Colorado State Joins Nationwide Initiative to Provide Lifelong Learning Opportunities for Adults 50 and Older

Colorado State University’s Division of Continuing Education announces the launch of its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at an inaugural event 4-6 p.m. Jan. 11 at the University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St. in Fort Collins. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (970) 491-5288 by Jan. 8.

The new institute will feature courses and events designed for adults 50 years and older. OLLI is made possible by a grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation, a San Francisco-based organization that has now funded a network of over 90 such institutes across the country.

"I urge the community to attend the inaugural OLLI event," said Kevin Oltjenbruns, co-director of the institute. "The program will include an overview of the Osher philosophy and a short presentation by Ingrid Burke, a Colorado State University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, who will speak on the topic of ‘The Environment – What Every Citizen Needs to Know.’ This presentation will serve as an example of the quality of programming provided by the Institute."  

After the presentation, a networking reception will be held so that attendees can sign up as members and enroll in spring 2007 courses.

"As more and more individuals enter this stage of life, they seek creative ways to remain intellectually active and involved," said Jean Morgenweck, co-director of the Osher Program at Colorado State. "Many individuals 50 years and better want to learn for the pure joy of learning, and this is a wonderful opportunity for Continuing Education to bring a vibrant program to the Fort Collins community."

Annual membership costs $50 per year; spring 2007 Session memberships are also available for $30. Membership includes discounted rates on a wide array of courses, cultural programs and networking opportunities. Non-credit short courses will be offered along such general topic areas such as global issues, sustainability, life’s transitions, the creative arts and history.

For more information about becoming a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Colorado State, visit www.learn.colostate.edu/osher or call Morgenweck at (970) 491-7753.

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