March 29, 2004

Grant creates lifelong learning institute

The Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco has awarded CSUS a $100,000 grant to establish an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program through the University’s College of Continuing Education.

The grant, renewable by the foundation for two additional years at $100,000 per year, will fund educational programs to those 50 and older. It will also complement the thriving Sixty-Plus, ElderHostel, and Renaissance Society programs already serving older adults at CSUS.

“Our particular focus with the CSUS OLLI will be adults aged 50-60,” says Elizabeth Holland Hough, a senior program manager and initiator of the project. “For most people this is a decade characterized by significant personal and professional transitions. It is an audience that has been historically underserved by the University.”

With this award, CSUS joins nine CSU campuses that have already received nearly $5 million from the Osher Foundation, and seven CSU campuses that received their first award in February of 2004.

The Institute plans to offer a series of short seminars and workshops throughout the year to the nearly 780,000 residents ages 50 and older in the surrounding 13-county area. Topics may include retirement financial planning, entrepreneurship, local government activism, website development, photography, exploring Sacramento theatre, art history, California politics, and memoir writing.

The College of Continuing Education is conducting a survey of the needs and interests of the 50-and-older community. Those interested may complete it at http://www.cce.csus.edu/survey/osherSurvey.htm. Responses collected by April 5 will be used to develop course offerings for fall 2004.

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