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Since the 1990s, Lifelong Learning Institutes, sponsored by the Osher Foundation, have created accessible and innovative learning environments with special focus on participants 50 years of age and over. Learners from all backgrounds and educational levels can enjoy the benefits of Institute membership. Choosing from a diverse collection of courses, learners can create their own personal development program, expanding their views of the world and enriching their lives and their communities.
There are currently 117 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes hosted by selected colleges and universities in 49 states. Potential member institutions are invited to apply for membership and are then selected through a rigorous application process. The University of Kansas was awarded membership in February 2004 and offered its first classes the following fall.
Maine native Bernard Osher is a successful businessman and community leader and a patron of the arts and education. His philanthropy has affected countless organizations over the past quarter century. His wife, the Honorable Barbro Osher, Consul General of Sweden in San Francisco, serves as chair of the foundation.
The Institute was founded by Bernard Osher in 1977 to benefit a wide range of educational, cultural, and other nonprofit organizations primarily in the San Francisco Bay area and his native Maine. During the 1990s, the Foundation funded a series of Osher Scholar programs, extending scholarship assistance for postsecondary education to nearly 30 colleges and universities as well as professional and technical schools in California and Maine.
There are four programs supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. These include the Osher Scholars and Fellows Program, Osher Reentry Scholarship Program, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes Program, Osher Integrative Medicine Programs, and Local arts, cultural, and educational programs.
Since our inaugural season in the fall of 2004, we will have offered more than 86 courses to more than 2,000 registered participants at 20 venues in Lawrence, Topeka, and Overland Park, Kansas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Four formal partnerships have been developed and successfully sustained with residential retirement communities in Kansas and Missouri. Additional Osher Lifelong Learning sponsorships have been created with museums, art organizations, libraries, a private foundation, higher education institutions, and many other community organizations. The University of Kansas is one of 117 sites in 49 states that have been selected by the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco to become a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
KU Osher classes are offered at easily accessible locations in four cities in the region. Headquarters are at 1515 St. Andrews Drive in Lawrence Kansas, in the KU Continuing Education building. Classes are also offered in Topeka, Overland Park – KU Edwards Campus, and Kansas City, Mo. Please check individual class descriptions for locations.
Osher course programming reflects our six Communities of Learning: Theology, Philosophy & Culture; A Sense of Place; The Arts; Globalization; Science and Technology; and Health and Well-Being. Our members drive programming through their varied and passionate interests. The breadth of available learning experiences are exceptional, ranging from local one-day tours of historic regional sites, to investigation of cutting-edge films, to exploring the science of the migratory flights of Monarch butterflies. Since some Osher classes overlap, members may not be able to attend every class.
Yes. You can become a member for one season, for a full year, or through individual course memberships. Classes are offered in the fall, spring and summer. A single season membership (fall, spring or summer) allows you to take as many classes in one season as your schedule allows. An annual membership allows you to take as many classes as your schedule allows for three consecutive seasons. A single course membership allows you to register for one or more courses during the season in which you registered.
Absolutely. Although we do not have a registration deadline, please register as early as possible for every course you wish to take. That way your seat will be reserved, and you will be assured of receiving all available resources for the class.
The Lifelong Learning Institute, a part of KU Continuing Education, creates accessible and innovative learning environments for Lawrence, Topeka, and the Kansas City area with special focus on participants 50 years of age and over. Learners from all backgrounds and educational levels are welcome to enjoy the benefits of Institute membership. Choosing from a diverse collection of courses, learners create their own personal development program, expanding their views of the world and enriching their lives and their communities.
No, everyone is welcome to become a member of the Lifelong Learning Institute. The program has a focus of learners 50 and older but encourages participation from lifelong learners of all ages.
Anyone, regardless of age or educational background, may join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. All you have to do is select a registration option from the list in the right-hand column of this page.
Teachers and facilitators are carefully selected to assure they have the academic qualifications, a passion for the topic, and a love of teaching to create a meaningful, interactive, and fun learning environment. Many of our instructors are faculty or emeritus faculty members at the University of Kansas.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members enjoy interactive and participatory teaching and learning environments. Classes are generally offered once a week over a three- week period with two hours scheduled for each class. There is always a 10-minute break after the first hour.
| Single Class (registration for one class and all member benefits) |
$35 |
| Two Classes (registration for two classes and all member benefits) |
$55 |
| Three Classes (registration for three classes and all member benefits) |
$70 |
| Single Season (unlimited number of classes and all member benefits) |
$80 |
| Annual (unlimited number of classes and all member benefits for one year) |
$180 |
Yes, there are numerous additional benefits for members. Your Osher membership packet includes information on how to register for a KU Online ID that is required for registration in the KU Instructional Services workshops. A KU Online ID provides access to many University of Kansas resources including:
Additional free benefits include:
Membership dues cover only a portion of the expenses needed to support the Osher program. Although the generous support received from the Bernard Osher Foundation supplements the program, additional costs are met by individual and corporate donations.
Request an
Osher Catalog
Click the button below, to request a current catalog classes and events from the KU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
If you would like to become a member of the KU Osher Institute, submit the online membership form.
If you are already an Osher member, you may sign-up for a class.
Phone
Toll-free 877-404-KUCE (5823) or 785-864-KUCE (5823)
Mail
Print and complete the membership form and mail with payment to:
The University of Kansas Continuing Education Registrations
1515 St. Andrews Drive Lawrence, Kansas 66047-1625
Fax
785-864-4871
TDD
800-766-3777
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