Please note that you must have either a UNC Asheville annual parking permit or a visitor permit to park on campus 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Visit the Campus Parking for OLLI Members page for instructions on how to purchase an OLLI-subsidized annual parking permit. Daily and monthly visitor permits must be obtained through the UNC Asheville parking site; OLLI does not provide visitor permits.

Winter Catalog

The winter 2026 College for Seniors course schedule and catalog of courses, programs and events are available by clicking on the buttons below. Please be aware that courses, programs and events are subject to change or cancellation, which may not be reflected in the catalog; the online registration system will always include the most accurate locations and other information about our courses, and this page will always include the most accurate information about programs and events. Consult the schedule of upcoming College for Seniors terms (including term dates, catalog availability and registration).

View Winter 2026 CFS Course Schedule View Winter 2026 Catalog

Program Calendar

Unless otherwise noted, programs take place at the Reuter Center and are free and open to everyone.

Please see UNC Asheville’s expectations of mutual respect and care for all for more information/guidance about maintaining a healthy environment for in-person courses, programs and events.

November

Monday, November 10, 10 a.m.-Monday, November 17, noon
Lottery registration for CFS winter 2026 term
Step-by-step instructions are found on pp. 26-27 of the winter 2026 catalog. Volunteers will be in the office Monday, November 10-Friday, November 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Monday, November 17, 10 a.m.-noon to assist OLLI members with registration.
Read more about CFS course registration, and log into our online registration system to request courses.

Tuesday, November 11, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program: “Glaze Tests: Exploring the Art and Science of Ceramics” (in-person + online)
Louise Deroualle, lecturer of art, UNC Asheville
Join online via Zoom. Read more about Louise Deroualle’s STEAM Lecture.

Tuesday, November 11, 7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Naturalist Network
Partner Program: “Creating an Ecologically Sustainable Landscape” (in-person + online)
Lisa Wagner, Ph.D., plant ecologist, gardener and educator
Using plants in ways that create pleasing and attractive gardens can be as simple as using nature for your inspiration. By including a diversity of native plants and focusing on species that support a wide range of wildlife, your landscape can become not only sustainable but attractive and easily maintained. We will learn how to choose plants that naturally work together using a plant community approach, reflecting the aesthetic of natural Blue Ridge landscapes.
Join online via Zoom and learn more on the Blue Ridge Naturalist Network website.

Wednesday, November 12, 5 p.m.
OLLI Event: “Welcome to Improv”
Do you love the Upright Citizens Brigade and “An Evening at the Improv”? Join us for an improvisational comedy show hosted by participants in Bob Sack’s fall 2025 course, Introduction to Improv, for an hour of unscripted laughs.

Friday, November 14, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Acute Stroke Care in WNC” (in-person + online)
Acute stroke is a medical emergency. Time to treatment is critical to long-term recovery. We will focus on local hospitals in Western North Carolina and their capability to care for acute stroke. The discussion will include national and state protocols that guide EMS and hospital response to acute stroke.
Robin Jones is a registered nurse with more than 40 years of acute stroke care experience. She is a member of the NC Stroke Advisory Council and co-contributor for the NC Stroke System of Care, as well as a certified stroke RN by the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.
Join the November 14 Fab Friday online via Zoom.

Friday, November 14, noon
Application for scholarship for CFS winter 2026 term (lottery registration)
To apply for a partial scholarship, submit the CFS Winter 2026 Scholarship Request form on the Forms page

Friday, November 14, 2 p.m.
Inclusion Committee Program: “Just Conversations: The Current Immigration Landscape in WNC: What Is Pisgah Legal Services Doing for Our Immigrant Neighbors Right Now?” (in-person + online)
Join the OLLI at UNC Asheville Inclusion Committee for a conversation on the current immigration landscape in Western North Carolina. Pisgah Legal Services staff will be on hand to talk about their work in civil legal aid, including their Justice for All Program, which serves immigrants in WNC. The presentation will include “know your rights” information that audience members can share with others who may be in need of Pisgah Legal’s services. Immigration attorney Hannah Michalove will share the latest information about immigration law and the changes that have been made by the current administration. There will be time for Q&A, so be sure to jot down any questions that come to mind about this timely topic.
This event is free to OLLI members and the UNC Asheville community, but registration is requested.

Sunday, November 16, 3 p.m.
OLLI Event: “Original Stand-Up Comedy”
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of comedy performed by your fellow OLLI members! Comedians were participants in Randy Robins’ fall 2025 course Performing Original Stand-Up Comedy.

Wednesday, November 19, 7 p.m.
University Program: “The Lost Mary book talk with author James Tabor”
Join renowned biblical scholar James Tabor for an eye-opening journey into the life of Mary, not as the familiar figure of Christian devotion but as the first-century Jewish mother living in a world shaped by Roman occupation, prophetic expectation and spiritual resistance. Drawing from archaeology, early texts and his latest book The Lost Mary: Rediscovering the Mother of Jesus, Tabor will reintroduce us to one of history’s most misunderstood women. Presented by the Center for Jewish Studies at UNC Asheville.
The evening will include a book signing and is free and open to everyone, but seating will be limited. Register to attend the November 19 lecture.

Friday, November 21, noon
All payments due for CFS winter 2026 term lottery registration participants
Log into our online registration system to pay any outstanding orders.

Friday, November 21, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Said Osïo from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Monday, November 24, 6:30 p.m. | Science Book Club
Partner Program: “The Two-Mile Time Machine: Ice Cores, Abrupt Climate Change and Our Future by Richard B. Alley, moderated by Richard Heim”
Richard Alley and colleagues made headlines around the world in the 1990s with their finding that the most recent ice age, after lasting for tens of thousands of years, ended abruptly – in just three years. Alley explains how the researchers reached this conclusion by reading the annual rings in ice cores drilled through the two-mile-thick Greenland ice sheet. The ice cores or “time machines” further revealed that the past 10,000 years have been unusually stable compared to preceding millennia with their wild fluctuations in climate. Dr. Alley warns that our familiar, comfortable world could end soon and discusses what our options might be. In this 2014 edition, Alley updates our knowledge of climate change compared to 2002, the publication date for the first edition of The Two-Mile Time Machine. His very readable book takes the readers along on a fascinating journey through time made possible by remarkable two-mile long ice cores from the Greenland continental ice sheet. Richard Alley is a distinguished professor of geosciences at Pennsylvania State University with more than 300 published papers on ice and climate change, based on research in Antarctica, Greenland and Alaska.
Richard Heim graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with an undergraduate degree in mathematics with five minors (physics/astronomy, history, computer science, English and geography/meteorology/climatology) and a graduate degree in geography/meteorology/climatology. He recently retired from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Asheville after a 42-year career as a meteorologist.

Wednesday, November 26-Sunday, November 30
UNC Asheville, Reuter Center and OLLI Offices closed for Thanksgiving break

December

Monday, December 1
CFS summer 2026 course proposals open
Submit a CFS Summer 2026 Course Proposal via the Forms page

Tuesday, December 2, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program: “The Global Refugee Crisis” (in-person + online)
How does international law define refugees, internally displaced people and stateless people? What is the current status of the global refugee crisis? What are the origins of the greatest numbers of today’s refugees, the countries hosting them and the conflicts driving them? How does the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN’s refugee agency, work on the ground in over 130 countries as the hub of a multifaceted humanitarian response effort?
James Carli is the prospect research and due diligence officer at USA for UNHCR, the official U.S. national partner organization supporting the global work of UNHCR. James identifies and vets new high-impact leads, supporters and partners; investigates prospective partners for compliance with sanctions, human rights and UN values criteria; and advises leadership. He previously worked as a fully credentialed delegate for the Republic of Malta to the UN in New York, reporting on meetings about the Libyan refugee crisis, the Syrian civil war and sustainable development, as well as on global drugs, arms and crime resolutions. His advocacy career also includes experience in drug policy reform and volunteer work with the Citizen’s Climate Lobby, helping the City of Brevard establish its new sustainability council. A native of Salisbury, North Carolina, James holds an undergraduate degree in urban planning from Appalachian State University (after transferring from UNC Asheville) and a graduate degree in diplomacy and international relations with specializations in international security, foreign policy analysis and cross-cultural negotiations from Seton Hall University.
Join online via Zoom.

Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program: “Club Social”
he Astronomy Club of Asheville is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand and enjoy astronomy at all levels of interest. OLLI members may attend club meetings featuring an interesting lineup of speakers, as well as stargazes, with club members on hand to advise and assist them in the basics of astronomy and the techniques of observing celestial phenomena. For more information, visit the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.

Friday, December 5, noon
University Program: “Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance Using the One Health Approach”
Cynthia Adinortey, PhD, PGDE, senior lecturer, department of molecular biology and biotechnology, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; and 2025 Fulbright scholar-in-residence with UNC Asheville’s departments of education, biology and environmental science

Friday, December 5, late afternoon
Preliminary schedules emailed to CFS winter 2026 term lottery registration participants
Log into our online registration system to see your schedule (Account > Class List), and follow these steps to troubleshoot email delivery if your schedule has not arrived by 5 p.m.

Monday, December 8, 10 a.m.
Open registration begins for CFS winter 2026 term
Step-by-step instructions are found on pp. 26-27 of the winter 2026 catalog. Volunteers will be in the office Monday, December 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to assist OLLI members with registration.
Read more about CFS course registration, and log into our online registration system to register.

Sunday, December 14, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association
Partner Program: “Holiday Party”
To join online and for more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Monday, December 15, 7 p.m. | Asheville Senior Chorus
Partner Program: “Holiday Concert”
Members of the Asheville Senior Chorus study and perform classical, popular, showtunes and other favorites. Visit the Asheville Senior Chorus website to find out more.

Friday, December 19, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Said Osïo from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Friday, December 19, 5 p.m.-Monday, January 5, 8 a.m.
Reuter Center and OLLI Offices closed for Winter break

January

Thursday, January 1
Priority registration deadline for winter 2026 Osher Online courses
Read more about Osher Online, and log into our online registration system to register.

Monday, January 5
Application for scholarship for CFS winter 2026 term (open registration)
To apply for a partial scholarship, submit the CFS Winter 2026 Scholarship Request form on the Forms page

Wednesday, January 7, 7 p.m. | WNC Sierra Club
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The WNC Sierra Club is active in educating leaders, the public and the media about environmental issues at the local, state and federal level in order to promote environmental leadership. All meetings are offered in person and on Zoom. To learn more, visit the Sierra Club’s website.

Friday, January 9, 10 a.m.
OLLI Program: “New Member Welcome/Returning Member Refresher” (in-person + online)
Are you considering becoming an OLLI member? Are you new to OLLI at UNC Asheville and the Reuter Center? Are you returning after being gone awhile? Do you want to catch up on organizational developments, learn more about volunteering, figure out how things work and meet new people? Come learn about all that OLLI has to offer at this event held before each of our College for Seniors terms.

Friday, January 9, 3 p.m.
Drop/refund deadline for CFS winter 2026 term
To drop all courses and request a tuition refund, submit the CFS Winter 2026 Drop Request form on the Forms page

Sunday, January 11, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association
Partner Program (in-person + online)
To join online and for more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Friday, January 16, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Humans, Aging, and What’s Next: Exploring Our Longevity Potential with the MIT AgeLab” (in-person + online)
How we live, work, play, and age is evolving—what does that mean for you? From careers to caregiving to community, population aging and human longevity is re-shaping our world in unique ways. Join Taylor Brennan, MSW, MPH from the MIT AgeLab for an engaging and interactive conversation on the AgeLab’s latest research and the changing landscape of quality of life as we age.
A Research Specialist at the MIT AgeLab, Taylor Brennan co-coordinates the MIT AgeLab 85+ Lifestyle Leaders panel, leads AgeLab research on older adult vaccination and preventive health practices, and contributes to research on people’s perceptions of longevity. Her research interests include examining people’s health and wellbeing practices as they age and exploring work as a social determinant of health. Taylor earned her graduate degrees from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia; she is currently a doctoral student at Boston College.
This program is co-sponsored by the Aging Well SIG at OLLI at University of Georgia, with appreciation to Peter Balsamo, SIG leader.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, January 16, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Said Osïo from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Tuesday, January 20, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program(in-person + online)
The STEAM Lecture Series presents interdisciplinary lectures with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

Thursday, Jaunary 22, 5 p.m.
OLLI Program: “OLLI Authors: Fran Ross and Amy C. Simes” (in-person + online)
OLLI Authors is a book talk series designed to spotlight the many OLLI members who are talented writers of poetry and prose.

Friday, January 23, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Not Gauguin: The Dramatic Story of a Self-Exiled German Artist in Tahiti” (in-person + online)
Wolfgang Wolff was incarcerated as an “enemy alien” in Tahiti during World War II, where he documented the experience of fellow prisoners. Following the war Wolff came to the United States, where he became a successful textile fashion designer and created popular “Hawaiian” fabrics of the 1950s and 1960s that continue to be in demand by collectors.
Goetz Wolff was born in Tahiti, then immigrated to and grew up in the United States. After completing graduate school at Yale University, he first taught at UNC Asheville, then taught at the University of California Los Angeles until he retired and returned to settle in Western North Carolina.
Join online via Zoom.

Monday, January 26, 6:30 p.m. | Science Book Club
Partner Program: “Music as Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power by David Levitin”
John Stephen Thomas, moderator

Tuesday, January 27, 7 p.m. | Asheville Museum of History
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The mission of the Asheville Museum of History is to preserve and promote the history and legacy of Western North Carolina through interpretation, education, collection and collaboration. Throughout the year, the Asheville Museum of History hosts select panel discussions on timely, community topics to educate and inspire curiosity about WNC history and culture. For more information, visit the Asheville Museum of History’s website.

Friday, January 30, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Transforming Senior Oral Health: The Story Behind S.O.S. Preventive Oral Care for the Dependent Elderly Population” (in-person + online)
S.O.S. Senior Oral-Health Services was founded by a team of registered dental hygienists with more than 50 years of combined experience serving patients in Western North Carolina. Over decades of providing care in the same practice, they have built long-term relationships with their patients—often seeing them through every stage of life.
Pat Wagner is the owner and care services director for S.O.S. Senior Oral Health Services. She has 30+ years of experience working and managing in the areas of finance, IT, supply chain management and marketing. She received her graduate degree in business administration in 2001. Pat’s background has been in management with large corporations and manufacturing facilities. “The diversity and many varied areas that I have worked have fueled my dedication for working with people and improving processes. Working with the S.O.S team to grow and bridge the gap for dependent elders and excellent oral care is what I am passionate and excited about. Good oral care and helping others is important to me.” Pat grew up in New York and moved with her family to Asheville, NC in 1986 to enjoy warmer weather and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. In her free time she loves to hike and explore new and adventurous areas with her family and friends.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, January 30, 2 p.m.
OLLI Inclusion Committee and AARP Program: “Food Insecurity Among People Aged 60+ in Western North Carolina: A Well-Kept Secret” (in-person + online)
AARP completed a major project in 2025 focused on food insecurity for older adults in our region. The project includes photographs of and quotes from the more than 50 people interviewed by our AARP volunteers. These volunteers traveled to nine different sites—food pantries and congregate dining facilities—throughout WNC to interview their clients. Join AARP North Carolina, Mountain Region to learn more about this pervasive problem and how to support your local agencies providing food to hungry elders.

Friday, January 30, 2:30 p.m. | Council on Aging of Buncombe County
Partner Program: “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle”
In workshops presented by the Council on Aging ofBuncombe County in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Insurance Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, learn how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties and ways to save money. Anyone who is ready to join Medicare or is a caregiver or family member helping older adults with Medicare insurance may want to attend this informative session. To register visit the Council on Aging of Buncombe County’s website or call 828.277.8288.

February

Sunday, February 1
Last day for CFS summer 2026 course proposals
Submit a CFS Summer 2026 Course Proposal via the Forms page

Sunday, February 1, 2:30 p.m. | The Autumn Players/Readers’ Theatre Showcase
Partner Program: “The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold”
The Autumn Players of Asheville Community Theatre bring seasoned talents to the forefront with script-in-hand readings, emphasizing story and character. The Readers Theatre Showcase blends classic and lesser-known works for accessible theatrical experiences. A testament to the enduring spirit of theatre, the Autumn Players capture audiences with both time-honored tales and fresh narratives. The Autumn Players’ Friday and Saturday performances take place at ACT, with Sunday performances at the Reuter Center. Purchase tickets online via the Autumn Players’ website for $11; any remaining tickets will be sold for $11 (cash only) at the door beginning at 2 p.m. prior to each performance.

Tuesday, February 3, 7 p.m. | World Affairs Council
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina (a chapter of the World Affairs Council of America) offers lectures and discussions meant to educate, inspire and engage the WNC community in international affairs and critical global issues. These lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, OLLI at UNC Asheville and the UNC Asheville Department of Political Science. All meetings are offered in person and on Zoom.
Join online via Zoom.

Wednesday, February 4, 7 p.m. | WNC Sierra Club
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The WNC Sierra Club is active in educating leaders, the public and the media about environmental issues at the local, state and federal level in order to promote environmental leadership. All meetings are offered in person and on Zoom. To learn more, visit the Sierra Club’s website.

Thursday, February 5, 7 p.m. | Astronomy Club of Asheville
Partner Program (in-person + online)
The Astronomy Club of Asheville is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand and enjoy astronomy at all levels of interest. OLLI members may attend club meetings featuring an interesting lineup of speakers, as well as stargazes, with club members on hand to advise and assist them in the basics of astronomy and the techniques of observing celestial phenomena.
Join online via Zoom. For more information, visit the Astronomy Club of Asheville’s website.

Friday, February 6, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “The Many Lives of Carl Sandburg” (in-person + online)
This program tells the story of Carl Sandburg’s life in a one-act reader’s theatre production. There will be dramatic and humorous readings from his poetry and prose, and a singer will perform songs from Sandburg’s American Songbag. There will also be an overture of images of Sandburg and his circle projected on a screen. This informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking 75 minutes celebrates Sandburg’s remarkable spirit and amazing accomplishments.
John W. Quinley is a retired college administrator and teacher who served as a docent for the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. He authored the book Discovering Carl Sandburg, the print series Letters from a Sandburg Docent, and the play The Many Lives of Carl Sandburg. He has given talks about Carl Sandburg to large audiences as well as teaching classes about Sandburg at UNC Asheville, Furman University, and North Carolina State University.
Join online via Zoom.

Sunday, February 8, 5:30 p.m. | Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association
Partner Program (in-person + online)
To join online and for more information, visit the CNPA-Asheville Region’s website.

Friday, February 13, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Building Connection and Purpose as We Age” (in-person + online)
Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns for older adults—but they are preventable. This session will explore the importance of connection, purpose, and engagement for healthy aging, including local opportunities for volunteering, learning, recreation, and community building. We’ll share both big-picture strategies and small, practical actions that can make a real difference.
Elizabeth Williams is the Executive Director of Mountain Aging Partners, a nonprofit formed through the merger of MountainCare and the Council on Aging for Henderson County. With over 20 years of experience in aging services and nonprofit leadership, Elizabeth builds sustainable programs that support older adults and their caregivers.
Join online via Zoom.

Tuesday, February 17, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program(in-person + online)
The STEAM Lecture Series presents interdisciplinary lectures with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

Friday, February 20, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “The Past, Present and Future of the French Broad River” (in-person + online)
Over the past 40 years, RiverLink has been instrumental in helping to transform the French Broad River corridor. Founder Karen Cragnolin championed the once neglected and highly industrialized river, turning it into a thriving environmental and economic engine for Asheville and the region. Following Helene’s impact and destruction, RiverLink is partnering with our local jurisdictions and communities once again to help reimagine how to be in our floodplains with more resilience and to better manage our risk and losses—all while advocating for our rivers and streams in our ongoing recovery. Please join RiverLink’s Water Resources Manager, Renee Fortner, and Executive Director, Lisa Raleigh, for a lively conversation on the history of this transformation and the opportunities and challenges the river faces today in Helene’s wake. The presentation will explore what we need to do as a community to ensure the river’s ongoing health and vitality, including post-storm bank restoration and repair, and reducing the sediment loading and stormwater runoff impacting our watershed.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, February 20, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Said Osïo from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.