KU News Release

Continuing Education to expand lifelong learning program

LAWRENCE — A $1 million endowment grant will allow the University of Kansas Continuing Education’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to expand its offerings of enrichment courses, tours and social events primarily for adults 50 and older in Lawrence, Topeka and the greater Kansas City area.

The grant, awarded by the San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation, will be used to broaden membership and expand programming. Osher classes typically meet for two hours per week for three weeks and require no homework or testing. A course costs $35, and discounts are offered for multiple course enrollments or season membership.

“This generous gift from the Osher foundation will help provide a financial foundation to help sustain and expand our institute,” said Marvin Hunt, director of KU’s Osher Institute and assistant dean of Continuing Education. “We are considering broadening our programming for adult learners in more rural and urban areas of Kansas.”

KU’s Osher institute, established in 2004, currently offers courses at seven sites, including KU Continuing Education and Brandon Woods Retirement Community in Lawrence; Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo.; Tallgrass Creek Retirement Community and KU’s Edwards Campus in Overland Park; and Brewster Place Retirement Community and the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka.

In addition to its current class offerings, the institute is offering three special events this spring:

— A guided tour of three Asian art exhibitions at KU’s Spencer Museum of Art on March 10
— A study of American urban and rural landscapes in photographs during a tour of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Mo., on April 25
— An exploration of Kansas City’s lively blues and jazz scene on May 8 during a bus tour called “Jammin’ up the Town,” which features a stop for dinner at B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ.

To view a course catalog and get more information, visit KU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Web site or call toll-free 877-404-5823.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.