FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Aug. 9, 2005
Contact: Shirley Melikian Armbruster
(559) 278-5292 or (559) 593-1815

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute created at Fresno State 

A $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco has helped fund the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Fresno. It will offer intellectually stimulating learning and cultural opportunities to people 50 and older.

The grant and formation of the institute were announced at Fresno State today (Aug. 9).

A kickoff event on Sept. 12 will preview the institute’s upcoming programs – topical curriculum, field trips, forums and other educational opportunities taught by academics, writers, artists, and professionals. The event will include a presentation about the institute and the opportunity to become a member. Also, Theodore Kuchar, conductor of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, will speak. It will be from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Smittcamp Alumni House at Fresno State.

Fresno State’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) joins 59 other Osher institutes established since 2001 in colleges and universities in California and throughout the country.

The grant to the Division of Continuing and Global Education at Fresno State has the potential for an additional two-year renewal and subsequently, the program may qualify for a permanent $1 million endowment..

“The Central Valley has such great potential and we see your lifelong learning program as a significant addition in serving the community,” said Osher Foundation president Mary G.F. Bitterman.

Dr. Berta González, associate vice president of Continuing and Global Education at Fresno State, agreed, noting, “The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will augment and enhance the many collaborative senior programs already offered by the university.”

Dr. Shirley Bruegman

Dr. Shirley Bruegman has been named director of the institute. She retired as vice chancellor of the State Center Community College District in 2002 and teaches in the Community College Faculty Preparation Certificate program at Fresno State.

     "Our goal is to put together a program that appeals to a very vital population and to create a community of learners.  We'll be expanding our offerings as we gain experience in what our members want."                                                                                                                          

Membership in the Osher Institute will provide active seniors the opportunity to participate in short courses, discussion groups, lectures and travel study programs beginning this fall. Members also receive free parking on campus during OLLI events, Madden Library privileges and reduced admission fees at Fresno-area museums.

Memberships per semester are $45 for an individual and $80 for a husband and wife.

Admission and parking for the Sept. 12 kickoff are free, but seating is limited and reservations must be made by Sept. 5 by calling (559) 278-0008 or e-mailing sbruegman@csufresno.edu.

Among the other fall offerings are:

·         Sept. 28, Victor Davis Hanson of the Hoover Institute and former Fresno State faculty member. A reception for OLLI members will be held at 4:30 p.m., followed by Hanson’s presentation and question-answer session from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union. Admission is free for OLLI members and $10 for others.

·         Oct. 12, William Sadler, author of “The Third Age,” will offer a workshop from 3-5 p.m. on staying revitalized for the next 10, 20 or 30 years. Admission is free for OLLI members and $20 for others.

·         Oct. 27, Dwayne Berrett on “How to Retire TO Something—Not FROM Something” from 2:30-5 p.m.

·         Nov. 12, Marilyn Miller on “The Importance of Fitness After 50” from 10 a.m. – noon

·         Dec. 6, Kenneth Fugelsang, Fresno State winemaster, “The Art of Winemaking”    3-4:30 pm.

The Osher Foundation was founded in 2001 by Bernard Osher, a successful San  Francisco businessman and community leader, a patron of the arts and education, whose philanthropy has affected countless organizations over the past quarter century.

He is listed as number 324 on the Forbes 400, the magazine’s ranking of the 400 richest people in the United States.

Osher took over auctioneer Butterfield & Butterfield in 1970, built it into one of the nation's auction largest houses and sold to eBay for $260 million in stock in 1999. He also co-founded Golden West Financial with his sister and her husband. Osher is married to Barbro Osher, the consul general of Sweden in San Francisco.

For more information on Fresno State’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, call               (559) 278-0008, e-mail sbruegman@csufresno.edu, or see www.csufresno.edu/ExtendedEd/osher.htm.

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