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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute launches first-ever Summer Academy
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of the Pacific, known as OLLI, is helping adults stay curious, involved and engaged in their communities with the launch of its first-ever Summer Academy of Lifelong Learning.
The weeklong series of experiences is designed to spark exploration, creativity and connection among adult learners.
“The OLLI program at Pacific is a way for people who don't normally see the university as something they can participate with to get involved,” said Program Director Jennifer Juanitas. “It connects people and emphasizes how important lifelong learning is. In terms of socializing and being with one another, I think we all found out the hard way how important that is during COVID.”
The summer academy included a variety of events on-campus: a bird safari with avian expert and author David Yee, a Hollywood at University of the Pacific tour with Head of Holt-Atherton Special Collections and Archives Associate Professor Mike Wurtz and Adventures in Watercolor: Reynolds Gallery Talk and Art Activity with University Curator Lisa Cooperman.
It also connected members with the local Stockton community with its Bob Hope/Fox Theatre tour, a tour at Deshmesh Darbar Sikh Temple and People Make the Difference in Our Community exhibition tour at Haggin Museum.
The inaugural Summer Academy of Lifelong Learning held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Benerd College with the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the launch of its summer academy. The program was honored with Certificates of Recognition from the offices of Mayor Christina Fugazi and the City of Stockton, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom and Congressman Josh Harder.
The non-profit education program is primarily designed for people ages 50 and over but is open to all adult learners. Throughout the year, the institute provides non-credit classes, interest groups, local and international trips and special events for its members.
“One of our most popular interest groups is called Armchair Travelers, where people come share stories about their travels,” Juanitas said. “We get about 20 people every week. We also have a Writers Workshop. People come and share their stories and bounce their work off others. It’s a fun group.
“I encourage members to try the shared interest groups because those groups are very bonded. They really get to know each other.”
The OLLI program at Pacific also offers a scholarship program for new and returning members. The program currently has more than 450 members, with hopes to reach 500 this year. Instructors say the program not only benefits members but also informs lessons at Pacific.
“I’ve been doing OLLI talks for over a dozen years and the rewards go both ways,” Wurtz said. “They learn some history and the value of archives from me, and I learn from their firsthand accounts of living in that history.”
“OLLI is also a great sounding board for new topics and presentations that I plan to give to Pacific students. The members provide feedback and stories that enrich the experience of our next generation of Pacific Tigers.”
OLLI program membership for the summer semester is open now, with classes running until August 31. Learn more about how to register for classes through OLLI’s membership tiers.
