About OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WVU, Center on Aging (OLLI at WVU) is a membership organization open to anyone age 50 or older regardless of educational background. It was founded in 1993. Our goal is to provide intellectually stimulating classes and discussions with our peers along with an opportunity for social and recreational activities such as field trips to environmental and historic sites and for appreciation and study of the arts. 

OLLI at WVU is an Elderhostel Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR). Unlike short-term Elderhostel learning programs, an ILR is run and attended by its members. Members are local individuals who commute to the program and participate regularly year after year, getting to know one another as friends, co-volunteers and classmates.

Additional characteristics of ILR's:

• Community based
• Non-credit academic program
• No tests or examinations
• Governed by members
• Members teach
• Sponsored by colleges/universities
• Average 200-300 members

OLLI Board of Directors are:

• Robert Craig, President
• Jane Martin, Vice President
• Suzanne Gross, Secretary
• George Trapp, Treasurer
• Sherry Kuhl, CoA Representative
• Carole Boyd
• Marian Conner
• Ann Davidson
• Barbara Howe
• E. Jane Martin
• Connie McCluskey
• Edwin J. Morgan
• Gwen Rosenbluth
• Nancy Wasson

The OLLI Committee Chairs:

• Curriculum: Marian Conner
• Facilities: Alan Keiser
• Finance: George Trapp
• Membership/Publicity: Nancy Wasson and Patsy Hall
• Nominating: Carol Boyd
• E-Mail Bulletin Coordinator: Betty Maxwell
• Special Events: Hope Covey
• Office Assistants: Mary Jane Hamilton

Advisors:

• David Blaydes
• Mary Ellen Brady
• Lydia Conaway
• Roger Dalton
• Phil Faini
• Irving Goodman
• Mary Jane Hamilton
• Betty Maxwell
• Art Pavlovic
• Ted Stevens

Staff:

• Joseph Greene, Director of OLLI
• Nancy Merrifield, Administrative Associate

Why Learning in Retirement?

Education is a life-long pursuit, enhancing lives of all people regardless of age. There are documented physical and emotional benefits for health and well being including self-esteem, emotional support, and community involvement.

DUES

Annual dues of $85 will give you a full membership covering classes, office expenses and most teaching materials. Full members have voting privileges and there is currently no limit in the number of courses members may take. A term membership can be purchased for $45, allowing you to take unlimited courses during the current term. Term members can purchase a full membership for an additional $45 during the same fiscal year. The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. There is no reduction in dues for members who join after the first (fall) term.

LOCATION

Most classes are held in our Mountaineer Mall classrooms. A few are presented at various WVU and community locations.

CLASSES

Approximately 25 to 30 courses are offered in each of four six-week semesters (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). Fields of study include liberal arts, social studies, science and technology, and life styles. Past courses have included music, literature, history, art, medicine, forestry, gardening, financial planning, philosophy, Appalachian culture, etc.

Classes are normally scheduled for two-hour sessions Monday through Friday.

FACULTY

More than 40 active and retired WVU faculty members strongly support the curriculum. Instructors also include state and local specialists in public programs, business and union experts, and religious leaders.

All course descriptions, course information, titles, faculty names, and all other information contained on this site is the sole property of West Virginia University's Center On Aging and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institue and should not be duplicated or used other than for personal use unless written permission is granted from the Center On Aging.

To Contact Us:
OLLI at WVU, Center on Aging
Mountaineer Mall, Unit D-9
5000 Greenbag Road
Morgantown, WV 26501
Phone: (304) 293-1793
E-mail: learners@hsc.wvu.edu