In 2027, we’re celebrating that remarkable history and the thousands of members, instructors, volunteers, staff, and friends who have made OLLI at Duke the community it is today.
Throughout our anniversary year, we’ll gather for special programs, social events, arts and cultural experiences, and opportunities to remember where we’ve been and imagine where we’re going next.
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of curiosity, connection, and community.
50th Anniversary Events
Our anniversary celebration begins in December 2026 and continues throughout 2027. More events and details will be added as plans are finalized.
| Date | Event | What's Happening |
|---|---|---|
| December 16, 2026 | OLLIday starts the 50th Anniversary celebrations | We'll officially launch OLLI at Duke's 50th anniversary year with a festive gathering of our community at the Washington Duke Inn for lunch, photos, and memory-making. |
| February 25, 2027 | Chili Cookoff | Bring your appetite for a friendly competition and a chance to gather with fellow OLLI members at Eno River Unitarian Universalist in Durham. |
| April 27, 2007 | Golf Tournament | A fun day of golf, friendly competition, and camaraderie at the Duke University Golf Club. |
| May 1, 2027 | Food Truck Picnic | A casual spring celebration with food, conversation, and music at Central Park in Durham. |
| June 4, 2027 | Instructor & Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon | A special 50th anniversary edition of our annual event recognizing the volunteers whose time, talent, and leadership make OLLI possible. |
| June 14, 2027 | Night at the Nasher | An evening at the Nasher Museum of Art featuring Patrick Bringley, author of All the Beauty in the World, with hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine, art, conversation, and a book signing. |
| November 6, 2027 | 50th Anniversary Golden Gala | Our signature 50th anniversary celebration at the Washington Duke Inn, featuring a cocktail reception, plated dinner, dueling pianos, and a celebration of OLLI's past, present, and future. |
More to come! Check back throughout the year for new events, registration information, historical highlights, photographs, videos, and other ways to participate.
Sponsor the 50th Anniversary
Anniversary sponsorships offer individuals, businesses, and community partners a special opportunity to support OLLI’s 50th anniversary celebrations while helping us mark five decades of curiosity, connection, and community.
Sponsorship opportunities offer individuals, businesses, and community partners a special way to support the celebration, with recognition throughout the anniversary year. Sponsorships of $2,500 or more may also be designated to support a memorable element of one of our signature events.
Explore 50th Anniversary Sponsorship Opportunities
Share Your OLLI Story
Were you here for an unforgettable class? Did you make a close friend, teach a favorite course, take a memorable trip, or discover an interest you never expected to pursue?
We want to hear your story. Throughout the anniversary year, we’ll collect memories, photographs, and reflections from members, instructors, volunteers, and friends to help tell the story of OLLI at Duke.
Help Carry OLLI Forward
The OLLI we know today was built by people who believed that curiosity doesn't retire and that opportunities for learning and connection should continue throughout our lives.
As we celebrate 50 years, we also have an opportunity to invest in the decades ahead.
Gifts to OLLI help sustain outstanding courses and programs, strengthen our community, expand opportunities for participation, and give OLLI the flexibility to grow and innovate.
Here’s to the next 50 years. Keep learning. Keep connecting. Keep discovering.