About OLLI

In 1997, a small group of mature learners collaborated with the Division of Continuing Education at UCI to form the Academy of Lifelong Learning. Through hard work, dedication, and a generous endowment from the Osher Foundation, OLLI at UCI was born.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University of California, Irvine

OLLI board members
Aerial view of campus

History

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Network is a dynamic consortium of more than 120 lifelong learning institutes dedicated to serving adults aged 50 and better. Funded in part by The Bernard Osher Foundation, each independent Institute is affiliated with a college or university, offering intellectually stimulating, non-credit courses and learning opportunities tailored to meet the diverse interests and needs of their local communities.

Members of OLLI at the University of California, Irvine, are learning explorers who choose to focus time and energy in extending their knowledge through a broad range of subjects — literature, history, science, the arts, and more. With vibrant minds and unbounded curiosity, we discover, share, and build social connections with like-minded individuals in a rich learning culture.

Our own story began in 1997 when a small group of mature learners, under the leadership of Rose Moldave, Joan Schwartz, Sally Schwartz, and Rayna Zeidenberg, collaborated with the Division of Continuing Education at UC Irvine to form the Academy of Lifelong Learning. Without their personal connection with the university and access to the early faculty presenters, OLLI might not have the quality it enjoys today. Six years later, with an initial grant from the Osher Foundation, the Academy became part of the growing OLLI Network and OLLI at UCI became official. Three years later, the Osher Foundation presented an endowment to the university on our behalf, which provides annual earned interest.

We have courses in three terms each year (fall, spring, and summer) to pursue topics of our own choosing. We rely on the contributions and participation of our members to develop classes, coordinate lecture series, lead small group discussions, organize activities, and serve on committees and on the Board of Directors. Members also act as course facilitators, help with administration, and volunteer for all the tasks that make us a vital organization.

Lonnie Horn President

President’s Welcome

As we welcome the Spring 2025 semester, we celebrate the continuation of our vibrant learning community at OLLI at UCI. This marks another exciting chapter in our mission to inspire, engage, and challenge lifelong learners.

Thanks to the dedication and creativity of our Curriculum and Special Events Committees, we are proud to offer a Spring catalog filled with a diverse range of classes and events. Whether you’re deepening your knowledge or venturing into new subjects, there’s something for every curiosity and every learner.

We look forward to another semester of learning, connection, and discovery together.

Lonnie Horn
OLLI at UCI President

OLLI at UCI

Directions and Classroom Information

Where Are Classes Held?

We offer hybrid learning to accommodate the varied needs of our members and make learning more accessible. Members can attend class in-person or online, whichever fits your comfort level and expectations.

Online classes are presented through the OLLI Remote Learning Center.

In-person classes are held in our classroom located at the Irvine Station (across from the Irvine Train Station lobby and facing Ada) at the following address:

15207 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, California 92618

View directions via Google Maps.

Parking

Ample free parking is available in the Irvine Train Station tiered parking structure. Vehicles that display a valid handicapped placard may park in the 90-minute spaces on the first floor of the parking garage as well as in the marked handicapped spaces. You will be ticketed without a valid placard. Plenty of free parking is available on the upper levels, with elevator access to the first floor.