Greetings from the NRC.........................September 2025 | |
September has a way of inviting us to turn the page. The days become a little crisper, the light takes on a golden color, and with the change of seasons comes the promise of fresh beginnings. Our undergraduate days may be behind us, yet that sense of the fresh start will always remain. Remember the excitement of new notebooks, sharpened pencils, and the promise of learning new things? Maybe that’s replaced by new laptops, e-bikes, and robust Wi-Fi signals for our grandkids. But in the fall term of our Osher communities, autumn marks a season to reconnect with ideas, with one another, and with the joy of new discovery. Learning is not bound by age but is fueled by curiosity.
Perhaps this fall you’ll explore world history from a new perspective, join a spirited discussion on contemporary literature, or dip your toes into digital photography. Others may be curious about philosophy, artificial intelligence, or jazz appreciation. Whatever your interest, there’s surely something at your OLLI that will spark your imagination.
In this month’s newsletter, we learn about courses and events from Institutes in Florida, California, Montana, Nevada, and North and South Carolina that might offer ideas to adapt locally. Remember, copying from your peers' papers is encouraged at OLLI.
May this autumn bring you fresh energy, ideas, and inspiration in both the classroom and the conversations with friends – new and seasoned, (pun intended).
With all best wishes from your Osher NRC Team,
| | | |
OLLI AT UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
First-Ever Summer Academy
| | |
As part of her Master’s in Leadership, Organizational Innovation and Change, Jennifer Juanitas, Program Director of OLLI at University of the Pacific, focused on revitalizing OLLI's summer programming. The last summer session took place in 2019, but due to low participation and lack of profitability, it was discontinued. Jennifer sought to bring it back in a way that was engaging, cost-effective, and appealing to both current and potential members. The result was the creation of the Summer Academy of Lifelong Learning.
Jennifer formed a committee to help design the program. Their goal was to offer a condensed version of what OLLI at Pacific provides throughout the year - an opportunity for new audiences to sample the program. The Academy emphasized experiential learning and community connection.
To mark the launch, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in partnership with the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. The Dean of Benerd College, Patricia Campbell, spoke at the event, and OLLI at Pacific received Certificates of Recognition from the Mayor of Stockton, a local Assembly Member, and a Congressman.
The Summer Academy consisted of a weeklong series of learning experiences. Each day included two sessions: a morning class held on campus with refreshments and social time, and an off-site afternoon session at a different location. This structure encouraged engagement and exploration in a social, supportive setting.
OLLI at Pacific, a small but vibrant program with nearly 500 members this year, welcomed 53 participants to the Summer Academy. Around 10 enrolled for the entire week, while others selected specific days. Post-program surveys revealed highly positive feedback – participants rated the experience as excellent, validating the return of summer programming and setting a strong foundation for future sessions.
Submitted by: Jennifer Juanitas, Program Director, OLLI at University of the Pacific
| | | |
GRANDPARENT'S DAY: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Supporting Grandparenting in OLLI Programming
| | |
Many Osher Institute members proudly carry the title of grandparent – from brand-new “Grannies and Papas” to great-greats, from those who live nearby to those who stay connected across many miles. In honor of Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 7th, join in highlighting Stories from the Table, this year’s theme from Generations United, a national organization devoted to strengthening intergenerational relationships. Their work, alongside similar initiatives from AARP, CoGenerate, AmeriCorps Seniors, and others, reminds us how traditions, food, and love are woven across generations.
This year’s celebration, under the 2025 hashtag #DoSomethingGrand, suggests many ways to participate:
-
Share stories and recipes: Post a treasured family recipe, a photo, or a memory that honors an older loved one.
-
Take “Grandies”: A playful spin on selfies, “Grandies” invite us to capture moments with grandparents or “grand-friends,” using suggested captions to post and spread joy.
-
Engage in grand activities: Cook a meal together, go for a walk, or revisit family stories. If distance is a barrier, connect virtually, which is an opportunity to practice or teach new tech skills across the generations.
Many Osher Institutes embrace this spirit through “Grand Programming.” At North Carolina State University, OLLI members and their grands will gather this term at Raleigh’s Pullen Art Center to craft handmade ornaments together. Clemson’s OLLI supports long-distance grandparents through a special interest group specifically focused on supporting relationships from afar. Montana State University brings in faculty experts like Professor Anne Ellsworth, for courses that help members use current learning science to support children’s literacy and communication skills. Meanwhile, Furman University’s OLLI regularly offers courses designed for grandparents, ranging from DIY workshops co-enrolled with grandchildren to an in-depth, eight-session seminar on the social and practical dimensions of grandparenting.
One ambitious effort comes from OLLI at the University of Nevada, Reno. In partnership with The Discovery Museum, they are launching Intergenerational Learning Days, hands-on programs where OLLI members and their grandchildren explore exhibits and participate in interactive activities. To deepen the connection, a new OLLI Discovery Membership will provide added shared benefits for members and their grands. The initiative launches this December with a special event aligned with the museum’s Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® Bricks Like a Pro exhibit.
Whether you’re a grandparent, a grandchild, or a “grand-friend,” Grandparents Day is a meaningful reminder to connect, share stories, and celebrate the essential role generations play in each other’s lives. It’s also a chance to advocate for intergenerational bonds at your OLLI and to help them flourish.
| | | |
INNOVATIVE COURSES AND CONTENT DELIVERY
Curriculum Corner
| | |
Osher Institute at University of Miami
Classic Literature
Course Length: Six Weeks (three sessions)
Course Instructor: Ms. Ronnie Londner
Course Delivery: Online - Zoom
Course Description:
In this course, we will delve into six authors - one per session. We will read one of the author’s shorter works (under 250 pages) and discuss the longer books. Biographical information on each writer will be presented, as will the context of the writer's time and place. The goal of the course is to come away with a greater appreciation and enjoyment of these marvelous writers. A lively discussion and exchange of views is part of the fun.
Of Note:
This course takes place twice in the fall term. A few of the authors and works explored are:
-
Frances Burney, 1752-1840, The Witlings (play)
-
Wilkie Collins 1824-1889 After Dark, Short Stories
-
Molière 1622-1673, The School for Wives
-
Madeline L’Engel 1918 - 2007, A Wrinkle In Time
| | | |
WOO-HOOS FROM THE 2025 OSHER INSTITUTE'S NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Osher! Osher in the Court!
| | |
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.
Osher! Osher in the Court!
Thirty-six members of the OLLI at Rochester Institute of Technology took center stage in a lively mock trial at the Monroe County Hall of Justice, where they pleaded their cases and cross-examined each other like seasoned pros. The “defense” and “prosecution” sparred shrewdly, while the “judge” banged the gavel to maintain order in the court. After the star “witnesses” shared their testimonies, a “jury” of their peers announced a verdict. There were no objections when everyone was found guilty of jocularity in the first degree, and all parties sustained that justice was served…with a side of wit.
| | | |
CAREER OPENINGS IN THE OLLI NETWORK
Job Board
| |
National Resource Center for Osher Institutes, Northwestern University
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth Floor, 339 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
| |
| | | |
