Testimonials

OLLI has been a meaningful step between my old work world, which was as an educational administrator, and retirement. Being a pupil in a classroom setting, with homework assignments, makes me feel like I am a “youthful learner.” The class stimulation keeps my mind open to new knowledge. In addition, I have made some friends that are now very important to me, which is something that is unique to OLLI. They give me energy and happiness.

— Charlotte Projansky (13 years in OLLI)

I learned about OLLI when I worked for the company which printed their materials. I could tell then that it would be something I would look into when I retired. After retiring I entered the program taking the essay discussion class and a writing class. Eventually, I became coordinator of the writing class. Later I started a short story class, where discussion is both serious and intense. As I have often said, being in OLLI is like having a dream come true.

— Dennis Beard

The downside of aging is, well, aging. But the upside is being able to participate in the excellent adventure called OLLI. It is the best of all possible scholastic environments – where you can design your own curriculum and also meet a lot of interesting new people who are anxious to rise to the challenge of peer-learning. The OLLI program has been a huge success for me and, as a student participant for more the eleven years, I look forward every day to going to class.

— Harriet Friedlander

My experience with OLLI has been an overwhelming success. Class members have a wide variety of backgrounds, from medicine to accounting to law to education and more. Individual members are free to express their opinions—which may be totally opposed to the views of others—without stirring rancor. Even those members who seem hesitant to speak out during discussions often have worthwhile comments to express during breaks or after class at lunch. I believe Northwestern University has a real treasure in OLLI.

— John Palmer

I learned about OLLI in 2001 through Dave Eisen, a fellow volunteer at the Museum of Science and Industry. Since my retirement in 1999, I had been attempting to explore specific areas of modern science and learn them on my own. OLLI promised to provide a way to pursue this learning as part of a peer group, which would greatly facilitate and enrich my self-learning approach. It seemed to be a perfect opportunity, tailor-made for pursuing my thirst for knowledge.

My initial year in OLLI brought me to groups studying evolution and life sciences, two areas in which there are great gaps in my knowledge, since last studying those in high school. With that initial exposure under my belt, I decided to co-organize a new group in physical sciences and tackle the areas of relativity, quantum theory, and the atom. We started in 2002 and are still going strong. During that second year I also became a co-coordinator of the ongoing life sciences group. Additionally I will be organizing a new group on genetics in the spring of 2004. I find myself now in a leadership role, able to steer groups in both physical and life sciences in the directions I believe would be challenging, satisfying, and enjoyable for all involved.

My experiences have exceeded my expectations. I am excited with my newly acquired conceptual understanding of relativity, quantum theory, molecular biology, cell biology, evolution, genetics, and mechanisms of the mind and the brain, subjects I never learned in school. I have found the challenge of organizing and coordinating these groups for people without much formal science training both exhilarating and gratifying. Also of great benefit and importance to me is that the program has put me in touch with others who share my passion for lifelong learning.

— Arthur Goldman

“I seem to have become an Osher junkie. I come here to learn new things, to read and study without strain.”

— Kate Ollendorff

“What has turned out best for me are the friendships and inspiration from so many gifted people.”

— Patsy Thrash

“The Osher program gave me structure, mental stimulation, new friends, a lovely campus and the chance to share with young people here at northwestern University.”

— Joey Goldsmith

“I came to Osher almost by accident when I was trying many things soon after my retirement. I’ve found it to be very intellectually stimulating, as well as just plain fun.”

— Lyn Snoble

“I just moved here and the Osher program has given me the opportunity to explore some exciting new directions and meet some fabulous people too.”

— Martha Bills

“I’ve fallen in love with learning all over again. Osher has given me the chance to mix my current work career with pursuing my creative interests here.”

— Lloyd Morgan

“I met my husband here and it can happen to you too!”

— Barbara Jaffe

“The downside of aging is, well aging. But the upside is being able to participate in the excellent adventure called Osher Lifelong Learning. I look forward every day to going to class.”

— Harriet Friedlander

“I’ve made wonderful friends who are now very important to me. They give me energy and lots of happiness.”

— Charlotte Projansky

“I entered the program because I love writing. I‘ve taken classes on essay discussion, creative writing and I later started a short story class. Being in Osher is like having a dream come true.”

— Dennis Beard

“I like OLLI because it is fun! I always look forward to classes. There is a collegial atmosphere and impressive number of intelligent and friendly people - and a feeling of a shared pursuit of knowledge.”

— Dona Gerson

“OLLI has provided me with an opportunity to work my craft, meet interesting people, build new friendships, and all in an environment of reciprocal learning and provocative ideas. Can one ask more for a reasonable price and a chance to be published?”

— Marsha Dale Abrams