The History of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University (OLLI at ISU), formerly known as the ISU College for Seniors (CfS)
Timeline of Events
All-time Course Rosters
Timeline of Events
January 1992: Ann Molison approached the ISU Retirees Committee with a proposal to establish a program at ISU that “provides an education of high quality to students of all stages of life.” The ISU Retirees responded positively and a task force committee of 25, chaired by Marvin and Julia Anderson, was formed.
February 1993: Warren Madden, vice president of Business and Finance, with the approval of the Faculty Senate, provided a $2,000 loan to the College for Seniors. Ann Molison was asked to coordinate the program and a board of directors was chosen. A set of policies and procedures were written.
April 1993: Survey was sent to 1,200 local ISU Retirees to determine if there was a future clientele. The results were encouraging.
July 9, 1993: Not even the historic flood could stop the work. Room 88 Scheman reported 4 feet of water.
Sept. 21, 1993: Classes began with 4 courses and 120 students; tuition was $40 per class. Courses were open to anyone 60 years of age or older.
October 1993: Applied for affiliation with Elderhostel, and became an Institute for Learning in Retirement.
November 1993: Office secretary, Vicki Grey, transferred to another department and Betty Licht took her place.
Spring 1994: First Preview of Classes was held enabling students to mingle with the instructors and learn about the program; 7 courses held with 191 students.
Sept. 15, 1995: A Swamp Oak, donated by the CfS, was planted on the north side of the Scheman Building, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Retirement Office and the ISU Retirees Committee.
Spring 1996: Great Decision course was introduced. Produced by the Foreign Policy Association in New York, it used a format of viewing a taped dialogue on a weekly topic of current worldwide concern followed by discussion among the students.
Fall 1996: Michael Gartner, then editor of the Tribune and former head of NBC News in New York, taught a course entitled “Impact of the Media”. Over 234 persons registered for the course and exceed the capacity of the Scheman classroom, Room 204-208. This course needed to be moved to Benton Auditorium.
Sept. 1996: Initial $2,000 loan was repaid.
Winter 1997: Began offering winter classes due to numerous requests from persons who don’t “go south” for the winter—2 courses (8 weeks) with 37 students.
Spring 1997: 18 courses offered this year with 717 students enrolled.
Spring 1998: This semester brought a “commuting” instructor. William Brouwers drove each week from Indiana to team-teach with John Patterson.
October 1998: A CfS booth was included in the ISU Retirement Fair which had an attendance of more than 1100 people. Current employees were given information about one exciting adventure to look forward to after reaching age 55
Spring 1999: Computer classes and Bridge were added to curriculum.
June 1999: Ann Molison retired and in August, Ann Doty became coordinator.
April 2000: CfS hosted the first statewide Learning in Retirement conference. 25 courses offered this year with 866 students enrolled.
Fall 2000: Enthusiasm created in Annette Rowley’s “Short Stories to Enlighten and Delight” led one of the students, Helen Hainey, to suggest the formation of a group that would be interested in continuing discussion of the subject. Prime Time Readers was born. Their first performance was in Spring 2001 at Annett’s CFS course, “More Short Stories “.
Winter 2001: Due to the success of the “Introductory to the Internet” course in 1999, the Curriculum committee was encouraged to seek out an instructor for another computer course plus a location. ISU Parks Library generously offered the use of their computer lab.
Spring 2001: The ISU Extension office in De Moines proposed that classes be offered there, so the first course, “Des Moines: Glimpses of Its Past”, was held. Also during this semester the first evening course, “Astronomy”, was held in Ames.
Fall 2002: An increase in the demand for computer instruction warranted additional locations. The ISU Extension computer lab in the Scheman Building was available allowing 24 additional students. Mary Greeley Medical Center allowed the use of their computer lab for early evening classes. Soon the lab at the ISU Foundation Building would be available.
Spring 2002: Betty Licht was “officially” hired as the part-time program coordinator.
Spring 2003: Minimum age for enrollment was lowered to 50 years of age. Tuition fees increased to $50. 30 courses offered this year with 1,124 students enrolled.
August, 2003: The “Unofficial” History of the College for Seniors was compiled and written by Betty Licht.
August 25, 2003: A celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the ISU CfS program was held at Scheman Building. The lunch menu was described as a “School Lunch”. The program included a master of ceremonies, musicians, displays, and the Prime Time Readers. The Prime Time Readers to date have presented at twenty-plus performance.
July 1, 2006: Memorandum of Agreement between CfS & ISU Alumni Association signed.
Spring 2007: First two courses offered at Wesley Acres Retirement Community in Des Moines.
July 1, 2007: CfS became a constituent program of ISU Alumni Association. Jan Breitman becomes director and Barbara Meyer staff assistant.
Jan. 10, 2008: CfS became a full program of ISU Alumni Association.
July 2008: CfS received $100,000 Bernard Osher Foundation Grant and became the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University (OLLI at ISU).
Spring 2008: First field trip offered—a 12-day Geology trip to Colorado and Utah.
First course offered at The Lodge of Ashworth Retirement Community in West Des Moines.
January 2009: Jerilyn Logue was hired as a part-time program coordinator.
Spring 2009: 53 courses offered this fiscal year with 1,164 students enrolled.
July 2009: $100,000 Osher Grant funding renewed for Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
All-time Course Rosters
Jump to a year:
Fall 1993
• An Investment Primer
• Documents and Myths We Live By—or Do We?
• Explore Classical Music
• Medical and Social Ethics of the 90’s
Spring 1994
• Adventures in Listening
• American Values
• Climatic Change and Weather Cycle
• Energy
• Museums: Discover the World Within
• Nature Inside and Out
• World Religions
Fall 1994
• Art History
• Contemporary Issues: An African Perspective
• Digging for Roots
• Explore Classical Music
• Humor: A Part of the Live of Every Senior
• International Economics
• Investments
• Nutrition
Spring 1995
• Adventures in Listening
• American Constitutional Development
• Aspects of European Theatre History
• Current Horticultural Topics
• History of Ames
• Hot Spots Areas of World Interest and Concern
• Intergenerational Relationships (Including Grand Parenting)
• World Religion
Fall 1995
• Adventures in Listening
• American Constitutional Development
• Art History
• China: Traditions and Transformations: Issues for the 21st Century
• Geriatric Medicine today
• Great Historic Buildings of the Western World
• Literature of the Bible
• Western World Costume: A Brief History
Spring 1996
• Civil War History
• Geriatric Medicine
• Great Decisions
• History of Iowa
• Horticultural Topics
• Musical Instruments: Past to Future
• Photography
• Speedy Spanish for Travelers
Fall 1996
• Geriatric Medicine Today
• Great Decisions ‘96
• Hollywood: the Golden Years
• Impact of the Media
• Latin America: Past, Present, and Future
• Libraries: Windows to a World of Information
• Listening to Classic Jazz
• Major Economic Problems and Policies
Winter 1997
• Classic Novels, Now Movies: Still a Good Read?
• Great Decisions ‘96
Spring 1997
• Basic Concepts in Political Thought
• Current Theater in New York and London
• Geriatric Health Issues
• Great Decisions ‘97
• Issues Facing East Asia as it Approaches the 21st Century
• Landscape Architecture
• Opera
• Preserving Your Documentary Heritage: A Practicum
Fall 1997
• Eight Crucial WWII Strategic Decision: North Africa to the Eibe
• Factors That Determine Our Weather and Environment
• Geriatric Health Issues
• Great Decisions ‘97
• Legal Seminars
• Listening to Classic Jazz
• Photography: Discover Your Camera’s Potential
• The Celluloid Muse: A Look at Hollywood Movies 1940-1970
Winter 1998
• Great Decisions ‘97
• Preserving Your Documentary Heritage: A Practicum
• Think Turkey
Spring 1998
• Basic Concepts in Political Thoughts
• Conflicting Worldviews of Theism and Atheism
• Current Horticultural Topics
• Geriatric Health Issues
• Great Decision ‘98
• Literature of the Bible
• Opera
• Six Crucial WWII Strategic Decisions: Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki
Fall 1998
• Classical Music for All Occasions
• Developing a Love of Reading: Selecting Children’s Literature for Ages 5-12
• Geriatric Health Issues
• Great Decisions ‘98
• Impact of the Media
• Legal Seminar
• Never Too Old for Romance: Adventure, Beauty and Humor in British Romantic Poetry
• Nutrition and Your Health
Winter 1999
• Energy in the U.S.: Past, Present and Future
• From Placentia Bay to Potsdam: Allied Summitry during WWII
• Genesis
• Great Decisions ‘98
Spring 1999
• Central Europe in Transition: Focus on Slovak and Czech Republics
• Conflicting Worldviews of Theism and Atheism
• Geriatric Health Issues
• Great Decisions ‘99
• Introduction to Bridge
• Introductory Internet
• Issues in Education
• Major Landmarks in World War II
• Opera
• World Religions
Fall 1999
• 150 years of Popular Music in America
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Death as Part of Living
• Geriatric Health Issues Today
• Great Decisions ‘99
• Issues in Food Safety
• Literary and Historical Perspectives of World War I
• The History of Iowa
• Understanding the Chinese Revolution
Winter 2000
• Great Decisions 2000
• Preserving Your Documentary Heritage
• Hollywood Movies 1965-1900
Spring 2000
• 150 Years in Popular Music in America
• Agriculture: From Cave to Corn Belt
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Digital Photography: How and Why
• Investing and Estate Planning: Beyond the Basics
• It’s Don’t Mean a Thing: Big Bands of the Swing Era
• Playing with Word
• Shakespeare Production From the Globe, 1599 to Shakespeare’s Globe in 1999
• The History of Iowa
• Understanding the Chinese Revolution
Fall 2000
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Energy in the USA: Past, Present, and Future
• Faith in Practice: Religions Worldwide
• Korean War: International, Civil and Domestic Perspective
• Geriatrics Health Issues Today
• Great Decisions’ 2000
• Great Music of Great Britain
• Ideas of the Great Economists
• Short Stories to Enlighten and Delight
Winter 2001
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Computer Images and Digital Photography
• Computers for Beginners
• Hollywood Movies: Fantasy, Reality, and Musicals
• More Fun with Words
• Rule Britannia: Contemporary British Government and Politics
Spring 2001
• Astronomy for Seniors (this was the first evening course to be held)
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Computer: Using the Internet
• Conflicting Worldviews of Theism and Atheism
• Cyclone Memories: The History of Iowa State University
• Des Moines: Glimpses of Its Past (first class to be held in Des Moines)
• Dialogues: Race and Community Relations
• Great Decisions 2001
• More Short Stories
• Nutrition and Your Health
• The Earth’s Story: Mountain Building, Earthquake Activity, and Volcanoes
Fall 2001
• Antiques and Collectibles
• Art and Artists
• Beginnings in Genealogy and Family History
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Computers for Beginners
• Energy in the 21st Century
• Energy in the USA: Past, Present, and Future
• George Washington: The Making of the American Republic
• Great Decisions 2001
• Ideas of the Great Economists
• Writing Family Stories
Spring 2002
• Alternative/Complementary Medicine
• Beginning Computer
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Classical Music: 1600-1750, the Baroque Era
• European Theater History from 1800 to Present
• Iowa from Ancient Times to the Present
• Live It Up, Write It Down
• Meet the Internet
• Movers and Shakers of Early Des Moines
• Preserving your documentary Heritage: A Practicum
• Spanish for Travelers
• Women in the Arts
• World Religions
Fall 2002
• ….And Then I Wrote: The Great American Songbook
• Appreciation of Public Art
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Computers for Beginners
• Computers: Intermediate Level Users
• Impressions of Post-Revolutionary Russian Arts, History, and Economy
• Iowa Writers: How They Do It
• Italian Language for Travelers
• Reflections on the Movies
• Understanding the Peoples of the Middle East and Central Asia
• Water for Life
Spring 2003
• Beginning Computer
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Climb Your Family Tree
• Current Trends and Problems in Agriculture and Food Production
• Digital: The New Photography
• Energy for Our Future in the U.S.
• Eyewitness to World War II
• Great Decisions 2003
• Intermediate Computer
• Iowa Country Schools: Landmarks of Learning
• Listening to Classic Jazz
• Memoir and Beyond: A Hands-On Workshop
• Mysteries and Musicals: An Affectionate Look at Two Popular Film Genres
• The Loom of Language
• The World Turned Upside Down
Fall 2003
• All About Flying: A Primer on Aircraft and Aviation for Seniors
• American Women in History
• Ramifications of the Iraq War
• Avoiding Disaster
• African Mosaic
• On the Lincoln Highway
• Ames Heritage Collection Stores
• Shakespeare and Music
• Food Security: How Safe Is the Product?
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Butterflies
• Wild Birds
Spring 2004
• Digital Imaging
• Ethnicity in Iowa—The Scandinavian Experience
• Great Decisions 2004
• Campaigns and Elections 2004
• Take Me Out to the Ballgame: A Celebration of Baseball
• Financial Planning Beyond the Basics
• Books for Children—Literature for Life
• Antiques and Collectibles
• Catch the Excitement of the Ames Main Street Cultural District
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Drama: Ibsen and Saw
• Signing
Fall 2004
• Geriatric Medicine 2004
• The United States and the Middle East, 1970 to 9/11: How Did We Get Here?
• Musical Stars of Stage and Screen
• An Introduction to Geology
• A Genealogical Safari: A Hunt for Your Elusive Ancestor
• Downsizing without Downgrading: Decorating With Confidence
• Iowa’s Roots: the Germans
• Digital Gizmos for Senior
• Lewis and Clark: Journey to another America
• Cutting Edge Engineering Technology: A Showcase for the ISU Engineering College
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
Winter 2005
• Iowa Roots: More about the Germans
• Looking Beyond Iraq and Afghanistan: Potential Issues for America?
• Lewis and Clark: Journey to another America
Spring 2005
• Iowa Roots: The British Isles
• Drama: Strindberg and O’Neill
• Development, Globalization, and the World’s Poor
• DNA, Cloning, and Other Genetic Considerations
• Classical Music 1750-1830: the Classical Period
• Newsroom Cubs and Literary Lions
• Great Decisions 2005
• Introduction to Coin Collecting
• What’s New at the ISU Research Park
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
Fall 2005
• A Year in Your Garden
• Iowa Roots: The Dutch Heritage
• Great Decisions 2005
• Iowa’s Rural Heritage
• Virtuosi of the Fine Arts
• Healthy Lifestyles 2005
• The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Swing
• Iowa’s Amazing Architecture
• Exploring Industry n Ames
• What’s up, DOT?
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
Winter 2006
• American “Slanguage”
• Home Computer Security
• The U.S. Supreme Court and Judicial Review
• Poker
• Advanced Microsoft Word
• Creative Writing—Nonfiction
• More about What’s Up at DOT
• Woodcarving
Spring 2006
• Iowa Roots: African American History in Iowa 1838-2000
• Energy
• More Newsroom Cubs and Literary Giants
• Great Decisions 2006
• Listening to Music Beyond the Sound
• Geology of Iowa
• Wake Up Your Garden for Spring
• Voyages of Discovery: In Our Solar System
• Bridge 2: The Diamond Series
• Bridge 4: The Spade Series
• Aspects of European Theater History
• This We Believe
• Iowa Elections 2006
• Exploring Industry in Ames
• Computers: Introduction
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
Fall 2006
• Insects and Our Health
• Iowa Wildlife
• More Spain than Spanish
• Poetry for the Pleasure of It
• Great Decisions 20006
• The Art and Science of Forestry
• Exploring the World of Religion and Science: Yesterday—Today—Tomorrow
• Music and War
• Disaster! Are You/We Ready?
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Watercolor Painting
• Home Computer Security
• Italian Calligraphy—A Beautiful Way to Express Your Thoughts
• Computers: Introduction
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
Winter 2007
• Advanced Microsoft Word
• Poker
• Home Computer Security
• Environmental Biology
• Authors and Publishers Who Shook Up the Modern Literary Scene
• Stories about Old Friend—Authors and Illustrators of Children’s Books
• Don’t Just Give It Away: Your Guide to Charitable Giving No Matter Where You Have Charitable Interests
• Digital Photography
Spring 2007
• Prairies
• Grandparenting Infants and Toddlers
• Ames Artists at Work—Who They Are, What They Do
• Great Decisions
• Listening to Music Beyond the Sound
• Ames —What Makes It an Outstanding City?
• Astronomy: Ventures Beyond Our Solar System
• Oh, What a Lovely War: Military Conflict on the Silver Screen
• “See You in the Funny Papers:” A History of American Comic Strips and Comic Books
• This We Believe II
• The Story of Broadway Theatre from Herald Square to Lincoln Center
• Introduction to Electronic Musical Keyboards and Lead Sheet Music
• Bridge – The Diamond Series
• Bridge – The Spade Series
• Watercolor Painting
• Lewis and Clark: Journey to Another America
• Commonly Used Bridge Conventions
• Computers: Introduction
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
Fall 2007
• German Language and Culture
• Virtual Time Travel: Insights into Native American Culture and Archaeological Digs in Iowa and the U.S.
• The Romance of Opera
• Great Decisions
• Bird feeding: Discovering a Nature Refuge in Your Own Backyard
• Private Lives: Styles of biography
• Digital Photography: Point and Shoot Basics
• Digital Photography: Advanced dSLR Level
• Newsroom Cubs and Literary Lions
• Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Iowa State University
• The Blindfold Test for Popular Music Recordings
• Playing Arranger-Style (with automatic accompaniment) Electronic Musical Keyboards
• Fruit of the Vine: Demystifying Wine
• An Introduction to Native Plans of the Midwest Region
• Calligraphy 2007 Spencerian Script: Littering Elegance with Sweeping Flourishes
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Bridge: No Trump
• The Great American Songbook
• Computers: Introduction
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
Winter 2008
• Home Computer Security
• Exploring the Quilting Graze: It’s Not Just for Grandma Anymore!
• Music 101: A Cultural Potpourri of Composers
• Reducing Human Impact on the Earth’s Resources
• Your Indoor Garden
• Three Plays Based on WWII History
• Poker
• Advance Microsoft Word
Spring 2008
• Geology: Mountain, Plateaus, Canyons and Red Rocks
• National Parks Tour (May 17-28)
• Healthier Lifestyles
• Music Behind the Scenes
• Great Stores About Ames and Central Iowa Towns
• Great Decisions
• Digital Photography: Point and Shoot Basics
• Digital Photography: Advanced dSLR Level
• American Theatre History Since 1930
• Crumhorns, Kotos and all that Jazz: Classical Music in the 21st Century
• The History of Jazz
• Bridge – The Diamond Series
• Bridge – The Spade Series
• Fruit of the Vine—Demystifying Wine
• This We Believe III—Part A
• This We Believe III—Part B
• This We Believe III—Part C (Vedic City Maharishi University Bus Day Trip)
• Watercolor Painting
• Exploring Industry in Central Iowa
• Music: It don’t Mean a Thing
• Computers: Introduction
• Computers: Beginning
• Computers: Intermediate
Fall 2008
• Advanced Directives and Ethical Wills: Affirming our Values to the End of Life
• Global Warming
• Broadway Shows We Love
• Great Decisions
• Fruit of the Vine: Demystifying Wine
• Digital Photography: Point and Shoot Basics
• Digital Photography: Advanced dSLR Level
• German Language and Culture
• Exploring Antiques and Collectibles
• U. S. Presidential Campaigns
• Calligraphy 2008: Spencerian Script Lettering Elegance with Sweeping Flourishes
• Voyages of Discovery: Copernicus to the Big Bang
• Charles Darwin—His Life
• An Introduction to Native Plants of the Midwest Region
• Bridge 1: The Club Series
• Bridge 3: The Heart Series
• Bridge: No Trump
• History of Iowa State Athletics
• America’s Music
• Listening to Music Beyond the Sound
• Computers: Exploring the Internet
• Computers: Introduction
• Computers: Beginning using Word 2003
• Computers: Intermediate using Word and Excel 2003
Winter 2009
• Home Computer Security
• A Literary Landscape of Iowa
• Art Beyond the Museum
• Our Fascination with Railroads
• Digital Photography—Point and Shoot
• Mark Twain
• Travel and Travails of George Washington
• Making “Green” Choices
Spring 2009
• Digital Photography—Point and Shoot Basics
• Digital Photography—Advanced dSLR Level
• Middle East Issues: A Review and Update
• The Cold War’s “Spy Wars:” US vs. Soviet Union
• Great Decisions
• Issues and Events in American Women’s History
• Geology—Mountains, Basins, Geysers and Hot Springs
• Optional 13-day National Park tour in July
• Great Questions: Can We Answer Them Now?
• Ames Authors
• The Story of Broadway Theatre from Herald Square to Lincoln Center
• Bridge—The Spade Series
• Bridge—The Diamond Series
• Flowers That Can’t Wait For Spring
• Water Colors
• Exploring Industry in the Ames Area
• Great Decisions (Des Moines)
• Mark Twain: America’s Humorist (Des Moines)
• Computers—Level 2 (will use Microsoft Word 2003)
• Computers—Level 2 (will use Microsoft Word 2007)
• Computers—Level 3 (formerly Intermediate Computer)
• Computers—Exploring the Internet
Fall 2009
• America’s Rails: Past and Future
• Railroad Museum Tour to Council Bluffs and Omaha (October 8th and 9th)
• Changing Patterns of Energy
• Listening to Music Beyond the Sound
• Great Decisions
• Photography Field Trips
• Digital Photography—Point and Shoot Basics
• Digital Photography—Advanced dSLR Level
• Regional Cultures in Early America and Their Origins
• Famous Operettas
• A Brief Look at Eleven Decades of Movie Directors
• History of Iowa State Athletics
• Life in the Thirties
• Animal and Human Interactions
• Iowa as the Early “Wild West”
• Ames Water Supply and Source
• Reminiscing About Your 4-H Experiences
• Fresh Approach—Cooking for One or Two
• Bridge—The Clubs Series
• Bridge—The Hearts Series
• Bridge—The No Trump Series
• An Introduction to Native Plants of the Midwest Region
• Calligraphy: Spencerian Script—Lettering Elegance with Sweeping Flourishes
• Computers—Level 1 (formerly Introduction to Computer)
• Computers—Level 2 (formerly Beginning Computer)
• Computers—Level 3 (formerly Intermediate Computer)
• Computers—(Tuesday) Editing, Manipulating, and Printing Digital Photographs
• Computers—(Wednesday) Editing, Manipulating, and Printing Digital Photographs
• Art: Visual Thinking—Inside Out (Des Moines)
