The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-UM) was established in 1987 by Turner Geriatric Clinic volunteers for people who love learning.
Under sponsorship of the University of Michigan Health System, OLLI-UM is affiliated with Elderhostel Institute Network and the Bernard Osher Foundation. The approximately 1300 members of OLLI-UM oversee and develop an extensive program of top quality lectures and offer a wide variety of study groups, travel excursions, and weekend and evening events, and social/cultural gatherings.
OLLI members are a diverse group drawn from Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Membership is intended for all enthusiastic learners over age 50, approaching or living in retirement, regardless of previous education. OLLI-UM is dedicated to challenging minds and stimulating the spirit to maintain healthy bodies.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2193
The mission of OLLI is to enhance quality of life by providing stimulating, meaningful, and high-quality lecture series, classes, travel and social events for an increasingly diverse group of persons 50 and older. OLLI is a volunteer centered organization in that it offers programs for older adults, designed by older adults. It capitalizes on the skills, knowledge, and experience of dedicated senior volunteers who actively plan and implement the learning programs for their peers.
OLLI at U-M responds in traditional and innovative ways to address the interests and needs of its members. Its programming will foster social engagement and ensure quality learning opportunities that enhance the lives of senior learners.
OLLI envisions a thriving local community that welcomes older adults of diverse backgrounds, interests, and subject matter expertise engaging in learning experiences and social opportunities that foster shared understanding, learning, and global change.
OLLI values our community assets: children, residents, those over fifty years old and lifelong learners. Within our membership we value the rich sharing of diverse ideas, experiences, identities, and backgrounds. We see OLLI's lifelong learners exploring, adding to, modeling, and challenging a more inclusive community.
- OLLI is proactive with innovative programming responsive to the needs of the community.
- OLLI is an open, inclusive, diverse, equitable organization that supports dignity for everyone.
- OLLI provides opportunities for critical thinking and inspiring open and respectful discussion for lifelong learning.
The Membership Roundtable came together for five meetings February through April 2022 at the recommendation of the Leadership Council to assess the dynamics of the drop in membership and provide recommendations for its growth and enrichment.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U of M evolved from a program called Learning in Retirement, which was established in 1987 by Turner Geriatric Clinic volunteers at the University of Michigan. The successes of the Learning in Retirement program gained recognition from the Bernard Osher Foundation in the form of substantial grants to enhance and expand programming.
In March of 2007 — in recognition and appreciation of Osher Foundation contributions — the Learning in Retirement Board of Directors changed the organization name to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan and hosted a celebratory program.
In 2012, Learning in Retirement/Osher Lifelong Learning Institute concluded 25 years of service to learners aged 50+. We are pleased to have enabled so many people to enhance their lives. We are proud of our long-term affiliation with the excellence of the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center.
OLLI-UM members elect an 18-member Leadership Council which sets priorities and policies on behalf of OLLI’s more than 1,700 members. Volunteers who serve in a leadership role or as a committee chair enjoy a rich experience. This deep member participation provides opportunities to use expertise developed over a lifetime, apply it in new ways, and form close connections with fellow OLLI members.
TBD
President
TBD
Chair, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Gloria Edwards
Member-At-Large
*Ruth Dunkel
Professor, U-M School of Social Work
TBD
Past President
Bernie Beach
Chair, Social Interaction Committee
Stuart Lockman
Chair, Finance Committee
Bill Milne
Chair, Shared Interest Group (SIG) Committee
Karen Bantel
Chair, Lectures Committee
*Staff
*Shannon Etcherverry
Interim Assistant Director, Geriatrics Center Community Programs
Interim Director, Turner Senior Wellness Program
Frances Schultz
Vice President
Faye Askew King
Member-At-Large
Emily Eisbruch
Chair, Evenings with OLLI (EWO) Committee
Susan Fisher
Chair, Development Committee
TBD
Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
Ann Tomlanovich
Chair, Study Group Committee
*Angela Bingham
OLLI Director
*Ryan Luttermoser
OLLI Assistant Director
Beth Spencer
Secretary
Rudi Lindner
Member-at-Large
Stuart Lockman
Chair, Finance Committee
Camille Orso
Member-At-Large
Mary Sherrill
Chair, Out of Town Committee
Will Hawk
Member-At-Large
The University of Michigan Museum of Art offers programs that cater to a range of interests--from exhibition-related lectures to lively musical concerts. Most programs occur at the museum (525 South State Street) at the heart of U-M's central campus; however, some partnership programs may take place offsite. For details about all UMMA's exciting programs, please visit the UMMA Events Website: https://umma.umich.edu/events
Let’s get fit together!
The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College is a state-of-the-art facility offering a wide variety of services that are designed for all fitness levels. Come and experience our indoor track, two salt-water pools, cardio and strength training equipment, free weight area, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and locker room amenities. Make new friends while participating in one of our group exercise classes including: yoga, Tai Chi, cycle classes and more.
The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College will offer OLLI members a free 3-day pass to visit and utilize our fitness facilities (effective September 2023 - December 2023). Stop in for a tour and learn how we can support you on your fitness journey.
With an Ann Arbor District Library card (site: https://aadl.org/), you now have access to hundreds of thousands of physical items in our collection, from books, movies, CDs, musical instruments, board games, art prints, and telescopes, available at five locations throughout Ann Arbor. Plus everything we offer digitally, including ebooks, audiobooks, streaming music and movies, access to the online versions of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal and more!
We also have our Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (WLBPD), a service intended for the blind and print disabled, where you can request a multitude of audio books, magazines, and large print materials to be delivered by mail to you at no cost. We also have our Homebound service where, if you qualify, we can mail materials from our own AADL collection and other Library collections, also at no cost to you. To see if you qualify and to get set up for WLBPD or Homebound, you may contact our Outreach team at [email protected] or by phone at 734-327-4224. For more information about these particular services, you can also visit aadl.org/wlbpd.
The Michigan Theater is a movie palace in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, near the Central Campus of the University of Michigan. It shows independent films and stage productions and hosts musical concerts.
Designed by Detroit-based architect Maurice Finkel and built in 1928, the historic auditorium seats 1632 and features the theater's original 1928 Barton Theatre Pipe Organ, orchestra pit, stage, and elaborate architectural details. The State Theatre, down the street, is an Art-Deco style cinema, with four screens that play first-run and repertory films. Both theaters are now owned and managed by the non-profit Michigan Theater Foundation, and are open Thursday through Tuesday.
The Emeritus Scholarships are specifically designed to provide educational opportunities for individuals who are residents of Washtenaw County and are aged 65 years and older. The scholarship covers tuition expenses exclusively for non-credit classes, and it should be noted that it does not extend to cover other mandatory fees. For credit courses, the scholarship covers not only tuition but also encompasses contact-hour fees and technology/enrollment fees. However, it's important to recognize that the scholarship will not cover fees associated with PEA 115 and any other miscellaneous fees that may be applicable. Registration periods and deadlines for the Emeritus Scholarship may vary.
For more Information, eligibility, and next steps to register, visit:
https://www.wccnet.edu/afford/financial-aid/scholarships/emeritus.php
