A Quick Start… And Still Going Strong The OLLI program began in 1997 as Senior College. The concept was a success from the start, as Quinlan fondly remembers. “Its beginnings are the stuff of legend. Local Rabbi, Harry Sky, worked with the leadership of the University to invite potential older learners to a meeting about an exciting new learning opportunity for older learners in Maine. They expected 150 people, and had enough 'chowdah' to feed 175. When 500 potential students showed up, the program was successfully launched, albeit with a very watered down fish chowder lunch.” Senior College changed to its current title in 2001 after receiving a gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation that enabled the program to expand. The OLLI at USM now serves as the national headquarters for the program, which has expanded to 73 campuses nationwide. Besides OLLI, there are 14 other Senior College programs throughout Maine. More than 4000 Mainers participate in Senior Colleges throughout the state.

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks never heard of OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI as it is affectionately called, is an educational and social outlet for people ages 55 and up. Aapproximately 950 students are enrolled in the Maine based OLLI, and that number is expected to double within the next few years. The program, based out of the USM campus in Portland, offers older learners a wide range of classes to learn from, and is a great way to meet new people and get involved in several extracurricular activities.

If the thought of homework and tests makes you cringe, don't worry. You won't find any in the OLLI classrooms. There are typically readings you can do outside of class, but nothing is required — the attendees' experience and love of learning are what matter most.

I headed down to campus one Friday to learn more about the program, and wound up sitting in on several classes throughout the day to get some first-hand experience.

The first thing that struck me was the variety of class options. There are 35 different courses offered in the current spring term. I sat in on classes with topics ranging from Taiji (the Eastern spelling of Tai Chi), to the British Crown Royal, to drawing, biology, and modern Italy. And that was just before lunch. Class size varies, but the average is around 20. The art class had 5 students, and the Crown Royal class, taught by a popular teacher who has been teaching at OLLI since it began, had 118. Susan Morrow, the director of the OLLI program who was showing me around to different classes, pointed out a 93-year old student who comes to the class every week.

Besides being 30 years shy of the minimum age requirement, sitting in the classes felt very much like being back in school. Students still asked questions and discussed interesting points brought up in class. Some argued their views when they differed from those of the teacher. Some sat quietly and took notes, and others just sat back and soaked in all the information, but everyone seemed to be engaged in the classes and supportive of their fellow students.

These students have one thing that your average college student lacks, which is lots of life experience. Often OLLI students have additional knowledge or experience that the teacher doesn't, and they are encouraged to share that. Since the pressure of teachers grading students has been removed, they can learn from each other.

Becky Quinlan, who works in Public Relations for OLLI, says, “Our research finds that intellectual stimulation provides OLLI members gains in self-esteem, sense of community, and spiritual renewal. Lifelong learning enhances their sense of well-being and improves their perception of aging.” Quinlan notes that at first, students were reluctant to go to classes “with a bunch of old people,” but soon found value and inspiration in learning from one another's experiences. Students realized that just because they were getting older didn't mean they had to stop trying new things, and in turn, gained an appreciation for the later stages of life.

The classes also provide a social aspect that is important for many older people. It is a great way to meet new people and become a part of something. Karyl Perry, a student I met at lunchtime between the morning and afternoon sessions, agreed. “I was recently retired [when I joined OLLI] and I'm not from Maine. I didn't have contacts at the time, and [the program] has been wonderful.” Perry also told me of a fellow student's enthusiasm towards the program. “I had one gal who was so excited, she said to me, ‘I never went to college, but I'm going to Senior College. I'm going to OLLI.' She was very excited about being able to be part of this added education.”

The program offers a great sense of community to those involved. Several branches of OLLI around the country have paid staff, but the OLLI staff at USM is entirely volunteer. Teachers are there for the love of knowledge. Several volunteers help out in with administrative responsibilities. Some students help out with mailings, book lists, and other tasks to help keep the program running smoothly. Everyone has a more personal connection with the program, because they play an important part in its success.

The sense of community was most evident during lunchtime. This is a time where students talk about class lessons and get to know more about one another outside of class. Everyone seemed comfortable talking and joking with their peers, and a few came up to the table I was at for some good-natured heckling of the students with whom I was speaking. Another lady from the morning's Taiji class stopped by to joke with me about missing a good photo opportunity of them performing 'spring rain' after I had left.

The courses vary from year to year, and most OLLI members continue taking classes from year to year. Perry and Greene have been involved with the program since it began. “It was something fresh and new and interesting,” says Perry. “We didn't know what it was going to be, but it was connected to something that was meaningful.” Over the years, OLLI has indeed become an important part of the lives of its members. The members play an equally important a role in the success of the program. “I think a big part of it is the people you meet and become friendly with. They have very diverse backgrounds,” says Greene.

In addition to some of the more traditional class topics, OLLI offers some classes that might not show up on a standard course listing. Perry is taking a class called “Taking Care of Your Old Stuff,” which shows how to store and care for antique or collectible items. “The program is remarkable in how diversified it is,” says Perry. They also have a chess class taught by a local elementary chess coach, where OLLI students play against the elementary students. “At first they kind of feel each other out, but by the second class they're playing to win,” says Morrow.

Even if you don't get involved with the classes, there are other activities to the program. OLLI has a puppet opera group that creates their own puppets and has performances, a chorus, a walking group for regular exercise, local and international field trips, and different Service Learning Groups that do volunteer projects in the community. Right now they are teaching handicapped children to ride horses, helping students learn English, and working with impoverished children in Guatemala.

There are so many classes to choose from and ways to get involved. OLLI is a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge and connect with new people at the same time. And the best part is, even if you're just starting out in the program there are no underclassmen here — everyone's a senior.