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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OU Evans Hall in the morning.

The University of Oklahoma has been devoted to supporting mature adults for nearly three decades, and we truly value the journey we have shared with you. Our programs initially began with travel study opportunities and Elderhostel courses. In the 1980s, we took an important step by establishing a dedicated unit, which became known as Senior Adult Services (SAS).

What started as a hopeful vision for Senior Adult Services has blossomed into something remarkable. With the generous support of a grant, we are proud to introduce a new name that embodies our mission: OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). This institute offers our mature learning community in Oklahoma real opportunities to engage in a rich variety of programs and activities led by our esteemed university faculty and trusted community members.

In the summer of 2006, SAS was fortunate to receive a significant grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation in California, which enabled us to join the ranks of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes nationwide. By 2010, OLLI at OU had evolved into an endowed institute, solidifying our commitment to lifelong learning. Now, as one of 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes nationwide, OLLI at OU is dedicated to enhancing our offerings and continuing to support Oklahoma’s senior population, a community that means so much to us.

We sincerely thank everyone who has participated in SAS over the years; your involvement has greatly enriched our program. To our new OLLI members, we extend a warm welcome and hope that you find joy, connection, and fulfillment in our offerings. We encourage you to take a moment to explore the programs available to you. Your ideas and suggestions for new initiatives are always welcome, as we work together to create a vibrant and responsive learning environment.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

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Parking Map

🚗 Campus Parking Tips

  • Campus parking can be a little confusing at first, so it’s helpful to get familiar with the different lots and garages.
  • Some parking areas are reserved for students who live on campus, while others are set aside for commuter students.
  • You’ll also see lots designated specifically for faculty and staff.
  • When you park on campus, just make sure your OLLI parking pass is displayed.
  • Your pass lets you park in multipurpose lots, faculty/staff lots, and any approved areas near the Thurman J. White Building.
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium lit up at night.
Hello February

🎉 Fun Facts About February!

  • 💌 Love notes go way back! The first Valentine’s card appeared in the 15th century—and now we swap about 145 million of them every year in the U.S.!
  • 🤔 A spelling challenge: February is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. (Yes, the “r” really belongs there!)
  • ✊🏾 A month of honor: For over 40 years, February has proudly been recognized as Black History Month.
  • 🗓️ Leap Day rarity: Your odds of being born on February 29? About 1 in 1,461. Leaplings are basically unicorns.
  • 🏈 Football frenzy: The first Sunday in February = Super Bowl Sunday, a national holiday in spirit if not on paper.
  • 🍿 Snack attack! February is also National Snack Food Month, so feel free to celebrate accordingly.