Fresno State OLLI

10/12/2026

This collaboration was so fun, we're doing it again! OLLI members get to learn about the countries and cultures of students in Fresno State's American English Institute. This benefits the students by giving them an opportunity to practice their conversational English. We will hold two Conversations Over Coffee sessions this month. Then in December, AEI students will do an oral presentation about their home countries to our members.

The American English Institute (AEI) at Fresno State offers full-time English instruction for low-intermediate to advanced learners. With 18 hours of weekly classes, students strengthen their reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar skills while preparing for college or university study in the U.S. Students also learn alongside peers from around the world.

10/09/2026

From the Director: "Advisory Council member Valerie and I spent much of this week at the 2026 Osher Institutes National Conference in Eagan, Minnesota. We had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with directors and volunteers from the 123 Osher Institutes across the country. A special highlight was meeting the man whose generosity and vision have made these lifelong learning opportunities possible — Mr. Bernard Osher, who celebrated his 99th birthday last month!"

10/01/2026

Today's Adventure took us to visit the California 9/11 Memorial in Clovis. Capt. Jim Stemler and executive director Terra Brusseau gave members a tour, explaining the significance of each of the monuments and statues on the campus.

09/28/2026

STARTING TODAY — Bob Dylan 101 with Jannie M. Dresser.

This six-week Zoom course will do a deeper dive into Dylan's vast repertoire. Seats are still available!

09/25/2026

Today is opening night for "Come From Away" at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater. Fresno State OLLI is proud to be a co-sponsor for this production!

The remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

In the hours following the attacks of September 11, 2001, as planes were grounded and uncertainty swept the globe, 7,000 stranded air travelers landed in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland. With no time to prepare, the people of Gander opened their homes, their hearts, and their lives to these complete strangers.

Despite facing the brutal reality that their community was chosen “because if anything goes wrong, we have a lot fewer people to lose,” they decided to put out the welcome mat for the “come from aways.” What they saw was humans in need, and they chose to help. They gave them everything—their food, clothing, homes—and did not ask for a thing in return.
"A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST OF HUMANKIND."

Good Company Players presents Come From Away, starting September 25 at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater. Reserve your dinner & show tickets now at (559) 266-9494.
Or, reserve online at WWW.RogerRockas.COM

09/24/2026

Tonight, our first Osher After Hours class begins — "The Music of Poetry" with Karigan Wann.

We are always looking for ways to better serve lifelong learners aged 50 and better. Daytime classes aren't always an option for adults in their 50s and early 60s who are still working.

That's why this fall we launched Osher After Hours. Select courses will be offered from 6 to 7 p.m., making it easier to fit OLLI into your schedule.

We have two more Osher After Hours courses starting in the coming weeks — "Family Reunion Success" with Angel Langridge and Everyday AI (sold out) with Benjamin Kirk.

09/21/2026

COURSE SPOTLIGHT:

If you haven't registered yet, there are still a few open seats in "Jazz: America's Music" by popular instructor Dr. Matthew Darling. Class starts Tuesday, Sept. 22. Sign up now! (link in the comments)

09/17/2026

Our "On Campus and Out of the Classroom" offerings give OLLI members a behind-the-scenes look at programs and facilities on the Fresno State campus. On Sept. 16, Michael Ballin gave OLLI members a tour of the Amendola Family Student Cupboard.

The Amendola Family Student Cupboard served 8,765 unique students in the 2025-26 academic year, resulting in more than 107,000 total visits. The student cupboard provides access to both perishable and non-perishable groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, juice and frozen meals.

Since opening in 2014, the Amendola Family Student Cupboard has served over 34,500 individual students and their families, with nearly 604,500 total visits. On average, the Student Cupboard serves 40,000 student visits each month during the academic year.