Osher Lifelong Learning Institute initiatives captured the attention of Alabama’s Governor, Kay Ivey, leading her to proclaim August 20, OLLI Day.
Provided By OLLI at UAH
Provided by OLLI at UAH
Chartering unique straits of learning online, The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) along with the OLLI programs at The University of Alabama and Auburn University celebrated members, adults age 50+, navigating virtual adventures on August 20, 2020.
OLLI is a member-driven organization that provides adults over the age of 50 social and intellectual opportunities. An inclusive, welcoming and volunteer program, OLLI focuses on lifelong learning and socialization. To remain vigilant and safe during these challenging times, members and University staff are embracing Zoom courses with grace, courage and perseverance. By pivoting its academic and social environment to Zoom this spring and summer, the OLLI programs allowed their members to remain connected.
For the first time in history, the initiatives captured the attention of Alabama’s Governor, Kay Ivey, leading her to proclaim August 20th, OLLI Day. This honor highlighted all OLLI has to offer to the State of Alabama. A virtual event was held on Thursday, August 20, 2020 and included previews of each OLLI program, entertainment, and opportunities for socialization.
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“OLLI Day Alabama marked the first time any state in the nation had dedicated a day to highlight this wonderful program,” said Francine Marasco, member of UA’s OLLI program and co-chair of the OLLI Day Alabama committee. “The resiliency and leadership of our members and volunteers throughout the state are remarkable, and to have this group honored with this statewide proclamation was well-deserved.”
The OLLI Day Alabama virtual event, which took place via Zoom, featured an address of the proclamation by Governor Kay Ivey, participation from representatives of the Bernard Osher Foundation, and the announcement of OLLI Alabama Shares.
Provided by OLLI at UAH
“I am so proud of everyone who was involved in successfully shifting to this new way of learning to help our members stay safe during this complicated time. From offering online courses, special lectures, discussions, and even bingo and trivia, our members have been able to stay active and engaged,” said Dr. Karen Clanton, Dean of the UAH College of Professional Studies. “We look forward to the day when the Osher Institutes throughout the state and the nation will be able to welcome their members back to campus to experience all of what lifelong learning has to offer.”
The new option of remote learning has provided each program the opportunity to collaborate their efforts successfully. As a demonstration of the ongoing support between the three Alabama Osher Institutes and in celebration of OLLI Day Alabama, each institution has agreed to offer three courses as part of the collaboration OLLI Alabama Shares in the fall term. To register or learn more about OLLI Alabama Shares, visit https://www.uah.edu/cps/olli.
Want to join the OLLI at UAH fun? Check out the fall course offerings at Osher.uah.edu/catalog. For questions, please contact the OLLI at UAH Program Manager, Ale Pacheco, at OLLI.info@uah.edu or 256.824.6183.
