OLLI at Aquinas College

05/29/2026

OLLI was happy to be recognized in Vitality At Home's "Vitality Spotlight Series" this week. Take a listen to the conversation between OLLI Director Ian MacNeil and Vitality At Home's Jenna Smith all about the wellness benefits of lifelong learning.

✨ NEW Voices of Vitality Spotlight Series Episode ✨

What if one of the most powerful ways to stay vibrant in the fourth quarter of life… is simply staying curious?

In this episode, I sit down with Ian MacNeil, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College, to talk about the incredible impact lifelong learning, community, and curiosity can have on our health, purpose, and overall vitality.

We discuss:
💜 Why learning should never stop
💜 The connection between curiosity, cognition, and well-being
💜 Breaking stereotypes around aging
💜 How community and shared experiences keep us thriving
💜 Why it’s never “too late” to try something new

This conversation was inspiring, energizing, and such an important reminder that living your best life truly never gets old.

🎥 Watch now on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/l8R2cmq5kBU

05/27/2026

Great things were brewing at Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. today as OLLI members toured and tasted the coffee roastery. Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. has been family-owned and operated on Grand Rapids’ west side for over 100 years.

05/20/2026

We are excited to welcome Maggie Murphy to OLLI at Aquinas College on FRI, May 29, 2026, at 9:30am, for this fascinating tale of grit, grace, and grandeur. Click here to register → https://shorturl.at/Gzxgv

05/18/2026

OLLI members went behind the scenes at John Ball Zoo for a special introduction to the Zoo’s newest stars—pygmy hippos Jahari, Penelope, and baby Hugo! 🦛

Over two weeks, members explored the Zoo’s important conservation efforts, detailed the remarkable care provided to these endangered animals, and even got an inside look at the state-of-the-art water filtration system that keeps the hippo habitat thriving.

Thank you to our partners at John Ball Zoo for a stellar experience!

05/14/2026

Before joining them at their public performance this evening, OLLI scholars journeyed to the western edge of the world with Vox GR—Western Michigan’s premier professional vocal ensemble. Founding Artistic Director Christopher Mason, PhD, and Vox GR Board President David Weinandy, PhD, led us on a Camino-inspired walk across the campus of Aquinas College.

Along the way, members of the ensemble offered an exclusive preview quartet performance before, in the spirit of the Camino de Santiago tradition, OLLI scholars released a natural treasure into Coldbrook Creek—a symbolic act of reflection and letting go.

Join Vox GR tonight and throughout their performance season. Visit voxgr.com for more information.

05/13/2026

Last night, OLLI members got a sneak peek of the first main stage production of the Circle Theatre Grand Rapids 2026 season: “Forever Plaid.” The event included a delicious meal, 1950s music bingo, and a Q&A with the creative team before a preview performance. The show runs May 14-30, 2026. Get tickets at www.circle theatre.org.

05/12/2026

OLLI Hikers had a beautiful afternoon to hike Aman Park among the wild trillium. Special thanks to OLLI member Sheila Klaassen for leading us.

05/08/2026

We had a special visitor at OLLI today…

To commemorate the 1-year anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election, Aquinas College Director of Campus Ministry Mike Ingram provided a look back at the Supreme Pontiff’s homilies, audiences, pastoral priorities, theology, and major writings since white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025.

04/28/2026

Many bird species are migrating through West Michigan these days, and OLLI members were out to spot them. Guided by Dr. Daniel Goldberg, PhD, of Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Audubon Club, our group recorded almost twenty species while birding along Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. Avian highlights were captured by our own resident photographer, OLLI member Kim Ives.

04/28/2026

Spring has sprung, trees and flowers are blooming, and OLLI members have been out exploring! The first OLLI Hike of the year was a campus walk led by OLLI director and Aquinas College alum Ian MacNeil. Several participants were also alumni who shared memories from their days on campus. It was rainy at first, but the sun came through by the end of the tour. OLLI Hikes are open to all members. They are hosted on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at parks around West Michigan.