[Photo credit: Mike Thompson]
The Faces of OLLI [#9]: Meet Mike Thompson
[by Alan Sturrock, blogger]
Mike Thompson grew up in the Cincinnati area and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, followed by graduate work at Ohio State University in 1967.
His first job following graduation took him to Elkhart, Indiana. There he began his community service work. His career took him pretty much all over the country. In 1974, he was appointed the executive director of United Way here in Wilmington, NC, a position he held for five years. A promotion to the national organization landed him in Northern Virginia, a position in which he served for eight years.
When Mike retired from his forty-year career in 2001, he and the family moved back south to Wilmington, building a home in Porter’s Neck. His first introduction to OLLI was in 2005 with the New Horizon’s Band playing trumpet, and, occasionally euphonium, a commitment he has honored ever since.
Mike has also been an active student, taking active/outdoor courses; a fan of international travel (Croatia, Sicily and soon, Scotland); a teacher and facilitator of academic courses; and a volunteer, especially on the Advisory Council—a think tank to discuss issues and advise the director regarding possible solutions. On the Advisory Council, Mike served on several planning committees, then chaired the council for two years. Mike currently serves on the wine society committee.
OLLI became a valuable resource following the loss of his wife in 2016. In his own words: “it kept me active.” He later married Marilyn Sheerer, and both continue to be active members in the OLLI program.
According to Mike, the OLLI at UNCW is unique for both its program offerings and its fee structure. His hopes for OLLI going forward are twofold: continuous improvement in all facets of the organization, including data collection to keep a pulse on members’ interests; and continuing to find ways to help members and volunteers connect.
