About OLLI

OLLI at UConn

OLLI at UConn is a member-driven program offering non-credit learning experiences (courses, lectures, and special events) to adults 50 and older who want to engage socially and intellectually with their peers as teachers and learners. OLLI encourages the exchange of ideas and opportunities for partnership with local educational, cultural, and arts organizations.

Ours is a welcoming and supportive environment that inspires countless discussions about the nature of family, the universe, history, language, culture, and religion. We create art, write stories, and enhance physical and emotional well-being. OLLI members break aging stereotypes every day! By participating in OLLI’s activities, our members contribute to the health and success of the entire community.

The Bernard Osher Foundation

The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. Headquartered in San Francisco, the Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.

The Foundation provides post-secondary scholarship funding to colleges and universities across the nation, with special attention to reentry students. It also benefits programs in integrative medicine in the United States and Sweden, including centers at the University of California, San Francisco; Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston; and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. In addition, the Foundation supports a growing national lifelong learning network for seasoned adults. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, operating on the campuses of 125 institutions of higher education from Maine to Hawaii, have a National Resource Center at the University of Southern Maine. Finally, an array of performing arts organizations, museums, and selected educational programs in Northern California and in Mr. Osher’s native state of Maine receive Foundation grants.

The Foundation has a nine-member Board of Directors, chaired by the Honorable Barbro Osher, Consul General of Sweden in California.

Strategic Plan 2024-2027

Mission Statement

OLLI at UConn is a member-driven lifelong learning program offering courses, lectures, and special events for people 50+ who want to engage socially and intellectually.

Guiding Principles

Dedication to Lifelong Learning

Accountability

Inclusivity

Fostering Collaboration

Core Values

Learning

Support a community of adult learners and instructors in pursuit of new experiences in lifelong learning.

Engagement

Create an environment where everyone is welcome and offered the opportunity to be engaged and involved.

Community

Build a sense of belonging and friendship in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

Integrity

Strive for an environment of honesty and fairness.

Strategic Planning Goals and SMART Actions

Membership

Sustain membership of at least 500 (number required by Osher Foundation to maintain our $1,000,000 endowment).

  1. Director to meet with small number of members on a regular basis.
  2. Annual membership meeting.
  3. Orientation event for new members.

Curriculum

Expand the diverse selection of courses to engage adult learners with a variety of interests.

  1. Expand the selection of academic courses.
  2. Expand the selection of experiential learning courses and activities.
  3. Increase outreach efforts to recruit instructors.

Financial Sustainability

To keep the program affordable while maintaining our commitment to the Osher Foundation.

  1. Increase the number of members who give to OLLI.
  2. Achieve revenue from advertising and sponsorships.
  3. Apply for a minimum of three grants during the plan period (three years).

Leadership

Encourage members to volunteer in committee and leadership positions to create a strong succession plan.

  1. Create mentoring program among Leadership Council members.
  2. Executive Council members to engage with committees by attending a committee meeting at least three times per year.
  3. President to meet with small number of members on a regular basis.

Marketing

Create a plan to expand the reach of the OLLI program and share the information to a larger geographic area.

  1. Expand open house events at 55+ communities.
  2. Visit community and civic organizations to promote the OLLI program.
  3. Promote OLLI through print, digital and broadcast media outreach.

This Strategic Plan and the changes to the OLLI Mission Statement were adopted on November 1, 2023, at a duly-convened Leadership Council meeting of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Connecticut; Waterbury Campus; Waterbury, Connecticut.