Vanderbilt University’s lifelong learning opportunities for older adults will expand and flourish thanks to a $100,000 grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation.
The program, housed within Community, Neighborhood and Government Relations in the Division of Public Affairs, offers six-week terms of non-credit classes during fall, winter and spring along with a one-week summer term.
“Vanderbilt is a source of discovery for students of all ages, and the success of our program proves that the thirst for knowledge and insight never goes away,” said Michael Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs. “We are very grateful to the Osher Foundation for their gift, which will make it possible for us to extend Retirement Learning to an ever-greater community of eager students.”
As part of the agreement with the foundation, Retirement Learning at Vanderbilt will be renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt University.
Most classes consist of a one-hour lecture followed by 15 minutes for questions and answers. In addition, there are monthly “Lunch and Learn” events, day trips and an annual meeting of the membership with a prominent speaker. The program reflects the university’s high academic standards, with 65 percent of the instructors consisting of Vanderbilt’s current and retired faculty. A committee of the dues-paying members determines the curriculum, taking into consideration data collected from member surveys and input from participating professors.
Vanderbilt’s program, which began in 1995, now has approximately 600 active members, according to Norma Clippard, the executive director.
“Retirement Learning has shown tremendous growth in recent years, and that was an important factor in the Osher Foundation’s decision to support us,” Clippard said. “They seek well-established programs that have potential for future growth and success. That certainly characterizes our program.”
Membership in the institute is open to all interested adults. More information can be found at www.vanderbilt.edu/cngr.rlv.
Media Contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, 615-322-NEWS
annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu