Stony Brook University’s Lifelong Learning Program Receives $1M Endowment
Network dedicated to post-career development for retirees
STONY BROOK, N.Y., July 20, 2009 – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Stony Brook University has received a $1M endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation. OLLI is a peer-led learning network devoted to retired and semi-retired adults and sponsored by the School of Professional Development (SPD). The endowment is bestowed in recognition of OLLI’s excellence in program administration and development.
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| Back Row (L-R): Janet McLean, OLLI Director; Paul Edelson, Dean, SPD; Mark Salz, President OLLI Executive Board; Jerry Ebenstein, Incoming President; Joyce Wellinger, Assistant Dean, SPD Front Row (L-R): Maxine Hartman, OLLI Curriculum Co-chair; Elaine Squires, OLLI Curriculum Co-chair; Carolyn Jankowski, Assistant Dean, SPD |
“The grants from the Osher Foundation have enabled OLLI at Stony Brook University (formerly the Round Table) to make significant improvements in both its curriculum and in its teaching facilities,” says Victor Suben, OLLI Budget Chairman. “Our facilities have been improved with the installation of overhead projectors, computers for training courses, and refurbished offices for OLLI’s professional staff. All this was made possible by the Osher Foundation funding.”
In 2007, OLLI received recognition from the Bernard Osher Foundation as being a “best in practice” institute and was awarded a $100,000 grant; the foundation bestowed an additional $100,000 grant the following year. Since receiving the first grant, OLLI has expanded its membership by 15% and now offers more than 700 members a wide selection of courses, programs and seminars.
OLLI had its beginnings as The Round Table, a program that was established by SPD in 1988. For more than 20 years, OLLI and SPD have played an integral role in the cultivation and education of local area retirees. Open to all those interested in post-career development, OLLI will continue to spearhead the development of new and engaging programs for members. For more information about the OLLI program, visit its web site at www.stonybrook.edu/spd/olli.
For additional information contact: Janet McLean @631.632.7063 or Janet.Mclean@stonybrook.edu
About the School of Professional Development
Stony Brook University’s School of Professional Development offers programs that cater to working professionals and retirees seeking fulfillment in education. With convenient daytime, online and evening programs, SPD currently offers many degree, certificate and enrichment programs. – See more at: http://commcgi.cc.sunysb.edu/cgi-bin/am2/admin.cgi#sthash.JWCIEutd.dpuf
