The Bernard Osher Foundation has donated an additional $100,000 for the coming year to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USC Beaufort.

This is the second year OLLI has received a gift of this size from the Osher Foundation and reflects its continuing support of the campus' lifelong learning program. Last year's gift allowed OLLI to secure a new facility at Pineland Station Mall for classes on Hilton Head Island, which will open in mid-August, expand the OLLI program in to Jasper County, and significantly increase the number of classes offered to OLLI members, with many new classes and instructors.

"We are very pleased with the confidence that the Bernard Osher Foundation has placed in our OLLI program and the University of South Carolina Beaufort," stated USCB Chancellor Dr. Jane T. Upshaw. "The donation of a gift of this size two years in a row demonstrates that our OLLI program is on the right track, positions us for long-term growth, and makes possible a number of initiatives to strengthen the program even further. The OLLI program is a key part of the total learning experience at USCB."

The lifelong learning program managed by OLLI at USC Beaufort has been in existence for more than 13 years, and currently serves more than 840 members throughout the Lowcountry. OLLI conducts educational programs for senior adults. These not-for-credit classes have no entrance requirements and no tests. Members take these classes for personal enrichment. In 2006-07, OLLI will offer more than 230 classes in a wide variety of subject areas, including arts and culture, ecology, finance, gardening, government, history, literature, music, and science.

Philanthropist Bernard Osher created the Bernard Osher Foundation in 1977 to benefit education and health care. The Foundation collaborates with more than 73 universities nationwide to establish the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, which give each area's senior population access to intellectually and culturally stimulating programs.

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