By: Lisa Smith-Youngs, Director—OLLI at UC Davis for The Dirt
Volunteers are inspiration personified. With a local lifelong learning outreach program, that inspiration infuses every aspect of its operation.
At Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Davis (OLLI), they say: “Come to learn something new—stay for the friends.”
While participants come seeking meaningful learning experiences, people also find that becoming friends with others enthused by learning keeps them coming back. Friendships are a delightful side dish on the learning buffet.
From the moment someone opens the classroom door or steps onto a bus for a road trip, they are meeting volunteers devoted to OLLI—and community.
Don Peri began his tenure as an OLLI volunteer instructor after his “semi-retirement” in 2011.
“That’s when my first book about the early Disney animators was published,” Peri said. “A friend suggested I teach a class about Disney for OLLI. Chancellor Vanderhoef even sat-in on a class. I thought the pressure was on, but like everyone, he was just there to learn something new. It’s a great feeling to talk with people who have discerning questions. You see dozens of people smiling, enjoying the experience. They become your friends. That kind of thing that expresses the soul of our community. OLLI fills an important niche, bringing people together in a stimulating environment.”
Peri’s latest book, Directing for Disney, co-authored with Pixar Studios chief Pete Docter, will debut in September and be celebrated by a Walt Disney Family Museum installation opening in late October. Peri has taught multiple classes with OLLI and will lead an OLLI excursion to the Museum in November.
Volunteer Sharon Hale will likely join that excursion. She volunteers as a Zoom Room pilot.
“Before retiring, I worked in IT for the Solano county library,” Sharon said. “After COVID, OLLI took their online service one step further in live, simultaneous Zoom hybrid courses from their classroom. I enjoy sharing my tech skills to make things run smoothly. The hybrid classes are wonderful for people who can’t drive to the classroom, keeping them connected with us. And for anyone new to the region, the classroom is a fun place to meet people and learn about the area.”
OLLI volunteers are also key players in planning.
Michael Elfant is a “mostly retired” University professor who serves on the OLLI Curriculum Committee.
“Getting closer to retirement, I want to give back to my community,” Michael said. “I like the community impact of OLLI. We work as a team to propose ideas for new courses and recruit new instructors to share their expertise. Committee meetings are often spirited and inspiring. There are several benefits of volunteering. Keeping your mind stimulated with fresh ideas, getting out and meeting new people. They’re all components for a healthy retirement.”
OLLI is an affordable lifelong learning outreach of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. For information on upcoming road trips, courses, or volunteering, visit cpe.ucdavis.edu/olli or email olli@ucdavis.edu.
Address: UC Davis International Center, 463 California Ave.
Phone: 530-752-1659
Photo: Volunteer teacher Nick Curro & Students at Watermelon music, 2024
