Academy’s Silver Jubilee set May 13

Tours of Goodstay Gardens will be part of the Academy of Lifelong Learning’s silver anniversary celebration.

1:57 p.m., May 9, 2005--UD’s Academy of Lifelong Learning will mark its 25th anniversary with a “Hi Ho Silver Jubilee” celebration at 2 p.m., Friday, May 13, at Arsht Hall on the University’s Wilmington campus.

Part of the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Academy of Lifelong Learning is an academic cooperative--members teach other members--that offers more than 200 noncredit courses a semester. The 2,100-member academy is one of the oldest and largest such organizations in the nation.

Membership criteria are simple. “You must be 50 or older and have a love of learning,” Ruth Flexman, University coordinator of the Academy, said.

The anniversary celebration will feature the academy’s combined band and chorus performing Irving Berlin’s “America” and the “Armed Forces Salute.” Four Winds, a wind quartet comprised of Academy members, also will entertain.

The guest speaker is Richard Fischer, who was instrumental in helping to create the academy. Fischer served as the associate provost for distance and continuing education for 13 years, until his retirement in 2002. In addition, charter member Glen Barbaras will give a talk and slide show on the history of the academy.

Other activities include tours of the Goodstay Gardens, which originated as a 1740s kitchen garden and is one of the oldest gardens in Delaware. A magnolia walk and a circular reflecting pool are two of the special features of this American Tudor style garden.

Refreshments will be served, including homemade cookies prepared by academy members. And, academy member Dick Holmes, a retired WILM radio personality, will deejay a “golden oldies dance” at the conclusion of the celebration.

Tickets to the “Hi Ho Celebration” are $10 and must be purchased in advance, by Tuesday, May 10. For tickets or more information, call (302) 573-4433.

Article by Margo McDonough
Photo by Alexandra Pasquale

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