The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on California State University, San Bernardino's Palm Desert campus will close at the end of June after 20 years. The program experienced a decline in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic and faced challenges in rebuilding its membership base.
“It wasn't just about learning how to write better. It wasn't just about current events and a lot of the things we learned,” said Ray Smythe, a longtime member of the OLLI program. he said. “It was a story of anecdotes and great inspiration that was shared with us. The magic was with all the people who come into (the Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building). It was the place.”
Also in this week's education news roundup, a College of the Desert nursing student received a car. Two of her students from Desert Mirage High School received scholarships from his club, Coachella Valley Surf. and weekly scholarship spotlights.
Did we miss any noteworthy education stories? Raise your hand and send it to me: jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
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CSUSB terminates the OLLI program. UCR Palm Desert expands version
In 2003, Kevin Sweeney, a recent immigrant to the Coachella Valley, joined the newly established Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSUSB's Palm Desert campus. Over the next 21 years, he observed the development of the program, first as a member and more recently as chair of the curriculum committee.
The program, affectionately known as OLLI, provides an avenue for intellectually curious adults ages 50 and older to dive into topics they and their instructors are passionate about and curious about. Did. The program offered a variety of annual noncredit classes lasting one, three, or six weeks, along with travel opportunities.
“It felt like going to college again,” Sweeney said. “Some have gotten to know other students and other members of the class, and some have developed friendships or casual relationships.”
Smythe, another long-time member of OLLI, said one of the program's greatest features is its ability to unite people for the simple joy of learning, free from the burden of tests and homework. I said that there is.
Many members like Sweeney and Smythe are now grieving the loss of the program after the university announced in early April that it would close CSUSB's Osher Institute effective June 30.
“For a long time, there were more members in the OLLI program than there were undergraduates on campus, so it was a huge shock when administrators announced (via email) that they were discontinuing the program,” Sweeney said. said Sweeney. we couldn't believe it. ”
After the shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OLLI program gradually reintroduced in-person classes, but membership declined significantly, plummeting from nearly 1,000 members to less than 300.
“As the numbers declined, it became financially difficult to continue operating the program,” said Robert Nava, CSUSB's vice president of advancement. “The university has been providing grants from state funds to keep the program running, so it has become a little difficult for us from a financial standpoint.”
As Nava explained, OLLI operates as a self-sustaining program, meaning its budget is dependent on membership. “This has been an incredible base of support from community members, and it's all thanks to the Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco, which established the initial endowment to start this program many years ago,” he said.
Although OLLI program directors worked hard to rebuild the membership base, and fundraising and philanthropic donations were made, it was not enough to sustain the program long-term.
According to the Bernard Osher Foundation, there are 125 OLLI programs in place at universities across the country.
CSUSB announced that it will work with partners at the UC Riverside Palm Desert Center, located one block from the CSUSB Palm Desert campus on Cook Street, to refer members to UCR's local Osher Institute.
Sweeney said there appears to be a desire among current members to eventually join the new community, but for now “there's a lot of anger swirling around right now.” He understands that the administration made this decision for financial reasons, but wishes the university had communicated the end in a more “disappointing” way.
“I've never been able to say thank you to the community that has supported the Osher program for 20 years, and I've never been able to thank all the volunteers for all their work,” Sweeney said. “It's as if they didn't care about our program.”
Jonah Norris, UCR's OLLI director, said he was also saddened by the loss of the CSUSB program. Mr. Norris previously served as his coordinator for the OLLI program at CSUSB's Palm Desert campus.
“This is a program that serves them for 20 years, and many of them spent a good portion of those 20 years there,” she said. “We want them to understand that this is their second home and that we welcome them with open arms and are open to discussion.”
Ms. Norris will attend the final spring classes at CSUSB's Palm Desert campus and will announce open house dates for tours of the adjacent campus. She plans to host a roundtable session where OLLI members can ask questions about the types of programs available and what they can expect for the upcoming summer and fall semesters. UCR, like CSUSB, will soon launch a travel program featuring day trips and plans to gradually expand to include domestic travel opportunities. (UCR's Osher program is available at both its Riverside and Palm Desert campuses and will continue to offer virtual classes.)
“Our facility is going to be a little bit bigger than it has been in the past,” Norris said. “We really hope that people come to join us and not only take our great courses, but also meet new people in the community that they want to spend time with.”
For more information: Visit palmdesert.ucr.edu/welcome-ucr-osher
COD nursing students receive a car to get to school and work
Diane von Koenar, a dedicated nursing student at College of the Desert, received a life-changing gift thanks to a collaborative effort between the National Auto Body Council, the COD Foundation, Allstate, and Fix Auto.
Von Koenar was handed the keys to a completely renovated 2020 Hyundai Elantra on Friday, which will “help her cross the finish line and become a registered nurse,” a COD instructor said. Vice President Val Martinez Garcia said in a press release. release.
Concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at CSU Dominguez Hills, she faced accommodation challenges as a single parent when her car broke down beyond repair for the second time. Ms. von Koenar found herself relying on her colleagues for transportation to her classes and clinical experience. Despite her challenges, she passed all of her courses with above-average grades, joined the Student Nursing Association as an officer, served as a peer mentor, and also participated in community service. Masu.
“We are honored to support these deserving students,” said COD Foundation President Diane Rubin. “Transportation remains a barrier for many students, but in this case we (von Koenar) were able to bridge that gap. The COD Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities like this. We exist, but we cannot do this without our local community donors and supporters.”
Desert Mirage High School students receive generous scholarships from Coachella Valley Surf Club
Two students from Desert Mirage High School's Thermal Green Technology Academy, Anakarolyn Cesena-Galarza and Diego Torres, were awarded $500 scholarships by Coachella Valley Surf Club founder David Hiltz.
Cesena Galarza and Torres were recognized Friday for outstanding essays that articulated their aspirations for the future, their dedication to community service, and their resilience to support their families despite financial hardship, according to a press release. Their essays demonstrated a deep appreciation for the importance of education and outlined how they plan to use their scholarships both to pursue higher education and to contribute to their communities.
Featured scholarships: Application deadlines are approaching
Desert Democratic Women, dedicated to advancing policies that reflect women's priorities, is offering $500 college scholarships to high school seniors. She is accepting applications until Monday, May 6th. Applicants residing in Riverside or Imperial counties must demonstrate equal rights, leadership, and academic dedication. Two letters of recommendation are also requested.
For more information: Visit democraticwomenofthedesert.org/dwd-2024-high-school-senior-scholarship-applications.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Please contact jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
