ENews May 29, 2026

OLLI E-News May 29, 2026

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Dr. Peter R. Henriques, History Professor Emeritus at George Mason University, presented a Capstone Lecture as a finale in a series spanning more than 25 years of talks to OLLI about George Washington, Tallwood, May 14

May 29, 2026

Editor of the Week: Deborah Kruesi

Table of Contents

Alerts & Notices
Welcome Erika Koeniger to OLLI Mason
Volunteer Spotlight: David Osterman
Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Meeting
Tallwood Book Club
Poet's Corner
Arts & Music at George Mason
Meetings & Clubs
About OLLI E-News

Alerts & Notices

Registration for summer term is underway and will continue throughout the term, which begins June 22.
Reminder: The Literature, Language, Theater, and Writing (LLT) Program Planning Group will meet Monday, June 8 at 1:00 via Zoom―see June 8 Daily Schedule.
The next issue of OLLI E-News will be published Friday, June 12; the regular deadline for submission of items is Tuesday, June 9, at 6:00.

From the Desk of the Executive Director
Welcome Erika Koeniger to OLLI Mason

By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director

We are delighted to welcome Erika Koeniger, who joined OLLI Mason on May 18 as our new Program Associate.

Erika brings a strong background in community engagement, communications, and education. She recently earned her Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Science from Texas A&M University, where she also held a variety of professional roles and volunteer leadership positions including Managing Editor of an academic journal. She worked on initiatives that connected communities, supported educational programming, and strengthened organizational communications—experiences that align beautifully with OLLI Mason’s mission.

In addition to her doctorate, Erika holds a Master of Public Administration and a B.A. in Human Services, further reflecting her longstanding commitment to public service and lifelong learning.

Erika is excited to bring her skills and energy to OLLI Mason and is equally enthusiastic about settling into her new home in Northern Virginia. Please join us in giving her a warm OLLI welcome when you see her around campus this summer!

At the same time, we share that Shannon Morrow, Lead Program Associate, will be retiring at the end of July 2026. Shannon has been a cornerstone of OLLI Mason’s program success, and we look forward to celebrating her many contributions in the weeks ahead.

Volunteer Spotlight: David Osterman

By Lisa Mariam, Executive Director

For the past eight years, David Osterman has provided steady, thoughtful leadership as finance chair of OLLI Mason—helping to ensure the organization’s financial strength and long-term sustainability.

In this critical role, David has guided the Board and staff through budgeting, financial planning, and oversight with care, clarity, and a deep sense of responsibility. His work behind the scenes has been essential in supporting OLLI Mason’s programs, operations, and continued growth. Whether reviewing financial reports, advising on strategic decisions, or helping navigate complex challenges including transitioning from cash to accrual accounting, David has brought a calm, analytical perspective that has strengthened the organization at every step.

Beyond his service as Finance Chair, David has generously contributed his time and expertise as a Board member from 2020-2023, serving as treasurer as well as being a member of the AV Committee.

We are deeply grateful to David for his service and the many ways he has strengthened OLLI Mason. His legacy of thoughtful stewardship and quiet leadership will continue to benefit the organization for years to come.

If you would like to nominate a volunteer for spotlight in the E-News please use this link: https://olli.gmu.edu/volunteer-spotlight/.

Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Meeting

By Michele Romano, MD, and Suresh Mohla, PhD,
Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group Co-Chairs

There will be a meeting of the Science, Technology, and Health Program Planning Group on Thursday, June 11, from 10:00-11:00. This will be Zoom only so please feel free to come in your fuzzy slippers with your favorite coffee mug. There will be a Zoom link in the Daily Schedule that morning.

If you are new to OLLI or have an interest in science, technology or health, please join us. You don't have to be an "official member" of the group, but we hope you will consider it. We need your thoughts, advice, recommendations, and help. If you have even a remote interest in presenting a class or know of someone who does, we would love to hear that also.

We'll see you (virtually) on June 11.

Tallwood Book Club

By Elizabeth Ellerbee, Tallwood Book Club Coordinator

The Tallwood Book Club will be discussing two chapters from Andrew Solomon’s Far from the Tree at its Zoom meeting on Friday June 12 at 2:30.

Future choices, in an as yet to be determined order, are The Life Impossible, The Great Divide, The Magnolia Palace, Orbital, Absolution, Memorial Days, The Art Thief, and The Stranger in the Woods.

Poet's Corner

Courtesy of the Poetry Workshop

Downsizing

keep or trash
gift or donate
shred school papers
burn ancient class notes

historical newspapers
and magazines stay
man on the moon
JFK, MLK, RFK

dump items with no
significant memory
store photos of people
the rest be gone

resist keeping junk
“I might need”
or “come in handy”
maybe others can use

after a lifetime
of accumulation
possessions whittle
down to near nothing

what I keep
is me

Margie Wildblood

Arts & Music at George Mason

Performances May 29 through June 21

By Shelly Gersten, OLLI E-News Staff Writer

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) has several web sites of performances, talks etc.
CFA ticket purchase page
Center for the Arts YouTube channel
Hylton ticket purchase page
The new https://masonartsamplified.gmu.edu/
music.calendar.gmu.edu/
theater.calendar.gmu.edu/
dance.calendar.gmu.edu
masonexhibitions.org/.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson produces a periodic “Notes from the Director.” This email is full of information on interesting online performances by the students and faculty of the School of Music. If you would like to receive these bulletins, just sign up at this link to stay in touch. Also, the Center for the Arts has a website, Mason Arts at Home, which has a calendar of online events and access to many past performances.

At the Fairfax Campus Venues

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Prokofiev, Selections from Romeo & Juliet; Piano Concerto No. 3 with Claire Huangci, piano; Symphony No. 5
Sun, May 31, 4:00
Concert Hall
Admission: $75, $64, $54.

Fairfax and Arlington Campuses Visual Arts
(details can be found at https://www.masonexhibitions.org/)

Pulp Translations: Paperworks from George Mason MFA Alumni
Through June 26, 2026
Fenwick Gallery
Fairfax Campus

Mason Student and Faculty Performances

(see music.gmu.edu for additional student recitals)

No Performances

At the Hylton Center (Manassas Campus)

Manassas Chorale: Lights, Camera, Music!
Fri, May 29, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $30.

Virginia National Ballet Spring Recital
Sat, May 30, 3:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $40.

Boyle School of Irish Dance
Sun, May 31, 2:00
Merchant Hall
Admission: $22.

ARTfactory Actors Theatre: Disney’s Newsies, The Musical
Fri, Jun 5, 7:30
Sat, Jun 6, 7:30
Sun, Jun 7, 2:00
Fri, Jun 12, 7:30
Sat, Jun 13, 7:30
Sun, Jun 14, 2:00
Fri, Jun 19, 7:30
Sat, Jun 20, 7:30
Sun, Jun 21, 2:00
Gregory Family Theater
Admission: $35 Adult, $30 Senior.

Manassas Ballet Academy Recital: Sleeping Beauty & More!
Thu, Jun 11, 7:30
Merchant Hall
Admission: $25.

VISUAL ARTS

Kevin Jones: Reflections in Black and White
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Through June 20, 10:00

For further details on any of the above events, see the CFA Event Calendar and the Hylton Center event calendar.

Meetings & Clubs

Please note: OLLI Meetings and Clubs may currently take place in several formats: some are in person only, some are online only, and some are hybrid, meaning that they take place in person and are accessible online simultaneously. OLLI events and activities meeting online bear the identification "Z" in their course or event number (except clubs; you may need to check the OLLI calendar and daily schedule email for location and other event information).

The following list covering the next two weeks is extracted for your convenience from the master online calendar maintained by the office. The list is accurate as of mid-week. Note: All OLLI members are welcome at, and encouraged to attend, meetings of the Board of Directors, committees and resource groups, kick-off coffees, etc., bolded below. The OLLI office has sent (or will send) emails with links and meeting passwords to club members.

About OLLI E-News

OLLI E-News was created by Rod Zumbro, who served as its editor from 2005 to 2013.

Editorial Staff
Chief Editor: Paul Van Hemel
Associate Editors: David Gundry, Deborah Kruesi

Weekly Editor Team: Chloe DiStaso, David Gundry, Deborah Kruesi, Chitra Mohla, John Nash,
Paul Van Hemel

Proofreaders: Rebecca Jann, Susan Van Hemel, Thomas Appich, Anne Hartshorn, Bonnie Becker, Carol McManus

Submissions: Members are encouraged to submit letters to the editor, letters to Ms. Ollie Ettakit (on etiquette matters), OLLI-related news items, articles, and photos. Submit material to: [email protected].
Deadline: Tuesday, 6:00, for that week's issue (Monday, 6:00, for letters to the editor); early submissions are greatly appreciated. Please limit articles to about 250 words.
Note: You can view past issues of OLLI E-News on the DocStore. To search the content of issues, use Search Our Site or put your search term in Google followed by "site:olli.gmu.edu/" without the quotes.

Notice: You received this newsletter because either you are a current OLLI member or you have been provided a courtesy copy. If you are an OLLI member who did not renew your membership, you can continue to receive our newsletter by emailing the office at [email protected] with your request. If someone forwarded this newsletter to you and you'd like to receive it each week, please email the office and ask to be added to the courtesy-copy list.

Copyright 2026 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, 4210 Roberts Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone 703-503-3384, Fax 703-503-2832

May 29, 2026

Alerts & Notices

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028 Phone: (703) 503-3384 Email: [email protected]

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

4210 Roberts Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone: (703) 503-3384
Email: [email protected]