Join OLLI And Eckerd College for a weeklong immersive experience in New York’s Finger Lakes region!
July 9–15, 2023
Scroll down to learn more about Chautauqua Institution and what is included with our trip, or click the Register Now button below.

Bill Kristol. Photo by Gage Skidmore
Week’s Theme: Can the Center Hold?—A Question for Our Moment
Confirmed Chautauqua Lecture Series Keynote Speaker: Bill Kristol
We can think of “the center” as the middle in political and economic terms: furthest from the edges of society and a place of status quo, moderation and balance. We also use center in reference to a physical space where a community comes together — to worship, to heal, to support one another. And “center” can mean the center of one’s being, the place one seeks in quiet moments of reflection. The center is many things, but is it foundational to a functioning society, or a construct that too often holds us back from progress and change? Does losing the center give way to extremism? In this week we consider who and what defines the center of society and why—or if—the center should be preserved.
Chautauqua Institution is a non-profit summer community for the arts, education, religion, and recreation—sitting on more than 700 acres of beautiful grounds in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Founded in 1874, Chautauqua hosts more than 2,200 events and nearly 100,000 guests each year.
Our exclusive program for Eckerd Lifelong Learners includes:
- Group ground transportation from Buffalo-Niagara International Airport to the hotel*
- Accommodations in the beautiful onsite Athenaeum Hotel (6 nights, 7 days)
- A full Gate Pass
- A group facilitator who will continue the discussions around the theme and events for the week
- Most of the week’s meals (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners)
- Evening theatrical or musical performances
- An off-site excursion, and more!
Pricing for double occupancy is $2,999. Single supplement is $400. Trip is limited to 40. Only 8 rooms remaining, don’t miss out!
*Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the closest major airport. A shuttle will depart a approximately 1:00 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. More details will be provided once you register.
Interested? Contact Judy Tilton at tiltonjd@eckerd.edu or 727.864.8290.
Featured image: “Athenaeum Hotel 2011” by A Siegel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.