IMPACT For our community of supporters who believe learning is the journey of a lifetime
FALL 2026
The Naturalist Who Inspired 20,000 Lifelong Learners Honoring Road Scholar Instruc tor Marger y Spielman
T
o explore the natural world alongside someone who
deeply loves it is to see it
I’ve been greatly inspired by my Road Scholars’ spirit of adventure and passion for learning.
completely anew. For three decades, Margery Spielman has been that transformative lens for the Road Scholar community. A pioneering diver, environmental artist and brilliant naturalist, California-raised Margery didn’t just show Road Scholars the
Margery will continue making our
piggy bank to buy a wading pool.
Channel Islands — she brought
learning adventure unforgettable.
And in those shallow waters, a deep, lifelong passion was born. Donning
them to life. Now, as Margery retires at 78, we’re celebrating a career defined by curiosity, passion and an unwavering love of sharing the natural world. She is the heart
Her Journey Begins
S
a mask, snorkel and fins, young
ome love stories begin early. For
Margery spent hours immersed,
Margery, a lifelong romance
exploring her own little ocean.
with the water began before she
of what makes Road Scholar special
could even walk, buoyed by a tiny
At age eight, a National
— an expert who turns every outing
life jacket in the sunlit pools of the
Geographic photo of legendary
into a discovery. Thanks to your
San Fernando Valley. “I was drawn
oceanographer Jacques Cousteau
support, remarkable Group Leaders,
to water,” she says. By age five, she
instructors and naturalists like
had enough money saved in her
continued on page 3
A LETTER FROM ROAD SCHOL AR’S PRESIDENT
Your Support Makes Exceptional Learning Possible
T
Leaders and instructors who are
hink back to your
carrying that tradition forward,
most memorable Road
while celebrating longtime leaders
Scholar experience.
like Margery Spielman, whose
Perhaps it was standing beside an
remarkable 31 years with Road
archaeologist as ancient history
Scholar have enriched the lives of
came alive, walking a forest trail
thousands of participants.
with a naturalist who helped you see an ecosystem in a completely
Throughout this newsletter, you’ll
new way, or joining an online
see the many ways your generosity
lecture that changed how you
creates lasting impact. You’ll meet
think about the world. Chances are,
Carolyn, whose support helps
what made that experience
caregivers step away from the
unforgettable wasn’t simply the
demands of daily life to find rest
destination or the subject — it was
and renewal. You’ll read about
the person who brought it to life.
Michael, whose Caregiver Grant made that renewal possible. And
Our Group Leaders, instructors and
you’ll meet this year’s Age
local experts are the heart of every
Adventurously Award winners, whose
Road Scholar learning adventure. They don’t simply share knowledge; they
Your generosity
spark curiosity, invite conversation and
helps Road Scholar
help participants discover new ways of
recruit, develop
seeing the world.
curiosity and enthusiasm remind us that the desire to learn has no age limit. Every story begins with someone
and support
choosing to invest in lifelong learning.
What many people don’t realize is that
extraordinar y
educator with a participant whose life
those remarkable educators are there
educators whose
because someone believed in making those experiences possible. That someone is you. Your generosity helps Road Scholar recruit, develop and support extraordinary educators whose
expertise, passion and humanity transform learning into something
Every gift helps connect an inspiring may be changed forever. Thank you for believing in that mission and for making it possible every day. Sincerely,
deeply personal.
expertise, passion and humanity transform learning into something deeply personal. This year, we’re proud
James Moses
to welcome a new generation of Group
Road Scholar President & CEO
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ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
→ Diving with
THE NATURALIST
(continued from cover)
Jean-Michel Cousteau, 1992.
swimming alongside a massive grouper fish named Ulysses triggered an epiphany. “It was a window into my future,” Margery recalls. “I knew I wanted to be a scuba diver and be part of his team.” Learning to dive at 16, she went on to teach collegelevel courses in scuba diving and was later admitted into the Screen Actors Guild as a stunt diver. In the late 1970s, she began freelancing as a writer, researcher and illustrator for The Cousteau Society. In 1989, her lifelong dream came true when she finally became one of the first three women to join the Cousteau Diving Team — an incredible milestone in an era when females were rarely accepted into professional diving.
Marty’s Vision, Margery’s Touch
I
n 1995, John Prince recommended Margery to Elderhostel founder Marty Knowlton to lead a new
program, Myths, Monsters and Mermaids. When John
retired, she replaced him as the lead naturalist on the Channel Island programs. For three decades, Margery
in Blue: The Art and Memoirs of a Landlocked
shared the wonders of this living classroom with over
Mermaid.” We celebrate her wonderful legacy and lifelong dedication to learning. Her
20,000 Road Scholars — not just teaching facts
extraordinary career just earned her an
and figures — but making learning fun. “I’ve→been greatly inspired by my Road Scholars’ spirit of adventure and passion for learning.”
The Next Frontier: Her Memoir & the Women Divers Hall of Fame™
S
Read more about Margery on our blog at roadscholar.org/ blog/dive
tarting her next chapter, along with being caregiver for her husband, Margery
has written a memoir she hopes to publish, “Wrapped
induction into the Women Divers Hall of Fame™. For more than 30 years, Road Scholars have experienced the Channel Islands through Margery’s eyes. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, future
generations will continue to be guided by exceptional naturalists and educators like her.
Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975, dedicated to serving the educational needs of lifelong learners. Road Scholar Impact is published for the friends and supporters of Road Scholar. The purpose of this publication is to provide accurate information of a general character only. For advice in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisors should be obtained. The Elderhostel and Road Scholar logos, website addresses and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, Inc. If you wish to modify our communications with you, please go to roadscholar.org and log in to your account, or call us toll free at (800) 454-5768. Please learn more about giving at roadscholar.org/WaysToGive or call (877) 737-0664. © 2026 Elderhostel. All Rights Reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel. All paper used to produce this publication was harvested with sustainability in mind.
ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
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Three Friends, A Gift That Gives Back — to You and to Road Scholar A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a meaningful way to support Road Scholar’s mission of lifelong learning while providing guaranteed fixed payments for yourself or someone you love. It’s a gift that creates opportunities for future generations of lifelong learners while offering dependable income and potential tax benefits. To learn how this type of gift allows you to achieve these goals during your lifetime, visit roadscholar.org/income For personal assistance, contact Ali Lazar, Director, Individual Giving ali.lazar@roadscholar.org (617) 457-5494 This information is not intended as legal or financial advice. We recommend you consult your plan administrator, tax advisor or personal attorney to understand how the distribution requirements apply to your personal circumstances.
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ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
A Lifetime of Learning Remembered
W
hen Malcolm Williams met his friends Harvey White and Henry Steele at the University of Missouri in 1944, the young men certainly
didn’t know that their friendship would span a lifetime. Together, they served in the Army in WWII, graduated from college, attended each other’s weddings and kept in touch with letters through the years. While they each lived in sepa-
Together with their wives, they
rate states for the majority of
learned at places like Montreat
their lives, retirement brought a
Conference Center, Lake
new freedom to be able to spend
Junaluska and the Warwick
more time together — and this
Conference Center. They rode
is when they discovered
the rails through the Canadian
Elderhostel (now Road Scholar).
Rockies and journeyed to
One Scrapbook
Why Name Road Scholar in Your Will or Trust? For more than 50 years, not-forprofit Road Scholar has sparked the curiosity of more than 6 million adults, inspiring them to learn, discover and explore the world in meaningful ways.
An excerpt from Elderhostel Odyssey “Not only do we refresh our friendship, but we also make new friends. We see new parts of our country and of the world. We study new subject matter. It has been so stimulating that each couple has gone to Elderhostel programs on their own. What a fitting thing to do for three young (at heart) men who met so many years ago on a college campus!” — MALCOLM WILLIAMS, HENRY STEELE & HARVEY WHITE
Austria to learn about European
wrote an entry for the Elderhostel
history and Mozart.
Odyssey, a collection of memories and tributes by participants.
They favored programs that offered multiple topics of study,
Unforgettable educational
allowing each friend to choose
adventures like Malcolm’s are
the courses that were of interest
only made possible thanks to the
to them. “We were all interested
generosity of our donors who
in learning things we didn’t know
love lifelong learning as much
anything about,” says Malcolm.
was we do.
Many participants choose to extend that legacy by including Road Scholar in their wills or trusts, helping ensure that future generations can experience the same transformative learning, adventure and sense of community that have enriched their own lives. For many, leaving a bequest is a deeply personal way to give back. By naming Road Scholar in your will, you’ll leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Learn more at roadscholar.org/bequest For personal assistance, contact Ali Lazar, Director, Individual Giving ali.lazar@roadscholar.org (617) 457-5494
“And we were adaptable. We all got along very well.” Malcolm’s
Now, as the last remaining of his
wife, Elaine, created scrapbooks
friends, Malcolm, 99, fondly
of all their adventures together.
remembers the impact that these
In celebration of the organiza-
Elderhostel programs had on
tion’s 30th anniversary in 2005,
their retirement years. “They’re
Malcolm, Harvey and Henry
very happy memories,” he said.
ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
A Caregiver Grant — and a Walk in the Woods — Help Michael N. Begin Again
F
or six years, Michael N. was the full-
In the months that followed
time caregiver for his wife, Colleen,
Colleen’s passing, Michael began
who was diagnosed with
searching for ways to rediscover the
frontotemporal degeneration just before
wider world he had set aside. When
her 59th birthday. The disease gradually
he learned about and applied for a
stole her speech, her mobility and the
Road Scholar Caregiver Grant, it
vibrant life they once shared. Through it all, Michael cared for her at home with unwavering love until her passing in 2023.
marked a big step forward toward that goal. Thanks to the support of that Road
“Dementia is often called ‘The
who has a progressive neurological
Scholar Caregiver Grant, last August,
Caregiver’s Disease’ because of the
disease — one with no cure or
Michael joined 29 other adventurous
heavy toll, physically and emotion-
approved treatment, one that robs
Road Scholars at the trailhead of a
ally, that it takes on the loved one
a person of speech, independence,
sun-dappled forest path in New
providing care,” says Michael.
movement and memory ... in
York’s Adirondack Mountains. For
“There’s a strain on the spouse or
short, all the things that make
Michael, this wasn’t simply the start
life partner living with someone
us human.”
of a hike — it was a powerful
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ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
I am grateful to the Road Scholar donors who allowed me to live a dream that surpassed my expectations.
climb mountains for the personal
choice was a way to honor the mem-
challenge, others for the achievement
ory of our life together.”
itself. But as a former caregiver, I’m drawn to high places so I can see
For Michael, a trail in the woods has
greater distances and find new
always been his respite of choice.
horizons. The trail became a metaphor
“This Road Scholar program gave me
turning point, the first step to
of hope and fulfillment, difficult
restart his life after a demanding
and exhilarating with every
the exploration of what I’m
and emotionally draining journey of
vertical step. And doing it
calling my version 2.0
caring for Colleen.
with other spirited
self, to feel solid ground
hikers made the jour-
beneath my feet again,
The week was filled with exploration
ney incredibly special.”
to breathe deeply
an ideal opportunity to continue
and camaraderie — something he
again, to meet new
hadn’t experienced in years. But one
A meaningful hike for
moment stood out. With his fellow
Michael was around Clear
hikers, Michael climbed to the 4,095-
Pond on Colleen’s birthday.
foot summit of Cascade Mountain.
“I could feel her presence and
friends and discover new places,” explains Michael. “I am grateful to the Road Scholar donors who
approval when we paused on the
allowed me to live a dream that
“The literal high point of the week for
shore near a field of bright purple
surpassed my expectations.”
me was hiking to the summit of
pickerelweed,” he says. “Colleen had
Cascade Mountain, one of the aptly
always loved the forests of her native
named High Peaks inside Adirondack
Maine and the Allegany woods of
Park,” says Michael. “Some people
western New York, and my program
→ Learn how you can support
Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grants at roadscholar.org/caregiver
ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
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→ Group Leader Greg McCormack
Bringing New Insight Into the World, Thanks to You
E
Meet our newest Group Leaders and instructors — made possible by your support. very unforgettable Road Scholar experience has something in common: an extraordinary educator — that person who can help you see a destination differently, understand a complex topic more deeply or find connection with fellow learners in meaningful ways. Whether leading
participants through a historic city square or unraveling a complex topic in our online classroom, Road Scholar faculty do more than just share facts — they inspire lifelong curiosity and foster the connections that define the Road Scholar experience. Your support helps Road Scholar recruit, train and retain exceptional educators, ensuring participants continue to learn from passionate local experts and accomplished scholars around the world. Thanks to you, we’re thrilled to introduce a few of our newest Group Leaders and instructors.
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ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
← Kit Chapman, PhD Meet Kit Chapman, an award-winning science journalist, adventurer and one of the remarkable instructors on our Adventures Afloat programs. Originally from the U.K., Kit has lived in South Korea and Japan, where he traveled extensively. With a doctorate in the history of science, his incredible research has taken him to the RIKEN particle accelerator in Tokyo, where scientists are uncovering the building blocks of the universe. His ability to translate cutting-edge science into engaging stories helps participants better understand the world around them. “Road Scholar participants are just brilliant people,” says Kit. “They are curious, friendly and come to learn about the world and experience something unforgettable. On my last program, we had doctors, astronomers, teachers and even a circus high-wire performer.”
↓ Gary Lott
→ Greg McCormack
Based in the Pacific Northwest,
A champion of the natural world, Greg McCormack
Gary brings a unique blend of
has been a NOAA education specialist, a South
storytelling and warmth to every
Pacific Zodiac divemaster and a ranger at six
learning adventure. Whether he’s
national parks — from the Grand Canyon to
sharing a fascinating piece of
Hawaii. His passion for the natural world helps
local history or ensuring you feel
participants experience Alaska and the national
completely at home, Gary views
parks with fresh eyes.
exceptional service as a heartfelt
“I truly enjoy sauntering, hiking and exploring
way to show he cares. “It’s such a
during a Road Scholar program with my fellow
pleasure to share my knowledge
colleagues and participants,” says Greg. “It’s being open to
with Road Scholar participants,”
discovery that matters while journeying — not the destination —
he says. “I’ve met some of the
on a Road Scholar program.”
most delightful people.” You’ll find Greg leading Passport to Southeast Alaska: By Hiking Boot, Travel with Gary on The Many
Kayak & Boat, Off the Beaten Path: Yosemite National Park and
Faces of Seattle: Cultural
Alaska’s Inside Passage: Glaciers, Fjords & Indigenous Culture.
& Natural History or On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods & Crater Lake.
→ Nicholas Stavrinides, PhD Nick brings the ancient world right into your home through our online classroom! An archaeologist, art historian and educator, Nick’s expertise is backed by excavating and studying throughout Israel, Greece, Italy and Provence. After earning his degrees at UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan, he began delivering online lectures for Road Scholar in 2023, recently captivating our community with a deep dive into the Greek Islands of Antiquity — Rhodes, Kos and Samos.
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→ Carolyn straddling the Prime Meridian, an imaginary line of 0° at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, London, 2016
Why Carolyn S. Gives Back From biking the Everglades to supporting Caregiver Grants, learn how one dedicated Road Scholar participant is sharing the joy of discovery. A history and fine art enthusiast and former HR executive, Carolyn S. from California knew she wanted to keep traveling after her husband, Duncan, passed away in 2012. In 2014, she packed her bags to join Road Scholar for her first solo biking program through the Everglades — and she hasn’t looked back. Since then, Road Scholar has become one of her favorite ways to learn and explore.
The Best of Both Worlds
profound emotional toll of caregiving. “I know
Carolyn appreciates the unique balance that Road
firsthand how restorative a learning adventure can be
Scholar’s learning adventures offers solo participants.
after a difficult chapter in life,” she says. Today, she
“I like the flexibility of being with people, but having
proudly directs her giving to support Road Scholar’s
private time on my own,” she shares. On a recent learning adventure in Provence — inspired by a beloved painting of Avignon hanging in her dining room — she hit it off with Vicky, a fellow solo traveler. They explored the region with two other women and plan to keep in touch.
Supporting Fellow Lifelong Learners For Carolyn, travel is ultimately about
Caregiver Grants, helping others find much-needed joy and respite.
“Road Scholar has allowed me to broaden my horizons and see parts of the world I wouldn’t have otherwise, and I want others to have those same opportunities.”
community. That deep sense of connection is also why she is a dedicated Road Scholar
Broadening Horizons From London to Québec, Budapest to Provence, Carolyn has embarked on 16 Road Scholar journeys — and attended five online lectures — over the years. “I’ve learned to be open to other people and to hear about their lives,” she says. “Road Scholar
has allowed me to broaden my horizons and see parts of the world I wouldn’t
donor. Having navigated hospice care with both her
have otherwise, and I want others to have those
mother and her husband, Carolyn understands the
same opportunities.”
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ROAD SCHOLAR IMPACT | FALL 2026
We Asked for Adventure. You Delivered.
Meet the five winners of our secondannual Age Adventurously Day contest.
On June 8 — Age Adventurously Day — we celebrated another year of learning, exploring and growing together. We invited our Road Scholars to do what they do best: tell their stories. And did they ever deliver. From 1,628 heartfelt tales of adventure, we chose five winners — a task that was anything but easy. We’re proud to share the stories of our second annual contest winners.
Jean M.,
Donna H.,
Vanita W.,
Martha R.,
Jo P.,
Flemington, N.J.
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Redding, Conn.
Green Cove Springs, Fla.
Lino Lakes, Minn.
Jean became a Cornell-certified Master Beekeeper to satisfy her love of lifelong learning. This hobby combines her love of insects, flora, being outside, food manufacturing and honey (yum)! Her last Road Scholar adventure was to Antarctica, where she bravely took a polar plunge into 34.5°F water. “I relish experiencing new things through Road Scholar programs,” she says.
Donna prepped for and flew in the 2026 Air Race Classic in June, a 2,400-mile transcontinental air derby for women pilots, ages 16 to 96. Each year, approximately 100 women pilots gather to race their airplanes over four days, stopping in eight or nine states. “I celebrate the pioneering women from 1929 who started this race — and all the ones who have come before us,” says Donna.
Vanita plans to embrace spontaneity by heading to the airport with a small backpack, looking at the departures board and traveling standby to whatever destination she can get a seat on. She explains, “Standby travel isn’t meant for everyone. You relinquish control. You pack lightly, plan loosely and accept that things may not go as expected.”
After the recent passing of her husband of 45 years, Martha has resolved to carry on by living aboard and cruising her 52-foot boat entirely by herself. “It’s a very difficult thing to do, but I’m resolved to doing it,” she says.
Jo found her biggest adventure at her desk. She wrote and published a memoir and faced the “heart-poundingly scary” challenge of reading a chapter out loud at an Open Mic night. “It felt like sending my child to kindergarten,” recalls Jo.
Start Your Adventure The best Age Adventurously story may be the one you haven’t written yet. Every Road Scholar program offers the chance to discover a new place, a new passion or a new perspective. Browse our programs and find your next adventure at roadscholar.org/peruse
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Non-Profit Org.
Elderhostel, Inc. PO Box 56033 Boston, MA 02205-6033 roadscholar.org
U.S. Postage PAID Elderhostel
IMPACT GivingTuesday Is Almost Here On GivingTuesday, December 1, 2026, thousands of Road Scholar supporters will come together to help more adults experience the joy of lifelong learning. Watch your mail for ways you can make an impact this year.
IMPACT: See the difference your generosity makes. Inside this issue of Road Scholar Impact: → Learn how Margery Spielman
inspired thousands of Road Scholars over the years. → Read why Road Scholar Carolyn S.
gives back to Road Scholar. → Discover how a Caregiver Grant gave
Michael N. (right) a new beginning.