OLLI at UK Receives Endowment

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 18, 2012) − The University of Kentucky Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) has received $1 million from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the second endowment gift from the organization to support outstanding educational services to adults age 50 and over throughout the Commonwealth.

The announcement was made by UK President Eli Capilouto at the OLLI's holiday luncheon in December. The event brought together UK's Donovan Fellows and OLLI members to celebrate their shared commitment to lifelong learning. "This endowment is representative of Osher's generosity over the years and a testament to the accomplishments of the OLLI at UK," said Mike Smith, executive director of the OLLI at UK. "It represents confidence and an investment in our future."

Also during the luncheon, T.L. Hughes was recognized by Capilouto for completing his education. After leaving UK in 1962 for active military duty, Hughes returned as a Donovan Fellow and graduated in December 2011.
 

Since 1964, UK has offered programs, events, workshops, forums and other opportunities to continue to learn, to be involved with people of similar interests, find a new interest and be engaged in the community and learn just for the fun of it.
 

The OLLI at UK offers a wide range of classes and include culture, foreign languages, science and technology, health and wellness, history and government, performing arts, studio arts, special interest groups and the Donovan Forum Seminar Series. OLLI participants take short courses designed to fit their interests. Donovan Fellows take traditional academic courses using the tuition waiver provided by UK.
 

There are program offerings in Lexington, Morehead and Somerset with more than 1,000 participants age 50 and over who participate in the OLLI while Donovan Fellows are 65 and over. 
 

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859)323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu