OLLI at OSU celebrates 20 years with expanded programs and major membership discounts

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Media Contact: Dr. Robin Fuxa | Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute | 405-744-5868 | [email protected]

At Oklahoma State University, education doesn't stop at graduation.

As the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at OSU (OLLI at OSU) prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, the program is launching a recruitment drive for its spring semester. While its focus population is those who are 50 or older, OLLI welcomes adults of all ages to rediscover the joy of learning without the pressure of exams or grades.

Under the guidance of a newly appointed director and lifelong educator, Dr. Robin Fuxa, OLLI is evolving to be accessible to a multigenerational membership.

"The ability to nurture our curiosity and creativity at every age is vital to individual well-being and a thriving community," Fuxa said. "When people ask 'What is OLLI?', I tell them it's where truly top-notch learning opportunities meet genuine friendship."

Breaking Down Barriers: New 50% Discounts

To make lifelong learning more accessible than ever, OLLI has introduced significant "OSU Retiree" and "Public Servant" discounts.

Retirees from the OSU system can trial OLLI's premium membership at a 50% discount in their first year of participation with OLLI, no matter how long it's been since retirement.

Current or retired Pre-K-12 teachers, first responders and military service members can now access memberships at half the regular price of either level of membership.

"OLLI is a natural next step for those who have spent their lives serving others," Fuxa said. "We want to ensure that cost is never a barrier to exploring new interests and staying connected."

More Than Just a Classroom

OLLI at OSU offers a diverse range of experiences that go far beyond traditional lectures. Members can select any or all of these offerings:

• Academic & Civic Discussions: Engaging with experts on topics ranging from global affairs to local issues, history, arts/literature, health and wellness, the latest advancements across scientific fields and beyond.
• Hands-on Creativity: Culinary demonstrations, painting, ukulele workshops and more.
• Exclusive Travel: Group excursions to world-class destinations like the Canadian Rockies and Iceland.
• Day Trips: OLLI offers day trips to explore nature or historical sites, visit museums, etc.
• Social Connection: Access to a weekly Town Hall series in each city (free for members), book groups and other peer-led learning opportunities, and events that build lasting community.

Spotlight on Spring 2026 Courses

The upcoming spring session features a mix of tried and true favorites as well as brand-new courses. With approximately 50 courses offered, you'll want to be sure to check out the course catalog.

This session will feature history and current events courses from experts like returning instructors Meredith Woodruff (former CIA), Dr. Martin Brienen (global studies faculty focused on Latin America), Joe Dorman (former state legislator and executive director of the Oklahoma Center for Child Advocacy), Dr. Rick Moore (former OKC mayoral and U.S. Congressional staffer instrumental in MAPs) and Dr. James Showalter (historian).

There will be a series from Stillwater Medical at Home, movie and ukulele courses, and a unique offering about birds taught by ecologist Dr. Timothy O'Connell.

Learning opportunities also include American Sign Language (ASL), lectures on women in art, and a presentation/discussion series by Holocaust educator Dr. Shanedra Nowell.

With a wide array of course topics, there is something for everyone at OLLI.

Contact [email protected] to be added to the email newsletter where announcements about special pop up classes - such as glass blowing - and more are shared.

How to Join

The spring session officially begins Feb. 16, 2026, with enrollment opening Jan. 12. Prospective members can choose from a Premium Annual Membership ($200 per year) for unlimited courses or an À La Carte Membership ($40 per year) for those who prefer to pay per class.

Courses are held in three locations - Stillwater, Oklahoma City and Tulsa - as well as online. Classes vary in duration from a single session of 90 minutes or two hours, as long as eight weeks at two hours per week - and everything in between.

"My pitch is simply: try it," longtime member and instructor Dr. Pam Brown said. "The coursework is high quality, and the people are remarkable. You'll find that the members are just as sharp and engaging as the instructors."

The Spring 2026 catalog is now available for browsing at olli.okstate.edu. Print editions will arrive in members' mailboxes mid-January.

About OLLI at OSU

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Oklahoma State University is a program of the Bernard Osher Foundation. It provides non-credit enrichment for lifelong learners who value cultivating our curiosity in a supportive, intellectually vibrant community.