OLLI at UAH will celebrate 1,000-member goal, fall 2026 events during open house on Aug. 7

OLLI at UAH (The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Alabama in Huntsville) will celebrate a return to 1,000 members at the open house for the fall semester on Friday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon in Wilson Hall on the UAH campus.

Justin Clay | UAH

Membership in OLLI at UAH – the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Alabama in Huntsville – has again hit 1,000 strong. Join the celebration and learn more about events and classes for fall 2026 during OLLI’s open house on Friday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon in Wilson Hall on the campus of UAH, a part of The University of Alabama System.

Getting back to 1,000 is a goal OLLI has been pursuing since membership dropped to just over 500 during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Justin Clay, OLLI marketing and design specialist.

“Reaching this milestone reflects the incredible dedication of our staff, board members, instructors, volunteers and members, who have helped spread the word about the wonderful experiences and opportunities OLLI offers. We’re thrilled to celebrate this achievement, and even more excited about what comes next as our community continues to grow.”

OLLI at UAH is a member-based learning community for adults age 50 and up. It offers a wide range of topics and activities designed to stretch mind and body. The open house is the best way to discover everything OLLI has to offer.

Justin Clay | UAH

OLLI at UAH is a member-based learning community for adults age 50 and up. The best way to see everything on OLLI’s fall schedule is at the open house, says Clay Williams, OLLI program manager.

“Attendees can review our offerings, meet staff and fellow members, and see our facilities. Most importantly, they can experience all the fun and excitement OLLI can bring to their lives.”

OLLI offers a wide range of topics and activities designed to stretch mind and body. Williams notes these fall semester highlights:

• “New Orleans and Her Music” – Trace the city’s development from its French/Spanish/West African roots to its role as a destination for émigrés from across the globe.
• “The Milky Way and Beyond” – Explore our home galaxy as well as other galaxies plus quasars, the Big Bang, the expanding universe, and the beginning and future of the universe.
• “Alaska – America’s Last Frontier” – Learn about the geology, geography, climate and human history, from crossing the Bering Land Bridge to the gold rush, its purchase from Russia, statehood and the big oil boom.

OLLI members take an active role in planning aspects of the program, especially in the member interest groups (MIGs); 10 are currently offered. MIGs are created and run by OLLI members who share a mutual interest in a topic or activity. Any OLLI member can participate with no extra fee.

Making and nurturing connections

Joining OLLI has always been a good way to make friends. It also offers an excellent opportunity for Charger alumni to stay involved with their alma mater. At least 10% of OLLI members are UAH graduates.

“I am thrilled to be an OLLI member and continue my lifelong learning on the UAH campus,” says Alison Rodgers Toney, a former UAH Lancer who graduated in 1981 with a B.S. in biology and minors in chemistry and music. Her husband, Robert Toney, graduated from UAH in 1979 with a B.S. in mathematics and a minor in chemistry.

“I often get a feeling of nostalgia as I walk up to Wilson Hall, where I spent many, many hours as an undergraduate,” she says. “Having our OLLI chapter on the university campus offers many special benefits, allowing for potential interaction between departments, access to the library and events, being informed of ongoing research, and connecting with people who love to learn.”

Sue Chatham agrees. She earned her B.A. in mathematics in 1973, and she says the education she received at UAH helped her to fulfill many life goals. Now she enjoys being part of the campus environment again.

“The establishment of The Academy of Lifelong Learning, which became OLLI at UAH, just extended my learning opportunities and my chance to meet others who want to continue learning.”

Donna Berger, a 1992 graduate with a BSBA in accounting, appreciates her new campus experience, too.

“Receiving my accounting degree from UAH paved the way for a challenging and rewarding career in public accounting,” she says. “Now OLLI provides a great way to stay on campus, reminding me of the great memories of my time as a student here. I enjoy seeing the students and all the activity of the vibrant campus atmosphere.”

For more information on the many aspects of OLLI at UAH, visit OLLI's homepage.