Free Programs:
Fall 2026

Whether you’re new to Clemson OLLI or returning from a hiatus, this orientation illustrates how OLLI ticks, who is who and how you can be part of your regional lifelong learning program! Refreshments provided.

Join Quientell Walker, Local History Associate at the Walhalla Headquarters Library, for a four-part introduction to discovering your family history. This beginner-friendly series covers the fundamentals of genealogy, including an overview of genealogical research, tips for getting started, an introduction to Ancestry Library Edition, and how travel can enhance your genealogy journey through on-site research and historical exploration. Whether you're just beginning your family history search or looking to build a stronger research foundation, this series will provide practical tools and resources to help you trace your roots with confidence.

Sex trafficking is a serious human rights abuse that inflicts lasting harm on individuals, families, and communities while often remaining hidden through complex trafficking tactics. In this presentation, Dr. Thomas Sharkey, Professor of Industrial Engineering at Clemson University, shares how his transdisciplinary research team combines advanced mathematical modeling with the lived experiences of human trafficking survivors and service providers to better understand and disrupt trafficking networks. Supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Justice, Dr. Sharkey’s innovative approach provides actionable insights that help law enforcement, government agencies, nonprofits, and service providers protect vulnerable communities and ensure survivors receive the care and support they need to heal.

Are you approaching, or already past the age when Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin? Wondering what these withdrawals mean for your retirement accounts and overall financial planning? Join us for a discussion of current RMD rules and regulations, along with an introduction to Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). You'll learn how this powerful financial tool can help satisfy RMD requirements while supporting the charitable organizations you care about in a tax-efficient manner. Erin Q. Byrd is the Director of Gift & Estate Planning at Clemson University, focusing on facilitating philanthropic gifts to enhance opportunities for students. Cindy Barnes is the Administrative Coordinator of Gift and Estate Planning, Inclusion and Equity at Clemson University.

Learn how to recognize, prevent, and report Medicare fraud in this informative presentation led by Crystal Strong with the South Carolina Department on Aging. Participants will gain practical tips for protecting their Medicare benefits, identifying common scams, reviewing Medicare statements for suspicious activity, and knowing what steps to take if fraud is suspected. This presentation empowers older adults, caregivers, and beneficiaries with the knowledge needed to safeguard their healthcare and personal information.

Join Clemson alumnus Judge Gary E. Clary for an engaging retrospective on his distinguished career in South Carolina public service. In this one-hour presentation, Judge Clary shares behind-the-scenes experiences and landmark moments from his multi-faceted professional journey. Attendees will gain unique insights into the Palmetto State’s legal and political landscapes. He will highlight his ten-year tenure as a South Carolina Circuit Court Judge and his six years in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Finally, he will discuss his current role as Clemson University's Jurist in Residence. The session concludes with an audience Q&A. Judge Gary Clary is a distinguished South Carolina jurist, former state legislator, and legal educator who serves as the inaugural Jurist in Residence at Clemson University. Born in Gaffney, South Carolina, his career spans over five decades across the judicial, legislative, and academic sectors.