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Events and Socials

Beyond the classroom, OLLI produces a variety of events and socials throughout the year. Most of our events are for members only, though our Fall Kick-Off and Spring Kick-Off events are open to non-members as well. View the listings below to not miss out on any of our upcoming gatherings. 

Pre-registration is required for all OLLI events – even free events.

To register, please call the OLLI office at 919-515-5782.

Upcoming Events Open to Non-members

August

OLLI’s Fall Sneak Peek and Ice Cream Social

Join us to learn more about the exciting programs of the Fall semester and connect with new OLLI instructors and fellow members. We will preview the fall lineup and enjoy NC State’s delicious Howling Cow Ice Cream while catching up with our OLLI friends! New OLLI members will have an opportunity to meet the staff, tour the McKimmon Center and get a sense of our programs before our Open House in September.

Note: This event is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance.

September

Fall Semester Kick-Off Lecture and Open House
Presenter: Jory Philip Weintraub

Anti-science rhetoric is on the rise. Science has never been more polarized and politicized, and misinformation and disinformation are rampant. Science conspiracy theories seem to lurk around every corner. At a moment when memories of a global pandemic are fresh in our minds, and the next one is almost certainly waiting in the wings, emerging technologies like AI are raising new questions and fears. We are experiencing unprecedented climate change, and effective science communication has never been more important (or elusive). This session will explore current science communication challenges and offer some hopeful solutions.

Open House: Immediately following the Fall Kick-Off lecture, we host an Open House with light refreshments. The Open House provides a great opportunity for new and long-time members to learn more about OLLI member benefits and volunteer opportunities. From 3:15 – 4:30 pm, you can visit information tables and socialize with OLLI members, staff, campus and community partners, and representatives from OLLI’s committees and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). This is a great opportunity to learn more about our many SIGs and to get answers to questions you may have about the activities and level of commitment for each of these groups directly from SIG leaders and other SIG members. It’s also a great time to meet staff from the NC State Libraries to ask questions about OLLI members’ borrowing privileges, and to learn more about other ways to be more involved in NC State activities – from attending NC State Live performances to participating in Coffee and Conversation with international students. Refreshments will be served.

Note: This event is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance.

January

Spring Semester Kickoff: Speaker To Be Announced
To kick off our Spring Semester, we’ll bring in a presenter whose expertise has wide appeal to OLLI members to share their knowledge and perspective in an hour-long presentation. Refreshments will follow from 3:15 – 4:00 pm
Note: This event is free and open to the public, but you must register.

Upcoming Events Open to OLLI Members Only

OLLI Seasonal Celebration

OLLI members and staff come together at the McKimmon Center for our annual gathering to celebrate the holiday season! Our entertainment is provided by various performers, some from our OLLI community, offering gifts of prose, poetry, music and humor to put us in a festive mood. Our catering sponsor, Glenaire, will provide savory hors d’oeuvres and beverages and guests are welcome to bring a favorite sweet treat to share. There is no charge to attend this event. If you are interested in performing, please contact Special Programs Coordinator Lindsey Hale to pitch your talent!

Note: This event is free for OLLI members, but you must register.

April

OLLI’s Spring Picnic
Join us in the beautiful, outdoor setting of Lake Wheeler Park for OLLI’s Spring Picnic! This is a wonderful opportunity to eat, meet and visit with other members. Lunch choices will be available at the time of registration.

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and casual attire. Parking will be available close to the event for those with limited mobility. Please mention any special dietary restrictions when registering.

Note: OLLI members pay a small fee. Registration is required at least two weeks before the event so that we can ensure accurate catering counts.

May

End of Year Celebration
Join us to say hello to your favorite instructors and goodbye to another amazing OLLI academic year! This event honors our volunteer instructors. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an assortment of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages in the company of your fellow members, and raise a glass to the instructors who teach the courses you love. Take advantage of this last social event of the year before summer!

Note: OLLI members pay a small fee. Registration is required at least two weeks before the event so that we can ensure accurate catering counts.