OLLI Summer 2025 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 23
President’s Letter
The 昀椀rst thing my wife and I did when we retired
in 2013 was join OLLI. It was the best post-work
decision we made. OLLI continues to offer us, and
all members, intellectually stimulating and socially
engaging experiences that make our lives more
interesting and ful昀椀lling. It is a gem for us, the
central Illinois community, and I hope for all of you.
Let’s Finish Our Fundraising Year Strong —
Together
The one certainty in life – and OLLI – is change.
OLLI’s change this summer involves how we
register for classes, study groups, and trips.
Instead of a 昀椀rst-come, 昀椀rst-served system, we will
transition to a priority-based process that will more
fairly make OLLI experiences open to the broadest
audience. Details will be distributed in the weeks
and months ahead. OLLI’s outstanding staff and
dedicated Executive Committee are available for
your questions and concerns. This is a change
for the better, designed to make registration
easier, less stressful, and more equitable. But it
is a change. So please understand, and join us in
pulling together to make this successful.
We’re aiming for 40% of our members to
participate — and we’re close. If you haven’t yet
made a gift this year, now’s the time to be part of
something truly impactful.
I am humbled that you’ve entrusted me to be
OLLI president for the next year. I will continue to
work to earn your trust and listen to your input –
both good and bad.
This year, your support is helping to:
• Keep our catalogs beautifully designed,
printed, and mailed
• Replace our well-loved (and well-used)
headsets for learning trips
• Maintain our shuttle 昀氀eet and save for their
replacements
• Build our emergency reserves for long-term
sustainability
Looking forward to seeing you at OLLI.
Shelley Epstein, OLLI President
Summer is here, and OLLI is sprinting toward the
昀椀nish line of our annual fundraising campaign —
with May 31 as our deadline and $50,000 as our
goal.
Thanks to you, OLLI is thriving:
• Our membership is strong
• Our programming is diverse and vibrant
• Our volunteers continue to be the heartbeat of
our community
Membership and program fees don’t cover
everything — especially the extras that make OLLI
exceptional. Your gifts help make those possible.
Need an extra incentive to give? Caterpillar
matches now stay directly with OLLI and don’t
count against your cap if you’re an employee
or retiree. If you’d like to learn if your former
employer or foundation matches donations, give
Michelle Riggio a call at the number below.
If you’ve already given, thank you from the
bottom of our hearts. If you haven’t yet, this is
your moment to jump in — whether it’s $25, $100,
or more. Your gift, large or small, helps carry us
across the 昀椀nish line.
Give today at bradley.edu/olli or call us at
(309) 677-3900.
Smiling faces 昀椀ll the jury box during a tour of the
Peoria County Courthouse.
Let’s wrap up this campaign with the same spirit
we bring to every Class, Study Group, Trip,
and Original: together.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER | GIVING TO OLLI
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