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.
In spring 2009 ,The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University was awarded $1 million endowment by the Bernard Osher Foundation after having receive $100,000 grants from the Osher Foundation for each of the past three years.
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. A book club is offered at the Towson branch library.
For more information, please call 410-704-3535.
Division of Economic and Community Outreach
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Office Location: 7400 York Road, Suite 401
Phone: 410-704-3535
E-mail: olli@towson.edu
|
