Lifelong Learning Institute holds fall membership event, Aug. 25

GOSHEN, Ind. – The fall course schedule offered by the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) of Elkhart County will be introduced at the organization's annual fall membership event on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Greencroft Goshen Senior Center. The instructors for the seven fall courses will provide introductions to their topics and interested seniors will have the opportunity to sign up for membership or renew their membership in LLI.

The fall course brochure will be available at the membership event. This fall's first course begins on Sept. 1.

The LLI sponsors a series of two-week courses in the fall and the spring, as well as a lecture series in mid-winter. Past courses have ranged from literature and the fine arts to politics and philosophy, and from African music and international cooking to Amish life and local wildflowers.

LLI's courses are designed to provide stimulating and affordable short courses in many fields for active seniors. Any interested adult may participate and one does not have to be a member. Members receive their first course free and half price for additional courses. Membership is open to persons who are 55 and older. The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30.

The two-week courses are held at area locations including Goshen College, the Goshen Public Library and the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department's Rieth Interpretative Center.

Membership and course registrations may be made at the Aug. 25 gathering. Membership or registration for any course may also be made at the Goshen College Welcome Center, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, Ind. Registration may also be made by phone and paid by credit card by calling (574) 535-7566. Limited scholarship assistance is available for seniors on Medicaid or living in HUD housing.

"There are no tests," said co-director Wilbur Birky, "just the joy of learning, combined with connections to other seniors interested in stimulating thought, conversation and exploration." Everyone is welcome and no previous college or other studies are required.

Wilbur and Fanni Birky are co-directors of the Institute. Wilbur is a former professor of English and director of international education at Goshen College; Fanni is retired from housing and volunteer programs management at Greencroft Goshen. They may be reached at (574) 533-6352 or by e-mail at lifelonglearning@live.com.

The Lifelong Learning Institute of Elkhart County is sponsored by Goshen College and Greencroft Communities. It is part of a grassroots movement for seniors seeking stimulation, continued growth, and connections to others with similar interests. The local institute is a member of a national network of similar programs, The Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN).

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

### 

Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a Difference College Guide" and U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.