Page 6 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2024 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

Learning

FOR THE FUN OF IT

by Diana Wilkinson and Allison Roberts

re you looking for opportunities to learn and One of the greatest joys of OLLI is the opportunity to
socialize? Join us at the Osher Lifelong Learning learn from experts in their fields – whether they are
AInstitute (OLLI) at Texas Tech University, a university professors, industry professionals, or fellow
hidden gem for seniors seeking intellectual stimulation, OLLI members with a wealth of knowledge to share.
social connection, and a vibrant community of like- With no grades, exams, or prerequisites to worry about,
minded individuals. Founded on the belief that learning learning becomes a joyous pursuit rather than a daunting
is a lifelong pursuit, OLLI offers a diverse range of task. Beyond academics, OLLI is about fostering a sense
educational programs specifically tailored for adults, aged of community and belonging. Whether your interests lie
50 and older. We are busy planning for fall and would in history, health and wellness, or arts and culture, there
love for you to learn with us. is something for everyone to enjoy, while meeting other
lifelong learners.
Bernard Osher, philanthropist and founder of the Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute, understood the importance "When we moved to Lubbock eight years ago, we
of offering programming specifically for mature students knew what OLLI was but didn't know that there was a
who were interested in learning but who didn’t want to chapter here,” says OLLI member, Bill Wells. “When we
pursue full degrees or acquire job skills. He recognized discovered there was, we immediately joined. It provided
that many retired individuals wanted to learn for us with an opportunity to meet people with diverse
the fun of it, without being tethered to exams and backgrounds, as well as provide us with interesting and
grades. He offered his first endowment in 2001 to the informative classes about Lubbock and the surrounding
University of Southern Maine to improve and extend area."
their current offerings of “senior education.” Since 2001,
125 endowments have been given to universities and In 2023, OLLI was integrated into the Office of Outreach
colleges offering programming for adults. Texas Tech was and Engagement at Texas Tech, which plays a pivotal role
officially established as an OLLI site in 2008, and since in fostering connections between the university and the
then, we have added locations in Fredericksburg, Marble surrounding communities. The Office of Outreach and
Falls (Highland Lakes), and Abilene. Engagement serves as a bridge between the university
and the broader community, facilitating collaboration,
knowledge exchange, and mutual benefit for all
stakeholders involved.
Through its diverse
range of programs
and initiatives, the
office embodies Texas
Tech's commitment to
research, innovation,
and community
engagement.

6 Lubbock Senior Link