CINCINNATI, December 20, 2010 – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Cincinnati received a $1 million surprise at its annual holiday luncheon. UC President Gregory Williams announced The Bernard Osher Foundation’s $1 million endowment gift to support the enhancement of UC’s continuing education program for active adults in the Greater Cincinnati area.

“On behalf of OLLI’s staff, volunteers and members, we sincerely appreciate the continuing support from the University of Cincinnati and the Osher Foundation,” said OLLI program director Fred Bassett. “This gift will allow us to continue sharing UC’s vast educational resources with Cincinnati’s aging community by giving them access to stimulating classes and advanced learning opportunities.”

 “The university is proud to be a partner of OLLI and we are so grateful for the Osher Foundation’s tremendous generosity and willingness to invest in lifelong learning,” Williams added.

OLLI offers, on average, 100 courses each quarter led by expert teachers in a relaxed, informal environment - and no need to worry about tests or grades. Offerings range from personal enrichment courses on philosophy, science, literature, and history to practical courses related to health, personal finance and computer usage.

”The nature and variety of educational opportunities at UC’s Osher Institute are impressive,” said Osher Foundation president, Mary Bitterman.  “The program consistently provides a rich and meaningful array of learning activities for seasoned adults in the Greater Cincinnati Area and we are delighted to provide this permanent support for such an outstanding program.”

This year’s gift follows a history of support from the Osher Foundation – one that began in 2007 when UC’s institute received a $100,000 gift and officially took the name of Osher. That gift was followed by second $100,000 award in 2008, and a $1 million endowment and two additional gifts totaling $75,000 in 2009. Collectively, the funding helps OLLI supplement what is otherwise a mostly volunteer-driven operation.

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Osher and their foundation for this wonderful vote of confidence,” said OLLI board chairperson Tom Noonan. “Despite a record enrollment of 1,025 in 156 courses this past fall, the institute still is managed by a paid staff of just two. The Osher Foundation and our volunteers form a tremendous support system for OLLI and are the glue that holds us together.

Lifelong learning has been part of UC’s programmatic offerings for more than 20 years. The UC institute is one of 118 nationwide Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes and is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful programs for active adults in the U.S. – founded, staffed and taught by volunteers, with the support of a small office staff.

For more information about OLLI or to register for a winter quarter class, please visit http://www.uc.edu/ce/olli/default.html.

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About the University of Cincinnati

Ranked by the National Science Foundation as one of the top 25 public research universities in the United States, the University of Cincinnati is the region’s largest employer, with a diverse student population of more than 41,000. UC's faculty has distinguished themselves worldwide for their creative teaching and research, including members of the National Academy of Science, Institute of Medicine and winners of Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prizes. The University’s 14 Colleges set the foundation for a university dedicated to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, experience-based learning, and research. U.S. News has described UC as one of 15 “up and coming” universities and Forbes Magazine named UC one of the world’s most beautiful campuses.

About the University of Cincinnati Foundation

The University of Cincinnati Foundation is leading Proudly Cincinnati: Tower of Strength, Rock of Truth, the University’s most ambitious campaign in history, supporting the vision for UC to become the finest public research university in the United States. Proudly Cincinnati’s goal is to raise $1 billion by 2013. To date, more than $715 million has been raised for scholarships, innovative teaching and groundbreaking research. For more information about the Proudly Cincinnati campaign, visit www.uc.edu/foundation.

About the Bernard Osher Foundation

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.