Lifelong Learning Program at UNCW Receives $100,000 Grant from Osher Foundation
4/28/2005 2:00:00 PM
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Wilmington, N.C - The Bernard Osher Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to UNCW for its lifelong learning and continuing studies program, which will be called the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at UNCW. With the grant, the university will enhance the program’s outreach into communities across southeastern North Carolina.
The program, founded in 1999, serves about 4,000 adult scholars annually by providing short, non-credit university courses, seminars, lectures, travel excursions and other educational opportunities. Many program participants are age 55 or older.
“We are deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of our adult learners, and this grant gives us that capability,” said Director Karel Dutton. “It is an honor to be chosen as a recipient institution and a member of the national network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes.”
The Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco supports lifelong learning programs for seasoned adults at colleges and universities across the United States. Currently, more than 60 institutions from Maine to Hawaii are members of the national network.
“Given the university’s strong commitment to adult learners and the continued growth of that population in the southeastern portion of the state, the foundation is delighted to provide UNCW with additional resources to improve the quality and quantity of their educational services,” commented Mary Bitterman, president of the Bernard Osher Foundation. “We look forward to UNCW being an active member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute network.”
Stephen Demski, Vice Chancellor of the Division for Public Service and Continuing Studies, said UNCW will use the Osher Foundation grant “to extend the reach and impact of our lifelong learning program.”
With the grant, the university plans to –
• offer more classes in the eight counties that comprise southeastern North Carolina and invest in laptop computers and equipment for those classes;
• create “Senior Fellows,” an interdisciplinary certification program for adult learners who want to work with UNCW faculty as research assistants and with students as mentors;
• provide need-based lifelong learning scholarships to eligible adult scholars;
• expand Odyssey, a marine education program for adults;
• maintain College Day as an affordable experience for senior learners. (The event attracts nearly 400 participants annually. Their average age is 65.) College Day, held in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, offers attendees the opportunity to spend a day at UNCW for classes, lunch and campus tours;
• restart a summer institute for adult learners and offer classes that may qualify as continuing education units for public school teachers;
• provide training opportunities for the program’s advisory board and staff members; and
• invest in promotional materials to market the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at UNCW across southeastern North Carolina.
The Division for Public Service and Continuing Studies and the Division for University Advancement worked together to develop the successful grant application. Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo promoted the application during a personal meeting with Dr. Bitterman in San Francisco.
“I am very pleased that UNCW has received a $100,000 grant from the Osher Foundation,” the chancellor said. “The university’s outreach to adult learners represents an important part of our overall commitment to enhancing the quality of life in southeastern North Carolina.”
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For additional information, contact Karel Dutton at 910/962-3644.
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