Lifelong Learning @ UMSL

The University of Missouri–St. Louis Executive Leadership Consortium will celebrate the launch of its new program, Lifelong Learning @ UMSL. The launch event takes place at 2-4:30 p.m. April 5 at the J.C. Penney Building/Conference Center at UMSL. Lifelong Learning seeks to serve members ages 50 and older, a rapidly growing demographic with changing needs and demands.

The launch begins with a keynote address by John Henschke, associate professor of education at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., who is a renowned scholar and practitioner in the field of andragogy – learning strategies focused on adults. Henschke will present basic information about new and creative concepts and frameworks that better prepare us for serving older adults.

The event will feature breakout sessions including:

  • “Retirement Planning and Strategies: 50 and Beyond” presented by Sharon Laux, associate director of UMSL Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Education
  • “Life Review in Aging” with Jessica Sunnenberg, gerontological social worker, Forever Memories, LLC
  • “The Affordable Care Act: What does it mean for you?” presented by Cora Drew Walker, Missouri Foundation for Health

The workshops will be highly interactive, collaborative and engaging, with an emphasis on “immediacy of application,” a prominent theme in andragogy.  A reception, which features attendance prizes, will follow the workshops.

The Lifelong Learning program further explores the fact that some older adults may not be inclined to accept the aging process during such rapidly changing times. Health and time become two major factors, thus lifelong learning should facilitate shifts in attitudes and behavior.

“We’re very fortunate to be living during these historic and extraordinary times, where life expectancy is greater than ever,” said Malaika Horne, director of Lifelong Learning @ UMSL. She adds that the program seeks to be the “obvious leader of lifelong learning in North St. Louis County and beyond.”

All are invited to join in celebrating the launch of life-learning skills for older adults who have a thirst for knowledge but still enjoy having fun. Registration is $10 per participant. For more information and to register, visit the Lifelong Learning @ UMSL website.

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Leslie Patterson

Leslie Patterson