LEARN ABOUT OLLI
The School of Professional Development hosts the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at SBU Program. OLLI at SBU is one of 124 Osher Institutes, all made possible by generous grants and endowments from the Bernard Osher Foundation. OLLI is dedicated to providing a lively and intellectually challenging array of non-credit courses taught year-round in a university setting by other OLLI members. The program currently offers social and cultural enrichment through thought-provoking workshops per semester and a variety of exciting day-trips. OLLI members come from all walks of life and career paths and is open to retired and semi-retired individuals aged 50 or older regardless of their level of education or career experience, who are interested in a diverse learning environment that fosters mutual sharing of ideas, life experiences and the love of learning. There are no tests, no grades—no pre-requisites to join!
OLLI workshops cover every possible genre you can imagine and are led by current OLLI members who volunteer their time. New workshops are always being considered and many are inspired by members of OLLI. There are many avenues for participation in OLLI aside from taking workshops. We encourage members to join one of our many committees, teach a workshop or attend one of our special event trips or lecture series.
The program offers Annual memberships that encompass the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters as wll asTerm memberships that cover a single semester. Members may choose as many as 6 in-person workshops and/or unlimited zoom workshops each semester and participate in as many trips, activities, and lectures as they wish.
Workshops
Lecture Series
Trips
Social Activities
TESTIMONALS
Read All Amazing Testimonials Here
"I knew before I retired in December of 2013 that I would become a member of OLLI after so many friends shared their joy at being members. I joined in 2014 and have not been disappointed. OLLI workshops have inspired me to keep on learning-some subjects I would never have thought to check into. One of the most enjoyable experiences was being a member of the OLLI chorus"
- Rachelle (Shelly) Psaris
(OLLI Member)
" The OLLI program is a boon to semi and fully-retired people. It is a magnet for those
who still want to learn despite their age, prior experience or current knowledge.
It offers diverse workshops in myriad subjects led by knowledgeable, enthusiastic
and personable members who consistently deliver engaging sessions"
- Len Farano
(Committee Member)
"Discovering OLLI after retirement gave me many educational opportunities I never expected. From politics, the arts and sciences to history, workshops were led by incredible members. So much to enjoy and learn for so little cost! OLLI has been able to offer hundreds of creative virtual workshops led by fellow leaders since Covid began"
- Jeff Hollander
(Workshop Leader)
"I love teaching and joined OLLI to fill the void when I retired. OLLI has provided
me with the opportunity to teach, to do research which I love, to make many new friends,
and take courses with wonderful workshop leaders."
- Irma Gurman
(Workshop Leader)
"When I retired, I joined some committees and that has been most enjoyable. Meeting and working on projects with other members just enhanced my OLLI experience. OLLI has been a wonderful addition to my life, and I appreciate every part of it."
- Sue Mruz
(Committee Chair)