A program which has existed for more than a decade at UD recently received a $1 million dollar endowment from the San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation.

The program, The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (UDLLI), has experienced tremendous success over its 11 years in existence.

'The University of Dayton has made a commitment to programming for older adults from the beginning,' said Julie Mitchell, assistant dean for special programs and continuing education, in a recent press release. 'Yet this resource truly makes us solvent for the long term.'

For an organization to be considered a Lifelong Learning Institute, it must possess two important attributes.

According to the University of Dayton Continuing Education website, these attributes are, 'learners create their own college level educational programs,' and, 'organizational structure distinguishes the Institute as an educational community of older learners.'

UDLLI offers a series of seminars where adults can 'expand their knowledge' in an informal environment. The program is designed for men and women 50 years of age or older.

The endowment will set up a formal scholarship program. This will allow the institute to expand into the community and help less fortunate adults take advantage of the services that the Institute offers.

It will also allow for much needed facility renovations and equipment upgrades without putting the burden on the participants of the program through higher fees.

'This gives us the opportunity to continue current programming and make improvements to our offerings while not having to pass along all the expenses to our members, most of whom are on fixed incomes,' Mitchell said.

There are many things that paved the way for this award to the Lifelong Learning Institute, including the tremendous growth that they have experienced in the past 11 years.

Starting with only 45 students, the Institute has tremendously grown to the 524 they serve today. This rapid growth and their ability to maintain it made the Institute attractive to the foundation.

Many other things, such as, numerous sponsored programs and seminars, and expansion into the surrounding community, has also earned the Institute their $1 million dollar endowment.

While the institute has received grants and similar awards in the past, none have compared the generosity and size of this one. Could the Institute be expecting any more awards like this in the future?

'It is always a possibility' Mitchell said.

While they may not come in the form of an endowment, other grants and monetary awards could be expected.

This award was directly given to the University and the interest earned on this investment will provide long-term financial support for the Institute.