2026 Osher Institutes National Conference

Plenary Session Descriptions

 

Monday, 4 - 5:15pm 

Welcome to the 2026 Osher Institutes National Conference

Catch the energy and excitement of the 2026 Osher Institutes National Conference. Hear inspiring words from The Bernard Osher Foundation. Gain insights as we share the “State of the OLLI Network.”  Get inspired by the exciting programs happening around the Network as we present the first set of Woo-Hoo! entries. Learn all you need to know to have a successful and engaging conference experience.

Presenters

Mary Bitterman, President, The Bernard Osher Foundation 

Kari Fagin, Associate Director, National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

Steve Thaxton, Executive Director, National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes 

 

Tuesday, 1:10 - 2:15pm

Keynote Address
Unretirement: Finding Purpose in the Next Chapter

Retirement is being rewritten. Today’s older adults are redefining what comes next, seeking purpose, connection, and continued contribution well beyond “traditional” retirement. Journalist and author Christopher Farrell explores the rise of “unretirement,” drawing on data, research, and stories to illuminate how Baby Boomers are reshaping later life. Farrell shares insights from his reporting and books, offering a deeper understanding of the motivations driving this shift and a fresh perspective on how lifelong learning programs can support purpose-driven engagement in this evolving stage of life.

Presenter

Christopher Farrell
Senior economics contributor, Marketplace and Minnesota Public Radio
Author of Purpose and a Paycheck, Unretirement, The New Frugality
Columnist for PBS Next Avenue, Star Tribune, and host of the Office Hours podcast

 

Wednesday, 11:30am - 12:45pm

From Story to Strategy: Using Narrative to Strengthen Your OLLI

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools available, not just to promote OLLIs, but to deepen connection, build community, and clearly express an Institute's value proposition. This panel presentation will explore how personal stories can move beyond traditional marketing to become a core strategy. Panelists will share how to find, craft, and share authentic OLLI stories that speak to an Institute's unique ability to create meaning, build belonging, and transform lives.

As the final assembly of the conference, this energizing session will also announce the Newt Minow Award winner, reveal the final “Woo-hoo” winners, and feature motivating closing remarks. We’ll send you off inspired, ready to carry your stories forward, and energized by this Network shared experience.