Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI at OU - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Oklahoma is a community for adults 50+ who want to keep learning, connect with others, and stay engaged.

Whether you're eager to explore a new interest, rekindle a lifelong passion, or connect with others who share your curiosity, OLLI opens the door to a world of discovery, inspiration, and friendship.

Enjoy an exciting array of affordable, non-credit classes, lectures, discussions, and special events designed to spark your imagination and enrich your life, all in a welcoming, relaxed environment. There are no tests, no grades, and no required textbooks. Just the freedom to learn, explore, and enjoy the journey.

Our courses and programs are led by University of Oklahoma faculty and accomplished community experts who bring knowledge, experience, and real-world perspectives to every session. Whether you're exploring history, science, the arts, current events, technology, or wellness, you'll find opportunities to learn something new and engaging.

Thanks to the generous support of the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI became part of a nationwide network of lifelong learning institutes in 2006 and achieved endowed status in 2010. Today, OLLI continues to inspire curious minds across Oklahoma through dynamic educational experiences, meaningful connections, and vibrant social engagement.

We are grateful to the members, volunteers, instructors, and supporters who have helped build this thriving community of lifelong learners. Now, we'd love for you to join us.

Come explore new ideas, make new friends, and discover new possibilities. Learning doesn't stop when school ends. In fact, some of life's greatest adventures begin right here.

Your next adventure in lifelong learning starts today.

Monthly Fun Facts: November

Despite its name meaning "eighth month" in Latin (octo), October is actually the tenth month of the Gregorian calendar

November Weather Folklore

People used to say that a snowy November meant winter might stick around until April.
An old rhyme warned sailors that November weather could be so rough it was time to keep ships in port.
November was considered one of the best times of year to gather and cut firewood for the colder months ahead.
Ice in November brings mud in December.

Fun Facts about Thanksgiving

A National Holiday: President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 after 17 years of encouragement from Sarah Josepha Hale.
A Big Meal: Americans consume an average of about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day!
Football Tradition: Football dates back to an 1876 game between Yale and Princeton.
Busy Travel Season: More than 54 million Americans travel during the Thanksgiving holiday each year.
There are four towns in the United States named “Turkey.” They can be found in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina.

A Delicious Month

November Food Traditions:

The First Stuffing: The earliest known stuffing recipe comes from a Roman cookbook over 2,000 years old and included herbs, vegetables, nuts, chopped liver, and even brain!
Sweet Potato vs. Yam: What Americans usually call a "yam" in the grocery store during November is actually a soft-fleshed sweet potato.
The First Thanksgiving: The 1621 harvest feast lasted three days and included venison, seafood, local birds, and vegetables. Surprisingly, there was likely no turkey or pumpkin pie!

November Symbols

Birthstones: November is represented by topaz (symbolizing strength and honor) and citrine.
Birth Flower: The chrysanthemum.
Zodiac Signs: Scorpio (until November 21) and Sagittarius (starting November 22).
Full Moon: Traditionally called the Beaver Moon, named because colonial trappers set beaver traps during this time before the swamps froze.

Parking

Campus Parking Tips

Getting familiar with campus parking can make your first visits much smoother! Here’s what you need to know:

Know Your Lots

Campus parking is divided into different areas. Some lots are reserved for on-campus residents, while others are designated for commuter students.

Your OLLI pass allows you to park in:

Multipurpose lots
Faculty/staff lots
Approved areas near the Thurman J. White Building

Parking Map (pdf)

Faculty & Staff Areas

You’ll also notice parking spaces specifically marked for faculty and staff—be sure to avoid these unless your pass allows it.

Display Your Parking Pass

Always keep your OLLI parking pass visible when parked on campus to avoid any issues.