OLLI provides lifelong learning opportunities for retired individuals in Centre County through various courses. It began in 1997 as the Community Academy for Lifelong Learning with nine courses and has since grown significantly, now offering between 65 to 95 courses per term with over 1,200 members. OLLI aims to connect retirees and others through shared interests and friendships formed in courses while also improving memory and self-confidence.

1. AUGUST 14-20, 2014 THE CENTRE CouN PAGE21
When it comes to lifelong learning, it's OLLI by golly
By HARRY ZIMBLER
For the Gazette
STATE COLLEGE- Living close to one of the world's
greatest institutions of higher learning, one would expect
to find an atmosphere that encourages never-ending ex-
ploration and learning. Wasn't it Aristotle who said, "The
most entertaining thing to do is to learn something new"?
In Centre County, retired individuals can continue their
educations with the many learning opportunities available
at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
OLLI began as the Community Academy for Lifelong
Learning, according to executive director Sarah Benton. In
its first year, 1997, the organization offered a nine courses.
It has grown substantially ever since.
Growing out of a grant initiative by Penn State's College
of Health and Human Services, CALL formally affiliated
with Penn State Continuing Education in 2006.
A year later, Penn State Continuing Education applied
for a $100,000 grant from the Osher Foundation. Onere-
quirement of the grant was to rename the group the Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute at Penn State.
Today, on average, OLLI offers 65 to 95 courses each
term, with 1,200-plus OLLI members participating on a
regular basis.
SENIOR CENTERS: ADIRECTORY
Centre County Senior Centers
Centre Region NSC
131 South Fraser St., State College
(814) 231-3076
cstahlman@crocg.org
eplozner@crcog.net
Centre Penns ValleyArea Center
102 Leisure Lane, Madisonburg
(814) 349-8188
pvcenter@getwireless.net
Centre Philipsburg
NSC 300 North Front St., Philipsburg
(814) 342-6549
pburgcenter@comcast.net
CentreSnowShoeNSC
Mountaintop Medical Center
402 Sycamore Road, Snow Shoe
(814) 387-4086
bellecenter1@gmail.com
·Centre Bellefonte NSC
203 N. Spring St., Bellefonte
(814) 355-6720
bellecenter1@gmail.com
Centre Hall Center
Centre Hall Fire Hall
207 North Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall
(814) 364-9511
pvcenter@getwireless.net
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"OLLI is all about providing happiness," stated Benton.
"What a satisfying job!"
Benton noted that she is pleased to see how many
friendships are formed through OLLI, especially among
retirees.
"Many people who retire or are new to the area feel
lost and lonely," she explained. "OLLI connects them in a
warm and friendly environment. Through courses, mem-
bers meet others with the same interests."
classes.
"We also have to get the word out to the community,"
she added.
Lifelong learning keeps minds sharp, improves memory
and increases self-confidence.
"OLLI is an inexpensive way to try something new,"
Benton said. "It is an avenue to meet new people, build on
skills one already has."
Benton encourages everyone to try teaching an OLLI
course. Many professionals and hobbyists teach courses
for OLLI, she said.
OLLI instructors are excited to be teaching. They espe-
cially enjoy active seniors who truly appreciate the learn-
ing of new things.
"Our instructors can't believe how engaged our OLLI
members are in learning experiences," said Benton. "Many
have stated that teaching for OLLI has reinvigorated their
love for teaching."
"You can also sign up for a free one-term membership -
and participate in courses and activities, such as trips. We
have many committees that people can serve on. We could
also use technical assistants to help our instructors with
audio/visual needs," she said.
Benton said that her greatest challenge is finding new
instructors and developing fresh and interesting new
For more information, visit the OLLI website at www.
olli.psu.edu.
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