2025 Osher Institutes National Conference
Breakout Session Descriptions
Tuesday, April 29, 8:45 – 10:00am
Leveraging Fundraising for a Meaningful Impact
Discover how effective fundraising can transform your Osher Institute and increase member engagement. Explore strategies for cultivating donor relationships, crafting compelling campaigns, and leveraging university resources. Gain insights on how to drive growth and increase impact by aligning your fundraising efforts with organizational goals.
Presenters
Aquanetta Betts, Director of Planned Giving, George Mason University
Michael Long, Director of Development for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Libraries, Florida Atlantic University
Patricia Berlowe, Director, OLLI @ Yavapai College
Membership Retention: Fostering a Vibrant Base
This session will explore effective strategies for increasing retention at your OLLI. Learn the many touch points that translate to new member retention, and how engaging longer-term members in the process can increase their stickiness as well. Learn effective retention techniques that keep members actively involved and foster a loyal membership base.
Presenters
Jared Swerzenski, Director, OLLI @ Arizona State University
Lisa Sharfstein, Director, OLLI @ University of Pittsburgh
Margaret Watson, Director, Osher Institute @ University of Richmond
Navigating the Higher Ed Landscape
University environments and systems are complex. This session will address solutions for navigating institutional politics, understanding internal processes, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Learn strategies for building effective relationships with key stakeholders and securing institutional support for your Osher Institute. Discover practical tips for managing and advocating for your OLLI program within the broader university framework.
Presenters
Toniann Leavitt, Director, OLLI @ University of New Hampshire
Rob Levrant, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Johnna Norris, Director, OLLI @ University of California, Riverside
Brynn Rousselin, Director, OLLI @ The Pennsylvania State University
Moderator: Kevin Connaughton, Manager of Adult Learning, Osher NRC
Rethinking Volunteer Roles
This workshop will guide you through innovative approaches to expanding volunteer roles that strike a perfect balance between volunteer interests and your OLLI’s needs. Learn how to identify and define volunteer roles that align with the evolving needs of your Institute. Learn how to create meaningful and unique volunteer opportunities that tap into members’ skills and passions. Facilitators will discuss volunteer recruitment strategies, how reimagining volunteer roles creates greater volunteer engagement, and ways to foster a collaborative environment that builds a stronger, more connected community.
Presenters
Joe Hinkel, Volunteer Leader, OLLI @ Northwestern University
Nancy Kennedy, Director, OLLI @ Furman University
Lynn Provenzano, Executive Director, OLLI @ University of Texas at El Paso
Working With Your Local AARP
Unlock the potential of working with AARP to elevate your Institute’s impact in the community. Explore how your Osher Institute can build a productive partnership with local AARP chapters to enhance community engagement and expand programmatic reach. Presenters will provide strategies for initiating and nurturing collaborations with AARP, including offering joint events, sharing resources, and co-hosting workshops. Learn how to leverage AARP’s network and expertise to complement your Institute’s offerings and address the diverse needs of older adults.
Presenters
Catherine Lawless, Assistant Director, OLLI @ Bradley University
Bob Michl, Director, OLLI @ University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Amber Nightingale, Associate State Director, AARP Virginia
Kate Schaefers, Director, OLLI @ University of Minnesota
Tuesday, April 29, 3 – 3:45pm
Community Collaborations
There are countless opportunities to collaborate with organizations in your community. This session will explore how to identify potential collaborators, establish mutual value, and highlight the benefits for both sides. Explore some partnership examples and gain insight on how to navigate community dynamics. Join this session to expand your network and maximize the impact of your collaborations.
Presenters
Carol Allman-Morton, Executive Director, OLLI @ Berkshire Community College
Jennifer Juanitas, Director, OLLI @ University of the Pacific
Josh Raney, Director, OLLI @ University of Arkansas
Finding Sponsorships for Your OLLI
Sponsorships can support the growth of your OLLI program. This session will cover practical methods for identifying potential sponsors, building relationships with businesses and organizations, and crafting agreements. Discover how to align with sponsor goals for mutual benefit and learn from examples of successful sponsorships.
Presenters
Bobbi Geise, Director, OLLI @ University of Montana
Krista Hamel, Director, OLLI @ University of Vermont
Tay Strauss, Executive Director, OLLI @ University of Virginia
Maximizing Member Engagement in Hybrid Classes
This session will delve into pedagogical strategies designed to enhance participation and interaction in hybrid learning environments. Participants will examine effective techniques for blending in-person and online experiences to ensure all members are engaged. Learn how to adapt your classrooms to accommodate diverse modalities and foster a dynamic classroom atmosphere. Learn how to leverage technology to create an engaging educational experience for everyone.
Presenters
Caroline Egan, Teaching Academy Program Manager, Johns Hopkins University
Jascenna Haislet, Director, OLLI @ West Virginia University
Andrew Lavin, Program Director, OLLI @ California State University, Chico
Planning for a Smooth Volunteer Leader Transition
How can you effectively manage and plan for volunteer leadership transitions within your Osher Institute? This session will provide strategies for ensuring a smooth handover, from identifying and preparing future leaders, to documenting essential processes and responsibilities. Discover best practices for fostering continuity and maintaining engagement during transitions. Explore methods for communicating changes clearly and supporting both outgoing and incoming volunteers. Join this session to develop a smooth transition plan that supports long-term stability and growth in your volunteer program.
Presenters
Catherine Frank, Executive Director, OLLI @ University of North Carolina Asheville
Fran Smith, Volunteer Leader, OLLI @ University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The OLLI Way
Operating with a lean staff and serving members with high expectations can sometimes create stressful interactions. “The OLLI Way” can help. This innovative approach to creating a culture of kindness, patience, positivity, and respect was created by OLLI at Northwestern University and has since been adopted by several other Institutes. Learn how “The OLLI Way” can be woven into all aspects of your OLLI community, how it can transform your OLLI culture, and how it can improve member-to-member and member-to-staff interactions. Through practical examples, discover how you can implement this approach and begin seeing the positive impacts of this culture change.
Presenters
Kari Fagin, Associate Director, Osher NRC
Emily Ferrin, Director, OLLI @ Northwestern University
Wednesday, April 30, 8:30 – 9:45am
Benefiting from Generative AI at Your OLLI
Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can change the way you manage your Institute. This presentation will cover practical applications of AI, from enhancing learning experiences to streamlining administrative tasks. Participants will discuss real-world examples of how leveraging AI tools can help analyze member information, automate processes, and assist in educational content creation. Discover how embracing AI can elevate your OLLI’s efficiency and quality in this age of digital transformation.
Presenters
Kevin DeCoux, Osher Online Program Manager, Osher NRC
Erica Fruiterman, Volunteer Instructor, OLLI @ American University
Natalie Lecher, Director, OLLI @ University of Washington
Broadening Our Definition of Diversity
Expand your understanding of what diversity means within the Osher Institute community. This workshop will explore how diversity of age, gender, education level, race and ethnicity contribute to a richer, more inclusive environment at your Institute. Explore strategies for bringing out the varied experiences and perspectives of all members. Learn how to integrate this broader view of diversity into program development, outreach, and classroom interactions. Join this session to enhance your approach to inclusivity and create a more equitable and engaging OLLI experience.
Presenters
Michelle Alvarez, Director, OLLI @ University of Miami
Kevin Connaughton, Manager of Adult Learning, Osher NRC
Jim Hermelbracht, Director, OLLI @ University of Massachusetts Boston
Data Speak, But What Do They Tell You?
Dive into the world of data. Discover how to interpret and leverage data in ways that inform decisions and assist in strategic planning. Learn the key data points to collect and how to identify actionable patterns and trends. Gain practical techniques and find out how data can enhance both your OLLI’s operations and your members’ engagement.
Presenters
Tim Meehan, Executive Director, OLLI @ University of Georgia
Kate Schaefers, Director, OLLI @ University of Minnesota
Jeanette Toohey, Director, OLLI @ University of North Florida
Generational Preferences in Community, Learning, and Communication
Osher Institutes serve members representing many generations, sometimes spanning forty or more years. Explore the distinct needs and preferences of these different generational cohorts. The session will focus on the preferences and interests of incoming Gen X members, while comparing the expectations of Baby Boomers. Explore how these preferences and expectations impact community engagement, learning styles, and communication methods. Participants will gain ideas for OLLI programming, member outreach, and communication that resonate with each of these diverse age groups. Join this session to enhance your understanding of generational dynamics and optimize your Institute’s appeal to a multi-generational audience.
Presenters
Susan Brasseur, Senior Director of Center for Adult Learning, Saginaw Valley State University
Cate O’Hara, Program Director, OLLI @ University of Cincinnati
Maralie Waterman, Program Manager, OLLI @ University of New Mexico
Promoting Your OLLI: Public Relations and Marketing Communication Strategies
Attracting new members does not always require a financial investment in paid advertising. Uncover effective methods to elevate your Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's visibility and appeal. This session will explore key strategies for telling your OLLI’s story, crafting compelling messages, leveraging media relations, and utilizing various channels to reach and engage potential members. Learn how to build and maintain a strong brand presence. Discover practical tips for community engagement and developing campaigns that highlight the unique value of your OLLI programs.
Presenters
Angela Bingham, Director, OLLI @ University of Michigan
Jennifer Disano, Executive Director, OLLI @ George Mason University
Doug Garcia, Volunteer Leader, OLLI @ University of California, Santa Cruz
Jordan Willams, Senior Director, Lifelong Learning & Community Engagement, University of North Texas