How one woman found connection and growth through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UD PCS
Amy Weissenburger wasn’t looking for a new career when she retired in 2021 — but she was searching for a new sense of purpose.
A proud University of Delaware alum (Class of 1991), Amy had deep roots at UD. Her husband and sister are Blue Hens too. “We bleed blue and gold,” she says. So when an alumni newsletter introduced her to learning opportunities through the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS), including courses offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), her curiosity was instantly sparked.
“I thought, I’ll try just one class,” Amy recalls. “I had no idea how much it would change my day‑to‑day life.”
Access that rekindled a passion
What drew Amy in was access: access to learning without pressure, without traditional barriers and without the expectation that education must lead to a credential or promotion.
Through OLLI, Amy found affordable, flexible learning options led by a community of expert instructors, making it possible to return to education on her own terms.
What was meant to be one class quickly turned into four courses per semester.
“It’s learning for the sake of learning,” she explains. “There are no grades hanging over you. You’re there because you want to be.” That philosophy is central to OLLI courses, which are designed for learners age 50 and over.
For Amy, UD PCS removed the financial and structural barriers that often make lifelong learning feel out of reach after retirement, opening the door to continued growth at a pivotal life stage.
Determination to keep growing
Like many UD PCS learners, Amy balances a full, active life alongside her course schedule. While retired, she has made learning a central part of her weekly routine — so much so that friends and family know not to interrupt her during class time.
“Everybody knows my schedule,” she laughs. “They say, ‘No, Amy’s in class — don’t call her.’”
Her commitment reflects the determination that defines so many PCS learners: showing up consistently, engaging deeply and making education a priority, regardless of age or stage of life.
Impact that reaches beyond the classroom
The greatest impact, Amy says, has come through connection.
Through UD PCS, she has built meaningful relationships with classmates from across the country, people who log in early or stay late across time zones simply because they don’t want to miss the conversation.
“It feels like a family,” she says. “You’re learning together, growing together and sharing ideas.”
The experience has also renewed Amy’s connection to the University of Delaware. With access to campus resources, the library and even a student ID she proudly carries in her wallet, she feels like a student again — only now, with even more appreciation for the opportunity.
“I feel reconnected,” she says. “It’s a resurgence of being part of something bigger.”
Paying it forward
Amy knows not everyone realizes how transformative lifelong learning can be — or how accessible it is through UD PCS.
Her advice to others is simple: start small.
“Just put your toes in,” she says. “Take one class. You’ll meet people. You’ll learn something new. And before you know it, you’ll want more.”
Why I Heart UD Giving Day matters
Amy’s story illustrates why I Heart UD Giving Day matters. Scholarships and donor support help ensure that education through UD Professional and Continuing Studies — including lifelong learning opportunities like OLLI — remains accessible at every stage of life.
Through UD PCS, donor generosity opens doors at every stage of life, creating lasting impact for individuals and strengthening communities.
On I Heart UD Giving Day, your support helps make lifelong learning possible. Celebrate Amy and students like her on April 29, 2026.
