OLLI at USM - Learning for the Joy of It!
David Murray, a retired nurse anesthetist and long-time OLLI student and board member, shared his enthusiasm for Osher Life Long Learning Institute with us. The program now known as OLLI, began in 1997 as Senior College. Rabbi Harry Sky encouraged then USM President Richard Patenaude to start a program for folks 55+. Volunteers offered just four courses to start, but interest was proven to be very high when hundreds showed up to enroll and three more courses were added.
In 2001, the Bernard Osher Foundation provided an endowment and the name was changed. Although Maine had the first OLLI, there are now over 100 across the country. Each OLLI is independent and operates in their own way, although the Foundation asks that they be affiliated with a college or university. The OLLI at USM is based at the Wishcamper Center and is a department of USM. However, they are independently funded.
There are now over 1700 members in Portland. Membership costs $25 a year and courses cost $50 each, with programming now targeted to age 50+. There is a scholarship program for those who cannot afford to attend. Classes are held five days a week with a semester running 6 or 8 weeks. There are all kinds of volunteers teaching all kinds of classes on a wide range of topics. Some folks teach topics gleaned from their careers, others teach subjects based on their hobbies or passions. In addition, there are now special interest groups, like walking clubs, and there have been trips abroad lead by members of OLLI.
The greater Portland area is very fortunate to have such a vibrate program in our community.