Kansas University is preparing to relaunch its KU for Lawrence series under a new name, with new benefits for those who sign up for classes.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will offer courses beginning Wednesday that focus on adults 55 and older.

“It’s definitely a variety,” said Curtis Marsh, program manager. “The bottom-line goal is providing courses that our target audience would be interested in and opening the doors of the university to the lifelong learner.”

The program, a division of KU Continuing Education, has operated under the name KU for Lawrence for years, but it recently received funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco, which has established about 50 similar institutes across the country.

Under the revamped program, students will sign up for memberships — $55 for a semester, $155 for a year or $1,550 for a lifetime — that allow members to take all courses during their membership period. Though the institute is geared toward those 55 and older, all ages are encouraged to participate, Marsh said.

In addition to the classes, members will receive student benefits such as access to libraries and online resources.

“The Osher Foundation really encourages us to create a sense of community around the university,” said Marvin Hunt, the institute’s director. “We’ve known for a long time there are people out there who want to connect with the research and resources here.”

Courses this fall include the varied topics of Kansas history, sports media, globalization and Broadway musicals.

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Most classes meet four times and will be limited to 30 to 40 students, Hunt said. Courses are scheduled for Kansas City, Topeka and Lawrence this semester, though more cities likely will be added in future years.

“Eventually,” he said, “we want to make this a statewide project.”