OLLI at SOU NEWSFLASH

May 19, 2025

Council Election Ballots Due Wednesday, May 21

If you haven’t completed your ballot for the OLLI Council election yet, please be sure to submit it by

5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, May 21.

This year we have six candidates for three open seats, review the candidates bios and photos here.

Members with individual email accounts were emailed a unique link to your personal ballot on Tuesday, May 13 (subject line: “Official Ballot 2025 OLLI Council Election”), and other members were sent a paper ballot in the mail. Please contact the OLLI office at olli@sou.edu or call 541-552-6048 if you have questions or need assistance.

Submit Your Fall 2025 Course Proposals

Teach a course and enjoy the perk of a reduced membership fee next year. 

Interested? Learn more about the reduced membership fee on the OLLI at SOU website. It's win-win! You'll inspire curious minds and save on your membership. Course proposals for fall are accepted until Saturday, May 31. That means that you only have 13 more days to submit your course proposal. Popular course topics among OLLI members include hands-on art, history, literature and STEM.

We are still looking for more online courses! Access to SOU Zoom is free to use for OLLI at SOU online instructors and Zoom training is provided.

Contact Curriculum Committee Co-Chair Anne Coleman at apcoleman2019@gmail.com with questions.

Online Book Club SIG

(Shared Interest Group)

Saturday, May 17: The Dreamt Land, Chasing Water and Dust across California, by Mark Arax

Click here for more information and registration instructions.

Talk to Us: Monday, May 19

Allison French, Talent Maker City Executive Director

Register now for our upcoming Talk to Us interview! Join John Ferris and Barry Vitcov as they host Zoom interviews.

• Monday, May 19, 4–5 p.m. – Allison French, Talent Maker City Executive Director

The Zoom link is included in your confirmation email.

OLLI at SOU Spring Activities: Register Now!

Vegetable Community Gardening Tour

Tuesday, May 20,

10–11 a.m.

Ashland Creek Park

Join Carol Carlson for a guided, educational tour of the gardens at Ashland Creek Park. 

Plaza/Founding of Ashland Walking Tour

Sunday, June 1,

1–2:30 p.m.

Lithia Park

Learn about the history of Ashland on this hour and a half walking tour led by Ashland’s own Peter Finkle.

Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

Monday, June 2,

1–2:30 p.m.

Ashland Plaza

Learn about the public art of Ashland on this hour and a half walking tour led by Ashland’s own Peter Finkle.

One-time Presentation:

Orientation to Wildfire Smoke Forecasting

Gain the knowledge and tools you need to anticipate wildfire smoke and make informed decisions to protect your health in this two-hour lecture and Q&A by Alys Holden, former Director of Production at Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).

• Monday, June 2, 1–3 p.m., Campbell Center, Room A

Save the Date: OLLI at SOU Annual Meeting

Friday, June 6, 2 p.m.

The OLLI at SOU Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, June 6, at 2 p.m. in the Rogue River Room at the SOU Stevenson Union.

Special Guest Speaker this year is SOU Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Casey Shillam. Join us to get the annual update on OLLI at SOU and participate in our ice cream social at the conclusion of the meeting.

RSVP by Monday, June 2 to help us plan our ice cream order!

Annual Member Survey Results Are In!

THANK YOU to the 28% of our members who completed the Annual Member Satisfaction Survey. 92% of respondents were satisfied with their OLLI experience this year.

Click here to view the complete Member Survey Results.

Our member satisfaction has been consistent over the last four years. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being highest, our average scores have been:

• 4.4 for 2024-25
• 4.6 for 2023-24
• 4.4 for 2022-23
• 4.3 for 2021-22

OLLI at SOU Council Meeting

OLLI at SOU's Governing Council holds its monthly meeting this Tuesday, May 20, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the SOU Campbell Center. This meeting is open to OLLI at SOU members and will be live on Zoom. Email olli@sou.edu to receive the agenda and Zoom link.

Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Southern Exposure, published Tuesday, May 13

Have a question or need help with your OLLI membership?

The OLLI at SOU office is happy to assist you.

Contact/Visit OLLI at SOU