Dear OLLI Members,

It's hard to believe that 2015 is almost over!  It has been another wonderful year here at OLLI at UNC Asheville.  We have broken records for membership and for numbers of people enrolled in our College for Seniors courses. We have piloted new programs and improved existing programs.  We have said goodbye to staff members Jessika Bond and Susan Poole and hello to new College for Seniors program manager Herb Gunn and special projects manager Lynn Spaight.  We hope that very soon in the new year we will be able to say hello to a new administrative support staff member as well.  Business manager Ann Cadle, program manager Laurel Jernigan, College for Seniors program assistant Anne Mock, and facilities and communications manager Leanna Preston continue to dedicate themselves to the success of our organization in ways that go above and beyond the call of duty. 

In 2015 we have seen again and again the talents and commitment of the over 600 people who give their time and talent to organize our committees, teach our courses, host our events, lead our special interest groups, and orovide the leadership and advice that make us a very special community. Special thanks to our leaders, Steering Council chair Patrick Chitwood, incoming chair Catherine Jordan, past chair Judy LaMee and secretary Jacob Cohen. The great strength of our program originates in the ways we make use of our "warehouse of intellectual capital." We invite you to come to us with good ideas for new programs and new ways of carrying out our current programs.

We hope you will take the time to read the story about Steve Kaagan written by Ellen Brown, member of our marketing committee. Steve's commitment to challenging issues, particularly climate change and racial justice, continue to inspire us to do more with our retirement. Steve's leadership of our inclusion committee have been a special part of our work in 2015. 

With gratitude for the many people who contribute to OLLI's success and with best wishes for good health, happiness, engagement and learning in 2016,

Executive Director