Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FIU

In recognition of the success of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FIU (OLLI@FIU) in providing educational opportunities for mature adults, the Bernard Osher Foundation has donated $1 million to establish an endowment that will allow FIU to enhance and expand classes at its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI@FIU). Each year, 3,000 South Floridians, most of them age 50 and older, take classes at OLLI@FIU. The Bernard Osher Foundation supports OLLI@FIU and 116 other Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the country. OLLI@FIU is the only institute that the Osher Foundation has endowed in South Florida and is one of three endowed Osher institutes in the state. The $1 million endowment is eligible for 75 percent matching state funds, making its total impact close to $2 million. The foundation also gave FIU a $50,000 grant to assist with operations as the endowment grows, bringing the total amount of grants that the foundation has given to OLLI@FIU to almost $500,000.

Based at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus, OLLI@FIU offers more than 100 courses in a variety of subjects, including art, music, literature, film, languages, politics and personal growth. The endowment will enhance programs such as educational study tours, a special guest lecture series and will expand current programs. The endowment also will help the FIU institute with its new nighttime program, "OLLI@FIU After Five," which began on July 11. The new offerings are meant to increase the program's reach, giving people who work the opportunity to take classes.

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Education

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• Osher
• Lifelong
• inst