Posted on May 21, 2009

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Bernard Osher Foundation Awards $1 Million to University of Montana for Lifelong Learning

The San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation has awarded $1 million to the University of Montana to endow its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (MOLLI), the Missoulian reports.

One of nearly 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in the nation, MOLLI offers continuing education courses taught by university professors and community educators to individuals age 50 and older. Since its founding in 2006, the institute has received $100,000 a year from the Osher Foundation. In that time, MOLLI membership has increased to more than seven hundred, and the institute hopes to top one thousand members by the start of the 2009-10 school year.

"Early on, Bernard Osher realized the connection between brain fitness and aging well, and he established funding...to support lifelong learning institutes that provide intellectually stimulating programs for older Americans," said UM Continuing Education dean Sharon Alexander in an announcement on the MOLLI Web site. "Through Bernard Osher Foundation gifts, MOLLI has prospered to offer programs that are varied and reach lifelong learners through the arts, sciences, and humanities."

“UM Receives $1 Million Endowment for Lifelong Learning.” The Missoulian 5/19/09.

“MOLLI Awarded $1 Million Endowment.” University of Montana Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Announcement 5/19/09.

Primary Subject: Education
Secondary Subject(s): Higher Education, Aging
Location(s): Montana

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