Nonprofit organizations either save lives or change lives. OLLI — the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Penn State — changes lives. I know this from hearing the many stories

throughout my tenure with this wonderful organization.

OLLI offers more than 200 courses a year that have no requirements, exams or grades — learning for pure joy.

Although OLLI promotes its offerings to retirees, anyone older than 18 can participate. Courses are based on a variety of topics including arts and architecture, music, dance, history, cooking, science, local interests, health, technology and gardening.

Several trips, including one-day excursions and an annual international trip, also are offered. Social activities round out the OLLI organization — theater and dinner opportunities, an annual picnic, book clubs and a writer’s group.

How does OLLI change people’s lives? It brings them together where friendships are formed, just like the grade-school days. Newcomers to the area quickly form friendships

through OLLI; newly retired people who often feel disconnected reconnect

through OLLI; widows or widowers who are grieving and lonely build a new community through OLLI. OLLI has become like family to many, including myself.

I’ve seen firsthand how OLLI has changed lives. Thanks to the courses, people discover new passions, keep up with technology and take trips together.

We are extremely fortunate to have a lifelong learning institute in our community, especially one that offers courses in Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg, State College and in several retirement/adult communities.

Many of our summer term courses are still available. They include:

• “China Through Our Eyes” by Carol and Steve Gentry, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon Sunday

• “Appreciation and Interpretation of Early Music” by Toby Carlson, 1- 2:30 p.m. July 12-Aug. 2

• “The Joy of Backyard Chickens” by Blair and Diana Malcom, 1-2:30 p.m. July 17

• “Who’s On First? A Unique Look at American Culture and History Through the Eyes of Baseball” by Bob Lillie, 10 a.m. July 18-Aug. 1

• “How to Be a Responsible Vegetarian” by Angie Wallace, 10:30 a.m.-noon July 11

• “Writing With Your Pants on Fire” by Kieryn Ziegler, 10-11:30 a.m. July 9-Aug. 13

• “A Day in the Life of a County Judge” by Judge Bradley P. Lunsford, 9- 11 a.m. Aug. 1

OLLI is an affordable membership organization. To learn more about OLLI or to receive a course and activity catalog, call 867-4278 or visit www.olli.psu.edu.

Sarah Benton is the executive director at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Penn State.