This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Fullerton, as the organization celebrates nearly half a century of curiosity, connection and lifelong learning for adults of all ages.
Founded in 1979, OLLI-CSUF got its start on campus as the Continuing Learning Experience, or CLE, and began offering continuing education for retired community members. In 2006, CSUF was awarded a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation and became one of more than 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the country.
OLLI-CSUF now operates as part of Cal State Fullerton’s Extension and International Programs and boasts a community of more than 1,200 members who engage in a diverse schedule of continuing education courses —offering more than 20 daily options, including lectures, discussion groups, dance classes and travel opportunities.
For $160 per semester or $290 per year, OLLI-CSUF members can enroll in unlimited classes and have access to a number of Titan student benefits, including a parking pass, access to CSUF athletic events and the opportunity to audit any regular CSUF class with permission from the instructor.
Former executives, lawyers, engineers, doctors and retired educators are just a few of the OLLI-CSUF members who not only engage in the organization’s programming but also share their wealth of knowledge and experience with CSUF and the community at large through research and mentorship.
“The whole purpose of (OLLI) is for them to continue their process of learning and rediscover things beyond retirement in a university setting,” said OLLI-CSUF Executive Director Daisy Thomas. “But the great thing is that they’re not just gaining that knowledge unto themselves. They’re also sharing their experiences and their knowledge, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and helping give them a hand up to prepare for the real working world.”
OLLI-CSUF member Debbie Maxwell got her start in the organization after she signed up for a flash mob class. Now, Maxwell is learning line dancing and cribbage, as well as serving as the VP of Membership.
“Everyone, especially when you retire, needs a purpose,” Maxwell said. “I have children and grandchildren, but you need something for yourself, and being part of OLLI has given me a purpose of helping other people and giving back.”
OLLI-CSUF executive director Daisy Thomas speaks Nov. 1 at the institute’s anniversary celebration. (Photo courtesy of CSUF News Media Services)To commemorate its 45th anniversary, OLLI-CSUF hosted a celebratory event on Nov. 1 at the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton. CSUF President Ronald S. Rochon, along with CSUF Provost Amir Dabirian and other campus, business and community leaders were in attendance.
“The Provost Office and the University President enjoy our partnership with OLLI,” said CSUF Associate Vice President of Academic Programs Eileen Walsh. “We recognize and deeply appreciate the contributions OLLI members make to our students and faculty. In the coming year, we plan to reinvigorate the relationship with more activities and with streamlined processes to make the relationship even stronger and more efficient.”
In February, OLLI-CSUF will host a special celebration at the Charles L. and Rachael E. Ruby Gerontology Center to honor its members ages 90 and older. The 15,000-square-foot center, which serves as the organization’s campus home, was funded through donations and opened in 1988.
One of the members who will be celebrated that night is Barbara Talento. The 96-year-old Brea resident is a former CSUF nursing professor and assisted in establishing Continued Learning Experience on campus in the organization’s early years.
Shortly after Talento retired, she gifted her mother a membership, making her one of the first original 50 members. She later began taking classes herself and was drawn to courses such as Wisdom Exchange and Exploratory Discussion. OLLI-CSUF helped her find a new identity in her retirement years.
“When you’re working, the first thing anybody says is they ask you what you do for work,” Talento said. “When you give that up, what’s your answer? Now, I’m a student. It helps you identify with something that you are qualified to do and that you do on a regular basis.”
Talento served as OLLI-CSUF president twice, in 2001 and again in 2007. She was also named Volunteer of the Year in 1997. Now, with her daughter, Sandi, by her side, she still attends classes regularly, acknowledging the supportive environment the setting provides.
“For me, it’s almost like being in a family,” Talento said. “I know so many people, and we support each other so well.”
On Jan. 11, OLLI-CSUF will host its Spring Preview event where the public can get a first look at upcoming course offerings, as well as enroll for membership. As the organization celebrates this milestone, it stands as an example of how the power of education and community can inspire growth, no matter the age or stage of life.
“It’s meant a lot to me,” said Talento of her involvement with OLLI-CSUF. “The learning is important to me because it keeps my brain functioning, but the interaction between people is what keeps my heart functioning.”
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