Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

OLLI Mason welcomes lifelong learners at inaugural Ideas Festival

Susan Martonik — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:25:30 +0000

OLLI Mason welcomes lifelong learners at inaugural Ideas Festival Susan Martonik Thu, 07/02/2026 - 10:25

Learning doesn’t end at graduation—it continues to evolve at every stage of life. That spirit was on full display in early May as nearly 500 participants aged 50 and older gathered for the first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 91�� (OLLI Mason) Ideas Festival to explore new interests, exchange ideas, and learn more about the program.

The Ideas Festival was created to introduce more people across the area to the many experiences and benefits OLLI Mason offers. “OLLI Mason is truly a standout resource for older adults, providing enriching educational, social, and cultural experiences in a warm, welcoming environment,” said Steve Rose, president of the OLLI Mason Board of Directors.

Held at George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, the free, open house-style Ideas Festival included educational classes, demonstrations, activities, and a panel discussion. Courses were taught by George Mason faculty, community members, and even OLLI Mason members themselves.

Musical performers at the OLLI Ideas Festival stand alongside Linda A. Monson, director of George Mason's Dewberry School of Music. Photo by OLLI staff.

To kick off the event, Linda A. Monson, director of George Mason’s Dewberry Family School of Music, organized a music performance to highlight the extraordinary talents of the school’s students. The presentation attracted a large audience and drew positive feedback from attendees.

“OLLI is so lucky to be affiliated with a wonderful George Mason music program,” said OLLI Mason member Bob Heyer. “We often listen to a number of very talented local and international students performing their amazing talents in OLLI classes and party events.”

Among the most popular offerings at the Ideas Festival was the class “Yeah, There’s a Pill for That” taught by OLLI member Michele Romano, a retired physician. The interactive session taught attendees how to safely navigate prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbals, and how to keep everything organized for themselves and their healthcare providers.

Other well-received classes included “Watercolor is Playful,” in which award-winning local artist Marni Maree led participants as they experimented with various painting techniques, and “Meet the Restauranteur” featuring Dina Daniel, founder and chef at Fava Pot, the first Egyptian restaurant in the DMV. Poet and George Mason alumna Danielle Badra, who was Fairfax County poet laureate from 2022-24, led a "Nature Poetry Writing” class in which attendees ventured outdoors to listen to poetry, write their own, and then read their works aloud.

The OLLI Mason Walk and Talk Club learns about outdoor art installations at George Mason's Fairfax Campus. Photo by Bob Heyer.

In addition to classes, the Ideas Festival also offered attendees the opportunities to learn about the different clubs and special interest groups that are a part of OLLI Mason. Meetings were held by the Investment Forum, a long-running, retiree-focused group; the Walk and Talk Club, which led a tour of the campus’ outdoor art installations; the Board Game Club; and others.

“I came to OLLI to learn about things other than airplanes and engineering that I spent a career in. I have found great classes in history, music, philosophy, religion, science, and most important, many friendships in classes, clubs, and activities,” said Bob Heyer, coordinator of the Walk and Talk Club.

Based on the strong turnout, OLLI Mason plans to hold another Ideas Festival in 2027. “It’s clear from both the number of attendees and the overwhelming positive feedback from the event that older adults want to continue their learning journey,” said Debbie Engleson, OLLI Mason treasurer. “OLLI Mason is the perfect place for them to do just that.”

Through its partnership with OLLI, George Mason welcomes lifelong learners to campus for courses, lectures, and other educational opportunities. The program connects participants with university faculty and programs while creating additional opportunities for engagement between the university and the broader Northern Virginia community.

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Dr. Linda Apple Monson

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute appoints new executive director

lclarkg — Wed, 07 May 2025 18:06:25 +0000

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute appoints new executive director lclarkg Wed, 05/07/2025 - 14:06

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at 91�� has named seasoned nonprofit leader Lisa Mariam as its new executive director, effective June 2. Selected after an extensive national search, Mariam will succeed Jennifer Disano, who is stepping down after 12 years of dedicated leadership.

Lisa Mariam has been named the new executive director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 91��. Photo provided

Mariam brings extensive experience from her current role managing the Challenge America Program at the National Endowment for the Arts, administering grants to underrepresented communities. Previously, as senior director of grants and services at ArtsFairfax, she launched the Arts for Life initiative, expanded the grants program, and forged public-private partnerships. Her career began at the National Gallery of Art, organizing traveling exhibits. Mariam is also an active volunteer, serving on the Fairfax Master Arts Plan Task Force, Fairfax 50+ Plan, and the Board of the McLean Community Center.

“Lisa’s strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and alignment with OLLI’s mission make her the ideal choice to lead us forward,” said OLLI Mason Board Chair Debbie Engleson, who led the search committee. “Her community connections and expertise in growing membership and partnerships will guide OLLI into its next chapter.”

“OLLI Mason is renowned for its diverse classes—from arts to investing—along with clubs, events, and travel opportunities for older adults,” said Mariam. “It fosters vibrant longevity through mental, social, and physical engagement. I’m excited to work with the board, staff, and community partners to build on OLLI’s legacy, ensuring it remains a premier center for lifelong learning in Northern Virginia and a national model for holistic programming.”

During her tenure as executive director, Disano led OLLI Mason through a period of significant growth, expanding the educational program from 250 to more than 500 diverse, college-level courses annually that cover literature, science, technology, and the arts. She grew the staff to support this expansion, adopted hybrid learning models during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continuity, and strengthened OLLI’s affiliation with George Mason for enhanced member benefits. Disano’s focus on fiscal stability and volunteer empowerment fostered a vibrant, inclusive community, leaving a lasting legacy of lifelong learning. Disano is working on a podcast, Upstart Crow, in collaboration with George Mason’s Watershed Lit, and plans to serve as a consultant for nonprofits.

OLLI Mason is a nonprofit organization affiliated with George Mason and part of the national Osher Lifelong Learning network. It serves more than 1,000 active learners aged 50+ with more than 500 college-level courses annually, covering a broad range of subjects.

Programs are offered in-person at the Fairfax Campus, at satellite sites throughout Fairfax County, and online.

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Intergenerational conversation brings together OLLI members and Mason students

lclarkg — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:24:57 +0000

Intergenerational conversation brings together OLLI members and Mason students lclarkg Wed, 04/10/2024 - 10:24

Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at 91�� and students from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution explored their lived experiences and had the opportunity to talk about their feelings, opinions, and thoughts regarding the current events surrounding Israel and Palestine.

The Dialogue and Difference Project aims to promote cultural, political, and social understanding through the process of community dialogue participation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The March 20 event was organized by OLLI, the Carter School, and the University Libraries, which provided informational resources for the event. Carter School’s Dialogue and Difference Project was used to facilitate the conversation.

OLLI is a Mason affiliate organization that offers intellectual and cultural experiences in a welcoming atmosphere to Northern Virginia residents in their retirement years. OLLI Mason Executive Director Jennifer Disano called the event a major success and a model for future intergenerational conversations across Mason’s campuses and beyond.

“Not only did this event create a meaningful intergenerational dialogue, but it also provided a real-world opportunity for student facilitators to practice their skills,” said Anne Osterman, Dean of Libraries.

The Dialogue and Difference Project team offers student-led group facilitation to encourage and facilitate meaningful discussions, leading to better understanding between individuals and groups.

OLLI member Pat Bangs said, the event “was a unique and valuable opportunity for OLLI members and students to discuss issues that are important to us, in a setting that allowed passionate, conflicting opinions to be voiced in a respectful manner. I was reminded of the diversity of this generation and have great hope for their future contributions."

OLLI member Richard Crawford seconded the value of the event, saying he gained insight into how social media influences students’ understanding. “I was impressed with their analytical approach to conflict resolution,” he said. “What [the students] may lack in experience is offset with their critical thinking and intelligence.”

Event participants voiced enthusiasm for planning and participating in future intergenerational conversations, recognizing their value and significance.

Learn more about the Carter School

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute honored for its contributions to arts education

lclarkg — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:05:55 +0000

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute honored for its contributions to arts education lclarkg Wed, 11/15/2023 - 13:05

The ArtsFairfax Awards celebrate visionary contributions to arts and culture in Fairfax County. On Oct. 26, ArtsFairfax honored the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 91�� with its Education Award for providing exceptional arts education and opportunities to the community.

Participants in an OLLI Mason workshop taught by the LADAMA quartet, former Mason Artists-in-Residence

For more than 30 years, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI Mason) has offered educational, cultural, and social opportunities for adults in their retirement years. A nonprofit affiliate of 91��, OLLI Mason offers more than 600 courses each year on a broad spectrum of subjects, as well as clubs, social events, and excursions.

As Fairfax County’s local arts agency, ArtsFairfax distributes public funds for the arts, connects artists and arts organizations to each other and other sectors, and promotes arts and culture activities for residents.

“OLLI Mason exists to bring intellectual stimulation, social engagement, and arts and educational enrichment to its membership, as well as the wider community,” said Jennifer Disano, executive director of OLLI Mason. “ArtsFairfax champions our efforts and lifts us up as an example of excellence within Fairfax County as a premier educational institute—this is a great honor.”

Volunteer-run and member-driven, OLLI Mason offers classes and activities designed and taught by its members, Mason faculty, and regional experts. Through courses in creative arts, music, writing, poetry, and more, OLLI sparks the creativity and interests of its intellectually curious and active senior membership.

Disano expressed gratitude for the volunteers and supporters who contribute to OLLI programs. “We owe much of our success to the all-volunteer OLLI teacher corps, nonprofit partners, and Mason departments, especially the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, for their contributions to art appreciation courses within our organization,” said Disano.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, OLLI Mason has expanded its methods of delivering courses and is providing new experiences and programs for its members. Programming is available in person, on Zoom, and in hybrid formats. A robust archive of over 1,000 recorded lectures is available in its electronic library.

With over 1,200 members, the institute’s impact continues to grow. One of its latest partnerships is with local retirement communities, where OLLI provides programming to residents.

“The 2023 ArtsFairfax Awards honorees demonstrate how the arts revitalize communities, improve our wellbeing, and spark creativity in unexpected places,” said Linda Sullivan, ArtsFairfax president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to celebrate each of these awardees for enriching the lives of Fairfax County residents.”

View the complete list of ArtsFairfax awardees.

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