| Dear OLLI members and friends, We did it! As of yesterday, February 20, we exceeded our donor’s $400,000 challenge. We have raised more than $2.1 million for the OLLI building. In addition, Auburn University has committed $2 million in support. This campaign began on March 22, 2024, when OLLI leadership and Vice President for University Outreach, Dr. Royrickers Cook, met with Provost Vini Nathan to ask permission to raise funds for a classroom facility. Provost Nathan challenged us to raise $2 million. It was an ambitious goal. Within the first year, OLLI members and friends contributed more than $1 million. After a plateau in fundraising, a generous couple stepped forward in November with a second challenge: if OLLI could raise $400,000 by February 20, 2026, they would match it dollar for dollar. Friends, you rose to that challenge. I want to offer a special word of gratitude to Harold Bruner, who has chaired OLLI’s volunteer Fundraising Committee with steady leadership and resolute optimism. Working in cooperation with Outreach Development Officer, Allyson Dozier, Harold has given hours to this effort, encouraging us all to keep going when momentum slowed, to keep our eye on the prize. This milestone would not have been possible without his dedication. What this community has demonstrated is extraordinary. The generosity, determination, and belief in OLLI’s mission are a testament to the strength of this member-led, member-driven organization. OLLI is not something that happens for its members — it is something created by its members. Volunteers recruit new members, plan events, serve on committees, shape our curriculum, guide our policies, and teach our classes. Members show up eager to learn, form friendships, support one another, and transform a program into a true community. Every gift of time, talent, energy, and financial support has mattered. Every contribution has helped bring us to this day. And there is even more good news. The donors who issued last fall’s challenge are no longer anonymous. Joyce and Roger Lethander have deepened their commitment and significantly increased their total gift. Mr. Lethander has said he is making this gift because OLLI is good for our community. That simple statement captures something powerful. OLLI enriches lives. It fosters learning, friendship, and purpose. Future generations of OLLI members will benefit from the Lethanders’ vision and generosity. Along with our deep gratitude to Joyce and Roger, we should also take pride in what we have accomplished together. We have shown what is possible when a community believes in its mission and in one another. More details about next steps in the construction process will be shared soon, along with an introduction to Joyce and Roger Lethander. For today, let’s celebrate. Together, we have built the foundation for OLLI’s future. Scott Bishop Director |
