This year marks a special milestone as OLLI at CSU celebrates 20 years of lifelong learning, connection, and community. To honor this anniversary, we invite members to join the CSU Presidential Fall Address and University Picnic on September 23. This fun university tradition offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate OLLI’s past, present, and future, with remarks from President Parsons, performances by the CSU Marching Band, Spirit Squads, and Concert Choir, and a complimentary picnic lunch with the campus community. To make participation easy and convenient, Register HERE to take transportation to the historic Oval from Drake Hall (and back).
The spirit of exploration that has defined OLLI for the past 20 years continues this fall with our courses starting later this month and exciting travel opportunities around the world. As you look ahead to the new term, consider joining one (or more) of our many travel presentations and discover where your curiosity might take you next.
Embark on an exciting voyage with a Go Next and Oceania cruise to Greece & Turkey in October 2027 – plan to join an info session in-person at Drake Hall or online on September 15 at 1 p.m.
Plan to join the EF launch presentation for OLLI trips to Japan with Sally Purath and Italy with Jim Rose in 2028 on October 13 at 10 a.m in-person at Drake Hall or online.
Learn what it’s like to join a Semester at Sea voyage – by registering now for a panel presentation on October 21 at 4 p.m online or in-person at Drake Hall.
Plan to travel with CSU alumni, OLLI members, and Gohagan Travel in 2027 to Norwegian Fjords, the Dalmatian Coast, the French Alps, or Portugal & Spain – join an information session on October 27 at 1 p.m online.
Thank you for being part of OLLI's remarkable story. I look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary with you at the Presidential Address and Picnic and in classes starting on September 21.
Warmly,
Meredith
Special Announcement: Celebrating Bernard Osher at 99
This September, we celebrate a remarkable milestone as Bernard Osher turns 99.
Our founder embodies so much of what OLLI represents: connection, generosity, involvement, vitality, and lifelong intellectual engagement. Through his vision and leadership, generations of older adults have discovered the joy of learning, engaging with others, and continuing to grow throughout life.
As we honor Bernard on his 99th birthday, we celebrate not only his extraordinary legacy, but also the values he continues to inspire in the OLLI community every day.
Happy 99th Birthday, Bernard, and thank you for showing us the power of lifelong learning. 🎉📚
FALL: WHERE NEW CHAPTERS BEGIN!
Registration Dates • Class Start Schedule • Registration Details
🗓️ Registration Information
Your Next Great Course Awaits
Whether you've already marked your must-take classes or are just beginning to browse, now is the time to create your personalized fall learning plan. Explore more than 200 engaging courses and prepare for a season of discovery, connection, and lifelong learning.
Classes begin September 21, with opportunities to learn:
Online
At Drake Hall
At community locations throughout the region
This fall, your curiosity has more than 200 ways to stay busy.
Registration Dates
Art & Design Classes: September 1 at 9:00 a.m.
All Other Classes: September 2 at 9:00 a.m.
Registration Tips
Registration Success Starts Here
A few simple tips can help you make the most of registration day and secure your spot in this fall's exciting lineup of courses. Keep these tips in mind as you build your fall lifelong-learning schedule.
Log In Early
Before registration opens, sign in to your OLLI account to verify that your membership is active and that you know your password. Taking a few minutes to test your login ahead of time can save valuable time on registration day.
Use a Computer and Google Chrome
For the best registration experience, use Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop computer. The registration system may not function reliably with Firefox or Safari and is not optimized for mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and iPads.
Register for Your Priority Courses First
Have a few "must-take" classes on your list? Add those courses to your cart and complete the registration process for them first before adding additional classes. Once those registrations are confirmed, return to the courses page or online catalog to enroll in additional classes.
Don't Wait to Register
Many classes have ample space, but courses with smaller enrollments can fill quickly. Registering early gives you the best opportunity to secure a spot in your preferred courses.
Join the Waitlist
If a class is full, don't give up—join the waitlist.
Openings often become available as members adjust their schedules. In some cases, if interest is high and space allows, OLLI may add an additional section. Waitlisted members receive priority notification when seats become available or when new sections are added.
If a seat opens, you will receive an email notification and have 48 hours to enroll before the opportunity is offered to the next person on the waitlist. Be sure to monitor your email regularly if you are waitlisted.
Check for Multiple Sections and Meeting Times
Some courses offer multiple sections either at different times or locations (online or Drake Hall). Review course details carefully to ensure you select the section that best fits your schedule and expectations.
For courses such as hiking programs, all participants may attend a common lecture session before dividing into smaller groups for field activities. Be sure the section you choose matches the dates and times you expect to attend.
When viewing a course online, look for additional sections listed on the right side of the course page. You may need to scroll down to view all available options.
Save Your Confirmation Emails
Immediately after registration, you will receive confirmation emails for your courses, along with a transaction receipt.
These messages contain important information, including:
Course dates and times
Class locations
Zoom links for online courses
Registration details and receipts
Consider creating a dedicated email folder for OLLI confirmations so everything is easy to find throughout the term.
If you do not receive a confirmation email, contact OLLI for assistance.
Need Help?
If you experience issues during registration, the OLLI staff is ready to help.
On registration day, staff respond to emails and voicemails in the order they are received. If you call, please leave a message so the team can return your call as quickly as possible.
EXPLORE THESE OUTSTANDING COURSES STARTING IN SEPTEMBER
Turn the page on summer and begin a new chapter. Discover the September classes that are ready to inspire, challenge, and delight.
For a full list of fall classes, visit our Online Catalog on our WEBSITE.
Discover why wildlife has become a destination in its own right in Ecotourism: Wildlife as a Destination. From Colorado's popular wildlife festivals to the growing impact of nature-based tourism, this course explores how observing wildlife is shaping travel and recreation while offering practical ideas for your own outdoor adventures.
Instructor Kevin Cook brings decades of experience as a wildlife biologist, naturalist, writer, and educator whose career has been devoted to Colorado's landscapes and wildlife.
This engaging course is perfect for birders, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the connection between wildlife, conservation, and travel.
Looking for a fun way to stay active, learn a new skill, and connect with others? American Tango offers an engaging introduction to one of ballroom dancing's most dramatic and elegant styles. Participants will learn foundational steps, partner connection, musicality, and classic tango figures in a welcoming environment designed for beginners and those looking to refresh their dance skills.
Instructor Frank Baczek brings more than 20 years of dance experience across ballroom, swing, Latin, and country styles, joined by Lenina Olivas, whose passion for helping people discover the joy of dance makes every class approachable and fun. Together, they'll help you build confidence on the dance floor—no experience required, just a willingness to give it a try.
Long before large-scale American involvement, Vietnam was the center of a conflict that reshaped the modern world. In La Sale Guerre: The First Indochina War, participants will explore the rise of Vietnamese nationalism, the decline of French colonial power, the emergence of Cold War geopolitics, and the pivotal events that divided Vietnam into two nations.
Along the way, the course examines influential figures, competing ideologies, and the lasting consequences of a war often overshadowed by the conflict that followed.
Instructor William Dewey brings both academic expertise and real-world perspective to this fascinating topic. A Vietnam-era veteran, Dewey holds degrees in history and diplomacy and enjoyed a distinguished career in international banking and management consulting. His unique background helps illuminate the historical forces that transformed Southeast Asia and shaped global politics for decades to come.
Journey into one of the most fascinating sections of the Hebrew Bible—the Writings. This course explores beloved texts such as Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel, examining their origins, meanings, enduring themes, and roles in Jewish tradition and worship.
Whether you are new to biblical study or seeking deeper understanding, this class offers fresh insights into works that have inspired readers for centuries.
Instructor Rabbi Hillel Katzir has been a favorite OLLI presenter for more than a decade, teaching courses on Judaism, religion, the Bible, and the Middle East. Known for his thoughtful and engaging approach, Rabbi Katzir encourages meaningful dialogue while helping participants better understand diverse traditions, histories, and perspectives.
The most memorable travel experiences are often the ones you don't find in a guidebook. In this hands-on course, you'll learn how to use digital tools to uncover local perspectives, organize personalized itineraries, and discover destinations beyond the usual tourist path. Participants will create custom travel maps while exploring ways to find unique experiences, compare transportation options, and connect with communities before they arrive.
New OLLI Instructor Dr. Jacqueline Vickery combines expertise in digital literacy with extensive real-world travel experience. A former university professor, author, and consultant, she spent 18 months traveling the world as a digital nomad. Her practical approach will help you use technology with confidence to plan richer, more meaningful journeys.
Discover the energy, tradition, and pure fun of West African Drumming in this welcoming,
hands-on course. Participants will learn foundational rhythms and basic hand and stick drumming techniques while exploring one of the world's most vibrant musical traditions. No musical experience is required—just a willingness to try something new and enjoy the beat.
New OLLI Instructor Dee Desnoyers brings nearly two decades of experience studying and performing West African drumming. Known for creating engaging and supportive learning environments, Dee helps participants build confidence while experiencing the joy, connection, and excitement that drumming can bring. Supplies are provided, making it easy to jump right in.
OLLI is delighted to welcome Megan Franke as our Emerging Scholar. In her course, participants will explore how thunderstorms form, the hazards they create, and how they may change in a warmer climate. Along the way, students will learn about the tools weather and climate scientists use to better understand our changing atmosphere.
Megan is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Colorado State University's Department of Atmospheric Science, where she studies how thunderstorms may evolve in future climates. She earned her M.S. from CSU and holds a bachelor's degree in meteorology with a minor in mathematics from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Join us in welcoming Megan and discovering the fascinating science behind the storms that shape our world. 🌩️
There May Be No Free Lunch...
But there are two free classes this September.
We are delighted to feature two September Bonus Classes, one taught by Julie Delene and the other by Greg Russi. Since both instructors will be leading longer courses later in the term, these classes provide an excellent introduction to their subject-matter expertise and engaging teaching approaches. Be sure to register early, as space is limited and these classes are expected to fill quickly.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND TWENTY YEARS OF LIFELONG LEARNING.
Honoring the leadership and dedication that nurtured lifelong learning at Colorado State University
A Lasting Legacy in Words
For more than 15 years, poet and instructor Veronica Patterson has enriched the OLLI community with her love of language, her thoughtful teaching, and her gift for helping others discover the power of poetry. Through her classes, readings, and encouragement, she has inspired countless OLLI members to read more deeply, write more courageously, and find joy in the creative process. As Veronica concludes her time as an OLLI instructor, we celebrate the lasting impact she has made on our community of lifelong learners.
From her very first OLLI course, The Delights of Writing in Fall 2010, Veronica invited members to see writing not simply as a craft, but as a way of paying closer attention to the world.
Her course titles alone read like poems: An Orchard of Words, Blowing the Heart Open, Writing from Our Cabinet of Wonders, Wing to Wing: Rhythm and Sound in Writing, Words That Carry Over Water, and Writing from the Heart Under the Heart. They reflected the generosity and imagination she brought to every class.
Over the years, Veronica introduced learners to celebrated poets including William Stafford, Ada Limón, Jane Kenyon, Joy Harjo, José Olivarez, and Billy Collins, while also encouraging participants to discover their own voices. Whether exploring place, memory, dreams, letters, or the music of language, her classes created welcoming spaces where experienced writers and first-time poets alike found confidence, connection, and joy.
Rather than saying goodbye to OLLI altogether, Veronica plans to become a student herself and enjoy taking classes with her fellow members.
We are deeply grateful to Veronica for the wisdom, warmth, and inspiration she has shared with OLLI members over the last 15 years and her lasting impact on the OLLI community.
Veronica's new poetry collection, Glint & Swerve is now available on Amazon. Please enjoy this poem from Veronica's new book.
NEW SEMESTER, NEW WAYS TO ENGAGE
VOLUNTEER WITH OLLI
As a new OLLI season begins, we invite you to become part of what makes each chapter so rewarding. Volunteers help welcome members, support instructors, and strengthen the sense of community that defines OLLI.
If you're looking for a meaningful way to deepen your involvement, consider joining our volunteer team this fall.
Terry Nolan, OLLI's Volunteer Coordinator, is ready to help you find the right fit.
👉 Click this link to share your interests and get started—there’s a place for everyone to grow with OLLI. Plan to attend a Volunteer Training session in Drake Hall on September 9 at 10 a.m. The training will “certify” members to become class hosts this fall and provide information about other ways to volunteer with OLLI in the future.
🌿INVEST IN LIFELONG LEARNING
CELEBRATE 20 YEARS—LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT'S NEXT
Like every fall, OLLI's 20th season marks both a continuation and a new beginning. For two decades, members have come together to learn, connect, and discover new possibilities, building on Bernard Osher's vision and support, the leadership of Kevin Oltjenbruns in bringing OLLI to Colorado State University, and the commitment of exceptional instructors like Veronica Patterson, whose expertise and enthusiasm help bring lifelong learning to life.
As we begin this new chapter, we celebrate a legacy that continues to grow with each class, conversation, and member experience. One meaningful way to support the future of OLLI is through giving. Your generosity helps ensure that lifelong learning, connection, and discovery remain available to OLLI members for years to come.
Celebrate the milestone. Invest in the next chapter.
Carry OLLI Beyond the Classroom, into the community!
Missed the Open House? There's still time to pick up your special OLLI 20th Anniversary shopping bag! Stop by Drake Hall and grab yours while supplies last.
Whether you're headed to the grocery store, the library, or your next adventure, take a little OLLI spirit with you and help celebrate 20 years of lifelong learning, curiosity, and community. Carry your bag with pride and spread the excitement of learning wherever you go!
Drop by Drake Hall and claim your anniversary bag today!
Learning never goes out of style.
DRAKE HALL DETAILS
Welcome Back to Drake Hall!
We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Drake Hall for another wonderful season of classes. Whether you're a returning participant or joining us for the very first time, we're excited to see you and look forward to learning, connecting, and having fun together.
A friendly reminder: our air conditioning can sometimes be a little overenthusiastic, so please dress in layers to ensure you're comfortable throughout your class.You can also help us support the environment by bringing your own reusable coffee cup and water bottle. To help reunite you with your belongings should they get misplaced, please write your name and phone number on the bottom of your bottle or cup. Of course, lost bottles and cups never happen—but just in case!
We can't wait to see you at Drake Hall. Welcome back, and a special welcome to all our new members! Your presence helps make this community so special. See you soon!
