The wait is over—classes are starting, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone back this fall for another term of learning, discovery, and connection. Whether you’re returning to a favorite class, trying something completely new, or discovering OLLI for the very first time, I hope you’ll take full advantage of the many opportunities our 20th year at CSU has to offer.
A recent Kiplinger article, “Going Back to School at 60? The Lifelong Learning Secret for Retirees,” explored the growing body of research showing that continued learning can have meaningful benefits for older adults. One study found that older adults who enrolled in challenging courses improved their cognitive abilities significantly, with gains that persisted well beyond the end of the classes. Researchers also found that learning new things helps people remain adaptable, maintain independence, and develop a stronger sense of empowerment and control over their lives.
More and more research is emphasizing an important truth about lifelong learning: a willingness to be a beginner again brings all kinds of benefits. Whether it’s exploring a new subject, learning a new technology, or considering a different perspective, growth begins when we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones. These findings affirm what many OLLI members experience every term: learning is not just about acquiring knowledge. It is also about staying curious, embracing new challenges, and connecting with others who share that curiosity.
And that connection matters. OLLI provides a wonderful opportunity to stretch minds while also finding friends and engaging with fascinating people who share similar interests. With more than 350 new members joining us every term, there is always someone new to welcome and someone looking for a connection. While enrolling in a class gives us something in common, meaningful friendships often begin when someone simply says hello, asks a question, or invites a classmate to continue the conversation over coffee.
This fall, we’re introducing Class Hosts to help make those connections a little easier. Class Hosts are OLLI members who will welcome participants, help create a friendly classroom environment, and serve as a helpful contact for instructors and fellow members. If you’re a returning member and enjoy helping others feel welcome, learn more about how to become a Class Host. And if you’re hoping to connect with others but aren’t quite sure how to take that first step, please reach out to your Class Host, your instructor, or any OLLI staff member. We’re happy to help you find ways to turn a shared interest into a new connection. I’m so excited to see where this term takes us—as we learn something new, meet new people, and continue to build the wonderful community that makes OLLI so special.
Warmly,
Meredith
CELEBRATING CONNECTION, COMMUNITY, AND OUR OPEN HOUSE
Open House Energy Was Unmatched! 🎉 More than 600 community members joined us for an unforgettable afternoon of connection and celebration. We were especially honored to welcome CSU President Amy Parsons as we showcased the vibrant spirit, engagement, and excellence of our OLLI community. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a tremendous success!
OCTOBER TREATS, NO TRICKS
Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit
At OLLI, learning is about more than expanding knowledge. It is also about nurturing the well-being that helps us live fully and connect meaningfully with others. This month, we are highlighting a collection of experiences designed to support mental and physical wellness through mindfulness, movement, reflection, nature, and community. Whether you are seeking calm, connection, resilience, or renewal, these fall offerings provide opportunities to invest in your well-being while continuing your lifelong learning journey.
EXPLORE THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO NURTURE A HEALTHIER MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT THIS AUTUMN.
Cultivating Calm: A Daylong Mindfulness Retreat, October 15, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Primrose Studio)
Step away from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with a sense of presence, clarity, and ease. This daylong retreat offers an opportunity to slow down, quiet the mind, and cultivate greater inner calm through guided mindfulness practices, including sitting and walking meditation, compassion exercises, and silent reflection.
Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, you'll discover simple, practical ways to access the wisdom of the heart and bring more mindfulness into everyday life.
Presented in collaboration with Day Away Retreats, an organization dedicated to making retreat practice accessible through thoughtfully guided daylong experiences.
Sue Schneider, Ph.D., is a medical anthropologist, integrative health coach, and certified mindfulness instructor. As an Extension Professor and State Health Specialist with Colorado State University, she leads health and wellness initiatives across Colorado. She is the author of Meeting the Moment with Kindness: How Mindfulness Can Help Us Find Calm, Stability, and an Open Heart.
Experience the Benefits of Qigong - Multiple Sections Available, Online
Section 002: Mondays 10/19 - 11/2, 10-11:30 a.m.
Section 003: Mondays 11/9 - 11/30, 10-11:30 a.m.
Discover the restorative power of Qigong through a series of engaging online classes designed to support balance, relaxation, and overall well-being. With two separate course sections offered, participants have multiple opportunities to join and experience the benefits of this gentle mind-body practice.
Each class integrates several Qigong traditions, with a primary focus on Five Element Qigong. Sessions feature breathwork, activation exercises, stretching, and slow-flow movements that promote grounding, mobility, and nervous system regulation. Every class is unique and concludes with a brief guided meditation aligned with the day's theme. All experience levels are welcome.
Ivan Forest Ankeny has been teaching certified Qigong in Fort Collins since 2023. After discovering Qigong while seeking relief from chronic back pain and digestive issues, he experienced its transformative benefits firsthand and became a certified instructor dedicated to sharing these practices with the community.
Discover the benefits of chair yoga through two fall course sections, offering multiple opportunities to build strength, improve mobility, and cultivate greater mindfulness. Whether you're new to yoga or returning in a new season of life, you can choose the section that best fits your schedule. Please note that section dates are specific to each registration and are not interchangeable.
This welcoming course combines guided meditation, breathwork, and gentle chair-based movement to support physical well-being, mental clarity, and everyday ease. Rooted in traditional yogic teachings, each class explores practical tools for mindful living while helping participants move with greater confidence, balance, and comfort. All postures are performed from a chair, making the practice accessible and adaptable for a wide range of abilities.
Rather than focusing on perfect poses, this course encourages participants to slow down, listen to their bodies, and develop a sustainable, mindful relationship with themselves.
Caroline Denison is a yoga instructor specializing in accessible yoga and mindful movement practices. Her classes integrate breathwork, meditation, and foundational yogic philosophy to support mobility, mental clarity, and overall well-being. She is passionate about helping students build sustainable practices that evolve with the body over time, with an emphasis on safety, adaptability, and ease.
Finding Meaning Through Nature's Stories, Mondays 11/2 - 12/14, 1 - 3 p.m.
Birds can offer far more than an appreciation of the natural world. They can inspire curiosity, strengthen mindfulness, spark memories, and deepen our sense of connection to place and purpose. Drawing from his book Birds of Life, naturalist and author Kevin Cook explores how encounters with birds can become meaningful touchstones that help us reflect on our lives, relationships, and personal growth.
Through readings and discussion, participants will discover how paying attention to the natural world can foster wonder, encourage reflection, and support emotional well-being. The course invites participants to explore the value of storytelling, memory, and observation as tools for cultivating gratitude, resilience, and a deeper connection to both nature and self.
Kevin Cook is a writer, naturalist, and wildlife biologist whose career spanned more than four decades of writing, teaching, speaking, and guiding. His work has focused on helping others discover and appreciate the landscapes, wildlife, and natural history of Colorado and the American West.
New Section Added! Forest Bathing with Alyssa Golinvaux
Due to the popularity of Shin-rin Yoku: What Is Forest Bathing?, a new section has been added.
Monday, October 5 or Monday, October 12
9:00 a.m. - noon
CSU Environmental Learning Center
Participants will discover the Japanese practice of Shin-rin Yoku, or forest bathing, through an immersive experience in nature. During a guided walk, they will explore both the cultural traditions and scientific foundations of this mindfulness-based practice while engaging their senses in the natural world. By slowing down and cultivating intentional awareness, participants can foster a renewed sense of wonder, connection, and presence.
Research continues to demonstrate that time spent mindfully in nature can support both mental and physical well-being, helping to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance focus, and promote overall health. This experience offers an opportunity to step away from daily demands, reconnect with the outdoors, and experience the restorative benefits of nature firsthand. The program includes a gentle walk on natural surfaces and is suitable for a wide range of abilities.
Alyssa Golinvaux has dedicated her career to helping others thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. A registered nurse, massage therapist, yoga teacher, KonMari® consultant, and certified Forest Therapy Guide, she brings a unique blend of knowledge and compassion to her teaching. A Wyoming native, she draws inspiration from Colorado's remarkable landscapes and believes deeply in the power of nature to support health, well-being, and meaningful personal growth.
OCTOBER BONUS CLASSES
INTRODUCING AN OUTSTANDING NEW INSTRUCTOR AND A FABULOUS TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY
Looking for a way to sample something new this fall? OLLI's October Bonus Classes offer the perfect opportunity to explore fascinating topics while getting acquainted with outstanding instructors who are new to our program. Whether your interests lie in global travel, or the performing arts, there is something here to spark your curiosity.
Ever wondered what it would be like to learn while traveling the world? This engaging presentation introduces OLLI members to Semester at Sea's Lifelong Learner program, where participants join a floating academic community aboard the MV World Odyssey. Hear firsthand accounts from experienced voyagers and discover how learning, travel, and cultural immersion come together in a truly transformative adventure spanning multiple countries and continents.
Note: The Drake Hall section of this bonus offering is full, but there’s plenty of room to join online!
Hannah Hammond, an accomplished performer and educator with international experience, invites participants to explore some of the most surprising forms of theatre ever created. Through discussion, video clips, and interactive activities, Hannah examines how performance has been used to entertain, persuade, challenge, and inspire. Her energetic teaching style and unique perspective promise a thought-provoking and engaging experience.
These October Bonus Classes provide more than just great content—they offer a chance to experience the expertise, enthusiasm, and teaching styles of new instructors. We encourage you to take advantage of these special offerings and discover a new interest along the way. After all, autumn is a wonderful season to turn over a new leaf and try something new! 🍂📚✨
For a full list of fall classes, visit the Online Catalog on our WEBSITE.
✈️ LIFELONG LEARNING, GLOBAL EDITION
Take your learning beyond the classroom in 2027 and beyond. Explore unforgettable travel experiences designed exclusively for OLLI members.
HONORING THE LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION THAT NURTURES LIFELONG LEARNING AT OLLI; A LEGACY ROOTED IN WONDER; A VOICE FOR THE WILD AND WONDROUS.
Kevin Cook
One day in 1991, I answered a telephone call from a lady at Fort Collins Library. The library had received a grant to develop adult programming, and one committee member suggested inviting the guy who wrote the weekly nature column for The Coloradoan to come and do some noon-time nature talks. I was that guy.
Fifteen years later I was still doing monthly library talks, and after one program two ladies approached and asked for a conversation. They were Jean Morgenweck and Kevin Oltjenbruns, manager and director of the newly formed Osher Life-long Learning Institute at Colorado State University. They were looking for instructors to teach classes, and someone mentioned my monthly programs. They attended one, liked what I presented, and invited me to bring my programs to Osher.
Now, 35 years later, I’m still doing monthly programs but at three libraries and nine retirement communities; and 20 years later, I’m still teaching two or three classes each semester for OLLI. A single, uniform, never-changing theme motivates all my programs: I treasure being able to share my passion for the wonder of Life on Earth. I particularly enjoy sharing that passion with OLLI members for several reasons immediately revealed when they walk through the door into the classroom. First, they enjoy learning as a way to spend leisure time. Second, they enjoy Nature or they wouldn’t be in my class. Third, they’re all old enough to have stories of life experiences of their own. I enjoy comradery with this kind of people. So, from my perspective, if Osher will have me I’ll keep teaching for another 20 years!
Kevin has been an essential part of OLLI since its founding. As one of our early instructors, he has helped shape the culture of curiosity, discovery, and excellence that defines the program today. Through his classes, countless OLLI members have learned to see familiar landscapes with fresh eyes, to appreciate the interconnectedness of the natural world, and to cultivate a deeper sense of wonder.
The knowledge, enthusiasm, and generosity Kevin has shared with OLLI over the past two decades are truly invaluable. More than an instructor, he has been a guide—leading us toward a deeper understanding of nature and our place within it. His contributions form an enduring part of the foundation that has sustained OLLI's excellence for twenty years, and his influence will continue to inspire learners for years to come.
SPECIAL INVITATION
You are invited to attend a special event celebrating Veronica Patterson
Please join us in celebrating Veronica Patterson as we honor her 20 years of contributions to the OLLI Poetry Community. To learn more about this special event, including the date, time, and RSVP details, please click this LINK.
This celebration is free and open to the public. We kindly ask that each attendee submit an RSVP to help us plan for the event.
WELCOME OUR STUDENT HELPERS
My Name is Levi Hinson. I’m a junior at Colorado State studying Accounting, with minors in Nutrition and Health and Exercise Science. I’m from Broomfield, Colorado, and I love to play sports, read, and go running. I’m on leadership with Oaks International, a Christian ministry on campus, and I love spending time with my friends there. You can usually find me in the library studying or at my apartment with friends when I’m not in class.
My name is Liam Pasquin and I'm a sophomore at Colorado State University. I'm majoring in biomedical sciences with aspirations to go to medical school. I have also been a reservist in the Marine Corps since 2024. Outside of school, I live an active lifestyle. You'll frequently find me at the Recreation Center lifting weights or attending CSU football games.
Hello! My name is Hope Musso and I am very excited to be joining the OLLI Team this year. I am a second-year Interior Architecture and Design major, and my concentration is Interior Products and Retailing. My goal is to be a Lighting Specialist or Textile Specialist.
In my free time, you can find me going for a run, in the kitchen cooking, or spending time with friends and family. I also love to relax and watch reality TV with my friends or call my family from back home and see my dogs.
My name is Rylee Foster, and I am a new student employee working for OLLI this semester. I am a senior at CSU studying Biomedical Sciences with an Anatomy and Physiology concentration and am also working on my Neurodiversity and Disability certificate. I am originally from Gilbert, Arizona but moved to Fort Collins for college and fell in love with Colorado.
At CSU I compete on the IHSA Equestrian Team (and placed top 10 in the nation in my horse jumping event), I am the president of the student organization End Overdose, and I have participated in a medical brigade to Guatemala! I look forward to working with OLLI this semester and meeting everyone.
Amy McDonagh is joining us as a CSU senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She is a volunteer with Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center and has worked as an intern at AgeWise Colorado helping to connect community members with a network of trusted local and statewide supports.
Amy plans to earn a master’s degree in public policy and is interested in pursuing a career in gerontological services. She is greatly looking forward to getting to know our wonderful members during her first semester with OLLI teaching the Tech Skills for Older Adults series.
HARVESTING GENEROSITY
CELEBRATING THE VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP OLLI FLOURISH
This fall's Open House and Registration Days were an incredible success, and we have one group to thank above all others: our volunteers.
From greeting new members and answering questions to helping with registration, guiding visitors, and sharing their enthusiasm for OLLI, our volunteers made every guest feel welcome. Their warmth, knowledge, and generosity transformed busy events into memorable experiences and helped ensure a smooth start to another record-breaking term.
As OLLI continues to grow, so does the need for helping hands. Whether you have an hour to spare or are looking for a more regular role, volunteering is one of the best ways to meet fellow members, support lifelong learning, and give back to a community that enriches so many lives.
If you've ever thought about becoming more involved, now is the perfect time. Join the team that helps make OLLI thrive—and discover that volunteering can be just as rewarding as the classes themselves. 👉 Click this link to share your interests and get started—there’s a place for everyone to grow with OLLI.
A special thank you to OLLI's volunteer coordinator, Terry Nolan and to OLLI's open house volunteer coordinator, John Algiers.
To everyone who volunteered this season: thank you for sharing your time, talents, and OLLI spirit. You are the heart of our success. 🍂📚✨
🌿SOWING SEEDS FOR TOMORROW
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS OLLI GROW
🍂 Celebrating 20 Years. Growing the Future.
Twenty years of curiosity, connection, and discovery did not happen by chance. They were made possible by visionary supporters such as Bernard Osher, dedicated leaders like Kevin Oltjenbruns, and remarkable original instructors including Veronica Patterson and Kevin Cook, whose talents have helped transform OLLI into one of Northern Colorado's most vibrant lifelong learning communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead to the opportunities that await in OLLI's next chapter. 🍂📚
Today, OLLI is stronger than ever. We are welcoming record numbers of members, offering an ever-expanding range of classes, and creating meaningful opportunities for learning, friendship, and discovery. Every conversation in a classroom, every new interest pursued, and every friendship formed adds another chapter to OLLI's remarkable story.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are also looking ahead. Continued growth brings exciting opportunities—and new needs. One of the most important ways members can help shape OLLI's future is through financial support. Your gifts help us expand our capacity, enhance our facilities, and ensure that OLLI remains a welcoming home for lifelong learners for generations to come.
The story of OLLI has always been written by people who believe that learning has no age limit. As we begin our next twenty years, we invite you to be part of that future.
Celebrate the milestone. Invest in the next chapter. Your gift today helps OLLI continue filling minds, forming friendships, and creating new possibilities for years to come. 🍁📚✨
OLLI MEMBERS SHARE THEIR LOVE OF LIFELONG LEARNING AT THE LARIMER COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET
The farmers market is just one of the many ways OLLI members help spread the word about our vibrant learning community. Not long ago, OLLI was often described as one of Northern Colorado's best-kept secrets. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our members, that is no longer the case.
The most powerful form of advertising has always been a personal recommendation, and you have been sharing the OLLI story with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Your passion for lifelong learning is helping our community grow by leaps and bounds.
Twenty years after our founding, OLLI is filling minds, forming friendships, and breaking registration records. Every conversation, invitation, and recommendation helps someone discover the joy of learning and connection.
Thank you for helping get the word out. Most of all, thank you for being part of this very special adventure.🍂📚✨
🍂A Few Helpful Reminders for a Great Fall Term As classes get underway, please keep these important reminders in mind:
Please do not give your seat to someone else if you cannot attend a class. Every participant must be officially registered for a course. This helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures that all participants receive important class communications.
For online classes, save your Zoom link in a safe place. The same Zoom link is used for all sessions of a course. You can find your link on your registration receipt, and it will be emailed to you again one day before the first-class meeting.
If you are enrolled in a hybrid class, please verify your registration location. Some classes offer both an online option and an in-person option at Drake Hall. These registrations are separate, and locations are not interchangeable.
Registered for the wrong section? No problem! Call the OLLI office at (970) 491-7753 and we will be happy to transfer you to the correct section if space is available.
Thank you for helping us provide a smooth and successful learning experience for everyone. We look forward to seeing you in class! 📚🍁
Introducing Class Hosts. As we begin a new term, you'll notice a friendly new addition in many of our classrooms: Class Hosts. These OLLI volunteers will help welcome members, assist instructors with basic class logistics, and serve as a point of contact for questions before class begins. You can easily identify Class Hosts by the orange lanyards they will be wearing and become a class host yourself! We are grateful for their willingness to help create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.
OLLI:Where Curiosity, Respect, and Community Thrive OLLI thrives because of the curiosity, respect, and generosity of its members. Our classrooms bring together individuals from many backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and political and religious traditions. The free exchange of ideas is one of the greatest strengths of lifelong learning. By approaching discussions with kindness, open-mindedness, and respect for differing viewpoints, each member helps create a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and heard.
Thank you for helping make OLLI a place where learning flourishes, friendships grow, and all are encouraged to explore new ideas together.
