Sonoma State University's Lifelong Learning Institute has received a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation for $100,000 to insure funding for its first year of operation, reports Dean Les Adler of the university's School of Extended Education.
Adler notes that the Osher grant "will play a critical role in financing the institute," which has been supported in its start-up phase by over $130,000 in first-year donations from the Friends of the Lifelong Learning Institute as well as additional contributions from the university itself.
Ed Stolman, who first sparked the organization of LLI, said the Osher grant came through due to the foundation's interest in lifelong learning. "Because of their interest in this field they are attracted to what we are doing," Stolman said. He noted that the foundation recently made a contribution to the University of Maine's lifelong learning institute formation on six of its campuses.
"They have been wonderful in giving us this grant," Stolman said, "and they are willing to look at it again next year. If the Institute is successful, we hope to establish an on-going relationship with the Osher Foundation with the goal of providing permanence for lifelong learning in the North Bay region."
The Lifelong Learning Institute's fall session will begin in September with eight courses taught by faculty and academic specialists representing a variety of academic disciplines. Courses are open to any North Bay resident over 50 years of age.
For further information, phone (707) 664-2691
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Les Adler, Lifelong Learning Institute, (707) 664-2449
