On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, OLLI members gathered with Penn State staff, faculty, and leaders in the state capitol to celebrate the successful launch of OLLI programming in Harrisburg, look ahead to future learning opportunities, as well as tour the Capitol Building and The State Museum of Pennsylvania.
An expanded commitment to lifelong learning
First announced in April, OLLI Harrisburg represents a new expansion of OLLI at Penn State, which has been offering learning and social opportunities to community members aged 50 or better in University Park and York, Pennsylvania, for more than 25 years. OLLI Harrisburg is another demonstration of the Penn State Outreach commitment to lifelong learning, with examples spanning children’s programing at WPSU, out-of-classroom education for Penn State students, and the broad variety of courses, trips, and interest groups offered to OLLI members.
Celebrating success and acknowledging dedication
Penn State Vice President for Outreach Larry Terry was on hand for the June celebration, thanking volunteers and staff for their hard work and reinforcing Penn State’s commitment the Harrisburg region and its residents. “Programs like this and the people who support them are one of the many reasons Penn State has been recognized for our work by the Age-Friendly University Global Network,” said Terry. “We’re proud to be part of a select group of institutions of higher learning who promote and support healthy and active aging.”
OLLI at Penn State Executive Director Brynn Rousselin shared Terry’s enthusiasm for the success of the program. “In just a few short months, we registered approximately 200 attendees for our summer courses and saw our roster grow to nearly 80 members,” she said. “We are looking forward to building on this momentum in the fall by offering even more fun and engaging courses and promoting OLLI Harrisburg to the audience that we are uniquely qualified and prepared to serve.”
An engaged and eager learning community
Patricia Aguilera, an assistant teaching professor at Penn State Harrisburg and OLLI instructor, shared an inspiring example of intergenerational learning from the summer. “During an Art Therapy Application session, a Penn State student was presenting her topic when an OLLI member asked, ‘How was this measured?’ The student paused her presentation to look back to her sources to confirm the methodology, reinforcing the value of thorough research, while the OLLI member validated her extensive work and made her feel like an expert. It was a magical moment, full of critical thinking, growth, and joy.”
New OLLI member Sue Maguire is grateful for the creation of the program and the opportunities it has presented her. “Having recently retired, I was thrilled to discover OLLI as a way to keep my mind engaged, explore new interests, and meet new people,” said Maguire. “Every class has been so enjoyable and enriching—it’s hard to pick a favorite! I’m already looking forward to taking more classes and continuing the journey.”
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