OLLI moves to the Library
By Alexander Rodriguez, Editor in Chief
OLLI banners mark the front entrance to the Woodward Lot, now shared with OLLI students attending in-person sessions at their new classroom in the Grace Hauenstein Library – Photo by Ian MacNeil
Osher Lifeline Learning Institutes (OLLI) moved from Browne Center to the Grace Hauenstein Library this summer. OLLI, a program that offers non-credit learning courses to retired adults over the age of 50, is now in a more central spot on our campus.
“Our move to the Grace Hauenstein Library marks a meaningful step forward. Ian MacNeil, director of OLLI, said, “Driven by growing membership, the need for greater accessibility and a vision for expanded programming, our new office and classroom space—designed in collaboration with learning experts, technology specialists, and OLLI members—reflects the heart and evolving needs of our community.”
The program is designed to be able to engage the older community to continue the fun of learning without the exams or academic aspect. This program focuses on classes that develop intellectual stimulation and also personal learning, outside of the traditional classroom.
The classes offered range from subjects like biology and the history of Grand Rapids, and skills like cooking and painting.
OLLI students practice Tai Chi outside the Grace Hauenstein Library – Photo by MacNeil
Focused helping the growth of adults in the journey they want to pursue in a more developed stage in life.
OLLI students explore 1920s-era mugshots while touring the Grand Rapids City Archives – Photo by MacNeil
OLLI creates community growth and camaraderie to not only the members, but those that surround themselves around it. It also offers the younger traditional students opportunities to volunteer and work alongside the older generation. “OLLI will soon offer regular, free co-generational learning opportunities where traditional students can learn alongside OLLI students. We have three free events already scheduled,” MacNeil said. “OLLI is always looking for student volunteers to help facilitate our Zoom sessions and help make the program more accessible to our virtual audience.”
Aquinas has offered OLLI, or similar programs, the Aquinas Emeritus College, for over 50 years. To the students and faculty it has gone more unnoticed due to being in the separate Browne Center lot. This location was further from campus making it hard for their engagement with the campus community. Being moved into the Library has put them in a position to get more engagement from the campus community helping further strengthen the goals of the program.
The Saint 