BOLLI offers adults lifelong, online learning this summer

Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Brandeis (BOLLI) may be confined to their homes by a global pandemic; nevertheless this spring, they have been pursuing their studies online with undiminished gusto.

BOLLI was spearheaded in 2000 by Brandeis Professor Bernie Reisman and an ambitious group of retirees who saw Brandeis as the perfect home for an institute dedicated to liberal learning for older adults. BOLLI circa 2020 is exceptional among its peer institutes for “truly resembling an elite small liberal arts college for older adults. The Brandeis faculty and student body set a very high standard for us, one we are inspired by every day,” explains BOLLI Director, Avi Bernstein.

In celebration of 20 years of exceptional adult learning activities, this summer’s term will see more than double the usual programming – all online, beginning June 1. The program will include lecture courses on social protest music in rock n’ roll history, an introduction to religious existentialism, and faculty seminars on The Great Gatsby, the Baroque in classical music history, and much more.

In addition to welcoming the 600-plus members already affiliated, BOLLI is accepting new members for the summer term. A basic summer membership is $75. For more information contact Carolyn Cross at ccross@brandeis.edu.