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CelebratingA C OM M U N ITY OF LE ARN E RSat Cal State Fullerton1OLLI.fullerton.edu
OLLI-CSUF n CSUF health sciences student Aveena Savongsy was strugglingwith Chemistry 100, she sought help from OLLI tutor GordonOwens. “Gordon explained step-by-step how to do a problem andguided me through the process of how to approach the problemcorrectly,” she says. “My grades improved and I’m now getting a B!”The tutoring program for the College of Natural Sciences andMathematics is offered through the OLLI-CSUF Collaboration. Thegoal of this group is to promote student success through high-impactlearning practices that enhance classroom experiences. It is also anopportunity for OLLI members to share their life and work skills insupport of the CSUF community.“My mind had been active and challenged for my entire career,”explains Owens, who taught high school chemistry and physics.“When I retired, volunteering seemed the best way to go. A trueteacher will want to continue to teach because it’s a labor of love.”He’s also pleased to be able to give something back to his alma mater.Since OLLI-CSUF Collaboration began in 2010, more than1,200 volunteer positions have been filled on campus and in thecommunity – mentoring, tutoring, sharing life experiences, andserving as teaching assistants, readers, lecturers, research subjectsand consultants.Entrepreneurship students working on consulting projects in theMihaylo College of Business & Economics benefit from OLLI2Gordon Owens tutors health science student Aveena Savongsy inchemistry. Gordon is part of the OLLI-CSUF Collaboration, a group ofvolunteers who works with various departments and colleges on theCSUF campus, providing high-impact practices to students.As an OLLI-CSUF Collaboration volunteer, retired principal JohnBlaydes mentored Diego Rocha when he was a teacher credentialcandidate at CSUF. Blaydes advised Rocha on improving his resumeand preparing for job interviews at local schools. Rocha has nowgraduated, and has a new job at a K-8 school in Santa Ana.mentors sharing their expertise based on careers running successfulbusinesses.“Campus goals embrace applied learning, which means taking whatthe books and professors say and putting it into practice,” says JohnJackson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at CSUF. “Theconsulting projects are an over-the-top experience for students, verychallenging. The OLLI members’ work with students is very helpful.Many students tell me that they learn more in the consulting projectsthan they learned in the previous four years, and the OLLI mentorsfacilitate that process.”Karen Wong, a lecturer in sociology, works with Collaborationvolunteers to provide experience sharing in gerontology classes.“Students take away more than we realize. I really see this when Iread students’ papers,” she says. “They are learning at a deeper level.The learning is so much richer.”Providing richer learning experiences is exactly why John Blaydes,who was a principal for 25 years, joined the Collaboration effort.When he retired, he transitioned into a career as an author andmotivational speaker, presenting survival skill workshops to teachersand principals around the country. When he joined OLLI, he workedwith College of Education faculty to offer his seminar for studentteachers at no cost to the university.He also mentors teacher credential candidates, including a reviewof their resumes. “I have hired hundreds of teachers over the yearsand have read thousands of resumes. I felt I could help studentssuccessfully present their skills and talents,” says the winner ofCalifornia’s 1988 National Distinguished Principal award.Blaydes was delighted when he recently heard from formermentee Diego Rocha. “I’m happy to tell you that I got a job forthis upcoming school year,” wrote Rocha. “My revised resume hasbeen instrumental I want to thank you again for that and for youradvice.”
What is Osher LifelongLearning Institute at CSUF?Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California StateUniversity, Fullerton (OLLI-CSUF) is a membershiporganization that provides active, older adults withopportunities to continue learning in a universitysetting.Programs consist of self-directed study groups,educational lectures, computer education, physicalactivities, special events, social activities, and travelopportunities. Class instructors are all volunteers,who include many OLLI members, as well as CSUFfaculty, community leaders, and other local experts.As a nonprofit, self-supporting organization, OLLIis maintained by volunteer member services, lowmembership fees and donations. Membership fees arepaid annually or each semester. (See olli.fullerton.eduand click on Join/Renew for current fees.) For thismembership fee, you may attend as many classes asyou like.For more information on OLLI-CSUF: see“Celebrating a Community of Learners” in thispublication or visit olli.fullerton.eduFor more information on the Bernard OsherFoundation: visit osherfoundation.orgConnect to your community. Discover a new passion.Expand your world!Continue to Learn about a Wide Range of Topicsw Current affairs, retirement issues, successful agingw Arts, computers, foreign languagesw History, science and technology, social sciencesw Opportunities to audit CSUF classes for freeAn Opportunity for an Energetic Lifestylew Classes about health and medical issuesw Campus walk, bowling, yoga, Tai Chiw Longevity Stick ExercisesSpecial Events & Social Activitiesw Dinners, luncheons and receptionsw Day trips to local attractions and overnight tripsw Bridge, Scrabble and music groupsw Entertainment by OLLI and CSUF groupsParking Privilegesw University-wide parking pass included with membershipw Parking in OLLI’s Lot J or many campus lots or structuresw Free OLLI Trolley to and from Ruby Gerontology CenterUniversity Life at CSUFw Opportunities to collaborate with CSUF faculty and studentsw Eating facilities and community market within steps of theRuby Gerontology Centerw Pollak Library privilegesw Free admission to most CSUF athletic eventsw Student Wi-Fi privileges“Becoming retirees was a more difficultadjustment than kids leaving home untilwe saw an ad in the Los Angeles Timesfor an OLLI Open House. We joined in2006 and discovered a new path for ourjourney. Classes to stimulate your mind,physical activities to keep your body inshape, and social events where newfriends gather! As we became morefamiliar with OLLI, we realized it offeredopportunities to volunteer and to workwith a purpose. On many days when weleave OLLI, we can honestly say, ‘this is agood life!’”OLLI-CSUF Member Benefits-Patti ChikahisaCover Photos by William Vasta: Patti and Hank Chikahisa enjoy aquiet morning in the Fullerton Arboretum.The Arboretum is the siteof various OLLI activities including a walking group.All photos in this publication are by William Vasta unless otherwisecredited.For more f/Benefits.phpAuditing CSUF Classes is a Valuable BenefitSusan Snell is “extraordinarily enthusiastic” about the OLLI member benefit ofbeing able to audit CSUF classes on a space-available basis. So far she’s auditedclasses in cognitive psychology, legal psychology and social psychology. “Itcould not be easier, and it’s so much fun,” Snell says.Snell was a psychology major 40 years ago and used what she learned as amarketing researcher. She wanted toget an update on the field, and as anOLLI member, she was able to auditthe classes without paying a fee. Inorder to access this benefit, space needs to be available in the desired class,and OLLI members need to get the instructor’s permission and signature on aspecial OLLI form. Those auditing a class do not receive credit for the class.“extraordinarilyenthusiastic”OLLI offers two classes to assist members with the process of auditing classes.A one-hour workshop helps them learn to use Titanium, the CSUF classroommanagement system. OLLI also offers a two-hour workshop to assist membersin researching available classes, as well as filling out the paperwork. Additionalinformation on the process and requirements of auditing a CSUF class as anOLLI member is available at olli.fullerton.edu (click on “Auditing Classes” tab).3
CSUF ARCHIVESLeo Shapiro was the first president of Continuing Learning Experience,which is now Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Fullerton.Pauline Abbott, former director of the Ruby Gerontology Center and theInstitute of Gerontology, called Shapiro a “man of extraordinary visionand passion . . . He did more after his retirement than many peopleaccomplish over a lifetime.”CELEBRATING A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERSOLLI-CSUF owes its dynamic present to 37 learners who establishedthe Continuing Learning Experience (CLE) organization in 1979.It began with the idea that a community of lifelong learners couldpromote a healthy, active and vibrant retirement.Today, OLLI-CSUF is an integral part of Cal State Fullerton,In 1978, Betty Robertson, as director of Community Programs foroperating under the direction and supervision of University ExtendedCSUF Extended Education, secured grant funding to start a selfEducation. Membership is more than 1,000 and growing.supporting educational program for older adults. Robertson andIn addition to being immersed in learning, members also volunteerDavid Walkington, director of the Office of Extended Education,in support of OLLI, getting involved in curriculum development,recruited retired grocery executive Leo Shapiro and others to helpcoordinating classes and serving as instructors.shape this effort. Founding members includedCommunity leaders, CSUF faculty, and otherFlorence Arnold, Russell Ball, Ernest Lake,OLLI-CSUF is now part ofcommunity experts also serve as instructors. AllLucien Miner, Ray Nichols and Charles L. Ruby.a network of 119 lifelonginstructors are volunteers.Donald Shields, Cal State Fullerton’s secondlearning programs that theVolunteerism is really at the heart of OLLI.president, was also very supportive of this effort.Osher Foundation supportsMembers contribute thousands of hours inIn the early years, it was quickly anticipated thaton university and collegesupport of OLLI as coordinators and instructorsCLE would need the right kind of meeting facility campuses across the country.and to the wider University community.on campus. That’s why Shapiro and an energeticPrograms they support include the Art Alliance,team of members launched a fundraising campaign to build a centerFriends of the Fullerton Arboretum, Music Associates, Patrons ofthat would house CLE programs as well as CSUF gerontologythe Library, CSUF Athletics and more. The senior ushers at CSUFclasses. Donations came from CLE members, foundations, businessesvarsity baseball and basketball games are OLLI members, as areand many other sources.many who tend plants in the Arboretum. Through the OLLI-CSUFConstruction of the 15,500-square-foot Charles L. and Rachel E.Collaboration, they serve as mentors and tutors for students as well asRuby Gerontology Center (RGC) was completed in 1988. The centerother capacities in a variety of academic settings.was the first non-state-funded building on the campus, and wasFor more historical facts visit OLLI's History and Timeline undernamed after the Rubys because they gave the initial contribution forAbout OLLI-CSUF on the OLLI website.the building fund. Charles Ruby was a retired educator and civicleader.In 2006, CSUF applied for and was granted a 1 million endowmentfrom the Bernard Osher Foundation, to support the lifelong learninggroup. Part of the agreement was a name change to Osher LifelongLearning Institute at California State University, Fullerton (OLLICSUF). In 2013, the Osher Foundation awarded a second 1 millionendowment in support of OLLI. The earnings from these endowmentshelps CSUF continue CLE’s visionary legacy. OLLI-CSUF is nowAmong those celebrating the groundbreaking of the Ruby GerontologyCenter in 1985 from left are: Jewel Plummer Cobb, former CSUFpresident; Leo Shapiro, who spearheaded the fundraising; CharlesL. Ruby, for whom the center is named; and James Roosevelt, thekeynote speaker for the Nov. 20 celebration.CSUF ARCHIVES4part of a network of 119 lifelong learning programs that the OsherFoundation supports on university and college campuses across thecountry.
From the Arts to Science & TechnologyClasses with Something for Everyone!OLLI-CSUF offers something for everyone who is “north of 50.” Each year, more than 340classes are developed and coordinated. From topics to nourish the creative spirit and stimulatethe intellect – to those that tickle the funny bone and promote a healthier life – you are bound tofind what you are looking for. Members can attend as many classes as they like for an annual orsemester membership fee.The Arts: You can express your creativity in Drawing for the Funof It, Introduction to Watercolor Painting, Watercolor Workshop,Ceramics and more.Performing arts classes include: Learn to Play Guitar, LineDancing, Drama, Improv & Storytelling, and Tap Dancing. TheRecorder Workshop is designed for those who would like to getreacquainted with this instrument, which is often used to learn toread music and develop other skills. There’s also the Recorders/Guitars & More Ensemble.How about the literary arts? You can enjoy Creative Writing,Lifestory Workshop, Poetry for Pleasure, Shakespeare Aloud and theNew Yorker Magazine Discussion Group.Languages: If becoming multi-lingual is your goal, try German;French 1, 2, 3 and French Discussion and Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4 andSpanish Stories Talk.Economics, Humanities & Social Sciences: OLLI also offers theHistory of the Byzantine Empire series, and classes such as See HowThey Run, focusing on current political campaigns. There’s alsoDynasties, Wars and Nations, a historical series on the evolution ofEuropean nations.PHOTO BY BOB CASWELLTransitions in Retirement (TiR) classes provide valuable informationin classes such as Personal Finance and Retirement, Laugh andEllie Monroe is one of the instructors for the Recorders/Guitars &More. She plays both the recorder and the mandola (a relative of themandolin) in the group.Jim Monroedemonstratesa Celestron 8”Schmidt-Cassegraintelescope. He is oneof the coordinators forBoundaries of Science,an OLLI discussionseries on currenttopics in science.Learn, You’re Retired, and Social Security and Medicare Essentials.TiR classes are conveniently offered on the weekends, during earlymorning, later afternoon and evening. The Saturday TiR Essentialsclasses are open to the public at no charge.Healthy Living: Updates on the latest developments in health andmedicine are available in four medical series that are open to thepublic at no charge. There’s also the Arboretum Walk, LongevityStick Exercises, T’ai Chi, T’ai Chi Chih, Tennis, Meditation, andYoga for the Rest of Us.Science: For those who enjoy science, there’s Boundaries ofScience—Outer to Inner Space, Our World in Change, andArchaeology. Introduction to Digital Photography is ideal for thosewho have the photography bug.Technology: There are computer classes galore to help you learnto operate your iPhone or iPad and to use Google apps.For information please visit: olli.fullerton.edu.OLLI members strive to maintain healthy bodies and spirits bypracticing Longevity Stick Exercises in a weekly class. InstructorNancy Bauerly demonstrates one of the moves. The goal of thisVietnamese exercise regime is to improve balance, flexibility, strength,mental focus and breathing capacity.5
JoyTheof MakingMarge Osborn was alreadydirector of the OLLI Choralewhen she heard about a growingmovement to create orchestras forpeople who are 50 . The goal was tohelp older adults realize lifelong dreamsof playing an instrument while experiencing the joyful camaraderieof making music in a group.Rick Hearn and Martha Jansen work on a variety of mobile devicesin an OLLI computer lab. Hearn is lead instructor for a variety ofclasses including Android Mobile Devices Essentials.Embracing Mobile Media at Any AgeStaying Connected:From iPads to Androids . . .PHOTO BY BOB CASWELLThat’s when the OLLI Orchestra was born, with Osborn as theinstructor. It’s open to all levels of skill – from experienced tobeginner. The orchestra has about 25 participants in three classes:OLLI Orchestra—Beginning, OLLI Orchestra—Intermediate Band,and OLLI Orchestra—Intermediate Strings.Did you know that 25% of Americans who are 65 own smartphones? An estimated 27% of older adults own a tablet, an e-bookreader or both. And the numbers are growing.“There’s an evolution going on in the market place – from peopleusing personal computers to using mobile devices – smart phonesand tablets – to do a lot of the same things,” says Rick Hearn.Hearn is a former software engineer and OLLI member whoteaches Android Mobile Devices Essentials classes at OLLICSUF.6Many OLLI members are eager to get connected with family andfriends virtually 24/7 via smart phones and tablets. To meet thisneed, OLLI-CSUF developed classes in the use of mobile devicesthat Hearn believes are a great example of the “people-to-peopleconnection that is the heart of OLLI-CSUF.”“It’s a real pleasure for OLLI members to be in classes taught bypeople who they also connect with as friends,” he says. “And it’sa great joy for OLLI members to take the knowledge they havegained in their lives and share it. I find it gratifying to put effortinto instruction and see people go from being frustrated to feelinggood about what they’ve learned . . . And you see the joy in theirface when they see a task is not that hard to do.”Martha Jansen enrolled in the android class after purchasing atablet and a smart phone. “By the end of the class I was verycomfortable with both of my devices,” she says. “I now checkemail and look up answers on the web without going to mycomputer. I am no longer tied to a computer or a land line, andI’m not afraid to try new things!”Kiyo Young, Barbara Robinson and Renee Caberra enjoy makingmusic together in the OLLI Orchestra, which has beginning andintermediate classes.The classes are a subset of many music and performing arts classesthat range from introductory classes in playing a musical instrumentand learning how to read music to performances for fellowmembers. More than two dozen OLLI members instruct, coordinateor coach these classes.What OLLI Means to Me . . .“I really enjoy seeingGail Cates wondered if she wouldorchestra members realizehave the opportunity to make newthat they can play infriends and learn new things ina group, make peopleretirement. But when she joinedhappy, and experienceOLLI, “both worries were quickly putthe accomplishment ofto rest,” she says. “I even picked uplearning their instruments,”my violin after 50 years and startedOsborn says.playing again in the OLLI orchestra.Marie Steigler is anOLLI has made this last chapter oforchestra member whomy life one of the most rewardingis learning to playand fun-filled I have experienced.”percussion. Her onlyprevious music experience was one semester of violin, which she didnot enjoy. The best thing about the orchestra, Steigler says, is being
Music with Your Peersable to “share bringing joyto our fellow OLLI memberslistening to us play . . . It isstill a bit overwhelming toplay in front of people, butonce I begin, that goes awayand a feeling of ‘I can do this’comes over me.”Orchestra member LouiseSussman says she enjoys“sharing the love of musicand having fun with it. Iget all excited and nervousbefore a performance. Iwould have never been ableto do any of that if it had notbeen for OLLI.”Why Does OLLI-CSUFNeed Fundraising?Playing an InstrumentEnhances Your Brain!Researchers contend that playing amusical instrument “ranks numberone when it comes to cognitiveenhancement and development – forold and young alike,” writes FaithByrne, Ph.D. in Psychology Today. Herarticle titled “Music Lessons: They’reNot Just for Kids Anymore” citesneuroscientist Gottfried Schalug, whosays, “the protective effect of playingmusic was greater than the benefitsderived from other cognitive activitiessuch as reading, writing or doingcrossword puzzles.”The OLLI Chorale was relaunched in 2010, after a hiatus of several years.“People ask if I audition people for the chorale,” Osborn says. “Idon’t think that’s what OLLI is about. OLLI is about coming to classbecause you want to learn. We are not all great singers, but whatsome lack in vocal skill they make up for in enthusiasm.”OLLI-CSUF is thriving. This success is possible because of thefinancial support provided by member dues, earnings from theOsher Foundation endowment and donations from members, aswell as in-kind support of meeting space and services from theUniversity.So why does OLLI-CSUF need ongoing fundraising campaigns?The answer is simple – to build long-term success and to funditems not covered by dues and other funds. It is important thatthe organization be able to keep membership fees low, invest infacility upkeep, technology upgrades, and much more.And while the Osher Foundation has generously gifted morethan 2 million to CSUF on OLLI’s behalf, a demonstratedability to raise funds is an essential part of earning financialsupport from the Bernard Osher Foundation. It’s important toremember that most of the funds from the Osher Foundation arean endowment, with OLLI-CSUF receiving only the investmentearnings from those funds, which is modest at current rates. So,the Osher Foundation wants to be sure that OLLI-CSUF canensure ongoing fundraising for financial stability.Member contributions are made through individual gifts,contributions “in memory of” and through estate planningdesignations. All donations are tax-deductible through the CalState Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation (CSFPF), a 501(c)(3)non-profit auxiliary organization. Gifting funds include:“Marge is a wonderful teacher,” says Lee Ann Donaldson, who singsin the chorale and plays in the orchestra. “She’s able to take peoplewho have no experience singing and put them together with peoplewith a lot of experience, and somehow make that work.”Operating Fund - used for ongoing operating expenses andprojects for the benefit of the general membership (helpskeep membership dues low)People “come alive with the music,” Donaldson says. “Expressionschange, strength of voice improves. The aspect of doing somethingwith someone else is really critical too. We have a chance to meet thechallenges together and then achieve, and this makes us feel happy. Imiss it when I don’t go.”OLLI - Today and Tomorrow Fund - provides OLLI withnon-budgeted items that are not readily funded by OLLIoperationsMichael Chandler, Judy Avalos and Lee Ann Donaldson practicefor the OLLI Chorale, a group for people who love to sing and enjoycamaraderie. The Chorale sings in four-part harmony in many genresof music.PHOTO BY BOB CASWELLMembership Aid Fund - provides basic membershipscholarships to deserving applicantsComputer Education Fund - supplements the basic supportof the PC and Mac labs with updated technologyMasters in Gerontology Scholarship Fund - funds awardedannually to a student in the Masters in Gerontology programFund for the Future (An endowment fund) - a portion of theannual earnings of this account is transferred into the generalbudget as needed, reducing membership feesFor more information on giving to OLLI-CSUF, please contact:Administrative Manager, OLLI-CSUFPhone: 657-278-2446 or email: olli-info@fullerton.eduOr donate online using the “donate” feature of the OLLI website(olli.fullerton.edu)7
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Fullerton changes lives.A wide range of interesting educational programs, along with peercamaraderie, promote a vibrant and active lifestyle.8“A Continuing Learning Experience.”olli.fullerton.edu 657.278.2446 email: olli-info@fullerton.eduRuby Gerontology Center, Rm. 7 P.O. Box 6870 Fullerton, CA 92834-6870Published by Osher Lifelong Learning Instituteat California State University, Fullerton.Program ofAdministered byExtension and International ProgramsCalifornia State University, Fullerton35459 06/22
management system. OLLI also offers a two-hour workshop to assist members . in researching available classes, as well as filling out the paperwork. Additional information on the process and requirements of auditing a CSUF class as an OLLI member is available at olli.fullerton.edu (click on "Auditing Classes" tab).
