About Osher, its lectures, and other events

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Carnegie Mellon, formerly the Academy for Lifelong Learning at Carnegie Mellon, is a gathering of people eager to extend their mature years by attending non-credit, peer-led classes in the dynamic, creative atmosphere of an outstanding university.

Osher at Carnegie Mellon offers three semesters of classes, Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall. Each semester has two sessions. A course catalog is mailed to members before the start of classes. Osher offers on average 85 classes per semester, with the actual number during 2009-2010 ranging from 81 to 121 classes per semester, including courses in literature, history, dance, politics, astronomy, current events, art, health, drama and theater, cooking, great novels, computers, philosophy, geography, music and poetry. Most classes meet once per week for six sessions.

The tuition fee is $50/semester, which includes an unlimited number of classes. A registration form is included with the course catalog. After the registration period has ended, a confirmation letter is mailed to members. Due to the popularity of some classes, lotteries for course attendees are held.

The Curriculum Committee works diligently on finding provocative study leaders for our classes. Courses are normally held during daylight hours and most classes meet on campus. Osher has two dedicated classrooms in Wean Hall and utilizes the Martha Orringer conference room in Hunt Library for smaller classes. Off campus class locations include the City Theater, Dance Alloy, Friends Meeting House, Rodef Shalom Temple, East Liberty Presbyterian Church and Wilkins Community Center.

Lectures

During the months of January through May and September through December, Osher sponsors a once-monthly evening lecture. The lectures are held in the University Center. Carnegie Mellon professors and well-known community members including physicians, authors and media professionals are often invited to speak for one hour, with a question and answer period following the presentation. View photos from previous events. Members on the waiting list are invited to monthly lectures.

Other events

Osher sponsors both one day trips and multi-day trips several times throughout the year. 2010 events include:

One-Day Trips: Our trips have included a tour of the Cleveland Museum’s “Paul Gauguin: Paris 1889” Exhibit, a tour of the Frick Art and Historical Center and the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for their 1930 Art Exhibits, a “History from the Bootstraps” Tour of Braddock, McKees Rocks and Millvale with Dr. Charles McCollester, and a tour of Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life.

Multi-Day Trips: Frederick and Sharpsburg, MD and Harpers Ferry, WV; Philadelphia and the Late Renoir Exhibit; Shaw Festival and Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada; Cleveland Orchestra Blossom Festival; Chautauqua Institute; and New England in Autumn. Members on the waiting list are invited to participate in the multi-day trips.

Luncheons and Other Events: Luncheons are held several times per year at popular, unique or ethnic restaurants in the area. In previous events, members had a brunch at the Schatz Faculty Dining followed by a tour of the Hunt Botanical Institute in April, a tour of the Vatican Treasures Exhibit at the Heinz History Center--and our annual holiday luncheon at the P.A.A. Future luncheons will be planned. Our annual Ice Cream Social includes entertainment.