Partnership expands global comparative learning opportunities for adult learners while celebrating OLLI at CSU’s 20th anniversary
The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), which administers the Semester at Sea study abroad program, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Colorado State University (CSU) have signed a founding partnership agreement. This flagship partnership establishes a formal bridge between Semester at Sea’s multi-generational program and OLLI at CSU’s active community of adult learners.
Through this founding affiliation, ISE and OLLI at CSU (as ISE’s founding partner) will collaborate to promote global education, share lifelong learning resources, and connect older adults with transformative comparative study opportunities around the world.
“Semester at Sea has long valued its partnership with Colorado State University. Establishing our founding partnership with the Osher Institute at CSU extends our connection and promises to deeply enrich our voyagers’ experiences,” said Scott Marshall, President and CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education. “Lifelong Learners are an integral part of our shipboard community, bringing valuable life experience, mentorship, and curiosity to every voyage. Partnering with one of the premier lifelong learning institutes in the country allows us to inspire even more adults to explore the world alongside undergraduate students and world-class faculty.”
Established in July 2006 through an endowment by the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI at CSU is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Serving over 2,000 members annually, it is one of the largest and most vibrant Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in the United States.
“Celebrating 20 years of OLLI at Colorado State University gives us an incredible opportunity to look forward and consider new offerings that extend our mission,” said Meredith Naughton, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU. “This partnership with Semester at Sea opens exciting doors for our members to learn alongside and engage with students, faculty, and staff from around the world, including the many CSU students, faculty, and staff who sail on this incredible program.”
Upcoming Presentation: “Set Sail the Lifelong Learner Way!”
OLLI at CSU will host a special Semester at Sea presentation as one of its Fall 2026 courses:
- Course Title: Set Sail the Lifelong Learner Way! The Semester at Sea Experience (OSHR 3412)
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. MT
- Format: Hybrid (In-person at Drake Hall, Fort Collins, or Online via Zoom)
- Cost: Complimentary
- Overview: Presented by Vera Nicholas, Manager of Lifelong Learning and Partnerships at Semester at Sea (and a Fall 2022 LLL alum), and CSU faculty and previous Lifelong Learners, the session explores daily life aboard the MV World Odyssey, academic coursework, and port experiences across 10 or more countries per voyage.
Registration details for the presentation are available through the OLLI at CSU course catalog.
About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
The San Francisco-based Bernard Osher Foundation was established in 1977 by businessperson and community leader Bernard Osher. Today, the foundation supports a national network of more than 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes located on university campuses across all 50 states. Each institute offers noncredit courses, lectures, and educational activities specifically developed for intellectually curious adults ages 50 and better.
About Semester at Sea
The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) administers Semester at Sea, the world’s leading comparative study abroad program, founded in 1963. Sailing aboard the MV World Odyssey, undergraduate students, Lifelong Learners, faculty, and staff travel to 10 to 12 international destinations per semester.
