The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Georgia (OLLI@UGA) in Athens
began as Learning in Retirement (LIR) in 1994. In February 2009, LIR became OLLI@UGA,
continuing the mission to meet the intellectual, social, and cultural needs of individuals
aged 50+ in Athens through lifelong learning. OLLI@UGA is a member-led organization
with elected officers and board members, as well as professional staff. Membership
in OLLI@UGA is open to anyone age 50 or older.
• OLLI@UGA is one of 123 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes of The Bernard Osher Foundation, each affiliated with a college or university across the country
• OLLI@UGA membership: 1,500+ members from the Athens area
• 400+ non-credit courses per year; topics: literature, history, religion, health, science, food, social sciences, art,
architecture, personal finance, computers, lifestyle issues and more
• Travel/Study Adventures: local, regional, national, and international
• 30+ Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) exclusively for members: hiking, writing, photography, bridge, gardening,
music, kayaking, film/book discussions, and so much more
• Social events throughout the year: Lifelong Learning Fair (kicks off each semester), holiday Dutch-treat
luncheons, parties, volunteer appreciation events
• Primary location is UGA’s River’s Crossing building, 850 College Station Road in
Athens, GA
• Operations: 6 full and part-time staff, 4 officers elected annually, 10 board members
elected to 2-year terms, 12 committee chairs – volunteer