Retired Persons Receive Education
By: Orion Tippens
Issue date: 5/10/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
While many academic-driven students spend their extra time on campus playing text message tag or coddling their portable game-stations, there are other students on campus who gather together on Mondays to play bridge, and they carry a lifetime of experience with them.
They are part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a large community of retired senior citizens that are at Cal State Fullerton to learn more and have fun in the process.
OLLI is a membership-based program where retired and semi-retired senior citizens partake in educational programs and recreational activities. It defines itself on its Web site as "a continuing learning experience," with classes including music, computer programs, language and art.
"I have a good time. I met my peers and I have a lot of laughs," said Jerri Brillhart, 90, a member of the program for 27 years.
She said the initial count for members back in 1979 was 40 members.
Even as the program's spring semester ends earlier than the academic semester, many members return to campus to simply have fun and socialize for a friendly game of bridge.
"Bridge was very popular for students when I was in college," said Kay Forrester, 68 who attended CSUF during the 1970s.
In a quiet, yet friendly, atmosphere, around 50 members gather for each session. They play a special version of bridge called "duplicate" bridge, a multiplayer variation of the game.
The social atmosphere of the bridge meetings adds to the overall quality, as many classes are available for pleasure and discussion. "Sexy Shakespeare," "Wisdom Exchange" and "Butterflies and Butterfly Gardens" were a few of the many diverse classes encouraging social activity and discussion during the spring semester.
OLLI began 28 years ago as CLE, the Continued Learning Experience, started by Lee Shapiro. Eventually through private funding, the growing program led to the creation of the Ruby Gerontology Center building on campus, where current OLLI classes are held.
The CLE program has since changed its name to credit the Bernard Osher Foundation, which has funded OLLI since 2001, along with 90 similar programs nationwide.
Now the program has over 780 members according to Barbara Talento, the current president.
"All through college we didn't have time for 'soul food,' classes that I didn't have to take or risk screwing up my GPA. Now we take time for exploratory classes like philosophy and poetry and really enjoy what school is about: learning," Talento said about today's college experience and what today's students may miss.
Talento is quite proud of OLLI's recent accomplishments. Various members have contributed literature and poetry in two published anthologies. The office in the gerontology building is adorned with many watercolor paintings done by various members.
"Learning is lifelong, and it's never really too late," Talento said.
They are part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a large community of retired senior citizens that are at Cal State Fullerton to learn more and have fun in the process.
OLLI is a membership-based program where retired and semi-retired senior citizens partake in educational programs and recreational activities. It defines itself on its Web site as "a continuing learning experience," with classes including music, computer programs, language and art.
"I have a good time. I met my peers and I have a lot of laughs," said Jerri Brillhart, 90, a member of the program for 27 years.
She said the initial count for members back in 1979 was 40 members.
Even as the program's spring semester ends earlier than the academic semester, many members return to campus to simply have fun and socialize for a friendly game of bridge.
"Bridge was very popular for students when I was in college," said Kay Forrester, 68 who attended CSUF during the 1970s.
In a quiet, yet friendly, atmosphere, around 50 members gather for each session. They play a special version of bridge called "duplicate" bridge, a multiplayer variation of the game.
The social atmosphere of the bridge meetings adds to the overall quality, as many classes are available for pleasure and discussion. "Sexy Shakespeare," "Wisdom Exchange" and "Butterflies and Butterfly Gardens" were a few of the many diverse classes encouraging social activity and discussion during the spring semester.
OLLI began 28 years ago as CLE, the Continued Learning Experience, started by Lee Shapiro. Eventually through private funding, the growing program led to the creation of the Ruby Gerontology Center building on campus, where current OLLI classes are held.
The CLE program has since changed its name to credit the Bernard Osher Foundation, which has funded OLLI since 2001, along with 90 similar programs nationwide.
Now the program has over 780 members according to Barbara Talento, the current president.
"All through college we didn't have time for 'soul food,' classes that I didn't have to take or risk screwing up my GPA. Now we take time for exploratory classes like philosophy and poetry and really enjoy what school is about: learning," Talento said about today's college experience and what today's students may miss.
Talento is quite proud of OLLI's recent accomplishments. Various members have contributed literature and poetry in two published anthologies. The office in the gerontology building is adorned with many watercolor paintings done by various members.
"Learning is lifelong, and it's never really too late," Talento said.
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