Students at SFSU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thrive on Learning for Its Own Sake

J. WEEKLY -- A 2003 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation led to the creation of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at San Francisco State University, one of 118 U.S. institutes of learning for older adults funded by the Osher foundation. The institute offers year-round classes and other events at SF State’s Downtown Campus at 835 Market Street, and on the main campus at Holloway and 19th avenues. Current and retired professors and others (such as J. film critic Michael Fox and J. seniors columnist Barbara Brooker) teach classes, which average around 30 students. Jewish-themed classes, such as this summer’s Eastern European Jews and last summer’s Jewish Communities: Remote Places, are not uncommon. Fall classes begin September 8. “We’re a membership organization,” OLLI director Sandra Halladey said. “Our members have a lot of say in what we offer.” Volunteers on the curriculum and outreach committees support the nine-member governing council, elected by fellow members.