Worried it's too late to learn something new? History? Photography? Computers? Health and wellness? A new language? You still can at the University of Dayton's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

"UD's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has been a significant part of my retirement life. As a lifelong teacher and student, I sought opportunities to learn new subjects, meet others who love learning and share my expertise," said Barbara Denison, the institute's board president from 2017 to 2019. "The institute fit the bill, offering a return to my undergraduate experience with seminars in history, literature, music and political science — without tests or papers. It's also a great way to make friends from all walks of life."

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, more than 5,000 people 50 and older in the Miami Valley have participated in institute programs about nearly 7,000 topics ranging from Ohio State football, retirement and basic French and Spanish to using GMail, Google calendars and iPhones. 

The institute will mark this milestone anniversary with a prayer service and ice cream social at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15, a classical guitar recital with institute moderator Richard Prigozen at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17, and evening celebrating 30 years of creativity at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7; all in Daniel J. Curran Place; and a gala dinner on a date to be determined next June. Events are open to the public, but registration is required by contacting the institute at 937-229-2347.

"The first time I heard of the institute was shortly after I retired. A good friend shared his enthusiasm, and that spring I enrolled in a couple of seminars. Since then, it's been a significant part of my retirement life, said Laureene Bollinger, the institute's board president from 2022 to 2024. "I've met many wonderful people, and love the seminars and special events. It has been 12 years of personal fulfillment, challenges, growth, friendships and fun."

Established in 1994 as the University of Dayton Institute for Learning in Retirement, the program became an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2004 when awarded $2.2 million from the Bernard Osher Foundation. As part of a network of 125 institutes, UD's program serves learners 50 and older, offering the joy of learning in a relaxed, noncompetitive setting.

"We are adults with wide-ranging interests in art, current events, health and fitness, history, literature, music, religion and science. We select our curriculum based on member requests, the expertise of moderators, variety and balance," said Julie Mitchell, founding director of the program and executive director of UD's special programs and continuing education.

Moderators include University of Dayton professors and professionals in the community who lead peer-to-peer informal lecture and discussion seminars typically meeting once a week for two hours, for three to eight weeks.

Seminars are held at Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 South Patterson on UD's River Campus; UD's main campus and some off-side locations such as the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.

There are no prerequisite educational requirements, tests or grades; participants just need a willingness to dive into assigned readings and to participate in class. 

Visit https://udayton.edu/continuing_education/senior_programs/udolli/index.php for more information or to register for a seminar.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu, 937-229-3391 or 937-545-5421.