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News Release
February 22, 2007
Boise State University's Renaissance Institute Gets $100,000
Grant, Changes Name to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The Renaissance Institute at Boise State University is known for delivering
high-quality, high-energy learning opportunities for adult learners in the
community. That will continue, but the institute now will be known as the Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute at Boise State. The Idaho State Board of Education
approved the name change earlier today.
The program celebrates its fifth year at Boise State this year with the receipt
of a $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation and the name change. Boise
State’s program joins other institutions across the country who have OLLI
programs, including Duke University, Clemson, University of California at
Berkeley, Rutgers, Carnegie Mellon, The University of Washington and the
University of Utah.
The Bernard Osher Foundation, founded in 1977, selects grantees based on careful
scrutiny of a submitted proposal, the sponsoring higher education institution
and the existing program. The foundation expects lifelong learning programs to
reflect the culture and interests of the community in which they exist.
“We have joined a great nationwide family of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
and we are delighted with the possibilities and potential that the Osher
Foundation Grant brings to the University and Institute members,” said Ellie
McKinnon, Institute director. “We are grateful to the Bernard Osher Foundation
and to those who contributed time and effort to the writing of the grant,
including the Friends of the Institute board members and the Center for the
Study of Aging.”
The $100,000 first-year grant is renewable for two additional years. After the
initial three years, programs that are thriving (demonstrated by 500 active
members engaged in a vibrant curriculum) qualify for consideration for permanent
funding in the form of a million dollar endowment. Until Boise State’s
successful application, Idaho was one of only a few states that did not have an
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
“This contribution is going to enable Boise State University to build a lifelong
learning program that will positively influence the quality of life available
for Treasure Valley senior citizens,” said Mark Wheeler, dean of Extended
Studies. “Adult learners will be impressed with the courses and programs that we
will be able to extend to them with the help of Osher funds.”
Boise State’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides its community of
learners with short, non-credit classes and lectures featuring college-level
programming from multiple disciplines presented by university faculty and/or
community experts. Classes are often presented in locations that enhance the
discussion topic, such as the Basque Cultural Center, the House of
Representatives Chambers, the Simplot Performing Arts Academy, the Flicks
Theatre or Celebration Park. Classes and affiliated field trips have taken
members on the road to study Idaho geology, area history, and to view the sun’s
surface from the Centennial Telescope in Twin Falls. The new funding will enable
the institute to both maintain and expand programming to include additional
field trips, longer education journeys, additional community partnerships
leading to joint events and guest speakers from beyond Boise.
The first collaboration will be with City Club of Boise on a three-part forum
series on immigration issues. It will take the audience past inflammatory
rhetoric to understanding the multiple issues facing Idaho with regard to
immigration. In May the Institute and the Botanical Gardens will provide a
symposium event.
The Institute welcomes all interested adult learners. While membership costs are
low at $30 per season, the opportunities for learning are large. Membership
includes seating in lecture series presentations and the opportunity to register
for Institute classes (additional fees apply) and participate in receptions and
additional social events.
For more information on the program or the remainder of the spring 2007 season,
contact Boise State Extended Studies at 426-1709 or visit
www.boisestate.edu/extendedstudies/renaissance.
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Contact: Ellie McKinnon, Extended Studies, (208) 426-2047,
emckinno@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Sherry Squires, University Communications, (208) 426-1563,
ssquires@boisestate.edu
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Last reviewed on
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
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