For years, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Davis held classes wherever space could be found — from a downtown music store to local community centers. Now, with the opening of a new dedicated facility, members, instructors and volunteers gathered to celebrate a long-awaited milestone. 

For many in attendance, the celebration was about more than the new OLLI Institute. It was about the community and lifelong learning OLLI has fostered for nearly two decades. OLLI members and supporters were joined by UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May and UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Dean Julie Greenwood to share in the excitement and commitment to this new chapter in OLLI's history. 

A Program Built by Its Community 

OLLI at UC Davis began as a senior learning group. In 2007, Dennis Pendleton was dean of UC Davis CPE (then UC Davis Extension) when a proposal was submitted to the Bernard Osher Foundation for a $100,000 grant to establish OLLI at UC Davis. 

"The grant could be renewed for up to two or three years until you could demonstrate that you are worthy of a much larger endowment, a million-dollar endowment," said Dennis. "And that's what happened. We brought people together, and the program was strong enough even in those days to get the endowment." 

As OLLI's 20th anniversary approaches, Dennis attributes the strength of the program to its dedicated members and volunteers whose contributions have energized OLLI over the years. 

"Our instructors are volunteers — they're people who thrive in a teaching role," said Dennis. "They're passionate about their particular area of knowledge and want to share it with others." 

As a member and instructor, Dennis shared how his own life has been shaped by OLLI. Reflecting on a course he taught comparing Vietnam during his time serving there in the 1960s to a three-week tour in the 1990s, he said, "It was a very healing venture for me. That's the thing about OLLI — there's no grade, just personal enrichment." 

Why Lifelong Learning Matters 

For many members, OLLI is a way to stay curious and connected. Longtime member and retiree Clyde Froelich joined OLLI more than a decade ago to stay active and meet people. As a self-described political science junkie, he loves the classes on current events and appreciates the field trips OLLI hosts. 

"I'm interested in lots of stuff, so I started taking classes," said Clyde. "I've taken classes outside my comfort zone, and my wife and I will take classes together to learn about each other's interests. It keeps my mind moving." 

Roy Engoron, a retired schoolteacher who's been an OLLI instructor since the beginning, loves the connections he makes with members. 

"I have a lot of fun when I'm teaching," said Roy. "We have great exchanges, great discussions and I think that's really important." 

It's the freedom of lifelong learning and the joy of teaching curious adult learners that keeps Roy, and others like him, coming back to OLLI. 

"With OLLI, I don't have to worry about homework, tardies, attendance or discipline. They come and they’re very interested," said Roy. " I don't think you ever get finished learning no matter how many degrees you have." 

The Power of Community 

Like Roy, Larry Lobre teaches for OLLI because he loves it. He enjoys sharing his passion for music and film and building relationships with students in the classroom. 

"Human contact is a big part of what OLLI is," said Larry, who reflected on the emotional connections members make in his classes. 

"There were times that music would touch people's hearts. People would share in class and sometimes start crying — it was powerful," said Larry. "It's a great memory because that's what art ought to do. That's what human relationships ought to bring out in people. And here they are comfortable with that." 

Part of what makes OLLI so special is its volunteer-driven culture. They’re there because they want to be and they enjoy getting involved and building a community together. 

"People ought to get involved. It really influences your life," said Larry. "Even if we get old, there's still stuff for us to do, and for me, this is a good place to be doing it. The work we’re doing at OLLI is valuable." 

Anne Hawke agrees. As a student at OLLI, she fell in love with the variety of classes and the opportunity to learn about topics outside her expertise. 

"I was in so many classes, one of the other volunteers asked me if I'd like to be a classroom aide for some of them," said Anne. "I've been one every quarter since 2008." 

For Anne, the social aspect of OLLI has had the biggest impact on her life. "You have lifelong learning and lifelong friends," said Anne. "I've met people that I will stay in touch with for the rest of our lives. It's a great way to be a senior." 

A New Home for Lifelong Learning 

The OLLI Institute at Cousteau Place marks a new era for OLLI at UC Davis. As OLLI Director Kristen Gates looks to expand membership and course offerings, this permanent location offers the space and stability for growth. 

"This is a space designed especially for lifelong learners," said Kristen. "With expanded classroom capacity and state-of-the-art hybrid technology, we can now welcome more members in person and online." 

Courtney Merson, a program manager at UC Davis CPE who previously worked with OLLI, is excited about the possibilities this new space offers. 

"It's going to make life much easier for the volunteers to have a central place without going to different locations. Now they can focus on the actual learning and working together,” said Courtney. "For the students, this is going to be a really inspiring place to gather and enjoy each other's company." 

As OLLI at UC Davis enters this new chapter — one built on curiosity, connection and the idea that learning never truly ends — it's the people of OLLI who have made it possible. 

"This momentum is powered by the enthusiasm of our instructors, the dedication of our volunteers and the support of members who make OLLI vibrant," said Kristen. 

As OLLI continues to grow, it offers new possibilities for connection and discovery — and new opportunities for lives to be shaped by OLLI.