Page banner: OLLI volunteers laughing together

Become a Supporter

Established in 2011, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University plays an important role in our community by offering noncredit affordable courses, events and exciting educational trips for mature adults. Staying active, whether through academic pursuit, physical exercise or social interaction, is vital to health and happiness at every stage of life. 

Our vision is to be the leading provider of distinctive lifelong learning opportunities in Southwest Michigan. We are committed to the community of Southwest Michigan, and we need your support. We are a primarily volunteer run organization and receive in-kind support from WMUx. In 2015, in recognition of our program’s strength and promise, the Bernard Osher Foundation awarded us a prestigious $1 million gift to set up an endowment, and only interest from the endowment may be used for operating expenses each year. However, the interest from the endowment, OLLI at WMU membership fees and modest course fees are not enough to allow us to be self-sustaining.

Your contributions will make a profound impact on enriching the lives of mature adults across Southwest Michigan. Becoming an OLLI supporter is easy! Just fill out the linked form to get started.

 

NEW! Organizational Affiliates

OLLI at WMU has benefitted from opportunities to collaborate and partner with many in the community and because of suggestions and input from those connected to OLLI, we have created a new category which is the OLLI at WMU Organizational Affiliate. If you are an organization looking to partner with OLLI, our Organizational Affiliates allow you to provide memberships and courses to your employees and spread the word about your organization with the hundreds of OLLI members in the greater Kalamazoo area. Four different affiliate options allow you to choose what is best for your organization. Please complete the linked form above to get started.

Organizational Affiliate Options

 Acquaintance LevelFriend LevelFamily LevelFounder Level
Number of OLLI memberships included1234
Access to streamed courses via One Day UniversityIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Free courses per membership2 per member, 2 total2 per member, 4 total2 per member, 6 total2 per member, 8 total
Marketing opportunitiesLogo on OLLI websiteLogo on OLLI websiteLogo on OLLI website, recognition in catalogLogo on OLLI website, recognition in catalog
Annual affiliate cost$250$500$750$1,000

Organizations with the Organizational Affiliate will be able to:

  • Develop a sustained relationship with OLLI at WMU.
  • Connect their employees to OLLI at WMU by gifting them with an individual OLLI membership.
  • Share lifelong learning opportunities through streamed courses for residents within living communities.
  • Partner with OLLI at WMU to host OLLI courses at the organization’s location.

Promote engagement through:

  • Courses
  • Social connections
  • Volunteer opportunities

Promote benefits:

  • Engaged, involved adults over 50 years
  • Contribute to overall health and wellness
  • Supportive community with like-minded members
  • Intellectual stimulation

If you are interested in becoming an Organizational Affiliate, please contact our office by phone (269) 387-4157, or by email at wmu-olli@wmich.edu.