OLLI at UK

We have wrapped up all phase openings for Lexington this Fall, so courses in all categories will now remain open until filled! There are still many courses to choose from, in categories such as technology, culture, wellness, history, literature, performing arts, science, and more! This also includes all upcoming Donovan Forums. Zoom options available for select courses.

View and register now at https://olli.uky.edu/ !

Our Monthly Member Highlight is from Bernadette Salone:

"I stumbled upon a program called OLLI in 2010. At the time I was employed by Fayette County Public Schools, but it was summertime and I was enjoying my summer by exercising at Immanuel Baptist Church. At that time the public could pay a fee to use their gym facility. While walking on their track I noticed an aerobic class below. I thought it would be fun and I could meet some new people. I inquired about the class at the registration desk for the gym. The person manning the desk told me it was a class from U.K., and I could get the class information if I called the number on the slip of paper he gave me. I called the number and I believe I talked to Teresa Hager. She explained the program to me and said I could join the fall semester, but I was working still. I said I would be retiring at the end of the school year June 2011. Teresa said I could become a member and get information for classes and register when I retire.

I joined OLLI, got my catalogue in the mail, and then registered for my first class on the last day for teachers to turn in grades and check out at the close of the school year. The aerobic class started at 11:00. I was standing in line for checkout at 10:45. I thought if I leave right now, I can make it. I’m retired, what can they do about it? So, this retired person handed her grades to the person behind her and said, “Turn in my grades and tell everyone goodbye, thank you so much”. That was the day I began my OLLI journey.

The following year I decided to volunteer as a helper in the OLLI office. This was pre online registration. The first day I showed up, it was almost time for class registration. Instructors’ materials had to be copied and sorted; signup sheets had to be put in folders; students’ name cards had to be alphabetized and whatever else that came up at the last minute.

I worked in the office several days before registration. Then I was asked to work on registration day. I happily said “Of course, I’ll be glad to”. However, registration day became a memory I can’t forget. Registration and Open House were at the same time and Tates Creek Christian Gym was crowded with people.

Several of us were working that day. We had to find the class registration sheet which was in a folder in a crate. We had to make sure the class wasn’t closed. If the class was open, we could let the student sign up. This sounds easy, but I didn’t tell you the line for registration was wrapped around the gym area and outside the door. Some people had been in line for at least an hour and were unhappy to learn their class was closed. They wanted to remain in the registration area to find another class but that would cause the line to back up. They had to come back later. All the new folks don’t realize how easy it is to register for classes now. Even if you are too late signing in to get that special class, just be thankful you didn’t have to stand in line!!!!"

Thanks to everyone that attended our Lexington Open House yesterday. We counted 292 visitors, brand new and returning members! Visitors got to purchase annual membership, meet our amazing instructors face-to-face, enjoy free snacks and coffee, and meet fellow lifelong learners amidst all the different courses being offered this upcoming semester. Course registration begins to open tomorrow at https://olli.uky.edu/uky so be sure to purchase membership if you haven't already!

(photo by OLLI at UK member, Dave Dickason)

The OLLI at UK August newsletter is out now! Features in this newsletter include a landscape painting by OLLI member, Steve McKnight, a great selection of fun community events (Braille and Ales at Tapster, a genealogy conference, and a free concert at Griffin Gate, to name a few), stimulating brain puzzles, a great highlight for longtime member, Bernadette Salone, and even lyrics for an OLLI song written by OLLI member, Margo McFarland! So be sure to check it out now at https://bit.ly/olliatuk-august2026newsletter

This week we are wrapping up Summer OLLI courses, but Fall 2026 is just around the corner! As members new and returning get ready to register across a wide, exciting selection of lifelong learning courses, let's take a look back at some of the courses we had a year ago in Fall 2025, many of which are returning this semester, including:

- American Private Art Museums (taught by Marcia Freyman)

- Bridge SIG (facilitated by Darryl Bennet)

- “How Musicals are Made” with The Lexington Theatre Company (taught by Lyndy Franklin Smith)

- Elder Law 101 (taught by David Emerson)

- Line Dancing (taught by Shirley Bryan)

- Computer Basics for Microsoft Word (taught by Myra Engle)

- Renaissance Art and Architecture in Florence, Italy (taught by Lisa Smith)

- Slow Flow Yoga (taught by Josette Garstka)

- Mysterious Stone Sites (taught by Royal Berglee)

- Osher Classic Movie Series (facilitated by Vicente Cano and Dennis Karwatka)

- Cooking is Fun (taught by multiple Morehead instructors)

OLLI at UK continues to thrive, with over 80 courses to offer this upcoming Fall semester, thanks to our wonderful community of students, instructors, staff, volunteers, community partners, and you!

(Lexington course photography: Norma Wirt, Morehead course photography: Larry Dixon)

Alongside our announcement of Fall 2026 courses, we are happy to reveal the full Donovan Forum Series lineup for this Fall! Our long-running community lectures return this September, with a huge variety of topics: primate rescue, The Kentucky Writer's Hall of Fame, whiskey waste, and our annual holiday concert from the Young at Heart Big Band, among many other topics. In-person and Zoom registration will open on Wednesday, August 5 at 10 a.m. Recordings will also be available for registrants for most Forums. We hope to see you at the Senior Center or online for another great Donovan Forum series this Fall!

Fall 2026 Donovan Forum roster also available at https://olliatuk.uky.edu/coursecatalogs/donovan-forum-series

1960s music, tai chi, barn quilting, and bridge? What do all of these topics have in common? They are all just some of the many returning courses we have to offer this upcoming Fall semester!

Our full Fall lineup of course offerings is now available, as well as our open houses and registration schedules for both Lexington and Morehead. Full information, digital catalog, and more available at https://bit.ly/olli-at-uk-fall2026

We are happy to announce our Fall 2026 semester of courses, offering over 80 new and exciting educational and enrichment opportunities for adults aged 50 and better! Visit https://bit.ly/olli-at-uk-fall2026 for our full announcement, including links to course viewing, 2026-27 membership, access to the PDF digital catalog, and the Fall 2026 registration schedule. (print catalogs will arrive in the next couple of weeks!)