Worried it's too late to learn something new? History? Photography? Computers? Health and wellness? A new language? You can still learn at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Dayton.
“UD's Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning has been an important part of my retirement life. As a lifelong teacher and student, I sought opportunities to learn new subjects, meet people who love learning and share their expertise,” said Barbara Denison, who served as the institute's president from 2017 to 2019. “The institute fit my bill perfectly, allowing me to return to my undergraduate experience with seminars in history, literature, music and political science without tests or papers. It's also a great way to make friends from all disciplines.”
Now in its 30th anniversary, the program has engaged more than 5,000 Miami Valley adults over the age of 50, participating in approximately 7,000 courses on topics ranging from Ohio State football and retirement to basic French and Spanish to learning Gmail, Google Calendar and how to use an iPhone.
The institute will mark the landmark anniversary with a prayer service and ice cream party on September 15 at 1:30 p.m., a classical guitar recital by institute moderator Richard Prigozen on October 17 at 5:30 p.m., and an evening celebrating 30 years of creative activity on November 7 at 5:30 p.m., all at Daniel J. Curran Place, with a gala dinner to be scheduled for next June at a date to be determined. The events are open to the public, but registration is required by contacting the institute at 937-229-2347.
“I first heard about the institute shortly after I retired. A close friend shared my enthusiasm and I attended a few seminars that spring. Since then, the institute has been an important part of my retirement life,” said Laureen Bollinger, who will serve as the institute's board chair from 2022 to 2024. “I've met so many great people and loved the seminars and special events. These past 12 years have been full of personal fulfillment, challenge, growth, friendships and fun.”
Founded in 1994 as the University of Dayton Retirement Learning Institute, the program became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2004 after receiving a $2.2 million grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation. As part of a network of 125 institutes, UD's program is geared toward learners age 50 and older, offering the joys of learning in a relaxed, noncompetitive environment.
“We are adults with a wide range of interests, including arts, current events, health and fitness, history, literature, music, religion and science. We select curriculum based on member requests, moderator expertise, and diversity and balance,” said Julie Mitchell, the program's founding director and UD's executive director of special programs and continuing education.
Moderators include University of Dayton professors and community experts who lead peer-to-peer informal lecture and discussion seminars that typically meet for two hours once a week for three to eight weeks.
The seminars will be held at Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 South Patterson, on UD's River Campus, UD's main campus, and at offside locations such as the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
There are no prerequisite educational requirements, tests or grades. All participants need is a willingness to work hard on the assigned readings and attend class.
For more information or to register for the seminar, visit https://udayton.edu/continuing_education/senior_programs/udolli/index.php
For interviews, please contact Sean Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu, 937-229-3391 or 937-545-5421.