UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State recently honored the many members who give their time and share their knowledge as volunteers to support the program.
OLLI at Penn State Executive Director Brynn Rousselin said volunteers are vital to the institute as it works to provide educational and social opportunities for community members aged 50 or better.
“Our volunteers are essential to our mission of lifelong learning and bring a sense of community and shared commitment to our organization. From serving on committees, to assisting in the classroom to organizing our many special interest groups and events, our volunteers work to support each other and this program,” Rousselin said. “OLLI as an organization benefits greatly from this sharing of experience, expertise, skills, talent and time.”
During the OLLI Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 23, longtime member and volunteer Sandy Lopez was awarded with OLLI at Penn State’s highest honor, the Barbara Lindenbaum Award, which is given to volunteers who have demonstrated leadership, service and a passion for lifelong learning.
Lopez became a member of OLLI at Penn State in 2016 after moving to the area from North Carolina, and she soon began teaching her first course, "The Taste of Charleston." She then became active in the Curriculum and Membership Committees and has continued to be a dedicated OLLI member and volunteer ever since.
“Sandy is a wonderful representation of what this award stands for.” Rousselin said. “Not only has she taught just about every semester since she joined us and led various committees, but she also goes out of her way to make everyone — instructor, volunteer, OLLI member, or Penn State student — feel welcome and part of our OLLI community.”
Lopez continues to teach two classes a year and is an active participant in many of OLLI’s offerings by participating in a broad range of trips, tours and classes and as a member of the Community Engagement Committee, all of which add to her life.
“My favorite part of being an OLLI member is the people I have met. I love lifelong learning, and OLLI has a broad variety of opportunities that I enjoy,” Lopez said. “This is my first time living in Pennsylvania and the State College area, so being active in OLLI is a great place to learn about the community.”
Lopez has also been involved with the Girl Scouts since childhood and is close to completing eight years of service as a Girl Scout National Volunteer Partner. She also dedicates her time to the Women’s Welcome Club and the University Women’s Club. Her dedication to the organizations she believes in is something she learned in childhood and has carried with her through her whole life.
“I believe strongly in volunteerism and that the best way to learn about the organizations I join is to be active in them,” Lopez said. “My grandmother was a very active community volunteer, as was my mom, which led me to volunteer in Girl Scouts and church from a young age. I am still an active Girl Scout volunteer and master trainer. As an adult I volunteered wherever I lived. I give time, experience and energy to whatever I choose to do.”
More information about OLLI at Penn State is available here or by calling 814-867-4278.