Sandra Halladey, an SF State staff member since 2006, has been appointed as director of the University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) after a national search. She officially assumed her new position just weeks before OLLI’s most recent session, with classes beginning April 8.
Halladey is charged with growing the Institute, serving as chief liaison to the Bernard Osher Foundation, recruiting faculty, developing new programming and sustaining established bonds of conviviality and respect among OLLI members.
“Sandra Halladey brings tremendous skills, energy, and tenacity to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute,” said Paul Sherwin, dean of the College of Liberal & Creative Arts. “Through her fervent advocacy for education, her creativity in devising solutions and her knowledge of the University, opportunities for lifelong learning are poised to expand and become more interesting in the years to come.”
With a successful track record at SF State in alumni relations, fundraising and audience development, Halladey also has 20 years of experience in educational leadership, membership growth and media advocacy. A founder of the San Francisco chapter of Parents for Public Schools, she is involved with public education and arts education activism.
Halladey replaces Debra Varner, who retired after five and a half years as OLLI director.
OLLI, founded at SF State in 2003, is based in the College of Liberal & Creative Arts. It is one of 117 centers across the country for people age 50 and up, designated and funded with grants from the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco. All courses are open to the general public; admission to the University is not needed. Visit the OLLI website or call 415-817-4243.