The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(formerly the Auburn Society)

Division of Economic and Community Outreach

The mission of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Towson University is to offer adults age 50 and older opportunities for continued learning, along with programs and activities for social and cultural enrichment. The basic concept of the Institute is that learning is a lifelong process and is enhanced in a congenial atmosphere with like-minded individuals.

Founded in 1999 as the Auburn Society and taking its name from its original home in the historic Auburn House on the Towson University campus, the former Auburn Society became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2006 when it was awarded a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation. The Osher Foundation supports a national network of lifelong learning institutes on university campuses from Maine to Hawaii.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a membership organization with programs and activities planned and implemented by staff and member volunteers through a committee structure. The committees include Curriculum, Social/Hospitality, Outreach/Membership, Facilities, Special Lectures, and Day trips. A Council coordinates committee activities.

There are no educational prerequisites for membership.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an important component of Towson University’s Extended Education and Online Learning program (EEOL), and the Division of Economic and Community Outreach (DECO). In addition to its on-campus program, OLLI furthers a mission of community outreach through partnerships, offering courses at area retirement communities and senior centers and lectures at the Towson and Cockeysville branches of the Baltimore Country Public Library. A book club and poetry-reading and discussion group are offered at the Towson branch.

For more information, please call 410-704-3535.

• Bernard Osher Foundation

Division of Economic and Community Outreach
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Office Location: 7801 York Road, Suite 260

Phone: 410-704-3535
Fax: 410-704-2066
E-mail: olli@towson.edu

OLLI faculty member Jane Byers engages her students during a lively class about “Presidents’ Wives.” OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, offers educational courses on campus, as well as off-campus activities for social and cultural enrichment, to persons 50+ years of age. Courses are offered during the daytime in 7400 York Road on the Towson University campus. Learn, make new friends, and enrich your life with OLLI.