KINGSTON, R.I. – Feb. 18, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island’s OLLI program is putting “old” on hold.
This winter’s program cover model, Bob Bianchini, sports a shirt bearing that confident message—and he has more than 1,700 “classmates” joining him in that belief and practice.
Bianchini is a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at URI, which provides learning opportunities for older adults.
The University’s OLLI program, which has provided learning opportunities for older adults, was launched in 2009 when the Bernard Osher Foundation made a $100,000 grant to URI to establish an institute for community members ages 50 and better from across Rhode Island, with a love of learning. In just a few years, OLLI blossomed, earning additional gifts to support its programs and growing membership. Today, URI’s OLLI program is part of a national lifelong learning network for adults, with 124 other higher education institutions across the United States.
URI’s OLLI program may be located in the smallest state but it has an outsize presence in the Osher network. OLLI members and staff say the program offers a community of adults who love learning.
“OLLI is just part of URI,” Executive Director Beth Leconte says.
The first OLLI offerings at URI began with just nine classes in the fall of 2009—now more than 250 are offered throughout the year. In fact, the OLLI building (commonly known as the “Surge” building on campus) runs a busy 8-10 classes a day, with many classes quickly filling when registration opens, Leconte says. The average student age is 72 and there are even members—and instructors—in their 90s.
“The University made an investment in the program and the program’s support from URI—and Rhode Island—has also strengthened its presence,” she says. “People come here by choice. It’s a real community.”
Teachers always welcome
OLLI’s classes run the gamut, from current events, yoga, drawing, psychology, music, to the natural world, travel, cooking, art, and more. History and literature seminars are always popular. Other popular events include wine tastings, movies, and film noir; a class on the U.S. Constitution always draws a full house.
Anyone can teach in OLLI; they just need to have a love for a topic. Many instructors are retired high school teachers or former professors, or lay people with a passion.
Some current URI community members enjoy teaching in OLLI, too. URI History Professor Evelyn Sterne recently shared findings from her new book about a colorful commune, while hydrogeologist Thomas Boving offered a class exploring what our water future looks like. Classical archaeologist Bridget Buxton is leading a class on planning a Mediterranean travel experience and IT’s Karen Lokey is teaching a class on lifelong learning with technology.
No tests, no grades
… and free coffee in the lobby daily—what’s not to like?
Prospective OLLI students do have to be a member to take a class: membership is a modest $65 per year and is open to anyone ages 50 and better. OLLI members do not need to have college degrees or an affiliation with URI to join. There are no exams, grades, or other requirements to participate in any of the many courses.
Membership benefits include discounts on tickets to URI theatre and music performances, access to University Campus Rec/Mackal Field House facilities at a reduced daily rate, and free or reduced tickets to select URI football and basketball games.
OLLI’s spring semester begins in March. Register online or contact 401-874-4197 or olli@uri.edu for more information. Sign up for the OLLI newsletter here. For more information, visit uri.edu/olli or find URI OLLI on Facebook or Instagram. eGift Cards are also available.