For our community of supporters who believe learning is the journey of a lifetime SPRING
From Curiosity to Connection
How Peg J.’s Road Scholar Journey Sparked a Lifetime of Joy
For Peg J., Road Scholar is a way of life.
After retiring and unexpectedly losing her husband in 2007, Peg felt a compelling desire to explore the world. On her brother-in-law’s recommendation, she discovered Road Scholar and made a bold, unconventional choice: to embrace a nomadic lifestyle.
“I did everything they tell you not to do after losing a spouse,” Peg laughs. “I sold the house, put my things in storage and just started traveling.”
That choice opened a remarkable new chapter — one filled with curiosity, laughter and 32 learning adventures spanning all seven continents. “Thank goodness I found Road Scholar,” says Peg. “It has brought so much joy into my life.”
The Fab Four
Peg’s Road Scholar adventures took flight quickly. She had just signed up for a women’s golf retreat when an email arrived announcing a safari inspired by Road Scholar President James Moses. “An African safari had always been at the top of my list,” Peg says, and she enrolled immediately.
When a delayed flight left Peg worried that she had missed her group, a cheerful voice called out: “Hi Peg,
→ Peg explored Antarctica with Road Scholar in 2018.
Innovation, the Road Scholar Way
For more than 50 years, Road Scholar has been shaped by curiosity, connection and the belief that learning can transform lives at every stage. As we marked our milestone anniversary in 2025, we chose not only to reflect on where we’ve been, but to innovate boldly for the future. This issue of Impact brings that spirit to life through the people, ideas and moments that matter most.
You’ll read about two initiatives born from listening closely to our community. The first is our new Annual Keynote Lecture — a free, large-scale online event created as a heartfelt thank-you to our participants. Our inaugural conversation with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin in 2025 drew more than 20,000 learners — the largest gathering of Road Scholars ever. It was deeply moving to see so many engage with us for this learning experience, and I’m thrilled to announce that because of support from our donors we are able to welcome journalist Jane Pauley for our 2026 keynote lecture on April 7.
Innovation also guided the creation of our new Age Well series, a free online program designed to support people
As we marked our milestone anniversary in 2025, we chose not only to reflect on where we’ve been, but to innovate boldly for the future.
navigating life’s fourth age. Shaped by participant feedback and expert insight, these sessions address topics like brain health, caregiving and technology. In its first year alone, more than 23,000 learners participated in our Age Well series— a powerful reminder that timely, relevant learning truly matters.
In this issue of Impact, you’ll meet Richard J., whose Road Scholar experiences have provided healing, community and purpose, and Twila Y., whose donor-funded Adventures Online scholarship opened the world to her in new ways. Their stories reflect what innovation looks like at Road Scholar: expanding access, deepening impact and meeting learners where they are.
Thank you for being part of this story — because of you and all of Road Scholar’s supporters, the most meaningful chapters of lifelong learning are still ahead, and we’re writing them together.
With gratitude,
James Moses Road Scholar President & CEO
I’m Jean!” The roommates quickly forged an unbreakable bond. “We’re sisters by different mothers,” Peg laughs.
Through that safari and a later Galápagos adventure, their circle grew to include Barbara and Margaret. Hailing from Texas, Nebraska, Montana and California, the four women became inseparable — and soon became known as The Fab Four.
Together, they’ve tracked polar bears in Manitoba, wandered Ireland’s emerald hills and even set foot in Antarctica. When the pandemic grounded their adventures, their weekly FaceTime calls became a lifeline — bringing laughter, support and a reminder that their bond traveled far beyond any continent. “I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without them,” Peg says.
Adventure — and Giving Back
eg’s gratitude has inspired her to give back, serving on Road Scholar’s board and including the organization in her philanthropic plans. “I believe
I believe deeply
in
giving back. Road Scholar has given so much to me — and to the people I love.
↑ Oregon’s Colombia River in 2025; and left, Peg and Barbara enjoyed a riverboat cruise from New Orleans to Memphis in 2022.
deeply in giving back. Road Scholar has given so much to me — and to the people I love,” she says.
A proud grandmother of five, Peg has also shared Road Scholar with her family. A Grand Canyon adventure with her daughter, granddaughter and another grandmother sealed the deal. “They fell in love with it,” she said.
After 19 years of nonstop adventure, Peg settled in Florida — but she hasn’t slowed down.
“I have a list, like most people,” Peg says. “I just call my buddies to see who’s in — we’re all family now.”
What’s Next?
eg is currently planning her 33rd learning adventure — as part of The Fab Four — to Georgia’s islands of St. Simons, Sapelo and Jekyll in May 2026. ■
Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975, dedicated to serving the educational needs of older adults. Road Scholar Impact is published for the friends and supporters of Road Scholar. The purpose of this publication is to provide accurate information of a general character only. For advice in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisors should be obtained. The Elderhostel and Road Scholar logos, website addresses and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, Inc. If you wish to modify our communications with you, please go to roadscholar.org and log in to your account, or call us toll free at (800) 454-5768. Please learn more about giving at roadscholar.org/WaysToGive or call (877) 737-0664.
Learning, Reinvented
Road Scholar Ushers in a New Era of Innovation
For more than 50 years, curiosity and connection have been at the heart of Road Scholar. As we celebrated our milestone anniversary in 2025, we didn’t just look back — we looked forward, innovating for the future. That spirit sparked two landmark programs that enhance the Road Scholar experience and inspire a bold new chapter for what’s ahead.
A Gift of Gratitude:
The Annual Keynote
As part of Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary celebration, we began brainstorming meaningful ways to thank our participants for the curiosity and commitment they’ve brought to Road Scholar over the years. What emerged was the idea of a free, online, large-scale keynote lecture — not simply as a celebration, but as a genuine
expression of gratitude. “We really wanted to thank our participants,” says Alison Evans, Senior Director of Program Resources. “It started as a thank you and grew from there.”
The team began imagining the thinkers and storytellers who would most resonate with Road Scholar’s curious, thoughtful community. As ideas flowed, a list of admired and influential figures took shape. “We ultimately confirmed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin,” Alison says. “She was the perfect fit — she resonates with our audience, broke boundaries early in her career and she’s a respected educator and historian.”
Announced in the 50th-anniversary catalog in January 2025, the keynote was met
Road Scholar’s 50th year set the stage for our next chapter — one defined by curiosity, connection and a lifelong love of learning.
with an enthusiastic response.
“Behind the scenes, it truly took an army,” says Alison. “Our team managed an extraordinary surge of registrations, scaling existing systems to welcome 14,188 participants live, with an additional 6,600 watching the recording afterward.”
The event was thoughtfully intimate: a conversation over Zoom with Doris Kearns Goodwin from her home, shaped by questions from Road Scholars. “It beautifully captured what Road Scholar does best — handling the details so participants can fully engage and learn,” says Alison.
Because of the positive feedback we received from attendees last year, the keynote will become an annual event, with journalist Jane Pauley scheduled for April 2026. “Our goal is to keep evolving,” says Alison.
“Road Scholar’s 50th year set the stage for our next chapter — one defined by curiosity, connection and a lifelong love of learning.”
Exploring the Fourth Age: The Age Well Series
As Road Scholar continues to expand access to learning online, we are also deepening the kinds of conversations we offer. While the keynote expanded what was possible at scale, our new Age Well series pushes innovation even further. Championed by Road Scholar President Jim Moses and inspired by his dedication to helping people navigate life’s fourth age, the initiative offers expert-led, free resources on aging.
Since its launch, Age Well has grown to two lectures a month, with sessions like The Age Tech Revolution drawing over 2,000 attendees. In its first year, more than 23,000 learners engaged with these forward-looking online lectures. In 2026, the series will
broaden, adding new experts and 24 lectures to inspire, inform and empower.
Imagining a More Immersive Path to Learning
As we continue to innovate beyond these online programs, Chief Program Officer Maeve Hartney envisions a more immersive approach to helping participants prepare for their educational travel programs that goes beyond a traditional reading list. “Podcasts, curated documentaries, and updates from Group Leaders could help participants engage deeply before arrival,” she says. This vision reflects Road Scholar’s commitment to innovation — sparking curiosity, fostering connections and enriching the learning journey.
WHAT’S NEXT: Join Jane Pauley for the 2026 Keynote, Reimagining the Rest of Your Life, Tuesday, April 7 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. Register free by April 6 at roadscholar.org/Keynote2026
FBARBARA R. FINDS HER RHYTHM
A Caregiver’s Journey of Healing in New Orleans
or two decades, Barbara R. was more than a caregiver to her husband, Joel — she was his anchor. Through the quiet routine of early mornings and late nights, the retired social worker from Philadelphia met every challenge with love. Her story is a testament to the resilience and deep compassion that defines caregivers everywhere.
A Legacy of Learning Adventures
Barbara learned about Road Scholar from her parents, who had attended programs on college campuses. Following their lead, Barbara and her husband, Joel, enjoyed several Road Scholar learning adventures during their 42 years of marriage.
After Joel was diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy in 2006, he
and Barbara continued to attend Road Scholar programs. It was during their Road Scholar adventure at Chautauqua that a quiet reality set in. “That was our last trip,” Barbara says. “We knew it was time to get a power wheelchair and move into a continuing care community. We spent our money on durable medical equipment — walkers, hydraulic seats, whatever he needed — not travel.”
A Path Forward
Barbara discovered a lifeline in the summer of 2019: Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grants. Deep in her caregiving journey, she applied and received one, planning for a spring 2020 program. But when the pandemic hit, she lost the opportunity. Joel passed away in 2024. “That year was a blur of grief, sleepless nights and the daunting question of how to rebuild my life,” Barbara shares. “I needed something to look forward to, so I resurrected my Caregiver Grant application.”
Barbara chose Independent New Orleans. “The city called to me,” she said. When she received news of the grant, she was deeply touched.
A Leap of Faith
In the weeks leading up to her program, Barbara threw herself into researching jazz clubs and restaurants in New Orleans. But as the time came to pack, her excitement gave way to a wave of anxiety, but Barbara’s fears melted
This journey gave me the confidence to travel on my own and trust in my ability to connect with others. It was truly a gift — one I’ll carry with me forever.
away the first morning of the program. “I discovered I was surrounded by kindred souls — lovely, interesting people,” she said. When the group had one evening to dine on their own, she brought together friends she had made for a meal at a restaurant she’d heard rave reviews about.
All That Jazz
“T
he music was the highlight,” said Barbara. “I made a list of legendary clubs to visit: The Spotted Cat, Snug Harbor and Preservation Hall. Our Group Leader, gave us passes for Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub.”
A New Beginning or Barbara, this experience was a powerful affirmation. “This journey gave me the confidence to travel on my own and trust in my ability to connect with others. It was truly a gift — one I’ll carry with me forever.”
Are you 70½ or older? Do you have an IRA? A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-smart way to make an impact on Road Scholar by allowing your dollars to go further.
Learn more about these gifts and how to get started: MyImpact.roadscholar.org/qcd
This information is not intended as legal or financial advice. We recommend you consult your plan administrator, tax advisor or personal attorney to understand how the distribution requirements apply to your personal circumstances.
Opening Doors to Learning — 50 Times Over
Donor-supported scholarships made global discovery possible for lifelong learners everywhere.
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary in 2025, Road Scholar set out to do something special: award 50 scholarships for its immersive Adventures Online programs. The response was immediate and inspiring. Applications poured in from across the country for this first-ever opportunity, underscoring just how deeply lifelong learners value meaningful ways to explore the world — no matter where they are. This milestone initiative was made possible by the generosity of our donor community.
Adventures Online are innovative, expert-led, multi-day learning experiences that bring global destinations and ideas to participants at home. Through engaging lectures, rich visuals and lively discussions, learners connect with renowned experts and one another — all from the comfort of their favorite armchair — proving that discovery can happen anywhere.
“Through our ‘50 Scholarships for 50 Years’ initiative, we were thrilled to award 54 scholarships, but the real success is measured in the stories we heard from the recipients,” says Ann Simanis, Associate Vice President, Office of Financial Aid & Community Outreach. “It has been profoundly moving to see the impact these awards have had, especially for those who are unable to travel due to physical limitations.”
OWorld. She was thrilled to be awarded all three programs.
“First and foremost, the teachers and lecturers were outstanding,” Twila says. “Kazim, Sami and Volkan set the bar very high for other lecturers coming after them.” Over three days, she explored Troy, Ephesus and Cappadocia, guided by storytelling that brought ancient landscapes vividly to life.
I am forever grateful for my donor paving the way so I could experience this adventure.
“Kazim told us about the Trojan War through famous paintings — it was superb,” she recalls. Learning about Ephesus as the capital of Asia Minor and discovering how plate tectonics and volcanic activity shaped Cappadocia deepened her appreciation for history and Earth science alike. Sami and Volkan’s engaging approach made her virtual “walk” through Cappadocia a favorite moment.
An Extraordinary Gift Makes Learning More Accessible Than Ever
ne scholarship recipient, Twila Y. of Elk Grove, California, learned about the opportunity from a friend and quickly applied. A retired elementary and middle school math and science teacher with 23 years in the classroom, Twila selected The Legends & History of Turkey; Discover Peru, Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire; and Exploring the Religions of the
“You might think I would feel let down not being there, but I felt the opposite,” Twila says. “I actually felt relief, because I didn’t have to focus on what I couldn’t do on the trip.”
“I am forever grateful for donors paving the way so I could experience this adventure,” she says. “This three-day journey was awesome. Thank you for making a passion become a learning reality.”
Recently, Road Scholar received an extraordinary and deeply meaningful gift: an anonymous $200,000 contribution from a Donor Advised Fund — one of the largest gifts in our history. This generosity will have a lasting impact. The funds are being used to develop new learning adventures and expand access to Road Scholar At Home, our growing portfolio of online learning experiences. For many people, travel isn’t possible because of health, finances, caregiving responsibilities or mobility challenges. This gift ensures that learning, curiosity and connection remain within reach — no matter where someone lives or what stage of life they’re in. Online programs allow participants to engage with world-class faculty experts, ask questions and be part of an active learning community — without leaving home. We are profoundly grateful to this anonymous donor for believing, as we do, that learning should be lifelong and accessible to all.
Meet Ali Lazar, Director of Individual Giving
MOVING THE NEEDLE — FOR GOOD
For Ali Lazar, Road Scholar’s new Director of Individual Giving, philanthropy is deeply personal. She discovered this in college when a routine fundraising call transformed into an hour-long conversation about shared histories and academic life. After making a gift, the donor told her, “You got to know me!”
That moment was a revelation for Ali. “Philanthropy is really personal,” she says, “it’s about understanding what moves a person.”
This philosophy has been the bedrock of her career. “When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, it was a lightbulb,” says Ali. “I realized I could help others — I could move the needle for good.” She devoted over a decade to healthcare fundraising, driven to make a profound difference in the lives of the patients and families she had met.
After her mom died, she turned to her aging, widowed dad, and knew she wanted to help others like him. “I wanted to serve — to support aging individuals facing social isolation.”
Ali joined Road Scholar in August 2025. The vibrant spirit of the participants drew her — a community choosing to ramp up, not wind down. “I saw an organization celebrating a life of learning and joy, and it inspired me,” says Ali. “I want every donor to know their contribution is a meaningful part of a shared, transformational journey. I’m excited to help Road Scholars donors build their own philanthropic legacy.”
I want every donor to know their contribution is a meaningful part of a shared, transformational journey.
Connect with Ali Ali.Lazar@RoadScholar.org (617) 457-5494
FINDING HEALING AND COMMUNITY
Richard J.’s Road Scholar Journey
Vietnam veteran and former combat medic Richard J. struggled with the lasting effects of PTSD for years. In 2006, a Road Scholar catalog opened a new chapter in his life. Drawn to a learning adventure in Utah's national parks, he hoped to fulfill a lifelong dream of photographing the iconic Delicate Arch.
That first program was a turning point. Immersed in nature and surrounded by a supportive community of fellow learners, Richard discovered a profound sense of peace. The expert-led environment allowed him to fully engage with his passion for
photography, providing a powerful avenue for healing.
“The camaraderie is just incredible,” Richard reflects.
“You’re with people who share your interests, and you learn so much from them and the instructors.”
Since then, Richard has participated in dozens of Road Scholar programs, capturing stunning landscapes from the canyons of Arizona to the coast of Maine. For Richard, each journey is a vital connection to the community where he found healing, friendship and a renewed sense of purpose, one photograph at a time.
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