The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Connecticut in Waterbury has announced its upcoming non-credit course offerings with over 50 courses offered for spring and 12 for summer. The sessions will begin in March, 2012. Along with courses, there will be day and overnight trip offerings for members, along with University research lectures, and creative events.
The spring session of courses and events will be offered at the Waterbury campus and other downtown locations from March to May and summer session will be during the month of June, 2012. Program booklets will be mailed to current and potential members in early February and a list of courses and a membership registration form will be available online (to coincide with the mailing).
About Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Connecticut – Beginning its sixth year, this innovative and fast-growing, community-based program is responding to the needs of older adults, usually age 50 and over, who want to engage socially and intellectually with their peers as teachers and learners. Classes are held at the Waterbury campus and other downtown locations and new course offerings include topics such as Computers, Health & Wellness, History, Literature & Writing, Science, Performing & Visual Arts and Personal Development, to name a few. Dr. Brian Chapman, Director of OLLI at UConn comments, “OLLI continues to grow and gain prestige, having served over 900 participants from over 75 cities and towns in Connecticut since the program’s inception.”
OLLI at UConn is the only program of its type in Connecticut funded by philanthropist Bernard Osher; and is one of 117 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the United States. The program was recognized by the University Provost for three years in row for Excellence in Outreach and Public Engagement. In fall 2009, Dr. Brian Chapman received a first place award in the staff category.
Dr. William Pizzuto, Waterbury campus Director comments, “Our University has been delivering academic degree programs to the community for over 60 years. The Osher Institute at UConn has become a great way for citizens of the Waterbury region and surrounding counties to take a step into college life for the first time, to reconnect with higher education, or to come back to UConn.” Dr. Brian Chapman comments, “We are pleased to be reaching out to the community and engaging course leaders and new participants-it is great to see them reach back with enthusiasm and a zest for learning!”
The annual membership cost is $60, allowing participants to sign up for courses (from $20 – $50 each), to participate in OLLI Café presentations and other lunchtime happenings, university research lectures, receive discounts to OLLI partnership events, attend special OLLI events, obtain an OLLI membership card and a UConn Waterbury parking pass for OLLI at UConn events only. Membership is “first come, first served” and courses fill up quickly.
For additional information or to receive a brochure, please call 203-236-9924 , 203-236-9925 or e-mail Osher@uconn.edu