Who We Are

In a Nutshell

Beginning – Lifelong Learners began in 1984 by Margaret Byrnes, Jim Faris, Barnie Farneroff, Silvia Miller, and Mary Ann Raedler.

National Network – In 2011 we became one of the 124 OLLIs supported by The Bernard Osher Foundation.

University Friends Group – We are a Friends Group and reside with UCSC University Advancement, which reports to the Chancellor. 

Membership – Our annual membership follows the academic year and runs from July through June of the following year. 

Scholarships – Annual dues, course fees, and member donations to the Silvia Miller Scholarship Fund enable scholarship awards >$50,000/year via the Support Transfer and Re-entry Students (STARS) program.

Interest Groups – More than 45 peer-led groups focus on a common interest or set of activities and usually are ongoing year round. 

Courses – Taught by emeriti faculty or other experts, courses are offered throughout the academic year and entail four to eight weekly sessions.

Monthly Speakers – Special to our OLLI, third Sundays are social gatherings open to the public that provide nibbles, chitchat, and authoritative speakers. 

Newsletter – Monthly editions of our newsletter are provided throughout the academic year to announce courses, interest groups, and speakers.

Website – This site intends to have the very latest information, including a comprehensive calendar of OLLI events.

Leadership – Unlike any other OLLI, ours depends on volunteers rather than professional administrators. Volunteer opportunities abound – contact us.

Volunteer Opportunities – See the many opportunities to support OLLI and meet interesting members.