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UD’s Osher Institute at Lewes celebrates 30 years of lifelong learning

Southern Delaware Academy opened first in Milford in 1989
April 29, 2019

“The medicine for anti-aging is lifelong learning.” - Robin S. Sharma

Hundreds of members, supporters and scholars gathered in the Swan Ballroom of the Atlantic Sands Hotel in Rehoboth Beach April 23 to celebrate 30 years of lifelong learning opportunities for southern Delaware residents.
Lewes Mayor Ted Becker presented a proclamation from the City of Lewes congratulating and thanking the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for its contributions to the culture of the community. Sen. Ernie Lopez also read a resolution, presented that day on the floor of the Delaware Senate in Dover, congratulating the center for its positive initiatives.
Following a champagne toast with slices of 30th birthday cake led by Osher Council Chairman Bill Sharkey, Roo Brown introduced a chorus of spirited Osher singers who officially commemorated the occasion with several songs.
The first classes of what was initially known as the Southern Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning - sponsored then and now by University of Delaware - were held in Milford in 1989 at the former Draper Canning property. Since then, and growing steadily, the organization has changed names and locations several times. In 2010, on the strength of significant funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the center became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware in Lewes. Then, most recently, it became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, joining a network of 118 lifelong learning organizations in every state.
The university provided space in its Virden Center at the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment in Lewes in 1993 when the academy was moved to Lewes. Then, as always, operating on a shoestring and the energy and intellectual talents of guest instructors, the institute moved to places as varied as the Biden Center in Cape Henlopen State Park, Rehoboth Art League, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes and Cape Henlopen School District’s Lewes School on Savannah Road.
Most recently, and currently, OLLI occupies classrooms and offices in Cape district's Fred Thomas Building on DuPont Avenue in Lewes. Total membership in Kent and Sussex counties numbers above 1,000 with 208 Dover members and 817 Lewes/Ocean View members. The program now has classes in Lewes, Ocean View, Dover, The Moorings in Lewes and Rehoboth Art League.
OLLI offers classes in art. health, information technology, science and math, international studies, economics and finance, humanities and language, performing arts and music, and life skills and recreation. The best part is very little homework and no tests.
Within the next month or so, University of Delaware is expected to announce it has found a more permanent location for OLLI whose lease for the Fred Thomas Building expires in 2020.
For more information and schedules, go to olli.udel.edu/lewes/.

 

 

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