Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Gift Improves Technology, Connectivity

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the U of A is now better equipped to serve more people at its headquarters in Fayetteville — and will soon expand its reach to retirement communities and organizations across the state.

OLLI, a unit in the College of Education and Health Professions that provides learning opportunities and social activities for adults, hosts courses and events at the 481 S. Shiloh Dr. location. Its main classroom space just underwent a significant upgrade following a generous gift from Lou and Trisha Beland, long-time OLLI members.

All new audio-visual equipment, including multiple presentation screens, was installed. OLLI was also able to purchase audio equipment for presenters and hearing devices for participants. These enhancements have allowed OLLI to expand its seating capacity to accommodate more people and improve their experience. Soon, OLLI will be able to host live programs that are streamed to partner locations, such as retirement communities and other organizations.

In addition to the equipment fund that supported these technology upgrades, the Belands established the "Moving OLLI Forward Endowment," which will provide ongoing support for improvements such as transportation, instructional equipment and future capacity building. This endowment fund allows for one-time contributions from others who wish to support OLLI's continued growth.

"This gift is about both today and tomorrow," said Josh Raney, OLLI director. "It has allowed us to modernize our primary learning space with a complete audio-visual upgrade, ensuring that our members and instructors have access to the high-quality technology they deserve. Looking ahead, the endowed portion of the gift creates a lasting legacy that will provide ongoing resources to enrich and strengthen OLLI programs for years to come."

Lou Beland is from Fort Smith, and Trisha Beland is from California, where the two met on a blind date in 1971. They married a year later and soon moved to Cincinnati, where they lived for 23 years and were actively involved in an organization similar to OLLI. When they moved to Fayetteville in 2002, they looked for something that could compare. Lou took some U of A courses for a while, but the Belands were overjoyed when OLLI launched in the area. They will have been OLLI members for 20 years as of next fall.

 "OLLI has been a big part of our lives," Trish said. "It has offered us opportunities to learn, meet people, volunteer and give back."

Trisha said she and Lou often choose different classes — she's right-brained and he's left — and that mix of opportunities is what makes OLLI so appealing.

Both Trisha and Lou have consistently volunteered in various capacities, including serving as program ambassadors, providing special events support and distributing program catalogs. Trisha has also served on the volunteer team that helps determine and develop OLLI programs.

Programs include lectures, tours, workshops, day hikes, seminars and excursions to other countries. A group traveled to Italy earlier this year, and OLLI is planning a trip to Ireland in May 2027.

The full slate of classes and upcoming events is available in the online Fall 2026 Course Catalog. OLLI currently has close to 500 members. There are no age restrictions or prerequisites to take OLLI classes, and members receive discounted course fees and access to exclusive members-only programs.

For more information about funding opportunities or OLLI at the U of A, email Josh Raney or visit the website.