About OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Iowa was developed through a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation in the summer of 2006.

What is OLLI at Iowa ?

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Iowa (OLLI at Iowa) is a program of the UI Center on Aging and part of a national network of lifelong learning institutes funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation (www.osherfoundation.org). The program combines innovative learning opportunities and civic engagement with a dynamic community of peers age 50 and better.

OLLI at Iowa offers one to eight week courses in the winter/spring and fall/winter, as well as a summer lunch & learn series, workshops, trips and more!

Discover, Explore, Grow

Discover a new interest. Explore community leadership possibilities. Grow from energizing discussions and stimulating learning environments. OLLI at Iowa offers activities that can accommodate any schedule. There are no education or experience requirements, no tests or grades. It's simply your love of learning that counts.

Mission Statement:

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Iowa (OLLI at Iowa) is dedicated to building and maintaining a broad community of adult learners age 50+ by providing a wide range of active, life-enhancing learning opportunities for Iowans.

Objectives

• To develop educational programming for OLLI members to explore contemporary issues, discover new interests, find pathways to civic engagement, and enjoy intellectual stimulation and personal growth.
  
• To offer programs in a variety of traditional and non-traditional formats (including classes, workshops, lectures, hands-on experiences, trips) that are responsive to members’ varying interests and abilities.
  
• To create a sustainable infrastructure that will support our mission and activities.
  
• To engage University of Iowa expertise and resources that can enhance lifelong learning.

Values

As a program of The University of Iowa, OLLI at Iowa activities are informed by institutional values, including

Openness

Our programming is available to all adults 50 years of age and older, regardless of education, socioeconomic status, race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

We welcome opportunities for joint efforts that extend lifelong learning.

Respect

We recognize and honor differences in members’ interests and goals, and we seek member feedback to help us diversify and improve our programs.

We maintain a collaborative work environment that values all contributions of staff and board members and utilizes their strengths and talents to enhance our program.

Responsibility

We are accountable to the Bernard Osher Foundation and our other supporters for our fiscal and administrative actions.

Staff

 

Linsey Abbott

2159 Westlawn

Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319.384.4221

Email: linsey-abbott@uiowa.edu

OLLI at Iowa Board of Advisors

 

Board President

* Del Bonney, Program Consultant, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health

Vice President

* Bob Elliott, former Manager of Employment with ACT, Inc. 

Board Members

* Jan Ahrens, MA, Licensed Physical Therapist

* Sam Becker, University of Iowa Foundation Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies

* Wendy Gronbeck

* Sandy Heistad

* Kevin Kregel, UI Professor in Dept. of Integrative Physiology & Dept. of Radiation Oncology

* Jay Semel, Associate Vice President for Research at The University of Iowa

* Yvonne (Bonnie) Slatton

* Margaret Wenk, scenery and costume designer for the UI Division of Performing Arts

* George Wine