A lively group of mature adults engaged in a discussion at a round table during an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) event, part of Kalamazoo College’s new partnership with Western Michigan University.

A Lifelong Journey

“More in four. More in a lifetime.” It isn’t just a motto—it’s a mindset. It speaks to the idea that education doesn’t end at graduation; our desire to learn continues to shape us at every stage of life. Now, a new program for emeriti alumni is making it easier than ever to pursue lifelong learning opportunities—fostering curiosity, connections and personal growth.

Kalamazoo College has developed a partnership with Western Michigan University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), an academy dedicated to providing educational opportunities for mature adults. OLLI offers over 150 online and in-person courses each year, as well as special interest groups and engaging social events. This program is now open to K emeriti alums.

Emeriti may be interested in becoming a member of OLLI. The annual $50 membership includes discounted course fees; special interest groups; some member-only courses, events and tours; and ticket discounts at WMU performance spaces. However, you do not need to be a member to sign up for most OLLI courses, so feel free to take a class or two and explore the offerings. (Courses are $10 per session for members, $20 per session for non members.)

Donna Lambert ’64 recently took a class taught by WMU Professor Emeritus of Theatre D. Terry Williams about the murder mystery Dial M for Murder, which included a performance at the Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo. “In the first session, he took us through the casting, set and sound design and directing, giving us the benefit of his long experience and talent. Our next session was to see the play before the last session, when the actors joined us, answered our questions and talked about the particular challenges of that script. I am a different audience member now,” she said of the experience.

Lambert noted that there were around 30 classes online during the winter/spring semester, which ran January to May. “For the last three years, K’s Emeriti Club Leadership Council has suggested that classes for older alums would better connect us with the College. Though OLLI at WMU class sizes are limited, this is a start and perhaps a model for the future.”

Donna Odom ’67 has taught classes through OLLI, including a course this spring on developing oral histories. “As a K emerita, I am both delighted and excited that K has chosen to provide this opportunity for lifelong learning to our community, and I encourage other alumni to consider the possibilities for both teaching and learning through OLLI.”

Discover more about the program by visiting wmich.edu/olli or connecting with OLLI on Facebook (@WMULifelongLearning).