Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Receives Grant; Dean Makes Matching Gift Challenge

Photo Submitted

Board members Cathy Case, Membership Committee chair, and Ross Hooper, Advisory Council vice-chair, present their donations to Josh Raney, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The Bernard Osher Foundation in California recently awarded $25,000 to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas to increase activity in fundraising and membership.

Course fees and membership fees cover about 60 percent of the annual budget, said Josh Raney, director of OLLI. The Osher Foundation initiative is designed to assist institutes in building the capacity to become more resilient and sustainable going forward, according to Mary Bitterman, foundation president. There are 120 institutes around the country.

Michael Miller, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions in which OLLI is based, has offered a matching gift challenge to celebrate OLLI's 10th anniversary at the U of A. Miller will match gifts made by June 30 up to $6,250.

Gifts can be made online or by cash or check to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Arkansas, 1 E. Center St., Fayetteville, AR 72701. Checks may be made to the UA Foundation with OLLI written on the memo line. For more information about matching gifts or planned gifts, contact Emily Williams at 479-575-4420 or ecwillia@uark.edu.

OLLI is a member-driven organization. It provides opportunities to seasoned adults to share intellectual interests, make new friends, explore cultural topics and other thought-provoking subjects, and exchange ideas with peers. Learn more on the OLLI website.