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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.

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Group of OLLI students
Aerial view of campus

History

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.

Lonnie Horn President

President's Welcome

Greetings to All,

Our Curriculum Teams have done an outstanding job in developing an exciting and interesting lineup of Classes and Special Events. As of catalog deadline there are 47 Classes and 12 Special Events. Prepare yourself to be engaged and absorbed in ideas from an impressive group of speakers. Allow yourself to be inspired. Most of all, take pride in our shared dedication to the power and pleasure of lifelong learning.

Look for announcements for additional classes or changes to the schedule in the KIT-Mail sent out each Monday via e-mail. This is an especially important communication for our members.

We need to bring our membership back to pre-pandemic levels with our goal being 500 members by June. More members mean more fun, more volunteers to share the workload, and most importantly, secure the future of the Osher Foundation. Let us all make a concerted effort to enroll a friend or two for the Spring semester.

If you have let your membership lapse, please consider joining us for the Spring Term. We are following safety protocols and remote learning is an option. Our membership is our greatest asset and we miss you.

Give us your time — we will stimulate your mind.

Stay curious!

Lonnie Horn
President, OLLI @ UCI

OLLI at UCI

Class Locations and Parking

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.

In-person classes will be held in the classroom located at the Irvine Station, across from the Irvine Train Station lobby and facing Ada, at 15207 Barranca Parkway, Irvine.

Online classes will be presented through the OLLI Remote Learning Center.

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.