OLLI hosts summer open house featuring learning opportunities
On Wednesday, June 26, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston will open its doors for a summer open house. University Hall on the UMass Boston campus will serve as the venue, with the program beginning at 10:30 a.m. This gathering welcomes individuals aged 50 and above who wish to explore membership in an organization dedicated to educational courses, enrichment opportunities, and social engagement.
Attendees at the open house will have the chance to interact with existing OLLI members and investigate the many ways to get involved—from enrolling in courses to joining the walking group to offering instruction in an area of personal expertise. The fall course catalog will be distributed, upcoming fall events will be previewed, and refreshments will be provided throughout the event.
People gravitate toward lifelong learning for various motivations. The opportunity to continuously expand one’s knowledge base appeals to many (after all, learning has no age limit!), and the added bonus of impressing family members with new skills is an appealing side benefit. John Cheney, a Rockland resident and OLLI member, explains: “fblikebutton_button”If you join OLLI, you can and will exercise your brain as you learn new ways for mental stimulation. My liberal arts degree required me to read Shakespeare and poetry. My OLLI experience enabled me to thoroughly enjoy Shakespeare and not just read poetry but write poetry,”fblikebutton_button”
Many members value the friendships and social enrichment that develop through OLLI, participating together in theater outings, dining experiences, and cultural trips. Jamaica Plain’s Kathy Farrell, an OLLI member, shared her perspective on joining: I was nervous about retirement – what would I do all day? OLLI SOLVED THAT! I love the classes, activities, facilitators and the new friends I’ve met. What a wonderful experience.
Anne Kelly of Somerville, also an OLLI member, captures the essence of the organization: OLLI offers such a wide variety of interesting courses and activities for its members. There’s something for everyone! The best part of being a member of OLLI is the friends I’ve made who share common interests with me. As I always say, ‘There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met!’
Interested individuals should contact the OLLI office at 617.287.7312 or [email protected] to register. Additional details are available at www.umb.edu/olli.
OLLI at UMass Boston operates as a member-driven, inclusive organization providing educational, cultural, and social programming for adults 50 and older. Volunteer instructors teach non-credit courses without homework, exams, or grading requirements. With headquarters at the Dorchester campus, OLLI extends its reach through satellite locations at the Braintree and Hingham public libraries. Supported by The Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI participates in a national network of 123 similar organizations. The institute is administered through the Gerontology Institute, a division of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies.