OLLI was founded in 1993 as Furman University Learning in Retirement (FULIR) by Sarah Fletcher, who retired in the Summer of 2008. Dr. Fletcher led FULIR through 15 years of remarkable and steady growth. The first term began with seven classes and 62 members. We now offer approximately 120 courses, 40 bonus trips, and events during each of three terms, with approximately 30 courses offered during an additional Summer term. Our enrollment has grown every year with the 2022-2023 enrollment at more than 2250 members.
FULIR was renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman (OLLI @ Furman) in 2008 in response to a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, a San Francisco-based philanthropic organization. The initial grant of $100,000 was made in February 2008, and was the first in a series of grants that ultimately provided more than $2.2 million to endow the Furman program. The Osher Foundation supports 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes on university and college campuses across the country including four in South Carolina: Furman, Clemson, USC-Beaufort and Coastal Carolina.
OLLI @ Furman is a learning opportunity targeted to senior adult learners that inspires its students to stay intellectually and physically active through its many course offerings for lifelong learning, health and well-being, personal connection, creativity and enjoyment. Each term (there are four within an academic year) more than 2600 people in the Greenville community enjoy the opportunity to make new friends and pursue educational interests on the Furman campus. Classes meet during the day between 9:00 A.M. and 4:45 P.M., once a week, and are generally 90 minutes long. The cost of an annual membership is $65.
OLLI @ Furman is member-led and organized by a volunteer council, elected by the membership under bylaws adopted by the members. We encourage everyone to be a part of the community by volunteering in any capacity to the program. From office and committee work to planning a trip or class to moving chairs and editing the newsletter, every hand helps enrich the program. Volunteering can give you a sense of ownership while having fun meeting new friends and keeping the old out of retirement.