Honoring a Lifetime of Learning

After serving in the Air Force for 23 years, Bob Henderson returned to Des Moines. He took classes at Drake University before securing a job in Drake’s IT department.

Bob maintained computer systems during a time of rapid technological change and says he most valued Drake’s accepting environment and the opportunity to work closely with students and faculty.

When he retired in 2011, Bob received a one-year membership to join the RaySociety (now the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). He has been a member ever since. OLLI provides opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural stimulation and growth for all persons who wish to enrich their lives in a collegial environment of sharing and fellowship.

Bob’s favorite memory with OLLI was a 2018 trip to China, led by Drake faculty member David Skidmore.

“I really fell in love with OLLI,” says Bob. “It’s a wonderful resource, and it makes so much information available to us.”

As Bob developed his estate plan, he wanted to honor his longtime relationship with Drake. Bob’s estate gift will support the three areas closest to his heart—the Drake music department, John Dee Bright College, and OLLI.