2026 Council Election Begins Tomorrow / New Travel Trip, Presentations and More!

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OLLI at SOU NEWSFLASH

May 11, 2026

OLLI at SOU Council Candidate Election Begins Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, OLLI at SOU members will receive an electronic ballot via email to vote for this year’s OLLI Council Directors and the proposed changes to the OLLI at SOU Bylaws. For those who share an email with another member or do not have an email address, you will receive a ballot in the mail. Voting for Council Candidates takes place May 12-20. Please show your support and VOTE!

2026 OLLI at SOU Council Candidates: Anne Hartridge, Susan Plass, Kevin Talbert and Jacque Walawander. Read the candidates' biographies to learn more about them. If you missed the Council Candidate Forum, watch the recording on the OLLI at SOU YouTube channel.

SOU Path to Fiscal Sustainability

The SOU Board of Trustrees voted unanimously on Friday, May 8, to use Deloitte Consulting's report as a resource for the university to craft its own fiscal sustainability plan. Meetings materials and a recording of the May 8 session can be found on the SOU Governance webpage. Continue checking the SOU Path to Fiscal Sustainability webpage for updates.

The Emerald Necklace: Jacksonville Historical Walking Tour with Larry Smith

OLLI at SOU is excited to announce our newest travel trip in collaboration with RogueTrotter. On Monday, June 8, step into the living history of Jacksonville with renowned local historian and author Larry Smith on an immersive journey through the landscapes that shaped Southern Oregon. Visit the OLLI Travel webpage for more information and to make a reservation.

OLLI Raider Fans Shared Interest Group (SIG)

Love sports, school spirit, and good company? Join the OLLI Raider Fans SIG on Monday, May 11, 3:30-4:30 p.m., at the Campbell Center, Room E, to hear from SOU Beach Volleyball Coach Paul Elliott and student athletes. Click to learn more and register.

Are You Covered? Insurance Before, During and After a Wildfire

With wildfire risk already top of mind in Southern Oregon, understanding your insurance coverage is more important than ever. Join Matt Ramage from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation Friday, May 15, 1-2:30 p.m., at the SOU Campbell Center or via Zoom, to learn what to know about insurance before, during and after a wildfire. Click to learn more and register.

Does Europe Have a Future?

For decades the U.S. and Europe were tightly linked allies—but global conflicts and shifting politics are testing that relationship. Explore what these changes could mean for Europe’s future on Tuesday, May 26, 2-3:30 p.m., at the SOU Campbell Center, Room D, with Dr. Steven Philip Kramer, longtime National Defense University professor. Click to learn more and register.

Online Book Club Shared Interest Group (SIG)

Join the OLLI Online Book Club on Monday, June 1, 5-7 p.m. PT, via Zoom, to discuss No Paintings, No Sculpture by John Frohnmayer. Bring your thoughts, ideas, and opinions for a lively discussion with fellow readers and the author himself!

Fall 2026 Course Proposals Accepted May 1-31

The Fall 2026 Course Proposal Period is now open!

Submit your Fall 2026 Course Proposal by Sunday, May 31 to join our community of volunteer instructors! Whether your're an expert in gardening, literature, history, or hands-on-crafts, OLLI's curious adults want to hear from you! This year our volunteer instructors offered nearly 400 courses!

Courses can be online or in-person, generally run from two to ten session and last between 90 minutes to two hours.

Your knowledge can make a real difference in an OLLI member’s life. For more information, email apcoleman2019@gmail.com with questions.

Important Updates to the Fall Course Proposal Form:

Evergreen Instructor Biographies: Instructors will be asked to submit one general biography statement each academic year that will be used for all courses they plan to teach.
Efforts to Streamline: Instructors who have 1) taught before and 2) are offering a course that has been approved before will be able to bypass certain areas of the form.