Marshall Ervine, Osher Member

Meet Marshall Ervine, Osher Institute member.

A friend of Ervine’s, who also graduated from the University of Richmond through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS), encouraged Ervine to join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

“Marshall, you have a curious mind,” she remarked. “I think you will find the Osher program interesting.”

“She was right!” Ervine quips. “I truly believe that as one ages, it is important to remain mentally and physically active and socially engaged.”

The Osher Institute at the University of Richmond helps Ervine achieve the goal of staying active and engaged. The Institute is a member-oriented learning program of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies for learners aged “50 and better.” Ervine joined the Osher Institute in 2006.

The Institute offers dozens of classes for its members each semester along with programs and events that are open to the public. There are also a number of interest groups available to members to combine and encourage that mental and physical activity with social engagement.

Ervine has come to enjoy programs offered by University of Richmond Museums. His attraction to UR Museum programs was unexpected. It started with a modern art class taught by Elizabeth Schlatter, UR Museums Deputy Director and Curator of Exhibitions, a class he took initially to push himself a little bit.

“I had decided to take a class in which I had no real knowledge or interest, just to get out of my comfort zone a little,” Ervine recalls. “Ms. Schlatter was so knowledgeable and so passionate in her presentation that she got me hooked.”

The result is that Ervine is now a devotee of opening events and exhibitions offered by UR Museums: “I now try to take advantage of every class and lecture opportunity that the UR Museums offer,” he notes.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute partners with other departments and divisions on campus to provide a wide variety of programs and courses to its members. The partnership with UR Museums has resulted in a growing number of Osher attendees at UR Museum exhibition talks and openings. It’s also put Osher members in direct contact with University students, faculty, staff and alumni as they share their mutual appreciation for art and artists.