Osher Foundation endows Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Richmond with $1 million gift
October 4, 2007
The Bernard Osher Foundation has given $1 million to endow the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Richmond, plus $50,000 to support its operating expenses until earnings from the endowment become available.
Richmond's Osher Institute links adult learners to the broad range of educational opportunities on the University's campus, providing those age 50 and older with non-credit courses, lectures and travel, and a variety of special programs. The institute is one of more than 100 that the San Francisco-based foundation has helped establish at college campuses around the country.
Some 600 area residents now participate in the Osher Institute at the university, which was a major factor in the foundation's decision to make the endowment grant. The university's demonstrated support of the program and its members on campus was also a factor.
The $1 million gift is in addition to $400,000 the foundation has given to the university since 2004 to launch the institute.
Reflecting its broad interest in supporting educational opportunities for adults, the foundation recently made a separate $100,000 gift to the university to provide scholarships for adult students pursuing degrees through the university's School of Continuing Studies.
Jane Dowrick, institute director, said the foundation has made it possible for the university to engage older adults in the university community not only through Osher programs, but also in the array of other opportunities that members discover once on campus. "Our startup program grew from zero to more than 600 members in only three years of operation" said Dowrick. "The members are interested in a wide range of liberal arts topics and are very active learners. Some go on to teach courses themselves."
Bernard Osher is a businessman, community leader, and patron of the arts and education whose philanthropy has benefited numerous organizations during the past 30 years. He established the foundation to support higher education and the arts and, more recently, to foster lifelong learning programs.
Since 2001, the foundation has given annual operating funds of $100,000 and endowment grants of $1 million or more to support Osher institutes that meet its criteria for success and sustainability. The foundation currently supports 115 Osher institutes around the country and hopes to establish at least one in each of the 50 states.