About

Welcome to the OLLI at UK!

“The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK offers educational and enrichment courses, forums, shared interest groups, trips, events and more for adults 50 years and older. More than 1,200 adult learners participate annually. The University of Kentucky has been at the forefront nationally in lifelong learning since 1964. The OLLI at UK has sites in Lexington and Morehead.

Mission

The Mission of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University of Kentucky is to engage the minds, elevate the spirit, and enrich the lives of adults aged 50+ through educational, social, and community activities.

Membership

OLLI at UK is a membership program with an annual fee of $50. OLLI Members are eligible to register for courses and SIGs, sign up for socials, trips, special events, and projects, access UK Wellness Centers, and more. Membership begins in August and includes Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Membership may be purchased throughout the year. Summer-only membership is prorated.

2025-2026 Membership can be purchased here.

For help with registration, refer to our helpful guides on creating an OLLI at UK account, registering for membership and courses, etc.

Courses

OLLI courses vary every semester and formats range from weekly classes to one day intensives. Instructors are passionate about their topics and sharing their love of learning. Courses are taught in the following categories:

Computers & Technology
Culture, Health & Wellness
History & Government
Languages
Literature & Writing
Performing & Visual Arts
Science & Environment
Out of the Box

A select number of our courses are also taught by instructors from Lexington community groups such as:

Donovan Forum & OLLI Conversations

Since 1964 UK has been offering weekly presentations on topics of interest each Fall and Spring. Both series serve as our gateway to the OLLI at UK and are free and open to the public. The Donovan Forum Presentation Series is held Thursday afternoons at the Lexington Senior Center. View our current schedule of Donovan Forums here.

Travel

Trips range from local walking tours to multi-day travel, typically offering a day-long charter bus trip each semester.

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

A SIG is a group of OLLI Members who share a particular interest and learn in a less formal environment. SIGs begin when an OLLI Member wants to create a new group in which to share an interest or experience or may evolve from an OLLI class whose members want to continue to explore a subject on their own.

Socials

The Social Committee creates opportunities for Members to meet and to socialize. A special Holiday Luncheon is held every year in early December. Additional socials vary and are scheduled throughout the year.

Concerts & Events

Numerous events are held annually including:

Open Houses to meet Instructors and learn about upcoming learning opportunities.*
Chorus Concert at the end of our Fall and Spring semesters.*
Concerts and theatrical plays in the Lexington area that OLLI sponsors and/or offers discounts to OLLI Members. This has included jazz concerts presented by Origins Jazz Series and theatrical plays by the Lexington Theatre Company.

*These events are free and open to the public.

OLLI Volunteer Leadership

OLLI at UK is a volunteer, member-led institute with Advisory Boards in Lexington and Morehead. Members, also known as OLLI Scholars, serve on committees and task forces, teach courses, facilitate SIGs, and volunteer for events. Committees develop curriculum, plan and implement presentation series, social events, trips, projects, recruit volunteers and promote the program as OLLI Ambassadors.