Sterling Wolfe
Sterling Wolfe describes himself as “just a common, everyday cowboy.”
When it comes to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at SDSU, the Valley Center resident is much more than that. Whether he’s riding his horse at Liberty Station NTC Park in Point Loma, walking through a nearby community, or traveling anywhere else, he loves spreading the word about OLLI.
“I was searching around about how to live life and heard about OLLI through a friend,” said Wolfe. “I started taking these classes and it opened up my cowboy mind to the world, which I had never done before. I learned so many things I never knew were out there.”
Wolfe said his eyes were opened by such courses as Generational Crisis in the Middle East, from the End of WWI to the Present, Religion and American Politics, and The Life and Times of Nicola Machiavelli.
Because of an OLLI Edventure to the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the San Diego Symphony, he became a supporting member of the symphony.
“OLLI and the San Diego Symphony introduced me to a new vision of life, to areas of life that I didn’t know existed,” Wolfe said. “Life is exciting. I’ve learned about a new excitement of being that I never knew before.”
His positive outlook on life at age 75 carries over into all that he does. His physical strength is demonstrated by his extra-firm handshake and his ability to bench press 200 pounds. In addition, he brands cattle for nearby ranchers.
Sterling and His Horse
Another way Wolfe stays active is riding his horse as a part of the Escondido Mounted Posse parade team. He has participated in the Rose Parade, Coronado Independence Day Parade, and the Oceanside Independence Parade.
“The Rose Parade was an amazing experience,” Wolfe said. “There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm.”
Wolfe is equally enthusiastic about his involvement as a volunteer at The Rock Church, near where he rides his horse at Liberty Station NTC Park.
In addition to spreading the word about OLLI wherever he goes, Wolfe tries to spread good cheer as well.
“I always try to compliment people,” he said. “There is so much negativity in the world. We need to be kind to each other. Life is not easy. We have to live it and enjoy it.”
