January 6-February 28, 2014 • Registration begins November 25, 2013
The winter semester runs January 6 to February 28, 2014, and offers 103 courses in a variety of subjects, including literature, the arts, history, current affairs, science, psychology, health and wellbeing, technology, and languages. Twelve lectures and Einstein Circle discussions will also be offered. A new, three-part “Transitions Series” will be offered at the Kobernick-Anchin campus to prepare and respond to life changes and “Your New Now” series will be offered on the USFSM campus for those recently experiencing retirement and wanting to create their own “new” now.
(Sarasota-Manatee, Florida) “Walking Tour: Paris,” “Diversity in the Holocaust,” “iPhone for Beginners,” ” Appreciating Poetry,” “Dramatic Verdi,” “Buddha Heart—Buddha Mind,” and “Spiritual Psychology.” This is only a sampling of the 103 in-depth courses offered this winter by the Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA). Courses are primarily offered on the campus of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM). Classes are also offered at Westminster Tower and Shores in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island Community Center, State College of Florida, Kobernick-Anchin and Everglades University.
Twelve lectures and weekly Einstein Circle discussions will also be offered during the winter term. A new, three-part “Transitions Series” will be offered at the Kobernick-Anchin campus and a “Your New Now” series will be offered on the USFSM campus. Weekly classes run six to eight weeks, January 6-February 28, 2014. Each class costs $75 and registration begins November 25, 2013. To register or learn more about winter semester courses, visit www.lla-sm.org. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296.
Janna Overstreet is the Lifelong Learning Academy’s executive director, having previously served as the founding director of the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. Education that lasts a lifetime is both her passion and profession. “Our academy sets the standard other educational organizations follow,” she says. “I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of it.”
Overstreet praises LLA, celebrating its 15th anniversary, for “creating intellectual and cultural stimulation in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Our students experience lively discussions promoting personal growth and social engagement. It’s a true meeting of the minds.” She adds that LLA’s instructors come from, “the top of their fields,” and include CEOs of major companies, professional artists, writers and photographers, experts in science and medical research, and educators from renowned universities and colleges.” Overstreet adds that LLA’s instructors aren’t the only top minds; the students have great minds of their own resulting in lively classroom discussions. She describes the Sarasota-Manatee region as, “a mecca for lifelong learners. This is definitely the place to be if you want to continue to grow and experience an active retirement.”
LLA is currently a nominee for the WEDU Be More Empowered award, which honors grassroots organizations that were founded to meet an unmet community need and which have successfully served the intended recipients. With more than 1,600 students last year and a 28 percent increase in the fall 2013 enrollment over fall 2012, Overstreet says it’s apparent the academy is meeting a community need. She encourages people who believe that lifelong learning is valuable to our region to vote for Lifelong Learning Academy at http://www.wedu.org/bemore/vote/empowered/.
Lifelong Learning Academy offers four course terms per year on the USFSM campus, at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. In 2014, the winter term runs from January 6-February 28, 2014. Each course lasts six to eight weeks; most classes meet for one hour and 20 minutes each week. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org.