“Curiosity is the compass that guides us to our passions.”

The quote from American author Elizabeth Gilbert, best known for her 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love, could easily be the slogan for Widener University’s OLLI program.

OLLI, (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) exists so that adults ages 50 and above can learn, explore, and socialize.

The OLLI program at Widener University offers noncredit courses in the fall, spring, and summer taught by volunteer experts on an amazingly diverse range of topics.

Interested in current events, sports, music, art, science, health, the Civil War, Charles Dickens, the golden age of Islam, the history of early Chinese civilization, world religions, American immigrants, Delaware County hauntings, financial management, tea?

 There’s a course for that.

And the offerings just keep growing.

“We celebrate the insatiable curiosity of older adults and their ongoing quest to learn about, engage with, and contribute to the world around them,” states the OLLI website.  

The OLLI Program

Widener is part of a group of 125 different universities in the United States that have partnered with the Osher Foundation to offer programs geared toward older adults.

Widener’s been with the program for over 10 years.

The founder of the Foundation, Bernard Osher, wanted to offer affordable educational programs to the community. 

The Foundation has scholarships available to help the non-traditional older college student return to campus.

“It was a great opportunity for Widener to run a community program and support the nontraditional students with scholarships funded through the Bernard Osher Foundation,” said Natasha Brame, Widener’s OLLI program manager.

Besides Widener, the OLLI program is only offered locally at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Widener’s OLLI classes take place on the Chester campus, as well as off-site locations in Swarthmore, Wallingford, Media, and Exton.

There’s a Friday lecture version that’s online, though most participants prefer to meet in person.

There’s also a Noon Wednesday lecture series that’s open to the public at Immaculata University, and friendly special interest groups that meet outside of class to continue specific topic discussion.  

Here’s How It Works

Members pay a $40 annual fee to join.

They receive a Widener ID and get free parking at the various OLLI course locations, as well as access to benefits on campus; like the library, the recreation center, the arboretum, and the cafeteria.

“That’s an especially significant perk for those members of the community around the campus that live in impoverished neighborhoods,” Brame said.

One member from a nearby neighborhood was ecstatic when he joined OLLI last year.

In the past he never thought he could be part of the campus community.

“And he said ‘because of this program, I now am.’”

The $40 gives participants access to an a la carte catalog of five-week classes that you can take during the three semesters. 

Each class is an additional $40 with some extra fees if supplies are needed.

People can join classes at any point. The annual fee is adjusted if you don’t join for the entire year.

Other perks with an OLLI membership include:

• The Widener e-newsletter
•  Access to special seminars and talks, social events, and discussion groups.
• Discounted or free group tours or excursions.

Brame said OLLI members rediscover the joy of learning and find new friends along the way.

For older adults, it means less isolation, and a chance to keep the mind engaged, returning to those days when you were in college or working.

There’s a lot of interaction and discussion, beyond just hearing a lecture.

“One thing you discover, too, is when you do start interacting with people, you realize how much everybody’s hooked up somewhere. We’re all connected to each other,” she said.

The oldest OLLI member, Jack Goodrich, turns 101 in January. He and his wife, Lois, attend several classes a semester, Brame said.

Most of the participants have been business professionals, CEOs and engineers, IT specialists, scientists, and educators.

“We have a lot of war veterans who come to the class. A lot of immigrants as well,” she said.

The current events course is a hot topic. So is a program called The Great American Song Book, which also includes expert information from Jeff Hines on opera.

“He brings a different light to opera than I would have thought. His class always has 50 people in it, easy,” Brame said.

Many OLLI participants also gravitate to the history courses.

One instructor, David Hudiak, an attorney by trade, is a great storyteller who offers a course called “Accidental President” and his fun facts about the presidents are really amazing, Brame said.

Another class looks at the history of women in the STEM fields.

One instructor, who formerly owned a repair shop, does Civil War soldier re-enactments.

Former sportscaster Bill Werndl teaches an extremely popular class, Worldwide Sports, bringing in different people from the sports industry.

Brame said the OLLI program is always looking for new topics to explore. She’s currently investigating a request for a course on UFOs.

Plus, she’s always on the lookout for someone to share their expertise. 

“The talent and personalities of the instructors and guest lecturers often make the programs come to life for the participants,” she said.

Learn more about Widener’s OLLI program and see what courses are available.