Gift allows the continued excellence and success of Aquinas’ life-long learning program
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(Grand Rapids, Mich.) – Aquinas College today announced a $1 million endowment from
the Bernard Osher Foundation to support Aquinas’ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(OLLI). One of the oldest programs of its kind in the country, the OLLI program was
designed to provide pre- and post-retirement education opportunities to individuals
50 and older.
“Lifelong learning is at the heart of Aquinas’ mission,” said Juan Olivarez, president of Aquinas College. “Our OLLI program has grown tremendously through its 40 years and with this endowment this great community asset will continue to grow.”
Mary G. F. Bitterman, president of the Bernard Osher Foundation stated, “$1 million award recognizes the collective achievement of OLLI’s excellent staff, dynamic community of intellectually vigorous members and the college’s leadership for its steadfast support of the program.” Bitterman continued, “it was awarded to the program because of its substantial growth and the deep commitment shown by its students and staff.”
“We are thrilled that our students will continue to have the benefit of educational opportunities, spiritual growth and a place to come for camaraderie and fun – all with some of the best professors and instructors in West Michigan,” said Sheila Pantlind, director of the OLLI program.
The OLLI program was established in 1973 by former Aquinas College President Dr. Norbert Hruby. It opened its doors in 1975 to 115 students. For the last 40 years, it has continued its tradition of serving the intellectual and spiritual needs of older learners in West Michigan. Today, nearly 1,500 students take more than 160 classes each year. Funding for OLLI comes from membership fees, interested community members, and the interest on the endowment set up by the Osher Foundation. A celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary is slated for spring 2015.
Osher Foundation trustees applauded Aquinas College and President Juan Olivarez, stating that Aquinas’ commitment to “the notion that – at its best – education is a lifelong pursuit that has the power to elevate, delight and forge our connection to one another and to a larger world” contributed to their decision to award the grant.
The OLLI program has had tremendous community involvement throughout the years. “Certainly, the continued support, leadership and inspiration of Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, the great work of former co-director Rick Steketee and previous director Rabbi Al Lewis, and the positive support and help from former Vice President Greg McAleenan and current Vice President Greg Meyer have all been absolutely key to the OLLI program’s success,” said Pantlind.
“Lifelong learning is at the heart of Aquinas’ mission,” said Juan Olivarez, president of Aquinas College. “Our OLLI program has grown tremendously through its 40 years and with this endowment this great community asset will continue to grow.”
Mary G. F. Bitterman, president of the Bernard Osher Foundation stated, “$1 million award recognizes the collective achievement of OLLI’s excellent staff, dynamic community of intellectually vigorous members and the college’s leadership for its steadfast support of the program.” Bitterman continued, “it was awarded to the program because of its substantial growth and the deep commitment shown by its students and staff.”
“We are thrilled that our students will continue to have the benefit of educational opportunities, spiritual growth and a place to come for camaraderie and fun – all with some of the best professors and instructors in West Michigan,” said Sheila Pantlind, director of the OLLI program.
The OLLI program was established in 1973 by former Aquinas College President Dr. Norbert Hruby. It opened its doors in 1975 to 115 students. For the last 40 years, it has continued its tradition of serving the intellectual and spiritual needs of older learners in West Michigan. Today, nearly 1,500 students take more than 160 classes each year. Funding for OLLI comes from membership fees, interested community members, and the interest on the endowment set up by the Osher Foundation. A celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary is slated for spring 2015.
Osher Foundation trustees applauded Aquinas College and President Juan Olivarez, stating that Aquinas’ commitment to “the notion that – at its best – education is a lifelong pursuit that has the power to elevate, delight and forge our connection to one another and to a larger world” contributed to their decision to award the grant.
The OLLI program has had tremendous community involvement throughout the years. “Certainly, the continued support, leadership and inspiration of Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, the great work of former co-director Rick Steketee and previous director Rabbi Al Lewis, and the positive support and help from former Vice President Greg McAleenan and current Vice President Greg Meyer have all been absolutely key to the OLLI program’s success,” said Pantlind.