The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Southern Mississippi celebrated the opening of its new gathering space at the university’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach today with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event also marked OLLI’s 10th anniversary serving members along the Gulf Coast.
The space includes a classroom, library and a spacious social area, with artwork by Mississippi icons Walter Anderson and Alice Moseley adding regional culture and artistic inspiration. The new central location will allow its more than 200 Gulf Coast members to expand their knowledge in subjects, such as the arts, nature, science, technology, personal enrichment, and health and fitness. Beyond academics, OLLI also fosters lasting friendships and meaningful social connections among members.
Paula Mathis, director of OLLI, said the new space underscores the program’s dual role in learning and social engagement, and expressed gratitude for the university administration’s ongoing support of lifelong learning and its positive impact on coastal members.
From left to right: Dr. Lance Nail, Southern Miss provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Allyson Easterwood, Southern Miss vice president for finance and administration; Dr. Joseph Paul, Southern Miss president; Steve Thaxton, executive director of the OLLI National Resource Center at Northwestern University; Carol Ann Lewando, OLLI founding member; Dr. Jeff Hinton, associate provost for Gulf Coast and lifelong learning success; Paula Mathis, Southern Miss OLLI director
“The social impact and sense of belonging will be shaped by opportunities and by having a central gathering place,” Mathis said. “This will benefit all members across the coast.”
Dr. Jeff Hinton, associate provost for Gulf Coast and lifelong learning success, emphasized the broader benefits of OLLI programming.
“I am very excited to dedicate this beautiful and functional space for use by Gulf Coast OLLI members as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of OLLI on the Gulf Park campus,” Hinton said. “The benefits of lifelong learning include improved cognitive health, increased social connections, greater adaptability and improved quality of life. This space will allow OLLI to expand its programming and offer more opportunities to coastal residents.”
Founding members and Southern Miss alumnae Carol Ann Lewando and Dianne Dewees reflected on the significance of OLLI’s growth and the role it has played in their lives. Lewando shared her excitement for having a dedicated space that meets members’ needs and said it will enhance the sense of community.
Dewees added, “The new OLLI space is beautiful, functional and comfortable. It will be a fine asset to the college, the region and our community of senior learners. I am looking forward to spending more time with my friends and peers and learning from them and our instructors. The greatest benefit of being an OLLI participant is having a purpose that enriches my life.”
Steve Thaxton, executive director of the OLLI National Resource Center at Northwestern University, praised the program’s milestone.
“On behalf of the Osher National Resource Center and the Osher Foundation, we warmly congratulate the Osher Institute at USM on the opening of its new Gulf Coast facility,” Thaxton said. “We’ve seen firsthand how a dedicated space can transform an institute by strengthening operations, deepening connections and inspiring new ideas. Bravo to all the Southern Miss and OLLI leaders whose vision, hard work and contributions made this dream a reality. May this beautiful new home welcome many new participants and make every learning and social experience even richer.”
