2019 -- S 0388

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LC001335

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OSHER LIFELONG

LEARNING INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Felag, Sheehan, Gallo, and Satchell

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2019

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Rhode

Island (URI) was started in 2009 when the URI community came together and created a state-

wide coalition that resulted in the securement of a $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher

Foundation, a foundation with a mission of improving the quality of life through its generous

support of higher education. In the years that followed, OLLI secured a $1 million endowment in

2012, and a second $1 million dollar gift in 2017 in recognition of its growth, the quality of its

programs and the exuberant support of its membership. Today, OLLI has a membership of more

than 1,300 adults; and

     WHEREAS, The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is open to anyone fifty years old or

older and prides itself on enhancing the joy and value of adults as they further their education and

attain guidance as to the possible new paths such learning might take them in future endeavors.

OLLI provides its members with a nurturing environment in which one can explore their

intellectual interests and curiosities without the pressure of attaining a degree or passing exams;

and

     WHEREAS, All OLLI, members play key roles within the organization. Members

manage the institution and shape the direction it takes. Members take and teach classes, plan

activities, develop and organize various volunteer projects, and assist with data management

cataloging, and program promotion; and

     WHEREAS, OLLI, which is housed on the main campus of URI, would not be successful

without the generous support of the University. The University provides classroom facilities,

parking, and enthusiastic support, all of which allows OLLI to offer a wide range of interesting

and challenging courses in a wide array of subject areas including current affairs, history,

expressive arts, film, health and wellness, language arts, literature, music, religion, and science;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby joyously celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute,

celebrated on June 5, 2019; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Beth Leconte, URI OLLI Executive

Director.

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