The Future of OLLI Committee is a group of OLLI members and York area community leaders who care deeply about lifelong learning and about OLLI’s place in the York community. We’re working together to serve as one point of connection for members who want to share ideas, concerns, or questions.
Focused on supporting the long‑term vitality of OLLI at Penn State in the York area, the committee helps guide thoughtful planning during a time of transition and opportunity. Grounded in OLLI’s mission to enrich the lives of mature adults through engaging educational, social, and volunteer experiences, we focus on listening, collaboration, and forward‑looking ideas. Building on OLLI’s strong history within Penn State Outreach, we work to ensure OLLI at Penn State continues to reflect Penn State’s land‑grant mission and core values of integrity, respect, discovery, excellence, and community.
Each member of the committee offers unique skills and perspectives shaped by professional experience and personal dedication to lifelong learning. The biographies below provide a snapshot of the people helping to guide OLLI at Penn State forward in York.
Darwin Peiffer
Darwin holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from York College of Pennsylvania. He retired more than ten years ago from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency after more than 20 years of service, primarily in Training and School Services. Since retiring, he has been a long-time volunteer with both the Pullo Center and the Appell Center and has taught the AARP Driver Safety Course for more than five years.
He has attended OLLI events for several years and believes that lifelong learning is especially valuable for a more mature audience. He has strong confidence in OLLI as an institution, recognizing its nearly 20 years of involvement in the York community. He is committed to helping ensure that OLLI remains vibrant and viable in York well into the future.
Douglas “Doug” Rost
Doug, a native York countian, and his spouse have raised four children. After a career in insurance, Doug began to volunteer more. Part of his service was to his local library, where he rediscovered the joy of reading. He especially enjoys historical biographies. Doug believes in reading, discovering, and sharing the light of learning with others. He also enjoys learning and presenting at OLLI and is very excited about its bright future.
Eric V. Gearhart
Eric is the retired national director of business and industry partnerships for SkillsUSA. His career also includes work as a fundraising consultant and as an admissions director for the Art Institutes in Pittsburgh and Houston, as well as Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Originally from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Eric earned a B.A. in political science and an M.Ed. in higher education from Penn State. After living more than 25 years in Leesburg, Virginia, he moved to York in August 2022. He currently serves as the York County volunteer leader for Fair Districts PA and is an avid supporter of Penn State sports.
Jeffrey “Jeff” M. Witman, D.P.M.
Jeff is a native of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, and has dedicated more than 40 years to podiatric medicine. A graduate of York Catholic High School, he studied at Indiana University of Pennsylvania before earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Jeff practiced for 42 years in Lancaster and Dallastown, Pennsylvania, and is now retired.
Throughout his career, he was an active member of several professional organizations, including the American and Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Associations, and was a fellow of the American College of Foot Surgeons and a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. In retirement, Jeff enjoys golf, especially with friends, and stays engaged through his involvement with the OLLI community.
John Klinedinst
John served as president and chief executive officer of C.S. Davidson, Inc., a consulting civil engineering firm with offices in York, Lancaster, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He began his career with the firm in 1970, retired as chief administrative officer in 2014, but remained president and CEO until his retirement in 2016. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the firm.
A 1973 graduate (and football fan) of Penn State with a bachelor of science degree in water resources, John is a registered Professional Engineer.
Community service involvement for John includes having served as president of the Eastern York School District, president of the Rotary Club of York, chair of the York County Economic Alliance, and board member for numerous organizations including Crispus Attucks, Cultural Alliance, and the YWCA. He currently serves in various positions on local boards including the York County Solid Waste and Refuse Authority, the York City Business Improvement District Authority, the York County History Center, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Rotary Club of York, Sertoma Club of York, Living Word Community Church, WellSpan Population Health Services Board, Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Board, Susquehanna National Heritage Area, and others.
John lives near East Prospect, Pennsylvania, with his wife of 52 years and his two Labrador retrievers.
Kathryn “Kathy” Stasko
Kathy worked as a registered nurse for many years, most recently at Cancer Care Associates of York, which has since become part of WellSpan Cancer Center. For 25 years, she provided cancer patient education and administered chemotherapy in an outpatient setting. She retired ten years ago and now enjoys attending OLLI classes and exercising at a local gym. Kathy is actively involved in several committees and groups at her church and also enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.
Interested in connecting with the committee or sharing your ideas?
The Future of OLLI Committee welcomes your input as we work together to support a vibrant future for lifelong learning in the York community. Email us at olli@york.psu.edu.