HISTORY

The Academy began on August 3, 1993, with the purpose of providing a learning experience in an academic environment for retired seniors. Initially, the Academy was directed by a staff member at UAH, with management support by volunteers from its membership. These volunteers served as officers who then organized three committees: Administration and Finance, Membership/ Promotion, and Curriculum.

In the fall of 1993, the first term offered nine courses taught by volunteers from the Academy membership. Registered members totaled 74. By 1998, members of the Academy, with the support of the UAH Division of Continuing Education,* assumed total responsibility for the operation of the Academy. By 2004 membership had grown to over 1,000 members.

In July 2005, the Academy for Lifetime Learning, Inc. at UAH was recognized for its outstanding contribution to the adult population in the greater Huntsville/Madison County community and received a grant of $100,000 from the Bernard Osher Foundation, thus becoming the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UAH. A second $100,000 follow-on grant was received in 2006. These funds are being used to expand the program with varied opportunities for seniors in the community who are interested in continuing their learning experience.

Enrollment in classes for each term now exceeds 400 with over 50 courses provided each term. OLLI continues to operate as an all-volunteer organization with the Board of Directors responsible for day-to-day operations along with eight active committees.

*Now UAH Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, (PCS).