Before and After

Classes for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University are held at the Alumni Center.

Even before receiving consecutive $100,000 grants from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the former Iowa State University College for Seniors program was a success.

Now in its second year of operation as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University (OLLI at ISU), the program has grown and become even more successful, thanks in large part to the grants from the Osher Foundation.

“The grants have enabled us to hire another staff person who serves as the program’s coordinator,” said Jan Breitman, director of alumni travel and education programs with the ISU Alumni Association.

“This position has been able to work more closely with the instructors and devote fulltime to ensure classes run smoothly, something we couldn’t offer in the past,” Breitman continued.

The College for Seniors program became a constituent program of the Alumni Association in 2006 after being founded almost two decades prior by the ISU Retirees Association. The program provides a learning experience for persons from across Iowa 50 years and older.

The Osher Foundation grants also allowed the program to purchase 10 laptops for their popular computer courses. Additional technology for instructors’ use in the classroom was obtained through the grant.

“We’ve also been able to expand our marketing efforts, which has been instrumental in increasing participation in the program,” Breitman said.

A majority of OLLI’s courses are held at the Alumni Center, and topics range from digital photography tips to a discussion of life in the 1930s. The $25 annual membership dues allow OLLI members to enroll in the courses as well as provide a host of other benefits, such as free lectures and member discounts.

This year, OLLI at ISU has 616 members so far, with just over 500 individuals registered for fall courses.

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