OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute/University of Rhode Island

10/16/2026

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐈: 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧 📚✨
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Durga Larkin for an inspiring presentation on Empowered Aging. Drawing on research, personal reflection, storytelling, and insights from her 35-year medical career, Dr. Larkin challenged us to rethink aging not as a period of decline, but as a time of growth, reinvention, and new possibilities. Through her “Timeless Vision” approach, Dr. Larkin encouraged us to move beyond limiting cultural narratives and embrace the future with intention and optimism.

Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to meet Dr. Larkin and have copies of her book, 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, personally signed.

Thank you, Dr. Larkin, for sharing your wisdom, encouragement, and vision for aging well. It was an engaging and uplifting afternoon for all who attended!

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10/16/2026

🍂 Last week’s OLLI hike at Grills Preserve in Westerly was filled with vibrant fall colors, beautiful sunshine, and great company. It was the perfect day to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and connect with fellow members!

10/06/2026

OLLI Director 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞 had a memorable moment at the 2026 Osher National Conference in Minnesota, where she had the opportunity to meet and chat with 𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐎𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫!

The conference brings together OLLI staff and volunteers from across the country to share best practices, build connections, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping lifelong learning for older adults.

At 99 years young, Bernard Osher's vision continues to inspire learners nationwide. Since 2001, the Bernard Osher Foundation has funded the creation of OLLI programs at 120 colleges and universities across the United States, serving more than 160,000 members. OLLI at the University of Rhode Island, established in 2009, is proud to be part of this remarkable network.

Today, through satellite and partner locations, 125 OLLIs offer courses, lectures, and activities in 276 cities and towns across the country, enriching lives through the joy of lifelong learning.

Thank you, Bernard Osher, for your enduring commitment to education, curiosity, and community! 💙📚

10/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐬 for 𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝑼𝑹𝑰. The presentation explored the often-overlooked Indigenous and colonial histories of the land that became URI's campus, examined South County's connections to a plantation economy, and learned about the University's ongoing efforts to better understand and acknowledge its complex past. Attendees gained new insight into the rich and complicated history of the land beneath URI's campus and the lasting impacts that continue to shape our understanding of the past today.

09/19/2026

Our OLLI members recently traded the classroom for an island adventure, enjoying lunch together at the National Hotel. Great food, ocean views, and even better company made for a wonderful day together. We love seeing our members learning, exploring, and making memories beyond the classroom!
📸 Here are a few snapshots from our Block Island adventure.

09/18/2026

🏃‍♀️ Who says you have to slow down? Last month, OLLI member and instructor Sandra Enos competed in the Pell Bridge Run alongside 24 women ages 75 and older. The oldest competitor was an incredible 95 years old and crossed the finish line with an impressive time! What a wonderful reminder that staying active can be part of a vibrant, adventurous life at any age. Whether it’s running, walking, stretching, or simply moving more, there are so many ways to keep going.

👏 Congratulations, Sandra, on a great race!

So, who wants to join Sandra next year? 🏃‍♀️👟

09/17/2026

💙💛Rhody Ramblers met today on the URI Bike Path. After the walk they enjoyed coffee and treats at TLC in West Kingston.

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

💔We are deeply saddened by the loss of our longtime instructor and friend, Lloyd Kaplan. Lloyd was a shining star at OLLI—always greeting us with a smile and a joke that brightened the day. For 16 years, he shared his incredible knowledge and love of music with our members, leaving a lasting mark on our community.
His spirit and laughter will be remembered always. 🎶💛💙

Lloyd S. Kaplan, 93, died Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Kent Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Sheila (Berger) Kaplan for 66 years. Born in Fall River, MA, a