The Osher Institute offers non-credit continuing education for people ages 50 and better
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at William & Mary is a membership of people — mostly ages 50+ — from a variety of backgrounds with an abundance of knowledge, wisdom and curiosity. We share a common interest in continuing our learning experiences and intellectual stimulation. There are no tests or grades. Members participate purely for the joy of learning.
Lifelong learning at W&M — that is, a continuing education program directed to seasoned adults — was established at William & Mary in 1991. Founded through the vision and generosity of retired sociology professors Ruth Kernodle HON '08 and Wayne Kernodle HON '08, the organization was known as the Christopher Wren Association. The program was designated as an Osher Institute in 2018.
The Osher Institute at W&M is self-sustaining and supported in part through an endowment from The Bernard Osher Foundation as well as membership fees and fundraising efforts. Consultative and communications support is provided through the National Resource Center for OLLIs based at Northwestern University in Chicago.
The Osher Institute at William & Mary is one of 125 Osher Institutes located across the United States at prestigious universities and colleges. There is at least one OLLI in every state; Virginia has five Osher Institutes. They are located at George Mason University, Hampton University, University of Richmond, University of Virginia and William & Mary.
Membership
Participation in the Osher Institute at William & Mary is by membership each semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The membership fee is $175 fee per semester (Fall and Spring). The membership fee includes enrollment in up to 16 classes over a 12- or 15-week semester (half of the classes can be multi-session courses), other scheduled activities, and eligibility to participate in functions sponsored by the Institute. Summer semester membership is offered at a reduced fee for the shortened one-month (June) term.
The membership fee does not include books and materials for classes or the cost of special events.
The William & Mary's Swem Library offers Osher members borrowing privileges through membership in The Friends of the Library at no additional cost. You must present your current Osher name tag at the circulation desk to receive an annual borrower's card.
W&M Bookstore offers a 10% discount on W&M logo items to any Osher member. You must present your current Osher name badge and a photo ID to receive this discount.
Organization
The Osher Institute at William & Mary is a department of the university's School of Education. Our Institute is managed by a staff of three. A Leadership Council, all of whom are Osher members, serve in an advisory role. Our courses and activities are planned and operated by the staff and volunteers. We design our own curriculum. We arrange for volunteer instructors from William & Mary faculty (current and retired), from our own membership, and from the community at large.
Membership in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides intellectual stimulation, as well as social engagement with a vibrant community of lifelong learners. Classes and activities offer members a chance to greet old friends and make new ones.
You Belong Here
Are you ready to join our vibrant community of lifelong learners? Whether as a member, instructor and/or volunteer, you are sure to find a welcoming, curious, diverse and energetic cohort of like-minded people here. Join us!
