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| History |
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| The History and Development of OLLI at Aquinas |
| The OLLI at Aquinas program at Aquinas College was born in 1973, the product of former Aquinas College president Dr. Norbert Hruby's vision of a center for lifelong learning. Dr. Hruby believed strongly that Aquinas had a responsibility as well as a mission to provide pre- and post-retirement education opportunities to the growing population of older adults. This insight and commitment were ahead of their time, especially when most small colleges were struggling just to maintain their traditional-aged students. The program was developed with assistance from Dr. Howard G. McClusky of the University of Michigan, Dr. Carl Pettersch, retired Dean of Graduate Studies at Western Connecticut State University and Sister Agnes Claire Thiel of the Dominican Sisters. |
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| In the fall of 1975, 115 persons enrolled in courses in what was then called the Aquinas Emeritus College. The program has grown steadily ever since. In 1978, the Aquinas College Board of Trustees created the Emeritus Board to serve as an advisory body for the program. In the early years, the Aquinas College administration assisted with grant applications, feasibility studies, and the expansion of the program to Naples, Florida, and to local nursing and retirement communities. Today, more than 1,000 students participate annually in OLLI at Aquinas courses. |
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| The program boasts seven sessions offering more than 50 distinct courses per year in its on-campus program and in collaboration with community institutions, such as the public library, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, as well as senior residential facilities. Additionally, OLLI at Aquinas sponsors programming that covers the region, from the Ann Arbor Street Fair to the Detroit and Chicago Art Institutes. |
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| Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, Chancellor Emerita of Aquinas College, has provided oversight for the Emeritus College since 1980 and continues to guide its growth and vision. Its dedicated Board, together with the Director and Program Coordinator, work toward developing curriculum, increasing the program's visibility within the community, and identifying funding sources. The success of OLLI at Aquinas over the past 30 years is due in large part to a vibrant and generous community that has provided both leadership and financial support. |
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| In 2008, the Aquinas Emeritus College became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas, proudly continuing the rich tradition of serving the intellectual and spiritual needs of older learners in West Michigan. With a generous grant from the Osher Foundation, OLLI at Aquinas joined a nationwide network of lifelong learning institutes across the country, all devoted to best practices in lifelong learning. |
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