2025 OLLI Membership Voter Guide
Make Your Voice Heard:
Vote in the OLLI Advisory Council Election!
e OLLI Advisory Council plays a vital role in shaping the future of OLLI at UNL—guiding decisions, enhancing programs, and ensuring member engagement. e Advisory Council serves as an elected representative body from the membership. Two representatives are elected each year to a three-year term.
We are excited to introduce ve outstanding candidates running for two open positions on the Advisory Council. Inside this publication, you will nd their photos, brief biographies, and personal statements. Take a moment to review their quali cations and perspectives, then cast your vote to help shape the leadership of OLLI.
Voting is easy! Instructions will be sent via email, and for those without email, ballots will be mailed. Be sure to submit your vote by the deadline of Monday, April 21, 2025—every vote counts!
A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated members serving on committees. Your leadership and hard work make OLLI a thriving community.
Jim VanKirk, Advisory Council
Chair OLLI at
UNL
Ballot Submisson Deadline
April 21, 2025 | 4 p.m.
Voting is open from April 14-21 Five candidates are presented here by the Nominating Committee for your consideration. Cast your vote for two of the candidates. Whether you vote electronically or by mail, your ballot must be received or postmarked by Monday, April 21, 2025.
Advisory Council Responsibilities
e Advisory Council works collaboratively with the OLLI director and recommends actions regarding programs, budget, fee structure, recruiting and program sustainability. It is composed of o cers, elected Advisory Council representatives, standing committee chairs/co-chairs and the OLLI director.
Responsibilities of Advisory Council members include the following:
1.Be a current member of OLLI.
2.Attend and participate in all regular and special council meetings.
3.Be knowledgeable about current programs and activities.
4.Participate in and promote OLLI programs and activities.
5.Collaborate with the OLLI director in developing appropriate policies, procedures, roles, and responsibilities.
6.Represent the OLLI membership, encouraging their participation, responding to their needs and advocating on their behalf.
7.Perform other duties as needed.
For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the Council, visit: https://go.unl.edu/bq4f
Crews Gary Timm
As I enter my 48th year as an educator, I am looking for opportunities to continue my educational journey. is is what drew me to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. OLLI reinforces my desire to be a lifelong learner.
I received an Associates of Arts Degree from Northeast Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts Education and Master of Art Education in Social Sciences from Wayne State College. Later, I pursued my school administration certi cation at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Over my 48 years in education, I have been a teacher, coach, activities administrator and assistant principal. I was also involved in the Nebraska School Activities Association. While teaching secondary education, I also worked as an adjunct instructor teaching political science and American history. I am currently in my 28th year with NECC. I have served on many curriculum and teaching committees and mentored new teachers and instructors.
Since becoming an OLLI member, I have continually increased my involvement and currently serve as a Zoom host, course facilitator, instructor, and serve on the History Sub-Committee and Curriculum Committee.
If elected, I want to grow OLLI membership in the Lincoln and Omaha areas and to expand outstate membership. I will also work to maintain and expand OLLI’s quality and excellence with course o erings, interest groups and other opportunities.
e OLLI motto “Curiosity Never Retires,” captures perfectly my personal feelings. Being a part of a program that promotes opportunities for lifelong learners is exactly the type of group I wish to support in retirement.
My professional career was in higher education. I was a UNL professor in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design for 31 years and had the honor of serving as the founding director of the International Quilt Study Center and Museum.
Born and raised in Virginia, my husband and I met at Virginia Tech. We have one son and three adult grandchildren. Although not native Nebraskans, we have lived in Lincoln for forty years and counting.
A er retirement from UNL in 2015, I immediately joined OLLI. I have taken one or more classes almost every term since. Currently, I serve on the Arts Sub-Committee, planning future course o erings. I also serve as a Zoom host and course facilitator. In addition, I have taught several OLLI classes related to the world of textiles.
I would like to support and contribute to OLLI in an additional capacity by serving on the Advisory Council. If elected, I will lend my time and talent to build on OLLI’s successful program e orts to maintain a ordable courses and membership fees, and to o er a wide variety of course o erings.
Patricia
My journey with OLLI began a short time ago, but it has been a very rewarding experience. I’ve met many people and been exposed to many new topics. As a retired teacher of gi ed children who misses them so much, I always say I have traded gi ed students for my gi ed lifelong learners and friends in OLLI.
I obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Elementary Principal Certi cate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a K-12 gi ed teaching endorsement from University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Spending my life as a teacher/administrator for 47 years, I have served in Fairbury, Kearney, Omaha and Ralston schools. I have been a rst-grade teacher, building principal, director of gi ed education, curriculum director, before/ a er school program director, and teacher of gi ed learners in grades 3-6 literature and challenge math. I was also an online teacher of grade seven World History and Earth Science.
I am an OLLI ambassador in Omaha and serve on the membership committee. I believe in the OLLI program and its goals. I consider myself a “cheerleader” for the program, and I hope to serve for many years to come. e attributes I will bring to OLLI are creativity, a love of learning, a sense of humor and a positive, “can do” attitude.
June Ryan
I retired from Nebraska Health and Human Services where I developed and managed the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program; I established a statewide advisory group of hospitals, public health departments, clinicians, educators, and advocacy groups. I wrote federal grants that doubled initial funding. I was a psychiatric hospital administrator and managed other care programs.
My experience in public, private and non-pro t sectors broadened my understanding of di erent “communities” that should be considered in problem-solving and service. My focus has been on collaboration to advocate for and serve elderly, underserved, mentally ill, addicted, and seriously ill persons.
I am a 20-year OLLI member, presenter, facilitator, ambassador, curriculum committee member and Pillar Society member. I am an active volunteer for AARP Nebraska and sing in my church choirs.
I am a native Nebraskan who grew up on a farm near Ainsworth. I went to country school, which helped make me who I am today—curious, problem-solving, and someone who cares for others. I graduated from Cambridge High School and the University of Nebraska. I am a proud Husker who follows sports and academia.
If elected, my primary goal is to ensure that diverse voices are heard in identifying the needs and desires of all our members. Once identi ed, I will work diligently to nd ways for OLLI to meet these needs.
Charlotte Casson
Valerie Crook
I have been involved with OLLI even before becoming a member. As a graphic designer and manager of the UNL Pixel Lab for the College of Education and Human Sciences, just prior to my retirement, I helped design and develop the rst course catalog in the 1990s when we were known as SAGE, an acronym for Sharing Across Generations for Enrichment. I have seen the course catalog grow from a 4-page, 1-color sheet to its current full color digital and print versions.
My career has included graphic design, advertising and marketing for a wide variety of clients including hospitals, manufacturers, nonpro ts and small businesses. I also served as an adjunct professor for the College of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNL. Prior to my role at UNL, I was the marketing manager for Aging Partners.
I have been a member of the OLLI Marketing Committee for several years, recently taking on a similar role with the UNL ERA (Emeriti and Retirees Association) Marketing Committee. It speaks volumes that, when asked, most members will say that they heard about OLLI from a friend. Our members are our strength and are as interesting and diverse as our courses.
I would prioritize the goals of OLLI to expand its course selections, membership and sense of community. I would work to keep OLLI strong, vital and sustainable. I particularly enjoy envisioning the future.
OLLI Omaha Showcase
Monday, July 28, 2025
12:30-3:30 p.m. Scott Conference Center 6450 Pine St., Omaha, NE
Lincoln Open House
Friday, August 8, 2025
12:30-3:30 p.m.
UNL East Campus Union 1705 Arbor Drive, Lincoln, NE
e perfect time to invite your friends, neighbors, and family members to explore a community with a passion for learning.
