Page 18 - Access Magazine 2023

BY DOUGLAS HOAGLAND
Nancy and Stan Busch are doing college again in their 70s, but with a twist this time. They take only classes that interest them, don’t worry about grades, and learn for the sake of learning.
This comes courtesy of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Fresno State, which offers short-term classes, keynote speakers, a book club and field trips to people 50 and older. “There’s always something to be interested in and think about at OLLI,” says Nancy Busch, a semi-retired nurse. A longtime participant in the program, she serves on an advisory board to OLLI Executive Director Kristi Johnson. As the program emerges from Covid-era adjustments, Johnson is focused on expanding membership and develop- ing additional interesting courses. Recent OLLI courses ranged from “Putin’s Russia” to “Understanding Valley Religions.” “We can help our members learn about the world and at the same time bring a focus to our local history and assets,” Johnson says.
That pleases the Busches, whose commitment to education is typical of OLLI partici- pants. “OLLI expands our horizons and keeps us learning,” Nancy Busch says. Earlier in life, she had to forge her own commitment to learning. “Going to college wasn’t part of my family’s thinking,” Busch says. “But the minute I could start taking classes, I did, and I just kept working at it.”
Her achievements are impressive. At 35, with three young children, she earned a bach- elor’s of science degree in Nursing from Fresno State. Then, when she was 52, Busch earned a master’s degree in Education Administration. She worked in public health, and later as a school nurse, and she also taught part time at Fresno State. “Education is just part of me. I couldn’t turn it off if I tried.”
OLLI courses
Having more Fresno State faculty
and staff – active and retired – teach OLLI courses is one of Johnson’s goals. Upcoming faculty-led courses will include:
Ì“Conversational Italian” presented by Dr. Andrea Polegato, Assistant Professor
of Italian Studies.
Ì“Rethinking the Cold War” presented by Dr. Lori Clune, Professor of History.
Ì“Hitler Mania” presented by Dr. Amila Becirbegovic, Assistant Professor of German and Ethnic Humanities.
Fresno State launched OLLI in the early 2000s after philanthropist Bernard Osher began making grants to universities
and colleges. More than 100 campuses nationwide now offer such programs, and they had to make major adjustments when the Covid pandemic led to lockdowns.
Information about OLLI is available at https://cge.fresnostate.edu/olli/index.html or by calling 559.278.0008.
18 California State University, FRESNO
“I love the idea
f lifelong learning. ~Johnson
U Kristi Johnson, Olli Director
o