[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1685-E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE ON THE OCCASION OF 
                          ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Mason 
University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on the 
occasion of OLLI's 25th Anniversary.
  In 1991, OLLI was founded as the Learning in Retirement Institute by 
Kathryn Brooks, Shirley Fox, and Lilyan Spero, whom I knew and 
collaborated with for many years. The institute eventually developed a 
relationship with George Mason University as part of GMU's continuing 
efforts to expand access to educational opportunities to all members of 
the community.
  OLLI's mission is ``to offer to its members learning opportunities in 
a stimulating environment in which adults can share their talents, 
experiences and skills, explore new interests, discover and develop 
latent abilities, engage in intellectual and cultural pursuits, and 
socialize with others of similar interests.'' What started as a member-
run center with 100 individuals operating and teaching out of a single 
room has grown into a robust, first-rate educational and social 
organization with more than 1,200 members.

[[Page E1686]]

  OLLI offers mature adults in Northern Virginia over 400 courses and 
special events at its three campuses in Fairfax, Reston, and Loudoun.
  From arts to zoology, religion to science, there is a topic to 
satisfy everyone.
  I believe that education and learning are lifelong endeavors. OLLI 
provides this opportunity to learn for the sake of learning. Not to get 
a degree or advance in your career--but just for the sheer pleasure of 
expanding your knowledge or finally having the time to explore a new 
subject.
  I commend the leadership of both George Mason University and OLLI for 
their commitment and vision to extending the benefits of continued and 
collaborative learning to as many members of our community as possible. 
As someone who comes from local government, I understand firsthand that 
the high quality of life that we enjoy in Northern Virginia is directly 
linked to the quality of educational resources that are at our 
disposal.
  I congratulate the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute staff and 
volunteers on 25 years of service to our community and ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing them great success in all future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________