Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Community invited to attend UD by the Sea in Rehoboth May 19-22

March 16, 2026

UD beachside event May 19-22 features social activities and educational programming

The University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will host UD by the Sea, an educational and social event for adults age 50-plus in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, May 19-22. Registration is open to the public.

The event includes a variety of social activities and the following learning tracks, featuring many local instructors, experts and enthusiasts:

• Lighthouses and Shipwrecks — Led by Jim O’Leary, former host of Radio Rehoboth’s “Skywatch at the Beach” and retired Maryland Science Center senior scientist. Learn about Delaware Bay and coastal lighthouses and shipwrecks.
• Ecology and Evolution — Led by Jack Bartley, retired University of Delaware biology and ecology professor. Local habitat, horseshoe crabs and more.
• Farm to Table — Visit local farms, meet with farmers and chefs. Led by Marty Rosensweig, local food and restaurant enthusiast and Historic Lewes Farmers Market board member.
• Lewes Art and Artists through History — Visit printmaker, painter and a small boat model makers’ studios. Led by Linda Dylla, Delaware landscape designer and art enthusiast.
• Environmental Impact on Coastal Sussex County — Visit Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, UD’s College of Earth, Ocean & Environment (CEOE) Lewes campus and more. Led by Connie Benko, past Lewes Historical Society volunteer and Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame inductee.
• International Affairs Nexus — Experts in the fields of academia and the foreign service share their insight into geopolitical issues and foreign policy. Led by Trudie Thompson, retired Army Reserve officer and longtime foreign service officer.

UD by the Sea 2026, sponsored in part by the Cape Gazette, Delaware Art Museum and Compass Real Estate, takes place at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center in Rehoboth. The $250-$325 fee includes educational programming, continental breakfasts and social activities. Participants are responsible for accommodations.

For details or to register for UD by the Sea 2026, please visit https://www.olli.udel.edu/ud-by-the-sea/.

Still time to sign up for 5-week classes taking place March 30-May 1

Registration is open March 16-April 3 for classes meeting March 30-May 1, 2026 at the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program for age 50-plus. A wide selection of classes is still available, in Dover, Lewes, Ocean View, Wilmington and online, ranging from art, history, wellness, investing, book club, environment and more. Prior OLLI membership is not required. Click here details, including a list of courses with seats still available.

Save the date for five weeks of summer fun — June 22-July 23

Join us this summer to connect with a fun learning community and make new friends at UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI Summer Selections offers five weeks of fun topics, short courses and field trips. A tentative list of course topics includes art, movies, yoga, trivia, history of BBQ, understanding medical terminology, and more. The usual 50-plus age guideline is waived for adults of any age to participate in OLLI summer classes. Details coming soon at UD OLLI Summer Selections 2026. 

UD by the Sea, May 19-22

Summer classes start June 22

OLLI travel opportunities

Extra benefits of joining OLLI

Gift certificates available