OLLI at TTU, Lubbock volunteer feature: Terri Navrkal

By Daniel Johnson, Section Manager

All great programs need special volunteers. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Texas Tech University (TTU), Lubbock has just the person that is willing to go above what is asked of her for the betterment of the program. OLLI at TTU's mission is to provide enjoyable and stimulating non-credit education for adults age 50 and up, and OLLI at TTU, Lubbock's volunteer Terri Navrkal knows a thing or two about education.

Navrkal graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor's in secondary education and a master's in education administration. She spent 30 years with Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) where she was a classroom teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, and director of human resources. Navrkal is currently an instructor with Texas Tech University K-12 program.

After retirement from LISD, Navrkal knew she wanted to stay involved with educating others.

"When I retired in 2011, I joined the Lubbock South Plains Retired Teachers Association and became president of the organization in 2013. Susie Moore (a former OLLI board member) was a longtime friend of mine and contacted me about OLLI coming to present at one of our monthly luncheon/meetings in the fall of 2014," Navrkal said.

"Upon the conclusion of that meeting, Susie asked me if I would be interested in joining OLLI and possibly serving as a board member in the spring of 2015. I was elected as a board member in April of 2015; I hit the ground running and haven't stopped. It truly has been an adventure!"

OLLI at TTU, Lubbock has provided a place for Navrkal to learn new topics and meet others at the same time.

"In addition to OLLI being an adventure, it allows me the opportunity to make new friends all the time. I like to socialize and meet new people, and OLLI is a place where I can do that," said Navrkal.

With all the classes Navrkal has been able to attend, one would think there are at least a few that have stuck out to her as favorites. "That's a hard question to answer because I have attended so many adventures, it's difficult to just pick one favorite. But I would probably say overall, my favorites are the ones involving food, movies and music. I love to eat. I love to watch movies of all genres, old or new, and I love music and the history behind songs," she said.

Through her volunteer roles, Navrkal understands there is so much more to OLLI than just classes.

"I don't view OLLI as an organization that just offers classes. OLLI allows me to learn for the fun of it. I don't have to worry about grades, homework or tests! I am a lifelong learner, and OLLI allows me the opportunity to learn about history, art, culture, current events, music, movies, technology, hobbies, health, science, volunteering in the community and many more topics."

Navrkal would love for more people to join in on the next adventure.

"If you like adventure, like meeting new people, and like learning for the fun of it, OLLI is the group to join," she said. "It's never boring, and the best part of all, there are over 50 classes offered each semester. How could anyone pass that up?"