Psst, here's news. After all that noise about a northern UW campus in Snohomish County's future, the University of Washington has quietly come to Everett -- sort of, and for some of us.
Starting this summer, I could sign up for these classes: "U.S. Diplomacy: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," "Medical Ethics Issues" and "Introduction to Murder: the Reality of Investigation and Prosecution."
Those classes and more will be offered at the Everett Senior Activity Center, little more than a mile's walk from my house. And get this: There's no homework. Nor would I take exams or get grades.
There is a catch. You have to be -- I'll say it nicely -- mature and then some, age 50 or older. And you don't get college credit. It's all for the joy of learning.
That's the point of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Washington, a membership program that just opened a third site in Everett. For several years, the institute has offered short courses and special events at the UW's Seattle campus and in Redmond, at the Trilogy at Redmond Ridge community. More than 600 people are members.
The program is supported by a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation. An annual membership is $110, and a $10 fee is charged for each class. Members can take classes at any location.
Calling himself a "late bloomer" who took more than a decade to complete a college degree, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson spoke Thursday to more than 50 people at the senior center. They had come for an introduction to the learning institute, named for philanthropist Bernard Osher and administered by UW Educational Outreach.
"It's very appropriate for this partnership to start with our senior population," Stephanson said. He later quipped, "You're the really smart ones."
"High-quality instruction" will be presented by current and retired UW faculty members, college teachers from other schools and experts from our community, Stephanson said.
This summer, Everett Community College English instructor Roger Berger will teach "Demystifying Ulysses." I had to use CliffsNotes when I read the James Joyce novel on my own years ago. David Dilgard, an Everett Public Library history specialist, will teach an afternoon class called "The Story of Everett."
William Reinhardt, a UW chemistry professor, will be in Everett to teach "From Chaos Theory to Quantum Mechanics: What's New in What Scientists Can and Can't Predict?" Wow, that's a mouthful. According to the summer schedule, Reinhardt will cover it all in just three classes -- and no chemistry final. It's time to admit that a chemistry final was nearly my undoing at the UW.
"Lifelong learning keeps people thinking about what's going on in the world, and keeps minds fresh. It keeps people engaged in civic life," said Kate Reardon, spokeswoman for the city of Everett. "It's really affordable," she added.
Susan Turner, senior director of academic programs with the learning institute, said the program forms partnerships in host communities. Here, the city provides a meeting place and is working to get the word out. Major support comes from the Bernard Osher Foundation, which funds more than 90 learning institutes for older adults nationwide.
Bernard Osher? I didn't know the name, but he's been listed by Forbes magazine as one of the world's richest people. Born in Maine, Osher moved to California and made billions in banking, according to Forbes. He ran the Butterfield & Butterfield auction house, then sold it to eBay for $200 million in stock. Now in his 80s, he established the foundation in 1977.
I haven't given up on the UW branch campus dream, despite shrinking education budgets and squabbling over a campus site. The UW Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is "totally separate," Turner said.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Washington, a membership program offering short courses for adults ages 50 and over, has opened at the Everett Senior Activity Center, 3025 Lombard Ave.
Courses will be offered beginning this summer. Cost is $110 per year and $10 per course.
The institute also offers classes at the UW Seattle campus and in Redmond.
