The lifelong learning program for people 50+ at UMass Boston is forming an alliance with Stonewall Communities to expand this fall’s course offerings through its Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI).

The UMass LLI, known as OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) boasts more than 1,000 members from a broad spectrum of Eastern Massachusetts towns, including many on the South Shore. Stonewall Communities’ Lifelong Learning Institute, a Boston-based non-profit serving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered seniors, has offered classes and lecture programs to its more than 200 members throughout eastern Massachusetts for the past 4 years.

“OLLI is excited to collaborate with Stonewall Communities Lifelong Learning Institute this fall in offering courses to the LGBT community with the benefit of OLLI's resources, and giving OLLI the opportunity to further diversify its student body,” says  Wichian Rojanawon, PhD, Director of OLLI.

“OLLI provides a great service to older adults who want to continue to grow socially, culturally, and intellectually, and collaboration with Stonewall Communities Lifelong Learning Institute will enhance their ability to do that,” he adds.

According to Ed Ford, president of Stonewall Communities, “In challenging economic times, organizations like ours are looking for creative ways to continue serving our members. With our collaboration with OLLI, Stonewall not only has the opportunity to continue our LLI programs but to expand learning opportunities through this new partnership.  Everyone wins! “

Sponsored by UMass Boston's Gerontology Institute, OLLI was established in 1999 and has since been successfully attracting older learners to its educational courses, lectures, social events, and travel opportunities. These same opportunities now will be available to members of Stonewall Communities as well. While many offerings take place on the harbor front campus, courses are also offered at two satellite locations-the Hingham Public Library and Cordage Park in Plymouth.

A small sampling of the 70 non-credit courses to be offered this fall includes Intermediate French Conversation through Cinema; How Our Brain Works; Introduction to Opera; Edward Albee and the Theatre of the Absurd; Introduction to African Cinema; Longevity and Medical Thought (an online course); Acting for the Fun of It; Learn Chinese Modern History through Documentary Movies; Culinary Italy from North to South; Native American Two-Spirit LGBT Poetry and Short Fiction; and National Issues Forum: Non-Partisan Discussions of International Relations and Security Issues.  In addition, nearly 40 lectures will be offered on a wide variety of topics.

Many courses are taught by retired or current UMass Boston faculty and others by retired specialists in their fields. Mid-day “Brown Bag" presentations feature speakers from many fields of knowledge. In addition, OLLI arranges group discounts for theatrical performances at locations such as the Huntington Theatre, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, and the Boston Center for the Arts; group discounts are also arranged for domestic and international travel. Many exciting daytrips and longer travels are planned for this fall.  

The annual membership fee of $175 compares favorably to similar programs costing $500-$700. OLLI students and Stonewall members also receive benefits such as a UMass Boston student ID card, which makes possible free admission or access to the following: JFK Library/Museum (general exhibitions only); Museum of Fine Arts (general galleries only); UMass Boston Athletics Facilities, including the swimming pool and Fitness Center; computer labs on UMass Boston campus; a student email account for life; and the omission of the meals tax (5%) on food purchased in the cafeterias on campus.

The Fall 2011 catalog of courses is now available. For more information or to see the fall programs, visit www.olli.umb.edu. To receive the course catalog call 617-287-7312. Hurry-registration has begun for classes beginning in September! Full or partial scholarships are available upon request.