Shared Interest Groups   

Are you looking for an online community of watercolorists actively committed to regular painting practice and ongoing education? Our SIG members meet two Mondays a month on Zoom to focus on improving their watercolor skills through accountability (paint and publicly post two watercolors per month on the SIG’s private online forum), education (deliver a 20-45 minute presentation once per year on an art-related topic), and connection (participate in a monthly “around-the-Zoom-room” group discussion of member-posted artworks). If you have previous watercolor experience, your own art materials, and space at home to work in, consider joining the OLLI at SOU Building Watercolor Skills SIG.

Do you enjoy speaking Italian and want more opportunities to practice? Join the Conversazioni italiane SIG, an informal gathering of OLLI members who share an interest in Italian language and culture. Participants will practice speaking Italian while discussing topics such as art, architecture, film, music, travel, food and other aspects of Italian life and culture. The emphasis is on conversation rather than formal instruction, making this an ideal group for those who already have some familiarity with Italian and would like to build confidence and fluency through regular practice.

Speakers of all levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to speak in Italian as much as possible, even if that means occasionally searching for words, consulting a dictionary or simplifying their thoughts. More experienced speakers will help facilitate discussion and support fellow learners. Members are encouraged to bring language-learning materials, reference books, curiosity, and a passion for Italian culture. Participants should be prepared to contribute to the conversation and may wish to prepare vocabulary related to discussion topics in advance.

The Exploring American Sign Language (ASL) SIG offers OLLI members an opportunity to build and strengthen their ASL skills in a supportive, collaborative environment. The SIG will focus on practicing signs, expanding vocabulary, and increasing comfort with everyday communication through shared learning and interactive activities.

Participants are encouraged to come with some basic familiarity with ASL or a willingness to learn independently between meetings. The emphasis of the group is on practice rather than formal instruction, making it a great fit for those who want to reinforce what they know, gain confidence, and continue developing their skills alongside others. Whether you are refreshing past learning or continuing your ASL journey, this group provides a welcoming space to learn, connect, and grow together.

Do you understand basic guitar chords and strumming techniques and would like to jam with other OLLI members? If so, join the Acoustic Guitar Jam SIG the fourth Friday of every month. Participants will suggest songs for the rest of the group to play together. No extensive guitar playing experience is required, but you must provide your own guitar. You will also find a guitar tuner, capo and music stand to be helpful.

Each month we’ll meet at the Campbell Center, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., for a Q&A program with SOU athletics staff or coaches and student athletes to get a behind-the-scenes understanding of how Raider teams train, compete and contribute to campus and community life. SOU has teams for football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, wrestling, softball, cross country, golf and track and field events.  

2026-2027 OLLI Raider Fans Program Dates

• 08/10/26 – Sports Administration with Bobby Heiken, Associate Athletic Director and Josh McDermott, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

• 08/24/26 – Football Coach Berk Brown

• 09/14/26 – Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coaches Davie Carmichael and Jenni Rosenberg

• 10/12/26 – Volleyball Coach Josh Rohlfing

• 11/9/26 – Interim Women’s Basketball Coach David Heard

• 12/14/26 – Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Zosel

• 01/11/27 – TBD

• 02/08/27 – TBD

• 03/08/27 – TBD

• 04/12/27 – TBD

• 05/10/27 – TBD

Do you enjoy reading and discussing books? Join the OLLI Online Book Club SIG the first Monday via Zoom. Join once and stay signed up for the entire academic year. 

• "The Greater Journey:  Americans in Paris," by David McCullough (October)
• "Rising Tide:  The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America," by John M. Barry (November)
• "Cutting for Stone," by Abraham Verghese (December)
• "Boy," by Nicole Galland (January)
• "The Winter Soldier," by Daniel Mason (February)
• "Devil in the White City," by Erik Larson (March)
• "State of Wonder," by Ann Patchett (April)
• "The Forgotten Garden," by Kate Morton (May)
• "Middlemarch," by George Eliot (June)

The Poker Enthusiasts SIG welcomes players of all experience levels for friendly, no-stakes games played with poker chips—no money changes hands. Texas Hold’em will be the primary game, though the group may explore other poker styles based on member interest. Cards and chips will be provided; all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and love of the game. Join fellow OLLI members each month for an enjoyable and relaxed afternoon of poker and conversation.

This group offers a calm, reflective space to explore spiritual writings together. Each session begins with a 10‑minute period of silent meditation, followed by shared readings and group discussion.

Participants are invited to bring brief excerpts from spiritual writings or teachings that are meaningful to them. After meditation, one or more members may read their selections aloud (5-10 minutes total). Readers may pose up to three questions to help guide a group discussion of up to 45 minutes. Optional social time follows the discussion. All spiritual traditions and perspectives are welcome.

Do you enjoy hiking with your dog? Join the OLLI Tails on Trails SIG and explore some of the Rogue Valley’s beautiful dog-friendly trails with fellow OLLI members and their canine companions. The group will meet monthly for hikes lasting approximately 1½ to 2 hours, generally with less than 200 feet of elevation gain. Details about each hike, including location and elevation gain, will be provided one week in advance. Members are encouraged to share their favorite dog-friendly trails for consideration as future destinations.

NOTE:  One dog per hiker. Dogs must be well-socialized, well-behaved, and current on vaccinations. Participants must bring a 6-foot leash and waste bags for their dog. All members will be required to sign the SOU liability waiver and provide proof of their dog's vaccinations before participating in their first hike.
 

Join the OLLI at SOU Zentangle SIG to discover the relaxing, creative world of Zentangle. Designed for those already familiar with the Zentangle Method, this group offers a space to share techniques, inspiration and the joy of drawing tangles together. All OLLI members are invited to bring your own supplies (tiles, micron pens, pencils, scrubbers, etc.) and join us!