Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon

With the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence, navigating the future can feel dizzying at times. We wrapped up our recent course on AI with this classic 2002 reflection by former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:

"There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don't know we don't know."

Our incredible OLLI members aren't just watching the future happen—they are actively learning and adapting through changing times. Join us!

Last week, our OLLI-UO members were out by Prineville, Oregon, exploring the incredible trails around Chimney Rock. They’re beautifully demonstrating that prioritizing movement is a lifelong gift—nurturing both a sharp mind and a healthy body. Let's never stop exploring!

At OLLI, our members don’t just share a passion for lifelong learning—they bring a lifetime of incredible, jaw-dropping stories with them. Last week, our community had the privilege of hearing from member Janet Dart, who led a powerful discussion on cults. Janet shared her firsthand experience, reading from her newly published memoir, Tender Loving Care: Escaping One of the Most Dangerous Cults in America. Pictured here is Janet holding her 1972 wedding dress—a poignant piece of history from her eight years inside Synanon. Join OLLI today and never miss a story!
osher.uoregon.edu

Lace up your hiking boots! Summertime is here, and our members know how to embrace the sunshine. We have three incredible summer hikes lined up and you’re invited! You can find OLLI on the trails at Chimney Rock, Metolius River Preserve, and Mount Pisgah – all scheduled for June and July. Members from any of our three sites (Central Oregon, Eugene, and Portland) are welcome to join. If you don’t mind a little travel, it’s a fantastic opportunity to carpool and mingle with fellow lifelong learners from across the state.

Art and music aren’t just hobbies—they are vital lenses through which we understand the human experience, keeping our minds sharp and our communities connected. We celebrate the profound importance of the arts by hosting vibrant groups like our Art Discussion Group and The Music Listening Circle, alongside other incredible educational opportunities each term. Join us!

Engaging with the arts can slow biological aging, study shows Eat well and exercise. That's the classic advice for living a long, healthy life. A new study suggests another habit to add to the list: Let your creative juices flow.

Today is Ducks Give—a powerful 24-hour celebration of community and impact at the University of Oregon. Rise With Us!

Rise With Us on Ducks Give! Join Ducks across campus and around the world for Ducks Give on May 14—a powerful 24-hour celebration of community and impact at the UO!

We’re one week out from Ducks Give—the UO’s annual day of giving on May 14! But, you need not wait until then to make a gift to OLLI and have it count double. Thanks to a group of generous donors, between now and May 14 your gift will be doubled in value until we reach the $12,000 mark. Donate now: https://osher.uoregon.edu/support/index.php

Thank you AirLink Critical Care Transport for hosting our OLLI-UO members last week! We believe that lifelong learning means staying connected to the heartbeat of our community. Witnessing the impact of Airlink firsthand helps our members stay informed, engaged, and appreciative of the essential services that keep us all safe.

Thank you for the warm welcome and for all that you do!

Sharing information about OLLI-UO activities held at UO Portland campus!

We are thrilled to announce that Chris Thomas, featured in this local Central Oregon Daily News story, will be the OLLI-UO speaker at our quarterly lecture with the Deschutes Public Library this summer. Mark your calendar to join us on July 17th at the new Stevens Ranch location!

A Bend composer’s journey from film dreams to immersive theme park soundscapes A Bend-based composer is turned his lifelong passion for cinema and talent for music into immersive experiences across television, video games and even theme parks. And you've likely heard some of his work.