Julie Bobitt - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Iowa
Posted by Chris Lunardi
The University of Iowa Center on Aging (COA) was awarded funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation in July 2006, to establish the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Iowa (OLLI at Iowa).
The COA elected to delay utilizing Osher funding until additional staff was hired and a steering committee was formed to assist with the recruitment of a full advisory board. From July 1, 2006 through October 31, 2006, the COA supported two half-time staff, OLLI at Iowa Director Julie Bobitt and Program Assistant Linsey Abbott, to conduct preliminary program planning and organization. The COA began drawing on Osher Foundation funds in November 2006, when the first statewide outreach programs took place and the OLLI at Iowa Steering Committee held their first meeting. Thus, the official funding period for OLLI at Iowa is November 1, 2006 - October 31, 2007.
Collaborating with the University and community partners, OLLI at Iowa staff and board members worked to coordinate and administer a program that would 1) strengthen learning activities in the community; 2) extend educational opportunities statewide through UI outreach efforts; and 3) provide stimulating new learning environments. Year One activity goals included: seven outreach learning opportunities around the state; eight new classes and a forum led by current or emeriti UI faculty or staff, at both on-campus and local community sites; and establishing a local eight-week senior leadership program.
Julie Bobitt, MA, has been the education and outreach coordinator for the Center on Aging at the University of Iowa since 2003. During this time she has coordinated interdisciplinary education opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, participated in state-wide educational efforts with a consortium of aging programs representing five universities, exhibited and/or presented at multiple regional, state, and national conferences, and served as project manager for two state-wide grant contracts.
Ms. Bobitt's volunteer and program development experience includes directing Chapter services and events for the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern Iowa, overseeing therapeutic recreation programs in retirement and healthcare setting and serving as development associate with the UI Foundation. Her work experiences have given her the unique opportunity to work with many health-care agencies and aging-related organizations locally and throughout the state.
Collaborating with the University and community partners, OLLI at Iowa staff and board members worked to coordinate and administer a program that would 1) strengthen learning activities in the community; 2) extend educational opportunities statewide through UI outreach efforts; and 3) provide stimulating new learning environments. Year One activity goals included: seven outreach learning opportunities around the state; eight new classes and a forum led by current or emeriti UI faculty or staff, at both on-campus and local community sites; and establishing a local eight-week senior leadership program.
Julie Bobitt, MA, has been the education and outreach coordinator for the Center on Aging at the University of Iowa since 2003. During this time she has coordinated interdisciplinary education opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, participated in state-wide educational efforts with a consortium of aging programs representing five universities, exhibited and/or presented at multiple regional, state, and national conferences, and served as project manager for two state-wide grant contracts.
Ms. Bobitt's volunteer and program development experience includes directing Chapter services and events for the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern Iowa, overseeing therapeutic recreation programs in retirement and healthcare setting and serving as development associate with the UI Foundation. Her work experiences have given her the unique opportunity to work with many health-care agencies and aging-related organizations locally and throughout the state.