OLLI at Penn State brings new lifelong learning opportunities to Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State is expanding its offerings to Harrisburg, providing new lifelong learning opportunities for the greater Capital City community.

OLLI at Penn State is a membership-based, volunteer-driven organization that has worked to enrich the lives of community members aged 50 and better for more than 25 years through educational experiences, travel and social and volunteer opportunities.

OLLI at Penn State Director Brynn Rousselin said OLLI Harrisburg will provide impactful lifelong learning opportunities that empower mature adults to stay engaged, active and connected.

“Harrisburg is a vibrant community, reflecting the richness of our commonwealth,” Rousselin said. “We are excited about the new connections and relationships we will build within the local communities through learning and exploration in the region.”

A free OLLI Harrisburg Kickoff Event from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 1 at the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre at Penn State Harrisburg is the first opportunity. Register for the event at the OLLI Harrisburg website.

The event will include light refreshments and provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about educational opportunities, meet instructors, purchase memberships and more.

Recent retiree Helen Klinger, a longtime resident of neighboring Elizabethtown, said she is looking forward to building connections through this new opportunity in her community.

“Retirement is a major life transition. It is an exciting time but can be a challenge to start out on a new path by yourself. The concept of lifelong learning in a relaxed environment is a win for me,” Klinger said. “I see OLLI as a perfect fit to the rich history of Harrisburg and adjacent communities. This area is home to strong, vibrant populations who are eager to make new connections and open to new experiences. Retirees in this area have achieved success in a wide variety of industries and professions. I can easily see how OLLI programing will tap into the passion, local expertise and interests unique to Harrisburg.”

OLLI Harrisburg summer courses will be held at Penn State Harrisburg or other community locations. Course and registration information is available here.

Offerings include courses that focus on art (Art Therapy Applications; The History and Art of Bonsai), finance (Understanding Asset Ownership; Legal and Tax Implications and Estate Planning 101), health and wellness (Aging Well: Living Life as a Pilgrimage in the Second Half of Life; Staying Engaged: Promoting Health and Well-Being across the Lifespan), history and politics (The Life and Times of John H. Harris, Founder of Harrisburg; PA State Capitol and Museum Tour) and more.

Craig Mosher, of Swatara Township, said he has already signed up for two courses hoping they will help provide him with the new learning experiences he has been craving.

“OLLI may give me much needed stimuli. After a series of life stressor events, including early retirement, I found myself a bit too sedentary and withdrawn,” Mosher said. “I see OLLI as an ideal way to engage older adults in self-improvement and fulfillment of the universal desire for having at least one affinity group.” 

Patricia Aguilera, an assistant teaching professor in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State Harrisburg, will teach Art Therapy Applications for OLLI Harrisburg this summer. The course will introduce participants to the practical application of creative arts therapies, using a variety of approaches to wellness and healing.

“I am excited to teach at OLLI because I know I will learn a lot as well. In all my courses with older adults, they not only appreciate what they are learning but also share their own knowledge. This creates a magical synergy where knowledge flows freely,” Aguilera said. “Older adults are a vibrant, interesting and active growing population. At OLLI, people can come to learn, make friends and enjoy the community, or they can take a course and leave. The variety of courses satisfies every preference. OLLI is for everyone.”

More information about OLLI Harrisburg can be found here or by calling 814-867-4278.