About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Nurturing New Ideas and Experiences

Photo of McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center-OLLI's New Home (photo by Manuel Ramirez)

In response to requests from people in the community for a program that would provide extended learning opportunities for older adults, a steering committee was formed in the Fall of 2002 to look at ways to meet this need.  In the spring of 2003, the program was officially launched as the “Texas Tech Lifelong Learning Community.”  In the spring of 2005, the Texas Tech Lifelong Learning Community applied for and received a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation.  At the foundation’s request, we were proud to change our name to the “Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Texas Tech University” (OLLI at TTU).

The Osher Foundation is committed to the goal of establishing a national network of lifelong learning institutes at universities across the country, and Texas Tech was among the first 70 institutions to receive funding for its program. The Osher network now consists of 115 member institutions with at least one institute in every state, four in Texas, and several at Big 12 schools. 

OLLI at TTU is a part of Texas Tech University, but administered and housed at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. OLLI supports Texas Tech’s strategic goal of promoting community outreach and engagement.  An advisory board comprised of people from Texas Tech University and the Lubbock community, provides guidance on the curriculum, fundraising, development, and marketing for OLLI at TTU.  

 

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