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Welcome to OLLI at NC State



The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State University promotes non-credit education for those 50 and up in the Triangle area.

What is OLLI?

What we Offer

Membership

Spotlight on OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at NC State provides non-credit short courses, study trips, and special events for adults ages 50+. Topics are wide-ranging in the liberal arts and sciences, and we emphasize learning for the joy of learning. Programs range from one-time lectures to six-week courses, and we provide many opportunities to connect with others who share your interests. Most of our courses are held at the easily accessible McKimmon Conference and Training Center.

OLLI members in the classroom
An instructor speaks in front of a large TV while lifelong learners sit at desks and listen to the presentation

Upcoming Course Spotlight

We’re spotlighting upcoming courses and instructors we’re really excited about.

Learn More
a man speaks at a lectern to a classroom of lifelong learners

Lectures for Non-members

Most of our large room lectures are open to non-members too.

Learn more about upcoming lectures
Two lifelong learners converse while sitting at a desk

Volunteer Spotlight

Our volunteers shape OLLI in incredible ways – large and small.

Meet our volunteers
Lifelong learners dressed in red and black board an NC State bus

OLLI News

Want to know what’s happening at OLLI at NC State?

Sign up to receive our monthly email
the cardinal at north hills

Sponsor Spotlight

Our sponsors help support our special events.

Meet one of this year’s sponsors

Register for Courses & Lectures

Join our growing 50+ community and explore new opportunities to learn within a welcoming environment of like-minded individuals.

Spring 2025

Spring 2025 registration will open in two phases:

You have three options for registering for OLLI programs:

  • Online — Learn how to create a Brickyard account, search for courses, and register online.
  • In-Person — The OLLI Office is located on the second floor of the McKimmon Center (1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606) in Room 225. We’re open Monday – Friday and can accept registrations from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We can accept payment via check or credit card. View Map & Directions →
  • Phone — Register by phone Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Call 919.515.5782 and select option 1.

If you’ve logged into your Reporter Brickyard account and are ready to register, visit Reporter and enter OLLISP 25 into the “search the catalog” field for Fall courses.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Network

OLLI at NC State is proud to be part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Network as one of 120+ university-affiliated learning in retirement programs across the country awarded an endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation. There are four OLLIs in North Carolina — at NC State University, Duke University, UNC Asheville and UNC Wilmington.

Find the OLLI nearest you
Lifelong learner raises hand during class

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader Bernard Osher. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through innovative funding in higher education and the arts. The Foundation supports a national lifelong learning network of programs designed for adults 50 and better; Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes operate on 120+ college and university campuses in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia.

View a brief animated video history of The Osher Institute Legacy of Bernard Osher:

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a unit of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education. Any views and/or opinions expressed in the classes, groups, or other offerings are those of the individual instructor/presenter and not of NC State. NC State reserves the right to cancel any class or event due to under-enrollment and to substitute instructors or make other changes as it deems necessary.

OLLI Advantages

“OLLI is all it’s advertised to be and more – lifelong learning at its best. It’s easy to see that OLLI has developed a community of learners and this can only enrich our lives as OLLI participants as well as our wider community.”

“I really enjoy meeting new people – and they are all special here.”

“OLLI remains a core highlight for intellectual and social meaning in my retirement years.”

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