About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Nurturing New Ideas and Experiences

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Texas Tech University (OLLI at TTU) offers the pleasure of learning and the enjoyment of socializing in a relaxed environment!

OLLI at TTU is part of a national network of 120 university-affiliated lifelong learning institutes founded by California businessman, Bernard Osher.  OLLI’s purpose is to provide non-credit learning opportunities to people 50 years of age and older. 

No tests, no grades…just the opportunity to explore exciting topics and pursue new interests in a fun, intellectually engaging environment. 

Through the program, you will meet and interact with people from the community by participating in classes, discussion groups, special events, and social activities.

History

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 in the amount of $100,000 from the Bernard Osher Foundation.  At the foundation’s request, we changed our name to the “Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Texas Tech University” (OLLI at TTU).  The Foundation awarded OLLI at TTU two additional grants for $100,000 each in 2006 and 2007.  Based on its demonstrated success, OLLI at TTU received a $1 million endowment gift from the Osher Foundation in January 2008.

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 125 member institutions with at least one institute in every state, four in Texas, and several at Big 12 schools. 

Now in its fourth year, OLLI at TTU serves a membership of more than 500 men and women from Lubbock and the surrounding area. Members participate in a variety of educational and cultural activities, including a monthly lecture series, field trips to places of interest on the Texas Tech campus and the Lubbock community, travel study programs, and intellectually stimulating classes taught primarily by current and retired Texas Tech faculty.

OLLI at TTU is a part of the College of Outreach and Distance Education at Texas Tech University and 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 and marketing for OLLI at TTU.  

Advisory Board Members

Joyce Abbott
Community Volunteer

Judi Blakey
Director of Community Outreach
Covenant Medical Center
Lakeside

John Burns, Ph.D.
Dean
College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Texas Tech University

Betty Carr
Community Volunteer

Louise Cummins
Chair, Advisory Board
OLLI Consultant

Tavita Dorow
Community Volunteer

Jim Douglass
Associate Vice President
Texas Tech Alumni Association

Jerry Grimes
Community Volunteer

Kathleen Harris, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President
Office of Research Services
Texas Tech University

Margaret Hite
Community Volunteer

Carolyn Kendrick
WestMark Realtors

Nita Kiesling
Partner
WestMark Realtors

Peter Laverty
Director
Seniors Are Special
University Medical Center

Bill Meadors
LISD (Retired)

Michael Mezack, Ph.D.
Director Emeritus
Outreach & Distance Education
Texas Tech University

Norval Pollard
Vice President
Business Development
City Bank

Jean Scott, Ph.D.
Professor
Human Development &Family Studies
Texas Tech University

Tom Shubert
Retired Managing Director
Student Union and Activities
Texas Tech University

Richard B. Verrone, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Research Coordinator
& Instructor
Honors College
Texas Tech University

Vernita Woods-Holmes
Retired LISD Elementary
School Principal
LISD Board Member