Center For Lifelong Learning Adds New Courses To Its Fall Curriculum

Article submitted by International College's Center for Lifelong Learning.
For more information, contact Director Meredith Doupé at 239-513-1122 ext. 6133 or by e-mail at mdoupe@internationalcollege.edu, or visit their website: www.internationalcollege.edu/cll

After leaving a demanding administrative career in Washington D.C. some seven years ago, Blanche Berger moved to Naples' Pelican Bay community and began to consider just how she would spend that precious allotment of time her life now offered through retirement. Though professionally retired, Blanche was resolved to not become personally retired.

"I couldn't see myself doing nothing," she says.

Convinced that there had to be more to daily life than simply going to the beach and playing golf or tennis, Blanche ultimately sought activities that would allow her mind to stay productively engaged.

"I felt like there was more that I wanted to learn, but I also wanted to meet new people," says Blanche.

Blanche, so similar to hundreds of other local adults, found a solution to intellectual and social fulfillment through involvement with International College's Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL). A member-directed, multi-generational learning community, The CLL invites area residents to participate in a diverse range of collaborative, life enhancing activities that includes stimulating discussion groups, lectures, field trips, workshops and more.

Annual membership in The CLL costs only $125 and entitles participants to free registration in more than 75 courses which are offered year-round. Programs are planned and led by International College faculty or notable experts. The CLL is Southwest Florida's only lifelong learning program affiliated with Elderhostel and therefore, is connected to a national network of lifelong learning institutes.

The CLL's fall term begins October 24th and runs through December 16th. Classes are typically conducted at International College's campus in North Naples or at Moorings Park in Naples.

CLL Executive Director Meredith Doupé says several "new and interesting" classes have been planned for the new term. "In addition to our ongoing Great Books Discussion group and the creative writing and poetry writing workshops we typically offer, we're also going to provide special classes on German Expressionism in Art and Music, a Zhostovo-Russian Folk Art Painting Class, and a workshop on how to create memoirs led by Teacher and Author Marge Lynch," says Doupé.

"With more than several dozen subjects covered in the curriculum, the program is varied enough to offer something for everyone," adds Doupé.

As for CLL Member Blanche Berger; her favorite on the menu is music.

"I enjoy all the classes, but I especially enjoy those led by Dr. Ron Bowman," says Blanche.

Bowman, a classically-trained Baritone, serves both as International College's Vice President of Student Development and President of The Naples Opera Society. His courses on music appreciation are some of the best-attended classes within The CLL. Nonetheless, CLL Director Doupé says courses are designed to appeal to more than music lovers. "Arts and literature, economics, the environment, health and wellness, philosophy and spirituality..." lists Doupé. "Our classes do more than cover a range of interesting topics, but also allow participants to interact within a community of people who each recognize learning as a lifelong process. As a result of the experience, many members go on to form lifelong friendships."