It is said that people never stop learning, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program at Coastal Carolina University demonstrates our local community’s thirst for knowledge.
The OLLI program was founded in 2007 as part of Coastal’s lifelong learning initiative. The program was made possible by an endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation, who has continued to support the school and program through numerous grants and endowments since the program’s inception.
The program’s mission is to foster learning experiences that inspire social engagement and lifelong exploration for people aged “50 and better,” a concept created by OLLI. This mission is accomplished through zero-credit courses that range in topics such as art, music, literature, business, science, history and politics. In addition to the classes, there are special interest club meetings, exercise opportunities and lectures available.
Although the program offers classes and lectures, members have found something even more worthwhile: the people they meet. Members cultivate friendships and create clubs such as the gardening club, book club, games club and dining out club.
Dennis Goodman is a member of the OLLI program and leader of the guitar club special interest group. He spoke fondly of his new connections.
“While I feel that I have gained valuable knowledge from each of the classes [and] lectures I have participated in, the favorite part is the interaction with other OLLI members and new friendships that are being cultivated,” Goodman said.
In addition to getting involved within their own community of OLLI, members are also trying to get involved in the Coastal community. They attend sporting events and lectures from professors along with collecting publications such as magazines, newspapers and calendars produced by The Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts.
Member Ellen Elliott, who also volunteers on the board of advisors, said her favorite part of the program is the connection with CCU faculty who share their expertise with the OLLI program.
The program’s director Christine Anderson said she hopes the members of OLLI can become even more involved on campus.
“I really would love to eventually have some sort of connection on campus. These folks have such a great variety of backgrounds, and they would be able to offer mentorships and help first-gen students or students within their particular field of study,” Anderson said.
