What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Insitute (OLLI)?

Who attends OLLI?

When do OLLI Classes, OLLI Learning Trips, and OLLI Study Groups meet?

Where is OLLI held?

Who leads the Classes, Learning Trips, and Study Groups?

How do I give someone an OLLI membership?

How do I become a member?

What can you tell me about the Bernard Osher Foundation and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes?

What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)?
For over 15 years, Bradley University has sponsored a program for retirees called the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR). During this period, over 700 learners, age 50 and over, have designed and developed a vibrant organization.

This success was recognized in June, 2008, by the Bernard Osher Foundation which awarded Bradley University Continuing Education a grant to further support its educational programs for retirees. This distinction resulted in a new name for the ILR, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University (OLLI).

Bradley University Continuing Education, in affiliation with the The Bernard Osher Foundation and the Elderhostel Institute Network, sponsor the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University.

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Who attends OLLI?
The members of OLLI are an active and energetic group of learners, age 50 and over, who believe that learning is a never-ending process. They view the concept of "peer learning" as an opportunity to share their knowledge and learn from others.

Over 700 individuals come from the tri-county area and all walks of life attend OLLI programs. They believe that pre-retirement and retirement are an opportunity to explore new ideas, travel to educational destinations, and form new friendships.

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When do OLLI Classes, OLLI Learning Trips, and OLLI Study Groups meet?
OLLI classes occur three times each year: fall, winter, and spring. In the fall and spring the OLLI classes are held on four consecutive Wednesdays. In the winter our classes are held on four consecutive days in January. OLLI Learning Trips and OLLI Study Groups are held throughout the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

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Where is OLLI held?
Most classes are held in the Robert H. Michel Student Center on Bradley’s campus. Our shuttle will transport you from various locations to the front door of the Student Center where all the facilities are handicapped accessible.

Study groups and computer classes are held in classrooms throughout campus including the Caterpillar Global Communications Center, the Cullom-Davis Library, and other campus buildings.

Learning Trips travel throughout the region and state. Van or charter bus transportation is provided for all Learning Trips with front door service to nearly every destination.

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Who leads the Classes, Learning Trips, and Study Groups?
OLLI Classes are led by community experts, Bradley faculty and staff, and OLLI members—all of whom volunteer their time to OLLI.

OLLI Learning Trips are hosted by Michelle Riggio and Emily Skocaj who work in Continuing Education at Bradley University, where the OLLI program is headquartered.

OLLI Study Groups are facilitated by OLLI members, Bradley faculty and staff, and community experts who volunteer their expertise to OLLI.

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How do I give someone an OLLI membership?
Give the gift of lifelong learning! OLLI gift certificates can be purchased in Continuing Education at Bradley University. Email Jon C. Neidy, or call 309.677.2374

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How do I become a member?
Please contact:
Jon C. Neidy
Continuing Education
Bradley University
1501 West Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL 61625
phone: 309.677.2374
e-mail: continue@bradley.edu

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What can you tell me about the Bernard Osher Foundation and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes?
The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in
1977 by Bernard Osher, a patron of education and the arts known as “the quiet
philanthropist.” Osher is a respected businessman and community leader whose
namesake Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life through support for higher
education and the arts.

One of the many programs of the Foundation is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(OLLI). OLLI programs are found on the campuses of over 100 universities in the U.S.
including two Illinois campuses at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign. Bradley is the third Illinois campus to be selected for the
OLLI distinction.

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