"Learning for the Love of Learning" at
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
 
Class was in session at our regular meeting on Monday, May 2, as members of Rotary Ventura South received a fascinating introduction to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University at Channel Islands. "There are no books, no tests, and no grades," said OLLI Operations Director Nick Fuentes (pictured above). "It's learning for the pure love of learning."
 
To participate, students must meet a single qualification: 50 years old or better. Classes are held in several locations around Ventura County, including the CSUCI campus, as well as satellite locations in Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Ojai. Instructors are either CSUCI professors or recognized experts in their field of instruction.
 
OLLI classes are numerous and varied. Recent offerings include such subjects as the psychology of love and loss, Cuba, Alfred Hitchcock's cinematic work, and deep space astronomy, to name but a few. "We also have Peer Led Activities," said Nick. These have included field trips to museums, science centers, and archaeology sites.
 
Joining Nick for the presentation were Courtney Gross, OLLI Program Analyst, and Gary Collins, who has participated in OLLI classes for the past 10 years. "We offer three sessions," said Courtney, "fall, winter, and spring." Fees range from $40 for a typical class to $500 for a year of unlimited courses. Gary noted that, in addition to learning, "students make new friends - it opens up a whole new world for them."
 
Our thanks to Nick, Courtney, and Gary for a truly interesting presentation. For more information on OLLI, visit their website here.