Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Honors Volunteers, Staff

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Josh Raney presents awards to Ross Hooper, top photo, and Sandra Sawyer, center. Award recipient David Prentice, bottom, was not able to attend.

Volunteers play a large role in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas, and on June 23 the organization honored Ross Hooper as volunteer of the year.

Josh Raney, interim director, also presented awards to staff member Sandra Sawyer and instructor David Prentice.

Hooper served in many roles to support OLLI in the past year. She was a class facilitator and instructor, class ambassador, event volunteer, member of the curriculum, membership and advisory committees, enrolled in 37 courses and provided a handful of in-kind donations such as a banner, portable audio equipment and other supplies. She will serve under Tom Paradise as the vice chair on the advisory committee next year.

OLLI is a member-driven, nonprofit organization based in the College of Education and Health Professions. The Bernard Osher Foundation established more than 115 centers at universities across the United States for the purpose of meeting needs of adult learners. The hybrid organizations are comprised of staff and empowered members who generate peer-led organization and content. They provide valuable opportunities to older adults to share intellectual interests, make new friends, explore cultural topics and other thought-provoking subjects, and exchange ideas with peers.

Sandra Sawyer received a service award for her dedication and support of OLLI members, instructors and staff. Sawyer has handled a number of challenges in the past year, including changes in office space, classroom space and the directorship. Sawyer is dedicated to her work, rarely misses a day at the office and has been very helpful in his transition into the director's role, Raney said.

David Prentice was honored as instructor of the year but was not able to attend the event. He has taught courses for two years and this past year taught four courses. He was recognized for this award because he is someone who truly teaches because he loves sharing his knowledge with others, Raney said. Prentice volunteers his time as an instructor and has developed a following of OLLI members who seek out his courses each semester.

The presentation of awards followed a cookout on the U of A campus. Sponsors and partners for the event were First Security Bank, Tyson Foods Inc., Sonic, artist George Dombek, Sassafras Springs Vineyards, Suzuki Music School of Arkansas, UA Press, University Recreation, the Arkansas Alumni Association and the U of A band, music department and UA Theatre.