Volunteer driven: OLLI at Penn State members help power lifelong learning

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As they continue their lifelong learning journeys, more than 300 members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State also give back as volunteers to help the institute provide learning, volunteer, travel and other opportunities for fellow community members aged 50 or better.

During the past year, 317 members from OLLI at Penn State University Park volunteered to serve on committees, assist in the classroom or help organize special interest groups and events. Those numbers fall right in line with OLLI at Penn State’s strong history of volunteerism, often placing among the country’s top-rated OLLI programs for the number of volunteering members, according to OLLI at Penn State Executive Director Brynn Rousselin.

For volunteer recognition month, the institute took time to honor its dedicated volunteers from University Park during the OLLI Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 14.

“It truly is amazing and inspirational to see our OLLI community come together and support the organization and each other throughout the year,” Rousselin said. “The Osher Foundation designed OLLI with the goal of providing significant opportunities for leadership and volunteerism, and our members answer the call in a big way.”

At the event, longtime member and volunteer Marian Fritzsche received OLLI at Penn State’s highest honor, the Barbara Lindenbaum Award. The award is given to volunteers who have demonstrated leadership service and a passion for lifelong learning.

A former math teacher, Fritzsche joined OLLI at Penn State, which is part of Penn State Outreach, soon after moving to the area in 2015 to stay active and continue teaching and learning during retirement.

Right away, she used her teaching skills as a class assistant and by teaching a video discussion class. Soon after that, she joined the social committee, which plans and implements activities and events designed to promote fun, relationship-building and camaraderie among members. She now serves as committee chair, which she said gives her the opportunity to help others experience the impact that OLLI at Penn State has had on her life.

“OLLI has become one of my communities where I feel accepted, appreciated and get a real sense of accomplishment when I see how the various social committee events are enjoyed,” Fritzsche said. “Receiving this award is wonderful, but I am already proud of how I have grown as an OLLI volunteer. It has increased my self-confidence and organizational skills, while having so much fun. I often promote OLLI to new acquaintances and will continue to do so.”

Also honored during the Volunteer Appreciation Event were members Carol and Steve Gentry. Together, they received the Spirit of OLLI Award, which recognizes members who truly live the OLLI at Penn State mission and help make the community a great place to learn, connect and belong.

The Gentrys both taught at State College Area High School for 30 years, and like Fritzsche, they got involved with OLLI more than 25 years ago so they could keep making educational connections after retirement.

“We were attracted by the opportunity to learn about topics that were near and dear to us and ones that we never had the time or opportunity in our work lives or even in our university days to explore. Topics such as astronomy, geology and more. Also, through OLLI, we were able to teach topics that we did not teach in our careers,” Carol Gentry said.

Over the years, they have given back to OLLI in multiple ways, including Carol’s service as curriculum chair and Steve’s service as treasurer, vice president and president of OLLI. They have also given back as emeritus board members of the Centre County Historical Society, Penn State Alumni Council members and honorary Penn State Lion Ambassadors.

Rousselin said the dedication of members like Fritzsche and the Gentrys helps make OLLI at Penn State and the whole community stronger.

“Our volunteers are essential to our mission of lifelong learning and bring a sense of community and shared commitment to OLLI at Penn State,” Rousselin said. “The cumulative donations of our volunteers’ time and talents are absolutely essential in maintaining our high-quality organization.”

Visit the OLLI at Penn State website for more information about lifelong learning and volunteer opportunities.