19017 - Free OLLI Member Events

Join us as we welcome Steve Thaxton, Executive Director of the Osher National Resource Center(NRC), based at Northwestern University in Chicago. The NRC connects 124 Osher Institutes at public and private four-year colleges and universities and encouraging collaboration and providing support and resources to support higher education, lifelong learning, and purposeful aging. Discover the story behind the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher National Resource Center (NRC), and the vibrant OLLI network that connects lifelong learners across the country. Together, we’ll celebrate the history of adult learning programs, share inspiring statistics about OLLI’s growth, and highlight the many ways these institutes enrich members’ lives. We’ll also take a closer look at OLLI at the University of New Mexico, how our community fits into this larger network, and offer a preview of upcoming events designed to spark curiosity, encourage connection, and make lifelong learning at UNM even more rewarding.

Light Refreshments will be provided.

Talking, or even thinking, about end-of-life decisions can be difficult and emotional. However, the more we know, the better we can plan for what we want. Having a plan and sharing it with loved ones is vital if we can no longer express our wishes. This discussion is an overview of Advance Healthcare Directives, why they are important, who should have them and what are the components, along with resources to help determine a person’s choices.

The Da Vinci Code was a bestselling novel in the early 2000s, known for its controversial religious themes. It remains one of the most “challenged” books. This lecture will address key questions: What historical truths are in the novel? Why do people strongly believe in its fictional story? We’ll examine a documentary exploring various theories behind the novel and discuss the DNA evidence from different groups that either support or disprove its claims. Join us to explore the intersection of fiction, history, and belief in this fascinating discussion.

This workshop is a small group discussion for people who have taken the previous course or are having trouble getting started on completing their own directive. This small group workshop is interactive, with participants delving deeper into the sections of the Advance Directive with more discussion and focus on the issues that are most relevant to group members.  Materials will be provided so that participants can finish their directives at home. Registration one week before the workshop is encouraged to make sure we have enough leaders and materials.

The purpose of estate planning is to develop a strategy that will maintain financial security during your lifetime and ensure the transfer of your assets when you pass away. However, estate planning must also take into consideration the unique circumstances of your family. In this class, you will learn the key elements of an effective estate plan, the costs associated, and why each is important. You will also hear about ways you can include charitable gifts in your estate plan. There are actions you can take today that will give you greater peace of mind and ensure your beneficiaries, including your chosen charities, receive what you intend.

Please note the time of this event is 1:00pm - 2:30pm.

Presenters:

Elizabeth Harcombe, CFRE, Director of Development/Planned Giving, UNM Foundation

Elizabeth Harcombe’s nonprofit career began in 2005 after spending 10 years as a classical pianist and teacher at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. Since entering the nonprofit sector, she has held roles in operations, programs, events planning, fundraising, and executive management, and served as an executive director for eight years. In 2020, she accepted the position of Director of Development of Planned Giving, at the University of New Mexico Foundation where she works with donors who desire to leave a legacy through an estate gift to the University. She serves as trustee of the Santa Fe Pro Musica Endowment Foundation and is a member of the Events Committee of Habitat for Humanity Santa Fe. Elizabeth is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and recently completed her Certificate in Fundraising Management through Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy. Her home is in Santa Fe, NM where she lives with her husband, a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and their cat Pico and dog Pablo.

Lisa Y. W. Cosper, JD, Sutin, Thayer & Browne

Lisa Y. W. Cosper is a member of Sutin, Thayer & Browne’s commercial group, where she focuses her practice on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. She also works on Corporate Law matters as well as Liquor Licensing. Her practice involves helping clients protect their legacies by creating and implementing individualized estate plans. Additionally, she provides guidance to business owners in establishing and maintaining appropriate business structures.

Lisa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Law from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business in 2014. Immediately following her undergraduate degree, Lisa went to earn her Juris Doctorate in 2017 from Arizona Summit Law School where she graduated magna cum laude. While in law school, Lisa provided pro bono services including Community Legal Assistance and Wills for Heroes.

Before joining Sutin, Thayer & Browne’s commercial group, Lisa worked as a paralegal at an Arizona-based law firm in 2014, focusing on estate planning and administration while pursuing her law degree full-time.

Through her experience in estate planning and administration, Lisa developed a strong foundation in writing, drafting, and managing trusts and estates. After becoming a licensed attorney, she expanded her practice in estate planning and took on leadership responsibilities in the estate administration department, where she guided fellow attorneys on best practices and supervised the department’s paralegals. Lisa has been a highly sought after speaker for Estate and Probate conventions and festivals since 2019 and she has won several awards for her work including Top Corporate Attorney, Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Awards, 2023.

Lisa is a huge animal lover and always has a home for her rescue dogs!

“This is the Christmas a war-weary world has prayed for …” When Truman uttered those words on Christmas Eve, 1945, World War II had been over for four months, but military actions were still operating full force. Only this time the military was running Operation Magic Carpet and Operation Santa to return thousands of troops to their homes, resulting in the largest traffic jam the United States had known. After years of blackouts and rationing, the national Christmas tree would once again shine and families would gather around a Christmas table. Churches filled as a grateful nation gave thanks. We all know World War II changed much of American life, but have you ever considered how the war changed Christmas in the United States? Join us for a holiday trip to an epic December.

We’ll be viewing the 2008 BBC version of Sense and Sensibility with Popcorn, cake and Austen inspired goodies. Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday… and the holidays with your OLLI friends.