Member Spotlight | OLLI at UNLV

Mary Alyce Smith: Member Since 2019

I discovered OLLI at a turning point in my life. After 3 years of caring for my husband of 50 years who passed away from ALS, I found myself with a lot of time and energy, and nothing to do with it. My daughter-in-law was familiar with OLLI at Northern Illinois University, and suggested I “give it a try.” The idea of staying mentally active, gaining knowledge, having fun and not having to take exams really appealed to me. Plus paying one flat fee for the number and variety of classes offered was the final selling point.

Bruce Ewing: Student, Volunteer, Instructor

image of Bruce Ewing sitting on a red rock outside of UNLV main campus

I first learned about OLLI at UNLV several years ago from friends at my church, who enjoyed coming to OLLI and attending classes. A few of us discussed the concept of “practicing retirement” before becoming fully retired. In show business, retirement happens more gradually than in other fields, so I thought it sounded like a good idea.

Susan Waldman: Member Since 2010

Susan Waldman posing in front of a planter box

Upon moving to Las Vegas 14 years ago, I contemplated retiring but decided to return to work. After settling in, I received an email about OLLI and attended an open house. The classes I learned about during the event looked really interesting, but having just accepted a job, classes weren't a real option with my schedule. After retiring 3 years later, I went back to OLLI as it was important to me to get involved and to find a more diverse community and meet new friends.