The OLLI at Aquinas College program boasts six sessions ( Fall I, Fall II, January, Winter, Spring, June) offering more than 250 distinct courses per year in its on-campus program. Each is an independently operated lifelong learning initiative of its host-college or university and is supported in part by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Each provides a distinctive array of non-credit courses and activities specifically developed for seasoned adults aged 50 and older who are interested learning for the joy of learning. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are found on the campuses of 122 colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska. With a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI at Aquinas joined a nationwide network of lifelong learning institutes across the country, all devoted to best practices in lifelong learning. In 2008, the Emeritus College became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas, proudly continuing the rich tradition of serving the intellectual and spiritual needs of older learners in West Michigan. Today, over 46 years later, OLLI at Aquinas is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country. The Emeritus College program has grown steadily through the years, and more than 1500 students participate annually in the program’s classes. In 1978, the Aquinas College Board of Trustees created the Emeritus Board to serve as an advisory body for the program. In the autumn of 1975, 115 “students” enrolled in courses in what was then called the Aquinas Emeritus College. This insight and commitment were ahead of its time especially when most small colleges were struggling just to maintain their traditional-aged students. Hruby believed that Aquinas College had a responsibility to provide pre- and post- retirement educational opportunities to the growing population of those 50 and older. Norbert Hruby to establish a center for lifelong learning. The OLLI at Aquinas program at Aquinas College began in 1973 as a vision of former Aquinas College president Dr. The History and Development of OLLI at Aquinas The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College is a community of those age 50 and over joining together to achieve personal transformation of mind, body, and spirit through lifelong learning. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas has some fun opportunities coming up. Join our community of 50 and older learners at the Browne Center on the Aquinas College campus and experience educational opportunities for the sheer joy of it - no tests, no grades, no papers! The Osher Institute is a membership-based, lifelong learning program that offers a wide variety of college-level, non-credit lectures, short courses, and special events for intellectually curious adults over age 50. Find new friends who share your quest for learning.Learn new cooking or painting techniques from a professional.Visit backstage at the art centers of Grand Rapids and stay for the performances.Take day trips in the greater community and discover new places, sights, and history.Spend time in our academic and spiritual classes learning more about history, philosophy, literature, religion, science, math, psychology, and much more.Participate in any of OLLI’s programs, from Bach to Biology, Hemingway to History, and everything in between, and see the world with a fresh perspective.
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