Jan. 4, 2011 - Learning doesn't have to involve homework or tests. Through CSUB's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, older adults can enjoy a variety of courses designed to enrich and entertain.

The Winter 2011 schedule offers more courses than ever, including 14 main campus courses taught by CSUB professors, as well as 19 special interest classes taught by community members and an out-of-town trip. Courses center around such topics as health, technology, art, music, religion, literature, photography, history and more.

"If you've been a little nervous about taking a college class, there is no need to be. OLLI is about fun," said Program Coordinator Jennifer Patino. "As adults, we understand things better the more we are interested in them. The OLLI program has something for everyone."

New classes include food and wine pairings in February at Urner's Test Kitchen, featuring appetizers from The Petroleum Club, main courses by Audrey's Café, dessert from Gimmee Some Sugar, and beer and wine from Imbibe to complement each tasting. There are also new technology courses for beginners, including social media, digital photography, and Photoshop, as well as a foreign film series.

Local boogie woogie expert Nat Dove will present a class on "A Journey into the Blues," artist Iva Fendrick will teach "Watercolor Landscapes" and Horse Robinson is teaching a course on "Discovering the Kawaiisu Tribe of Kern County." An all-day field trip on Feb. 17 will take participants to the Nethercutt Museum and Collection in Sylmar to see rarities including mechanical musical instruments, antique furniture, and classic automobiles.

OLLI is a membership-based program, although non-members are more than welcome to sign up for classes. Membership is just $35 per year and includes a significant discount on classes. (Most classes are $5 for members and $25 for nonmembers.)

In 2003, CSUB welcomed the OLLI program to campus. It is funded by a grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, which supports higher education and the arts for those that are aged 50 and better. At present, the foundation supports more than 100 lifelong learning programs on university and college campuses across the country. OLLI at CSUB has grown from 90 original members to more than 300. When CSUB's membership reaches 500, the university becomes eligible to receive a $1 million endowment to continue funding the growth of the program.

For a complete schedule of courses and to sign up, visit www.csub.edu/olli and click the link for the "Current OLLI Schedule." For more information, call OLLI Coordinator Jennifer Patino at 661-654-2427 or e-mail olli@csub.edu.