Once, when Donna Shalala was teaching a course on Medicare and Social Security, she decided to surprise her students with a special guest for Presidents Day. She brought in her former boss, President Bill Clinton, who told the class they could "ask him anything."
One student immediately wanted to know, "What courses do I take, what do I need to know to become president?"
"You need to know everything," Shalala said Clinton replied. Then, Clinton expanded on the point, Shalala said, telling the students they needed to "be like sponges, talk to smart people, learn new things. If you’re an engineer, take art history. Broaden yourself and do that for the rest of your life."
Speaking at the 40th anniversary breakfast for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), Shalala said Clinton could have been talking about the members of OLLI, gathered at the Newman Alumni Center to celebrate the program.
"That is exactly what OLLI is all about, learning new things and keeping intellectually engaged for the rest of your life," Shalala said. "There are too many people sitting at home without a lot to do. I want to congratulate all of you for investing in yourselves and in a longer, healthier life through OLLI."
Begun in 1984 as the Institute for Retired Professionals, OLLI offers intellectual enrichment and social engagement to its more than 1,000 members through noncredit courses and other activities, including a speaker series, interest groups, and social events.
More than a hundred members attended the anniversary breakfast to share stories and celebrate the 40th year of the program, a part of the University’s Division of Continuing and International Education (DCIE).
"OLLI was only 15 when I joined," said Al Fine, sometimes referred to as "Mr. OLLI" because he has served on so many of the program’s committees and loves to greet new members when they arrive. "It’s been a fantastic ride."
Pamela Dickson, a retired radiologist with the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, said OLLI gave her "a place to go with good company and conversation." She acknowledged OLLI’s staff, instructors, volunteers, and fellow members for helping alleviate the "loneliness epidemic" that U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaks about.
"We are alive and well and ready to keep growing," Dickson said to applause.
Marilyn Maturo joked that the program had helped her appear "cool" in the eyes of her 16-year-old grandson and his friends because she had learned so much about football through the program’s Monday Morning Quarterback group.
"It’s not true, but it made me feel so good to hear them say that," she said. "When I first came to OLLI and I was escorted to the cafe by Al (Fine), I knew I’d come to the right place."
Michelle Alvarez, director of OLLI, said the program’s journey to 40 was "no small feat" and acknowledged the many members who also volunteered and kept OLLI thriving through their service.
Alvarez said there are plans for more anniversary events later this year and thanked her team—Ady Celaya, program manager, and Caroline Carlson, program coordinator—for being on the "OLLI at 40" committee.
Dean Rebecca M. Fox, who previously served as Donna Shalala’s chief of staff, said she knew when she heard stories from Shalala’s mother, Edna, a longtime OLLI member, that the program was a priority for the University.
Fox said she is proud of the program for its growth and ability to respond to "all the ways in which the world is changing.
"I’m excited about celebrating the past 40 years and I’m excited about the next five years, 10 years and beyond," Fox said. "We’ve evolved and we will continue to evolve."
OLLI membership is open to adults 50 and over, including University of Miami staff and alumni. To learn more, visit miami.edu/olli or call 305-284-6554.
