Members of OLLI at UCI 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.
In 1997, 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 the University of California, 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 in our behalf, which provides annual earned interest.
We have courses in two terms each year to pursue the topics that we choose. 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.