Greetings from the NRC........................... June 2025 | |
While some might think of June as the time to slow down and unwind, the calendar tells a different story. From high school and college graduations to Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and the official start of summer, June brims with activity. We also recognize Pride Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Men’s Health Month, and National Safety Month. There are many single-day observances, like National Cancer Survivors Day, Family Health & Fitness Day, World Blood Donor Day, and World Bicycle Day.
We commemorate D-Day, remembering the largest seaborne invasion in history in Normandy. We also honor June’s reputation as the traditional “wedding month,” likely inspired by warm weather and blooming flowers (it’s National Rose Month, after all). But interestingly, October has recently edged June out as the most popular month for weddings. With everything June has going on, it certainly has no reason to feel left out.
June is also becoming an increasingly social time for Osher Institutes. Many OLLIs wrap up the academic year with celebrations, ice cream socials, and outdoor gatherings. And more than ever, Institutes are offering rich programming throughout the summer—short courses, day trips, and special events, both in person and online—all designed to keep our minds engaged and our connections strong.
We hope this active month gives you many opportunities to enjoy your OLLI community. Meanwhile, enjoy the stories and updates in this June edition of the Osher Network Newsletter. We hope they bring a smile to your face—especially fitting, since June is National Smile Month!
With wishes for a jubilant June,
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OLLI AT FURMAN UNIVERSITY
The "Fix" We Didn't Know We Needed
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Sometimes a solution appears before anyone realizes there is a problem. That’s exactly what happened at OLLI at Furman University with the unexpected success of the new Fix-It Clinic Shared Interest Group (SIG).
The concept originated with OLLI member Skip Redman, who proposed forming a SIG where participants could bring broken items to be repaired by fellow OLLI tinkerers. The staff was intrigued by the idea and promoted it in their weekly e-newsletter (see language below), inviting the community’s fixers to come and learn more.
Are You a Fixer, Not a Tosser? Join the New OLLI Fix-It Clinic SIG!
If you enjoy repairing rather than replacing, we’ve got just the group for you! Learn more about the brand-new OLLI Fix-It Clinic SIG on Friday, April 18 at 1:00 PM.
Inspired by the national Fix-It Clinic movement, this SIG is all about saving money, reducing waste, and sharing valuable skills. Whether you tinker with toasters or mend zippers, your talents can help keep items out of landfills—and maybe spark a little fun along the way.
Thirteen members showed up that first day—engineers, carpenters, sewers, even bankers with a knack for tinkering—all united by a shared love of mending the broken.
So, what was fixed? Lamps, mirrors, clothing, clocks—just to name a few. In total, over 200 pounds of potential landfill waste were rescued. The OLLI fixers worked, tinkered, tightened, fastened—and members looked on with fascination, gratitude, and even relief.
Comments from those who left with their newly mended items were all positive. “I’ve had this sitting around my house waiting to be fixed for years!” one member shared. “They were all so nice, and I met new people,” said another member, gesturing toward a paper full of names and phone numbers—new friends made through a shared experience.
The OLLI at Furman University Fix-It Clinic wasn’t part of the original plan, but it has been a joyful surprise. It’s a great reminder that saying, “Why not?” instead of “No” can open doors—for OLLI members and staff alike. (And yes, the staff is already making a list of what they will bring to the next Fix-It Clinic!)
Submitted by: Nancy Kennedy, Director, OLLI at Furman University
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OLLI AT BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
A Collaborative Effort Enriching Idaho's Community
| | Gemma Gaudette, host of Idaho Matters | | |
Since its debut in 2018, Idaho Matters—Boise State Public Radio’s midday program—has provided a vital platform for public discourse across Idaho. Hosted by Gemma Gaudette, the program explores a wide range of topics from arts and politics to education and personal stories, capturing the rich tapestry of Idaho life.
A standout collaboration in the program’s history is its partnership with OLLI at Boise State University. Since 2020, the Osher Institute has served as an underwriter for the station, gaining visibility through public service announcements (PSAs) aired to listeners in Idaho and parts of Utah. These PSAs have helped broaden awareness of the OLLI’s mission—providing intellectually enriching courses for older adults — while contributing to increased membership and engagement for OLLI.
Central to this partnership is the active involvement of Dana Thorp-Patterson, Director of the Osher Institute. Dana regularly appears on Idaho Matters to share news about the Institute’s innovative programming, notable speakers, and topics related to older adults. Her appearances highlight the value of continued education and civic engagement, reinforcing the shared mission between Osher and Idaho Matters to foster community dialogue and learning.
In 2022, Boise State Public Radio formally recognized this alignment, and began featuring Osher Institute speakers more prominently on Idaho Matters. Topics range from politics and science to history and the humanities, resonating with the program’s diverse audience. This collaboration enriches the show’s content while further expanding the OLLI's reach. Together, Boise State Public Radio and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute are strengthening Idaho’s educational landscape—demonstrating the powerful impact of public-private partnerships in promoting lifelong learning and community enrichment.
Submitted by: Dana Thorp-Patterson, Director, Osher Institute at Boise State University
| | | Celebrating the 2025 Osher Institutes National Conference | | |
The 2025 Osher Institutes National Conference, held April 28–30 in beautiful Chantilly, Virginia, was a resounding success. With perfect spring weather, an energizing program, and a spirit of collaboration, this year’s event brought out the best in the Osher Network.
More than 260 attendees—including staff and volunteer leaders from nearly all 124 Osher Institutes—came together for three days of learning, connection, and celebration. The presence of both staff and volunteers from most Institutes reflected the shared leadership at the heart of the Osher model. Guests, speakers, and representatives from The Bernard Osher Foundation added to the vibrancy of the event.
The conference opened with a welcome presentation centered on outdoor adventure—symbolizing both where the network stands and where it’s headed. Keynote speaker Mioshi Moses, Vice President of Volunteer Programs at the AARP Foundation, shared insights on the changing landscape of volunteerism among older adults, offering inspiration and practical strategies for Osher leaders.
Fifteen breakout sessions explored topics like generative AI, membership growth and retention, marketing, and sponsorships. The ever-popular “Woo-Hoos” celebrated standout achievements from 78 Institutes, sharing ideas that inspired and impressed. The conference closed with a forward-looking plenary exploring major trends affecting lifelong learning—from the influx of Boomers to shifts in technology and higher education—leaving attendees with new tools and fresh momentum.
Built-in opportunities for peer connection—including regional meetups, table topic discussions, and Idea Jams—proved especially valuable. Many attendees said the chance to hear from colleagues facing similar challenges was among the most meaningful parts of the event.
Deep appreciation was expressed to The Bernard Osher Foundation, whose continued generosity made this fully funded conference possible.
In every way, the 2025 National Conference delivered: engaging content, warm hospitality, renewed connections, and fresh inspiration. Held every 18 months, it remains a cornerstone event for those who lead and shape the Osher Institutes. The Osher NRC is grateful to all who participated and looks forward to seeing the ideas from Chantilly bloom across the country.
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INNOVATIVE COURSES AND CONTENT DELIVERY
Curriculum Corner
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Osher Institute at University of Nebraska - Lincoln
"College World Series Tailgate"
Course Length: One session
Course Instructor: Facilitated by Bob Michl, OLLI Director
Course Delivery: In-person
Course description: The College World Series, “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” culminates the college baseball season. Let’s enjoy the opening game of the tournament together, in the luxury of the air-conditioned Eastmont Performing Arts Center. With a 25 ft plus projection screen to take in the game, your seats will be better than if you were at TD Ameritrade Park. Join us for an afternoon of watching baseball, enjoying a tailgate meal, and socializing with friends – sounds like a home run! Bring your friends, your family and neighbors, as this event is open to them as well. We’ll start with a tailgating party at 12 p.m. Lunch will be provided and will include cheeseburgers and chicken breast sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, cookies, water, and table settings. Everyone is also encouraged/welcome to bring a covered dish, a dessert, or appetizer to enhance the tailgating experience.
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WOO-HOOS FROM THE 2025 OSHER INSTITUTE'S NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Murder at the Museum Fundraising Event
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What is a Woo-Hoo? A Woo-Hoo is one of those wonderful, amazing, out of the box OLLI experiences. All Osher Institutes have the opportunity to submit and showcase their Woo-Hoo for peer Institutes at the Osher National Conference. The Woo-Hoos are shared during general conference sessions, and attendees vote on their favorites. The following is one of the top six winners from the 2025 Osher Institutes National Conference held in Virginia in April.
Murder at the Museum Fundraising Event
OLLI at Indiana State held a fundraising event, Murder at the Museum, at the beautiful three-story Vigo County History Center. Partnering with the staff of the History Center and Sheriff Derek Fell, participants “witnessed” an attempted murder and were then released into the museum to search for clues to bring the would-be assassin to justice. The event was planned and executed by a committee of OLLI members who planned for 6 months and took an active role in the performance. As it turns out, the butler did it!
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CAREER OPENINGS IN THE OLLI NETWORK
Job Board
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National Resource Center for Osher Institutes, Northwestern University
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth Floor, 339 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
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