Contributed by OLLI
Retired citizens enrich our community, volunteering their time and expertise to local nonprofits and contributing to the economic health and civic life of our cities. In turn, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI at Auburn University, a program in the Office of University Outreach, has for 31 years enriched the lives of senior adults in our community by providing opportunities to take not-for-credit classes, engage in social activities and volunteer for projects and leadership. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller are recognizing the value of OLLI to the community by proclaiming Aug. 20, 2021 OLLI Day in Auburn and Opelika.
“It is my privilege to recognize local organizations and citizens who make extraordinary contributions to our city, making Auburn a better place to live, work, play and learn,” Anders said. “The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute known as OLLI at Auburn creates not only classroom experiences for senior members of our city but also provides a community in which those people stay mentally, physically and socially active.”
Fuller added, “I recognize the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute as an organization that significantly contributes to the quality of life of senior members of our citizenry by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, social interaction and engagement with the larger community.”
The mayors of Tuscaloosa and Huntsville have also proclaimed Aug. 20 OLLI Day in their cities where the other two OLLIs in the state are located. OLLIs at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, The University of Alabama and Auburn University will celebrate OLLI Day with shared online lectures and an in-person meeting at OLLI at Auburn’s headquarters at Sunny Slope. More information about free registration for OLLI Day programming can be found at OLLI at Auburn’s website: www.auburn.edu/olli.
OLLI at Auburn opened fall registration on Aug. 16 for classes that begin Sept. 13. In addition to the usual rich variety of not-for-credit classes, this fall OLLI will also offer its members a set of classes focused on the wilderness of Alabama including Ancient Life in Alabama, Landscape Photography and Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing to name only a few. OLLI long-term favorites — Writing Our Lives, World War II, Line Dancing, Mysteries, Yoga, Shakespeare, Spanish and The Concerto will also be offered. In addition, this fall, all three OLLIs in Alabama will share via Zoom a few stand-out classes with each other. The University of Alabama will offer Opera, US Founders and a class on Iceland, while University of Alabama at Huntsville will offer Chinese Art History, World War I and Dolly Parton: More than a Cup of Ambition. OLLI at Auburn classes will be held in-person, via ZOOM and by Zoom hybrid (a combination of in-person and online). Course offerings are listed at www.auburn.edu/olli.
OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 S. College St., Auburn, Alabama. For more information To find out about OLLI programs, membership and scholarships, or to learn about becoming a Volunteer Faculty Member contact Barbara Daron, OLLI Program Coordinator, at 334-844-3102, olli@auburn.edu, or visit the website at www.auburn.edu/olli.