Endowment to support lifelong learning at Aquinas College

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A $1 million endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation will support Aquinas College's efforts to promote lifelong learning.

The funding announced Thursday by the Catholic liberal arts college will support its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Established in the 1970s, the institute's program was designed to provide pre- and post-retirement education opportunities to people age 50 and older.

Juan Olivarez, president of the Grand Rapids college, says in a statement that lifelong learning "is at the heart of Aquinas' mission."

Today, nearly 1,500 students take more than 160 classes each year through the institute. In addition to interest on the endowment, funding comes from membership fees and community members. A celebration of the program's 40th anniversary is planned this spring.

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Online:

http://www.aquinas.edu

http://www.osherfoundation.org