An interview with Osher@Mizzou members Llona and Gary Weiss
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Osher@Mizzou members Llona and Garry Weiss
Q: How long have you been members of Osher@Mizzou?
Llona Weiss: I was the first to join, and I started by taking a few classes while still working. I transitioned to being a full-time Osher student when I retired in 2017. Ultimately, I convinced my husband Garry to join me. We’ve been active ever since!
Q: What attracted you to the organization?
Garry and Llona Weiss: Education and the importance of lifelong learning. We both were attracted to the broad diversity and quality of class offerings. In addition to the purely educational aspects of Osher, we also appreciated the social opportunities that come along with attending classes, such as meeting and getting to know a broad range of interesting people.
Garry: I admit that I was reluctant at first to attend, but with a bit of prodding from Llona, I’ve now become as committed an Osher member as my wife.
Q: What have been your most memorable Osher classes?
Garry: I really appreciated the recent class on tariffs. This topic has been in the news so much during the last year, yet people know very little about this important area. The instructor [Diane Suhler] was exceptional in breaking down a complex subject, being informative and maintaining the class’s attention.
Llona: My most memorable classes were taught by Larry Brown. I’ve had a lifelong interest in history, so classes that deal with any facet of history get high marks from me.
Q: What volunteer positions have you held over the years?
Llona: I’ve held a variety of positions within the organization. Back in my early days, I assisted with student check-in and worked getting people signed up for classes when that was handled in person or by phone. I also volunteered as a class assistant and, during the Covid years, worked to deliver Zoom classes. I also served as co-chair of the Volunteer Committee and in that capacity was also a member of the Advisory Council.
Garry: I will be teaching a class in January of 2026, giving people some insight on taxes and how to navigate your IRS form 1040.
Interviewer Tom Bender, Osher Development Committee Chair: Garry is a retired CPA and published author. So, look forward to that class!
Q: Why do you support the Osher program financially?
Llona and Garry: First and foremost, we appreciate the quality of the educational offerings. Without the financial support of members, the quality of the educational and social benefits might be diminished. Membership fees alone cannot support the high-quality programming that Osher members have come to expect and appreciate. We’d also like to note that the instructors give generously of their time and expertise, so we encourage Osher members to generously support the organization as well.
Q: For those members considering a financial gift to Osher, what advice do you have for them?
Llona and Garry: Gifts to Osher can be seen as an investment in your quality of life, as well as your mental and physical health. Study after study has shown the importance of lifelong learning and keeping mentally and socially active. Osher makes both of those possible for a cost that cannot be matched by any other group or club.
Llona: You cannot match Osher, it is a bargain.
Q: Are there any final points or comments you’d like to share?
Llona: During Covid, Osher was a godsend, making it possible to stay in touch with friends and continue to take advantage of the great program offerings. Osher and Zoom helped us get through that tough time.
Interviewer Tom Bender: Thank you, Llona and Garry Weiss, for your time, comments and continued support of Osher@Mizzou!
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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.