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“ LEARNING IS A CONSTANT AND IMPORTANT HUMAN NEED,” SAID OLLI DIRECTOR ROBIN FUXA.“ IT DOES MORE THAN IMPROVE OUR COGNITIVE SKILLS. IT FEEDS OUR CURIOSITY. IT HELPS US BE ENGAGED IN THE WORLD AROUND US.”
thinking about ways we can be accessible across all Oklahoma counties and beyond.” Topics in the online fall classes include the U. S. presidency and judiciary system, architecture, film scores, DNA, American composers, and the global supply chain, she said.
Ed Arquitt, a retired sociology professor from OSU and a pioneer in education for older adults on the campus, was instrumental in bringing OLLI to Stillwater. He still serves as an advisor to the program and attends classes. He said that it is“ absolutely important” for older adults to learn throughout their lives, and not just for their own well-being.
“ For the community, the older population is a significant and important part” in decision-making, setting policy and investing in the future, Arquitt said, and OLLI contributes in a positive way.
About 30 years ago, the national OLLI program was established by businessman and philanthropist Bernard Osher of San Francisco to help fund non-credit, intellectually stimulating education for adults 50 and older. Osher was driven by the understanding that“ the interest of many older adults, especially those who have retired, is in learning for the joy of learning – without examinations or grades and keeping in touch with a larger world.”
OSU is part of a network of more than 120 colleges and universities across all 50 states that host OLLI programs.
Through a series of grants, OSU received $ 2.5 million from the Bernard Osher Foundation to launch and sustain OLLI. Those dollars were invested in an endowment that generates annual income. Other funds are raised from local membership and class registration fees.
Before COVID, paid OLLI memberships numbered about 1,000, but they dipped to under 500 in its aftermath. Fuxa said it’ s hoped that membership will increase through marketing and a lineup of classes that offer engaging topics, academic rigor and a variety of interests, taught by top-notch instructors.
“ Most importantly,” Fuxa added,“ I’ m looking forward to re-introducing OLLI as not only a source of lifelong learning but also the incredible community of learners that it offers our members as well. You won’ t find a more welcoming crowd than OLLI.”
Fuxa said to gain momentum during the 20th anniversary, a fundraising event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30.
Classes range from a single class period to eight weeks and typically have about 30 attendees, but last year a class on international public affairs and current events taught by former CIA intelligence officer Meredith Woodruff was overflowing. She is scheduled for an encore this fall.
Each year, day trips to museums and other sites are offered, plus OLLI organizes group travel to a variety of U. S. and international locations for continued learning.
Fuxa said the OLLI fall lineup in Stillwater is“ amazing.” American opera, the Green Corn Rebellion, amateur radio, the Vietnam War, Descartes, critical media literacy, sovereign native nations, online safety, origami, humor for the soul, native plants, painting classes, tornadoes and storm chasing, and many more.
Longtime OLLI member Gladeen Allred added,“ It’ s hard for me to choose between classes on art, storytelling, gardening, and politics. OLLI offers great opportunities for lifelong learning.”
The full line-up and schedule of fall classes should be posted on the OLLI website in mid-July, with classes beginning in September. SwOk
STORY BY: DALE INGRAM Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTOS by DALE INGRAM
OLLI hosts an overflow crowd during a popular class.
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