5 questions on ... Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at TU

Photo by Kanji Takeno

Continued learning program welcomes TU faculty and staff members

by Stuart Zang

Jacqueline Gratz, Osher director, says TU faculty and staff of all ages can now take advantage of Osher’s continued learning offerings at a reduced fee.

What is the mission of Osher at TU?

Osher offers continued-learning opportunities and social and cultural activities to adults age 50 and older. Osher at TU was founded in 1999 as the Auburn Society. We changed our name in the summer of 2006 when we were awarded a $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, an organization that supports a national network of lifelong learning institutes on university campuses across the country.

Where is the institute located?

In March we moved to the first floor of 7400 York Road, four blocks south of the main campus. We have two 50-person capacity classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, a small multipurpose room and a large hospitality space. I’m happy to report that we’ve got ample free parking on the adjacent lot.

Can TU faculty and staff join Osher at TU?

Not only are they allowed to join, we urge them to do so! Osher has grown dramatically over the past year, from approximately 250 members to nearly 400 members. We want to grow our total membership to 500, because that would make us eligible to apply to the Bernard Osher Foundation for a $1 million endowment. TU faculty and staff can play a critical role in helping us achieve that goal. Although our $100,000 grant was renewed for the 2007 academic year, the endowment would allow us to sustain continued learning for faculty, staff and the local community for years to come.

Are you offering incentives to attract faculty and staff to join?

TU Faculty and staff can sign up for a special supporting membership at a reduced fee. Our usual annual membership fee is $50 per individual or $75 per couple, with members paying an additional $65 for one course or $130 for two or more courses. TU faculty and staff can join for just $25 per person per year and take one course per term at no additional charge, or join at $50 per person per year and take two courses per term at no additional charge. That’s a great saving. But we will appreciate your support to help reach the 500 membership goal for endowment even if you cannot take courses.

Where can we find more information?

Visit www.towson.edu/olli for course offerings. For membership information, click on the left menu link entitled “Supporting Membership for TU Faculty and Staff.” You’ll be prompted by TU’s secure server to download a special application for faculty and staff. You can also call us at x43535.

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