MANCHESTER, NH – For anyone who believes learning shouldn’t end at retirement, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of New Hampshire is now welcoming new and returning members for its Spring 2026 term.
That’s OLLI, for short – keeps it simple and feels more like the spirit of fun and adventure the program is.
OLLI has opened registration for spring courses, with classes beginning February 23. More than 50 courses will be offered locally in Manchester and online via Zoom, giving participants a wide range of options to explore new interests — or dive deeper into longtime passions.
OLLI at UNH is a member-driven, volunteer-based lifelong learning community designed for retired and semi-retired adults who enjoy learning for learning’s sake. Courses are non-credit, low-pressure, and taught by instructors who are passionate about their subjects — often fellow members or community experts.
Founded locally in 2004, OLLI at UNH is part of a national network of more than 120 lifelong learning institutes hosted by colleges and universities across the country, all supported in part by the Bernard Osher Foundation.
The OLLI model exists thanks to the vision of Bernard Osher, a philanthropist born in 1927 – still living his best life in California – who believed intellectual curiosity should be nurtured at every stage of life. Along with his wife, Barbro, Osher helped establish lifelong learning institutes nationwide to create welcoming academic homes for older adults—places where curiosity, conversation, and community are valued over exams and grades.
Today, that vision plays out daily at OLLI at UNH, where members gather not just to learn, but to connect.
This spring’s lineup reflects the program’s trademark range and depth, with offerings that span history, culture, science, music, and public affairs. Upcoming courses include:
- French-Canadian Genealogy 101
- Joni Mitchell: Observer of Friends, Lovers & Us
- Understanding the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)
- Unsung Heroes of Apollo Mission Control, 1965–1992
Classes are held in person at UNH Manchester and online, making participation accessible to learners across New Hampshire and beyond.
Membership in OLLI at UNH also includes access to free Lunch and Learn programs, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and social events that emphasize connection as much as education. These offerings allow members to explore shared interests, stay socially engaged, and remain connected to the broader UNH-Manchester community.
An annual membership costs $50, which allows members to enroll in courses statewide and online. Course fees range from $25 to $55, with scholarships available for course tuition (membership fees still apply).
How to Get Started
Registration for Spring 2026 courses is now open. Those interested in joining or returning to OLLI at UNH can browse the full course catalog and learn more at unh.edu/olli or by calling 603-862-OLLI (6554).
For lifelong learners, OLLI at UNH offers a simple but powerful idea: curiosity doesn’t retire—and neither should the joy of learning.