Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Sets 10th Anniversary Celebration Events

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Michael Miller, far right, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, and Emily Williams, second from right, director of development, join Josh Raney, third from right, and OLLI staff and volunteers recently to celebrate the organization's success.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is celebrating 10 years on the University of Arkansas campus with a series of events. They range from a “meet-and-greet” with instructors, speed-dating style, to an open house with remarks by Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI as it is known, is based in the College of Education and Health Professions. 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. More information is available on the OLLI website.

“The college is honored and thrilled to be the academic home for OLLI,” said Michael Miller, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “Our goal is to support the institute however we can, and to see them celebrate 10 years of serving Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas is simply inspiring.”

The public is invited to learn more about OLLI at events planned the rest of the month:

• Sunday, Aug. 20 – The fall course catalog is available as an insert to subscribers of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (not in single-copy sales), on the OLLI website and at various locations in the region, including Fayetteville Public Library, Butterfield Trail Village and Washington Regional Medical Center.
• Monday, Aug. 21 – OLLI will send information to members about where to go and how to prepare to view the solar eclipse. U of A faculty and students have created a Research Guide with information about the eclipse.
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 – The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. at the OLLI offices at 1 E. Center St. in Fayetteville to celebrate the membership of OLLI in the chamber. Attendees are invited to visit the OLLI offices and register for courses.
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 – Members with an OLLI badge can get a private tour of the Fayetteville Public Library led by library staff at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 24 – Social Day takes place beginning at 4 p.m. at Outback Steakhouse in Springdale with happy hour drinks and appetizers. OLLI members and guests will receive a 10 percent discount on food.
• Friday, Aug. 25 – OLLI instructors will be at the OLLI space at Drake Field from 9:30 to noon for a meet-and-greet in speed rounds.
• Saturday, Aug. 26 – OLLI will host a booth at the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market with information about programs and giveaways.
• Monday, Aug. 28 – The OLLI website will feature an announcement about philanthropic projects in which the institute plans to participate. In August and September, OLLI will support a local school district by collecting needed classroom supplies.
• Tuesday, Aug. 29 – An online campaign gives members a chance to help OLLI recognize and thank partners, volunteers, donors and charter members that have played a vital role in the institute’s success.
• Wednesday, Aug. 30 – Location tours and an OLLI ambassador workshop are planned at Drake Airfield.
• Thursday, Aug. 31 – An open house is scheduled for 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pryor Center on the Fayetteville Square. Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan will make remarks and proclaim OLLI Day. There will be refreshments and live music.