The Academy of Lifelong Learning was established at Western Michigan University in 2011 as part of an effort to provide support for academic activities for older adults. In April, the academy became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The continued commitment of WMU Emeriti to provide lifelong education has made this effort possible.
The Institute offers high quality, non-credit courses for mature adults who are passionate about learning. Course content is incredibly varied and some recent offerings have included digital photography, German, landscaping with native plants, genealogy, and history of the Roman Baths.
In the Spring of 2014, the institute offered the most courses available to date—29. It also offers trips and other experiences. Classes and activities are developed by members with the support of the staff of Extended University Programs, and members may volunteer as planners, instructors, or committee or Advisory Board Members.
The executive committee was established in 2010, and since that time has been focused on garnering support and participation from community representatives from around the Kalamazoo area. Recently, the Academy partnered with WMU’s Center for Gerontology, which will provide classroom space in the state-of-the-art College of Health and Human Services.
In April, the Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco awarded Lifelong Learning a $100,000 grant. Aside from helping to decrease the funds subsidized by WMU Extended University Programs, the grant also allows the institute to receive future funding. The Osher Foundation provides grants for “programs aimed at addressing the educational needs of seasoned adults at institutions of higher education.”
As part of the next step, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is interested in extending the program involvement. Alumni interested in participating should visit the website at wmich.edu/offcampus/lifelong or wmich.edu/olli to learn more about how to become a member, attend courses, or submit an idea to teach a course.
The Institute offers high quality, non-credit courses for mature adults who are passionate about learning. Course content is incredibly varied and some recent offerings have included digital photography, German, landscaping with native plants, genealogy, and history of the Roman Baths.
In the Spring of 2014, the institute offered the most courses available to date—29. It also offers trips and other experiences. Classes and activities are developed by members with the support of the staff of Extended University Programs, and members may volunteer as planners, instructors, or committee or Advisory Board Members.
The executive committee was established in 2010, and since that time has been focused on garnering support and participation from community representatives from around the Kalamazoo area. Recently, the Academy partnered with WMU’s Center for Gerontology, which will provide classroom space in the state-of-the-art College of Health and Human Services.
In April, the Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco awarded Lifelong Learning a $100,000 grant. Aside from helping to decrease the funds subsidized by WMU Extended University Programs, the grant also allows the institute to receive future funding. The Osher Foundation provides grants for “programs aimed at addressing the educational needs of seasoned adults at institutions of higher education.”
As part of the next step, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is interested in extending the program involvement. Alumni interested in participating should visit the website at wmich.edu/offcampus/lifelong or wmich.edu/olli to learn more about how to become a member, attend courses, or submit an idea to teach a course.
A recent lifelong learning course on a trip to Detroit is pictured above.