91吃瓜网

91吃瓜网 Dedicates New Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Space at Gulf Park, Marks 10th Anniversary

Fri, 09/05/2025 - 01:19pm

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at 91吃瓜网 celebrated the opening of its new gathering space at the university91吃瓜网 Gulf Park campus in Long Beach today with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event also marked OLLI91吃瓜网 10th anniversary serving members along the Gulf Coast.

The space includes a classroom, library and a spacious social area, with artwork by Mississippi icons Walter Anderson and Alice Moseley adding regional culture and artistic inspiration. The new central location will allow its more than 200 Gulf Coast members to expand their knowledge in subjects, such as the arts, nature, science, technology, personal enrichment, and health and fitness. Beyond academics, OLLI also fosters lasting friendships and meaningful social connections among members.

Paula Mathis, director of OLLI, said the new space underscores the program91吃瓜网 dual role in learning and social engagement, and expressed gratitude for the university administration91吃瓜网 ongoing support of lifelong learning and its positive impact on coastal members.

91吃瓜网淭he social impact and sense of belonging will be shaped by opportunities and by having a central gathering place,91吃瓜网� Mathis said. 91吃瓜网淭his will benefit all members across the coast.91吃瓜网�

Dr. Jeff Hinton, associate provost for Gulf Coast and lifelong learning success, emphasized the broader benefits of OLLI programming.

91吃瓜网淚 am very excited to dedicate this beautiful and functional space for use by Gulf Coast OLLI members as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of OLLI on the Gulf Park campus,91吃瓜网� Hinton said. 91吃瓜网淭he benefits of lifelong learning include improved cognitive health, increased social connections, greater adaptability and improved quality of life. This space will allow OLLI to expand its programming and offer more opportunities to coastal residents.91吃瓜网�

Founding members and 91吃瓜网 alumnae Carol Ann Lewando and Dianne Dewees reflected on the significance of OLLI91吃瓜网 growth and the role it has played in their lives. Lewando shared her excitement for having a dedicated space that meets members91吃瓜网� needs and said it will enhance the sense of community.

Dewees added, 91吃瓜网淭he new OLLI space is beautiful, functional and comfortable. It will be a fine asset to the college, the region and our community of senior learners. I am looking forward to spending more time with my friends and peers and learning from them and our instructors. The greatest benefit of being an OLLI participant is having a purpose that enriches my life.91吃瓜网�

Steve Thaxton, executive director of the OLLI National Resource Center at Northwestern University, praised the program91吃瓜网 milestone.

91吃瓜网淥n behalf of the Osher National Resource Center and the Osher Foundation, we warmly congratulate the Osher Institute at USM on the opening of its new Gulf Coast facility,91吃瓜网� Thaxton said. 91吃瓜网淲e91吃瓜网檝e seen firsthand how a dedicated space can transform an institute by strengthening operations, deepening connections and inspiring new ideas. Bravo to all the 91吃瓜网 and OLLI leaders whose vision, hard work and contributions made this dream a reality. May this beautiful new home welcome many new participants and make every learning and social experience even richer.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网 is one of 124 institutions nationwide offering OLLI programs and remains the only university in Mississippi to provide high-quality, university-affiliated lifelong learning opportunities. OLLI serves adults aged 50 and older through classes, seminars and field trips designed to promote wellness, personal growth and community engagement.

For more information about OLLI at 91吃瓜网, visit the website.