for learning strictly for the joy of learning; participants are not graded and do not earn college credits. The program is part of the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences.

By meeting several criteria set forth by the Bernard Osher Foundation – including recruiting nearly 700 members – the institute was successful in its drive toward a $1 million endowment.

“We are impressed with the nature and variety of educational opportunities that the institute offers,” said Mary Bitterman, Osher Foundation president. “From thought-provoking courses such as ‘China Rising’ and ‘John Neihardt: Poet of the Plains’ to special lectures, cultural events, and travel opportunities, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL consistently provides a wide range of intellectually-engaging learning activities for seasoned adults in the Lincoln area.  We are delighted to provide this support to ensure the program is successful for many years to come.”

For more information, go to http://olli.unl.edu/.