Adults 50 and older can explore new interests, rediscover passions and connect with other learners this fall through the University of Dayton Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Registration for the fall 2026 term opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.
"Lifelong learning is about much more than gaining knowledge. It is about staying curious, meeting people who share your interests and continuing to engage with the world around you," said Katie Reynolds, executive director of special programs and continuing education at the University of Dayton. "The institute brings those experiences together in a welcoming community where people can learn, contribute and build meaningful connections."
The fall term Sept. 14-Nov. 6 features nearly 100 seminars. Topics include art and photography, genealogy and local history, gardening and cooking; health, fitness and wellness; literature and music, current events, retirement and estate planning, technology and digital skills; travel, volunteerism and civic engagement; and entrepreneurship and small-business development.
Seminars are designed for enjoyment and intellectual exploration. There are no prerequisites, tests or grades. Participants are simply encouraged to come ready to learn and join the conversation.
Led by volunteer moderators, including University of Dayton faculty, retired educators and professionals from the community, most sessions meet once a week for two hours and run one to eight weeks. Formats include informal lectures, facilitated discussions and hands-on learning experiences.
Most seminars are held at Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., on UD’s River Campus. Online seminars are also available.
To view the fall seminar schedule, learn more or register, visit go.udayton.edu/udolli. For assistance, call 937-229-2605.
Founded in 1994 as the University of Dayton Institute for Learning in Retirement, the program became an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2004 after receiving $2.2 million in support from the Bernard Osher Foundation. During its 32-year history, more than 5,000 people from the Miami Valley have participated in programs exploring nearly 7,000 topics.
For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu.