Welcome to the Juneeditionof the OLLI Insider - your monthly update designed to inform, invite, and inspire.
"What we do endures; the end of our doing is beyond our seeing."
-George Eliot
DIRECTOR'S LETTER
Dear friends,
As four dedicated members of the OLLI Advisory Council complete their terms of service this month, we pause to recognize their extraordinary contribution to our community. Together, they represent more than 50 years of service to OLLI—years marked by thoughtful leadership, unwavering commitment, and a deep belief in the power of lifelong learning.
Below are Jim Danforth, Lenora Bohren, Judy Sayre Grim, and Sally Purath—four individuals whose dedication, leadership, and generosity have helped shape OLLI in countless ways - from welcoming new members, guiding programs and priorities, supporting instructors and staff, and helping our community continue to grow and thrive. While it is impossible to fully capture the depth of their experience and influence, their impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the time, wisdom, and care they have so generously shared with OLLI and with one another. If you are interested in serving on the OLLI advisory council, please reach out to me this month to learn about the commitment and complete an application found HERE. It’s a powerful moment to get involved, as we build on this legacy and look ahead to celebrating OLLI’s 20th anniversary.
Warmly, Meredith
OLLI'S SPRING TERM ENCORE! CHECK OUT THESE LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Discover how sustainability truly works in action on CSU’s Main Campus during an engaging, behind-the-scenes walking tour with Stacey Baumgarn the campus energy expert—where you’ll see firsthand how every member of the community helps drive real impact. Step into the team effort that powers CSU’s sustainability success and leave inspired by the difference you can make.
Journey into Colorado’s coal mining past and uncover the powerful stories of the immigrant communities who built—and were shaped by—an industry that once fueled the state’s growth. This compelling course brings to life the rise and fall of mining towns while revealing the human experiences behind Colorado’s industrial boom.
Taught by Dr. Janet Landreth and Dr. Bryan Wallick
Experience the thrill of world-class piano as the International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival brings renowned artists and rising young talents to Fort Collins in a dynamic, Olympic-style celebration of music. Come to this class to discover how you can get up close to the action by volunteering and becoming part of this vibrant, community-enriching event.
Break out of your usual writing habits and discover the creative spark of the Golden Shovel form, where poetry is built in conversation with other poems. In this welcoming, hands-on class, you’ll read, write, and share inventive work inspired by Terrance Hayes’s celebrated form—no experience required.
Travel smarter and stress less by learning how to pack everything you need into a streamlined, efficient carry-on—no more overpacking or worrying about lost luggage. In this practical, hands-on workshop, you’ll master space-saving techniques, capsule wardrobes, and smart folding methods that make every trip simpler and more enjoyable.
Take control of your healthcare choices with a clear, comprehensive guide to Medicare—demystifying plans, parts, and key differences so you can confidently navigate your options. In this empowering class, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to choose the coverage that best fits your needs and timeline.
Explore the timeless power of myth through Joseph Campbell’s transformative ideas, uncovering the universal patterns that shape our stories—and our lives. In this inspiring course, you’ll discover the hero within and reconnect with the call to “follow your bliss.”
🌞 OLLI ARTIST AND POETS SHINE DURING THE 2026 ART SHOW AND SPRING POETRY READING
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for our end-of-year OLLI Art Show and OLLI Poetry Reading. Your presence made these gatherings truly special.
We were deeply inspired by the creativity, dedication, and courage of our talented artists and poets. Each piece of art and every spoken word reflected not only skill, but also the unique perspectives and life experiences that make our community so vibrant. It was a joy to come together, share these expressions, and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our members.
Moments like these remind us of the power of lifelong learning and the connections it fosters. Thank you for being part of this inspiring community and for helping us honor the creativity that brings us all together.
WHILE WE WAIT FOR FALL, FALL IN LOVE WITH A "FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS"
Shared by a few of our OLLI instructors
Favorite Novel : Sara Hoffman
One of my all-time favorite novels is People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. It’s a historical fiction novel embellished with a mystery and focused on an inquiry into a 15th century illuminated Hebrew manuscript that’s journeyed through different times and religions. The mystery begins with clues found buried within the transcript — an insect wing fragment, wine stains, salt crystals and a white hair.
Published in 2008, the book is inspired by a true story, which makes it all the more appealing for history and mystery buffs. It’s an easily-readable 372 pages long and available in paperback. Brooks is one of my favorite authors. She also wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning book March and was the keynote speaker at Fort Collins Reads in 2011. People of the Book is a great read for summer (or any other season)!
~Recommended by Sara Hoffman
Favorite Biography: Henry Weisser & Dave Danbom
The two figures that stand out the most in British history seem to me to be Winston Churchill and Henry VIII.
Churchill has his own autobiography that is very readable, My Early Life.
Martin Gilbert has a six-volume biography of Churchill, but he also boiled it down into one book, Churchill: A Life.
Henry VIII's best biography is that of J.J. Scarisbrick, Henry VIII.
Carolly Erickson's Great Harry : A Biography of Henry VIII is easy to read and quite popular.
~Recommended by Henry Weisser
May I suggest two:
David Blight's Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
Ronald White's American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant
~Recommended by Dave Danbom
Favorite Hike: Rob Pickett, Mike Kendrick & Susan Atkinson
My favorite trails include:
Hermit’s Rest – Parking at Homestead Meadows and doing the loop with Moose Meadows and Limber Pine trails. Look for the genetically mutated blue columbine in mid- June. About 4 miles.
Well Gulch – In Lory State Park. An easy 2 ½ mile loop.
The Shoshone trail in Ramsey-Shockey Open Space; starting at the far end of the dam. Great wildflowers in late May and June. About 2 ½ miles.
~Recommended by Rob Pickett
For those folks who may have travel plans to the Colorado Plateau this summer, or those looking for a reason to go, I highly recommend Dead Horse Point State Park located between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The East and West Rim Trails form a loop beginning from the excellent Visitor Center. The hike is over easy terrain and about 5 miles long. The geologic landscape is breathtaking.
At this time of year, I love to think about my favorite summer hikes. I've got maps up on my wall already. One of my faves: Odessa Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a great hike with a gorgeous destination, a good one all the way into October!
~Recommended by Susan Atkinson
Favorite way to work or relax: Kevin Cook
I’ve been teaching classes for the Osher program at CSU since the first year it started. Maybe a half dozen classes into the program, I awakened to something special within me. I came to realize that when people walked into the classroom, I immediately knew two things about them. First, they enjoy learning as a way to spend leisure time, and I enjoy comradery with that kind of people. And second, they are nature-loving wildlife enthusiasts, or they wouldn’t be in my class! Once I awakened to this, it dominated my thoughts when I went afield to do my work as a naturalist. One day while sitting on a fallen tree in a forest opening, all my ponderings came together in a meaningful conclusion:
When working, I walk among the trees that I might engage the birds and wildflowers that I might learn about them to enrich the lives of others. When relaxing, I walk among the trees that I might engage the birds and wildflowers to enrich my own life.
~Recommended by Kevin Cook
Favorite Wine: Chris Hensey
My favorite wine, Kirkland Bordeaux Blanc is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sémillon. Available at Costco (Item 1931347) for $6.99.
Tasting notes: Citrus and Limestone nose. Palate of Crisp Apple and Lemon Zest. Light, refreshing finish.
The corkscrew is Pulltap’s. 2,600 corkscrews in my collection; this is my go-to for ergonomic operation, durability, and affordability. Less than $10.
Riedel Vinum wine stem. Machine blown crystal for less than $20. Lots of styles made for different grapes, this one is specific for Sauvignon Blanc.
~Recommended by Chris Hensey
CURIOSITY IS IN THE AIR - FALL DATES HAVE FALLEN INTO PLACE
Save these dates:
Fall Catalog will be availableOnlinein early August
Paperback Catalog will be available in late August
Fall Open House is scheduled for August 27 from 2-4 p.m.
Registration for all Art classes begins September 1 at 9 a.m.
Registration for all OLLI classes opens September 2 at 9 a.m.
Classes begin September 21
Fall Open House – New Location:
Please note that we have outgrown the Senior Center and have moved the Open House to The Drake Centre. The Drake Centre is NOT the same as Drake Hall. The Drake Centre is west of Drake Hall on Drake Road in the Old Steele's Grocery building.
August 27 from 2-4 p.m.
Drake Centre
802 W Drake Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Fall Term Registration:
New this term- registration will open the week after the Open House
Art and Design Classes – September 1 at 9 a.m.
All Fall Classes- September 2 at 9 a.m.
Registration is ongoing throughout the term
Fall Class Schedule:
Classes meet September 21-December 18
Classes do not meet November 23-27 during Thanksgiving Break
🌎 COME FLY WITH US... YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE AWAITS ✈️
“Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away…”
The world is meant to be explored, savored, and experienced—one unforgettable journey at a time.
At OLLI at CSU, we’re turning those timeless lyrics into real-life adventures. Whether you dream of sipping wine in the French countryside, wandering through world-class museums, or hiking breathtaking alpine trails, your next great story is waiting to be written.
📸 Photos from past trips—filled with smiling faces, shared discoveries, and lifelong memories
🌐 A curated list of upcoming destinations, including our exciting 2027 lineup:
Wine Tasting in France with Sommelier Chris Hensey (EF Tours)
Hiking the Italian Dolomites with Award-winning Architect, Susan Atkinson (EF Tours)
NYC Art Museum Experience with Art Historian Margaret Sharkoffmadrid (Road Scholar)
Greeks and Byzantines Cruise (October 2027, Go Next)
You’ll also discover Zoom presentation links from each of our trusted travel partners. These sessions include:
Engaging PowerPoint overviews
Pricing details
Destination highlights
Optional excursions to enrich your journey
Already, we’ve successfully launched three trips—and all three groups have returned home with rave reviews, lasting friendships, and calendars already marked for their next adventure.
At OLLI, we believe that lifelong learning has no boundaries. It doesn’t stop at the classroom—it stretches across oceans, over mountains, and into the heart of cultures around the world.
So go ahead…
📘 Grab your passport.
🧳 Pack your bags.
✨ And take that first step.
Your next adventure isn’t just a dream—it’s waiting for you.
Your next travel adventure begins by visiting ourOLLI Travel Page.
CLASSROOM COMFORT
June may have outrun the cold but don't leave those sweaters at home! There is the air conditioning to contend with!
DRAKE HALL DETAILS
Office Hours
9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., Monday through Friday.
2545 Research Blvd. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Contact Information
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO OLLI THROUGH RAM'S RISE 2026
We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in Rams Rise 2026. Your generosity through the many ways you give, makes a meaningful difference—supporting instructor honorariums, providing tuition assistance, and enriching our community through events such as the OLLI Poetry Reading, Art Show, and Open House.
OLLI at CSU thrives because of our members. Your engagement—through membership, tuition, and philanthropic support—sustains the excellence of our programs and allows us to continue growing.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to give, it is not too late to join this generous community of supporters. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens OLLI and expands opportunities for lifelong learning.
To learn more about making a gift, please visit ourdonations pageor call Thea Barela-Rounsaville at 720.327.0132 for more information.
