History

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at SVSU was founded in September 2001 and is committed to offering members classes, excursions, and other social and educational opportunities. After receiving funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the SVSU Institute for Learning in Retirement's name was changed to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in 2005 and has since grown to over 2,000 members!

The Bernard Osher Foundation currently supports more than 120 schools across the United States, which is a unique distinction. We are pleased to announce that OLLI at SVSU was the first institution in Michigan to be given this designation.

Classes

Since our founding, we have offered hundreds of classes on a number of diverse topics, from stem cell research to fly fishing, and war history to new technology. One look at our catalog will show that there is a whole lot out there to learn, and at least a little bit for everyone!

We offer around 200 classes per year, over the course of four semesters on a variety of topics. Classes generally meet once per week for two hours, for anywhere from three to five weeks. Classes are led and taught by local college faculty, community professionals, and even some of our own members.  If you are interested in teaching us, check out our “Instructor Resources” page and submit a course proposal form.

OLLI Travel

OLLI at SVSU provides a range of travel possibilities in addition to courses. These can be short, one-day excursions by motorcoach to locations just a few hours away from Saginaw Valley State University to longer, multi-day journeys internationally. OLLI gives the exceptional opportunity to travel with other OLLI members who also share a passion for learning and a desire to broaden their horizons, in addition to providing transportation and other accommodations to these wonderful destinations.

Learn More About Us

 Explore more about us with some of the sections below!