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THIS WEEK
JUST ADDED!
UPCOMING OLLI EVENTS
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Are the Midterms Ready for a More Powerful AI? — Free Virtual OLLI Speaker Event, Friday, October 23
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Study Group Idea Week — Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23
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Brown Bag Lunch Week! Monday, October 26–Thursday, October 29
OLLI NEWS
OTHER INFORMATION
Scroll down to learn more. All times are CT.
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OLLI staff work remotely on Fridays throughout the Fall term.
To reach the OLLI staff please email: olli@northwestern.edu
| | Winter Proposals Deadline Extended to Wednesday, October 14! | | |
No need to be a topic expert. Coordinators are not instructors. Your success as a coordinator does not hinge on how much you know, but rather on your ability to encourage member participation.
Winter 2027 All Virtual 4-week term:
Tuesday, January 19–Monday, February 15, 2027
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Call for Proposals: Sunday, September 27–
Sunday, October 11 Wednesday, October 14
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Catalog release: Sunday, November 29, 2026
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Membership purchase: Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026–Monday, January 4, 2027
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Registration: Monday, December 14, 2026–Monday, January 4, 2027
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Coordinators receive early registration as a benefit for coordinating and will receive an email with instructions before general registration begins.
Looking for ideas?
Information about becoming a coordinator:
- (Almost) Everything You Wanted to Know About Becoming an OLLI Coordinator
- Coordinators need to be current OLLI NU members for the term which they are coordinating.
- At least one coordinator must have prior experience leading a discussion-based study group at OLLI NU.
- New coordinators should participate in at least two study groups at OLLI NU before stepping into a coordinator role.
View and download a sample proposal form here, which will help you gather information needed.
- This is a sample form only, you will need to use the link below to submit your proposal.
- Be sure all coordinator emails are correct on the form. Emails submitted on the form are used for all winter coordinator correspondence, including the email confirmations containing proposal details.
- Instructions to save and share the form with co-coordinators are in the form. You or a co-coordinator must click Submit to finalize the form.
You will receive an email confirmation from OLLI Northwestern via JotForm with your submission information.
- Upon submission your study group is considered approved. If there are any concerns, you will be contacted by the Study Group Committee.
Schedules and final descriptions will be emailed to coordinators approximately three weeks after the proposal deadline.
- Descriptions may be lightly edited for clarity and consistency.
Coordinators play a vital role in our OLLI program. Their importance to the success of OLLI cannot be overstated. We value the time and talents you bring to OLLI.
Questions? Email the OLLI Study Group Committee: ollinusgc@gmail.com
To submit your proposal, click the button below for the campus where you are usually affiliated:
| | | |  | | Thank you for submitting a Winter 2027 proposal! | | |
Dear members of OLLI at Northwestern University,
Periodically we take a demographic snapshot of the OLLI community at programs across the country and OLLI at Northwestern University has been selected to participate.
The information we gather in this survey will help the local and national OLLI administration understand who attends our programs and will help with future planning.
You are invited to take the survey because you have attended programs or events at your local OLLI. Participation is entirely voluntary. You will not be compensated for participation in this survey if you elect to participate.
This online survey has 29 questions. It will take you about 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is anonymous since we are not asking for names or any identifying information. We do ask that you try to answer all questions, especially those related to demographics, as they are important variables in data analysis.
The person in charge of this research study is Steve Thaxton, the Executive Director of the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. If you have questions about this survey, you may contact Steve at 312-503-4049 or steve.thaxton@northwestern.edu.
The link to the survey is:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthwesternUniversity2026
We appreciate your time and contribution,
Emily Ferrin, OLLI NU Director
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Free Speaker Event for OLLI Members
Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease
Date: Friday, November 6
Time: 12:00pm–1:00pm
Location: Online Zoom Webinar
The zoom link will be emailed to all registrants the day before the event.
Speaker: Dr. David Gate
Speaker Dr. David Gate, Director of the Abrams Research Center on Neurogenomics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Assistant Professor of Neurology in Behavioral Neurology, will present the latest research in Alzheimer's Disease.
Dr. Gate runs a laboratory that studies how brain inflammation affects diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. Dr. Gate explores how the immune system is reacting to new medical treatments currently being tested in clinical trials.
Dr. Gate will be introduced by Dr. Stephanie Eisenbarth, Director, Center for Human Immunobiology, Chief of Allergy and Immunology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
SPONSORED BY THE OLLI ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE
| This event is free and open to all current OLLI members. Registration is required by noon the day before the event through the OLLI Augusoft registration system. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants the day before the event. | | | |
FREE Speaker Event for OLLI Members
Are the Midterms Ready for a More Powerful AI?
Date: Friday, October 23
Time: 12:00pm–1:00pm
Location: Online Zoom Webinar
Speaker: Abdiaziz Ahmed, technology policy strategist at the Brennan Center Elections and Government Program
We are watching electoral history unfold in America: The first non-human 2026 midterms. In the past weeks, we have seen evidence of many AI’s “misalignments” that have rapidly growing power to sway voters in ways that we do not fully understand. Did we miss the signs? How far can we trust AI leading up to November 3rd? What can we do to protect our votes? Abdiaziz Ahmed (“Abdi”) will open his presentation with the surprising findings from his six-month study that revealed chatbots who were already not following orders, had the ability to create deceitful images, audio and video. Abdi will explain in conversation what all of this means for voters, and what could change even days before November 3rd. Come prepared for uncertainty!
SPONSORED BY THE OLLI ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE
| This event is free and open to all current OLLI members. Registration is required by noon the day before the event through the OLLI Augusoft registration system. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants the day before the event. | | | |
Study Group Idea Week!
Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of OLLI by Participating in Idea Week
Dates: Monday, October 19–Friday, October 23
Time: See dates / times below
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At Northwestern’s OLLI program, study groups are proposed and led by our peers—people just like you! Member coordinators generate an exciting and intellectually challenging curriculum each semester. But we can’t do it without the participation of everyone!
Idea Week is your opportunity to become involved in planning for study groups that will be offered in the coming terms. Everyone is invited to participate in these meetings, where ideas and resources for future study groups will be discussed and shared.
Do you have an idea for a study group? Are you looking for a co-coordinator? Want to exchange ideas for non-traditional study groups? Just want to see how the process works? Come and meet other people interested in planning upcoming study group offerings.
Idea Week will consist of two meetings in Chicago, two in Evanston, and one virtual session. The meetings are not divided into subject areas—we welcome anyone with ideas on any topic.
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Click on the date to register through your Augusoft Student account:
Monday, October 19 (all subject areas) – Evanston
12:00pm–1:00pm
Evanston campus
500 Davis Center, 7th floor
Tuesday, October 20 (all subject areas) – Chicago
12:00pm–1:00pm
Chicago campus, Wieboldt Hall
339 E Chicago Ave., Room 417
Wednesday, October 21 — No meetings
Thursday, October 22 (all subject areas) – Chicago
12:00pm–1:00pm
Chicago campus, Wieboldt Hall
339 E Chicago Ave., Room 417
Evanston campus
500 Davis Center, 7th floor
Thursday, October 22 (all subject areas)– Evanston
12:00pm–1:00pm
Evanston campus
500 Davis Center, 7th floor
Friday, October 23 (all subject areas) – Online Zoom Meeting
2:00pm–3:00pm
Note the meeting time is different than the other dates!
Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants the morning of October 23.
| | SPONSORED BY THE OLLI CHICAGO AND EVANSTON STUDY GROUP COMMITTEES | | | |
BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch)
Brown Bag Lunch Week!
Dates: October 26, 27, 28, 29
Time: 11:45am–1:15pm
Enjoy casual conversation with fellow OLLI members while you enjoy your BYOL, whether it be brown bag or take-out. Drinks and dessert provided by OLLI.
OLLI Evanston office
500 Davis Street, 7th floor lounge
OLLI Chicago office
339 E Chicago Avenue, Floor 2M Lounge
- Take the main elevator to the 2nd floor, turn right and go up the stairs. Those who have difficulty with stairs may take the south elevators to floor 2M.
SPONSORED BY THE OLLI MEMBERSHIP ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE
No registration required.
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Do you have OLLI news?
If you have OLLI news to share, send us your news and photos to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming OLLI newsletter (notate OLLI Newsletter in the subject line): olli@northwestern.edu
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Northwestern University Speech, Language, and Learning Program (NUCASLL)
BOOST YOUR BRAIN Cognitive Fitness Series
Dates: October–November 2026
Time: See below for dates and times
Location: Online
Cost: $300 per participant, $450 per couple (50% discount for NU OLLI members)
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An engaging, five-part lecture series about protective and preventative health measures you can take to keep your brain sharp and healthy. This virtual program is designed for adults 40+ to learn evidence-based strategies for maintaining brain health through topics such as cognition, hearing, sleep, nutrition, attention, and healthy lifestyle habits. Includes an optional in-person hearing assessment, cognitive screening, and balance screening.
Wednesday 10/07, 10/14 and 10/21 @ 10–11 a.m. (Via Zoom)
Wednesday 10/28 @ 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.*
Friday 10/30 @ 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.*
Wednesday 11/04 and 11/11 @ 10–11 a.m. (Via Zoom)
*Optional hearing, balance, and cognition screenings on these dates.
Boost Your Brain Cognitive Fitness Series Flyer
ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Call 847-491-3165 or email NUCASLL@northwestern.edu to reserve your spot.
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Northwestern University Speech, Language, and Learning Program (NUCASLL)
FREE Healthy Hearing Event
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: Call for Appointment
Location: Center for Audiology, Speech, Language, and Learning — 2315 Campus Drive, Evanston
Let the doctors of audiology at Northwestern University help you take charge of your hearing health.
- Receive a Free Hearing, Cognition, and Balance Screening
- Speak to an Audiologist
- Demo Hearing Devices
More information on the Healthy Hearing Event flyer.
Appointments are limited. Call now to secure your spot:
847-491-3165
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Travel Opportunities
Through OLLI NU Partnership with OLLI ASU
The OLLI NU travel partnership with OLLI at Arizona State University offers our members a unique opportunity to deepen friendships, expand horizons, and learn in new settings beyond the classroom. Whether exploring cultural treasures, natural landscapes, or intellectually inspiring destinations, each trip is thoughtfully curated to combine expert-led learning with rich social experiences. You’ll traverse new terrain with people who share your curiosity and enthusiasm. You will create lifelong memories, sparking fresh ideas, and coming home with renewed energy for community and lifelong learning.
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Food & Landscapes of Ireland with ASU Faculty Kathleen Dixon
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OLLI's South Africa Expedition
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Madrid, the Camino & the Portuguese Coast with ASU Professor Dr. Eduardo Pagàn
| Questions? Email Tracy Grewe at Arizona State University: tmgrewe@asu.edu | |
Travel Opportunity hosted by Colorado State University (CSU)
Fall Information Presentation
Set Sail the Lifelong Learner Way! The Semester at Sea Experience
Date: October 21
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm MST (note time zone is not CT)
Location: Online (https://zoom.us/j/91393231570?pwd=IqC3KgsxKXADaiChh4EbYIFrHJvjxv.1&from=addon)
It's a voyage, not a cruise! Learn what it's like to sail with Semester at Sea and join a global learning community as a Lifelong Learner aboard the MV World Odyssey—a floating campus that sails to 10 or more countries and cities spanning 3-4 continents over the course of a single semester. Hear from presenters who have sailed as Lifelong Learners or voyage faculty. They'll help explain why Semester at Sea is often described as a life-changing and transformative experience at any age, whether you're sailing solo, or with a friend or partner. Lifelong Learners join a multi-generational, vibrant, and welcoming shipboard community, sailing alongside undergraduate students and world-class faculty, staff, and crew on a true journey of discovery. You'll hear about (and see!) what it's like to live on a ship, what a typical Lifelong Learner day at sea might look like, the academic experience, and the program's unique appeal of four-to-five-day port stays, when voyagers enjoy opportunities to explore each destination along the ship's itinerary. Ahoy!
Presenter Vera Nicholas is a former 30+ year career diplomat who first sailed as a Lifelong Learner on the Fall 2022 voyage. This was supposed to be her retirement gift to herself, but instead, she loved the experience so much that she joined the Semester at Sea Lifelong Learning Program soon after disembarking.
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Invitation to Travel with OLLI at Southern Oregon University
OLLI at Southern Oregon University has organized three trips in 2027 with Premier World Discovery (PWD) travel company. and is inviting fellow OLLI members from other regions of the USA to join.
ONLINE BOOKING OPTION: Save time, postage, and secure your seat for this group departure. Simply type https://res.premierworlddiscovery.com/ into your web browser and use the Booking Number (Web Code) to make your deposit online in just a few minutes. No need to submit a Reservation Form if booking online.
Burgundy & Provence French River Cruise
Mackinac Island, The Grand Hotel & Niagara Falls
Treasures of Ireland
| | Explore a Bold New Wirtz Season Across Evanston and Chicago | | | | |
The 2026-27 Wirtz Center season invites audiences to experience stories that spark imagination, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the power of human connection. Highlights include the Tony Award-winning Matilda the Musical, the charming romantic musical comedy She Loves Me, and a fresh contemporary take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. In Chicago, groundbreaking productions such as Takes All Kinds: Stories of American Democracy, 73 Seconds, 2021, and Slutbot push the boundaries of storytelling through innovative explorations of civic life, memory, technology, and identity.
Ready to see what’s next? Explore the newly refreshed Wirtz Center website and discover the full season of performances, venues, and events. Experience the energy of two campuses, one creative engine, where students, faculty, and professional artists come together to take creative risks, ignite meaningful conversations, and bring bold new work to life.
Visit wirtz.northwestern.edu to explore the season, learn more about each production, and reserve your seats today.
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Northwestern Library holds over 8 million items making it the 11th largest private university library.
Need help finding resources for your study group, or have other library-related questions?
Email Tracy Coyne: tracy-coyne@northwestern.edu
OLLI Research Guide
| | National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (NRC) |
The mission of the National Resource Center is to help OLLIs thrive by connecting OLLIs to each other and to resources, collaborating with OLLIs and partner organizations, consulting with OLLI leaders to find solutions, and celebrating the camaraderie and growth of OLLIs and their members. Members can subscribe to their monthly newsletter to find out what is happening at OLLIs across the country.
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Chicago Office:
339 East Chicago Avenue
Wieboldt Hall, Room 412
Chicago, IL 60611
312-503-7881
M-F 9:00am–3:30pm
olli@northwestern.edu
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Evanston Office:
500 Davis Street
Suite 700
Evanston, IL 60201
847-467-1523
M-F 9:00am–3:30pm
olli@northwestern.edu
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