Q: How did you first get involved with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program at the University of Missouri?

I took a class on the Lewis and Clark Expedition organized by [Osher founder] John Parker in fall 2002 when the program was over at the old MU Alumni Center, and that was enough to want to travel the route ourselves. A group of us traveled with Elderhostel from St. Louis by bus through the Mandan villages and we ended up on the beach in Astoria, Oregon. It was just a fabulous, fabulous trip. And Osher was the incentive. Now, of course, Osher has mushroomed into such a great, great program that it's difficult to choose which courses you want to take each semester!

Q: You've been attending Osher classes for a very long time – since the beginning! What was it that inspired you to start supporting the organization with your own philanthropic dollars?

I believe in the Osher program, and I want it to continue. So that's why I continue to support it – not just through my membership and taking classes, but I think it's important also to support it with donations.

Q: Have you developed any long-lasting relationships or friendships through your participation in the Osher program?

Oh, yes, I would say so. I've met so many lovely people there, and of course Helen Washburn is just such a paragon, as was her husband, George. I was in a writing group with George, and he was just a wonderful, wonderful person. So, yes, I have met and enjoyed friendships with several people. Helen’s leadership was astonishing. She was incredibly organized and really helped to get Osher to the place where it is today, with strong bylaws and so forth.

Q: Do you feel it's important for others to support Osher? How would you articulate that to somebody who is taking classes but hasn't taken that step yet to support the organization philanthropically?

I realize how fortunate it is that I'm able to support Osher financially, because in retirement there are many people who aren't able to do that. I think anything that you can do to help promote the program is wonderful, and if you can do it monetarily, that helps too.

Q: What sort of impact do you want to have with your own giving both to Osher and to other organizations? When you think about making a gift, what sort of impact do you want that to have?

I support many organizations that I believe in mainly so that they may go on in perpetuity. That's very important, and especially with Osher, because I value the classes so much, as well as the teachers. I just can't believe how much the instructors give to the program. They bring us so much pleasure and benefit and in return get only a few words of appreciation. One instructor in particular, Jay Ward, is just so amazing. He’s a retired surgeon who went back to school and got a Ph.D. in U.S. history. He took his students’ encouragement to do a class on the First Ladies, and he just dug right in and created a whole new class for us.

Q: Is there anything else you want to share with people who may not be familiar with Osher to inspire them to get involved with the organization?

The value of the mental stimulation is just incomparable. I read a lot of books and similar individual pursuits. But it's just wonderful to be able to connect at Osher with other people who are also interested in learning, who value the importance of staying alert and connected, and value the importance of lifelong learning.

About Osher: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Missouri (Osher@Mizzou) is lifelong learning program that provides a variety of noncredit, affordable courses and other educational, cultural and social offerings designed for adults aged 50 plus. Join Osher and take part in thoughtful interactions about topics of interest to you, all for the joy of learning.

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