FURMAN OLLI MOVIE
FURMAN OLLI PLUS

OLLI is self-sustaining through its membership fees, class fees and the help of volunteers – plus grants to Furman University from the Bernard Osher Foundation, which endows the program.

FURMAN OLLI MOVIE

Other events have ranged from a drive-in movie in the parking lot to OLLI’s version of “Antiques Roadshow.” Some people join our program just to be in one of those groups,” Kennedy says. “Members get together and speak Spanish or French, or take photographs, or discuss current events. OLLI also offers special interest groups. OLLI members take part in the Nature and Landscape Photography class. “Lunch and Learn” on Tuesdays is free, open to the public, and could highlight virtually any subject. OLLI presents “Bonus Events” on Fridays, which could be a tour, a wine tasting or a lecture. Some people like the classes but are more interested in coming to see each other.” “That looks different for different people. They enjoy the interaction with our members,” Kennedy says.Ĭlasses are the heart of the program, she says.

“What's wonderful is that our instructors are teaching here, not for the money, but because they love their topic. They've all worked and traveled and had careers and want to contribute to the program.”Ībout 800 people participate in the program as volunteers. So we keep you young,” says Kennedy, who earned her undergraduate degree at Furman before moving on to the University of South Carolina for her master’s degree in Mass Communications. “We've had people as old as 101 come to class. There is no age requirement, but most participants are age 55 or older. How do you make the most of that time for yourself?” Many refer to retirement as the third age. But they get here and have a great time,” Kennedy says. “People recognize that lifelong learning is important for their overall health. That is what makes this program special,” says Nancy Kennedy, who started working part-time at OLLI in 2011 and was promoted to director in 2014. The teacher and the students are here because they want to be, and they want to interact and share information. OLLI – the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University – is designed to inspire senior adults to stay intellectually and physically active through a diverse array of classes and programs that encourage lifelong learning, health and well-being, social interaction, creativity and enjoyment. If your passion is photography or fine arts, philosophy or literature … If you want to learn French or Italian or Spanish or Latin … If you need tips to manage your money or your diet or your genealogy project … Or if you’ve always hoped to explore religions, psychology, cribbage, Star Trek or pickleball … Then you need to know more about OLLI.

Furman olli