A longtime employee of the University of Vermont has been named director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UVM.
Cathi Cody-Hudson, a UVM Continuing and Distance Education (CDE) employee for 31 years, will lead the OLLI at UVM on-campus and statewide program, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UVM offers year-round courses and events for adult learners on campus and in eight Vermont communities, including Brattleboro, Montpelier, Newport, Rutland, Stowe, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury and Springfield. OLLI at UVM is a self-sustaining organization supported by membership and course fees.
CDE Dean Cynthia Belliveau, who served as interim director of OLLI at UVM, appointed Cody-Hudson to the position.
“Cathi brings a wonderful combination of organizational and communications expertise to OLLI at UVM, and she will help take our on-campus and statewide programs to the next level,” Belliveau said. “Cathi is passionate about lifelong learning and understands that challenging ourselves and engaging with our peers is what keeps our minds active and healthy.”
As director, Cody-Hudson will also continue her full-time position as human resources and facilities manager of CDE. She has worked closely with OLLI at UVM since 2010 as assistant director.
Her plan as director is to increase membership and build partnerships throughout the state.
“The vision for OLLI is to reach more than 1,000 members in Vermont, to create a vibrant community of lifelong learners, and ensure the sustainability and ongoing quality programs through strong partnerships and member volunteers,” Cody-Hudson said.
OLLI programs range from engaging lectures to language and art classes to group travel to domestic and international cities. The program currently has about 900 members statewide.
Each of the eight satellite sites around the state operate with a site leader and team of member volunteers. Statewide and at UVM, Cody-Hudson will oversee the OLLI budget, work with site leaders to recruit volunteers and manage outreach.
UVM is one of more than 117 colleges and universities in the United States that provide lifelong learning opportunities to adults age 50 and over through OLLI. In 2002, UVM received funding from the Osher Foundation to establish eight sites around Vermont, the first being in Rutland. Additional funding received in 2010 supported the start of a campus-based OLLI at UVM.
For more information about OLLI at UVM, visit learn.uvm.edu/olli.