Lifelong Learning Institute celebrates 10 years

Three people stand talking. — Guru Ghosh (at center), vice president for outreach and international affairs at Virginia Tech, talks with Jerry Niles (at right) founding dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and former interim vice president for outreach and international affairs, and Lois Stephens (at left), who retired from Continuing and Professional Education.

Guru Ghosh, vice president for outreach and international affairs, opened the Lifelong Learning Institute’s 10-year anniversary celebration last week at the Montgomery Museum of Art & History, reflecting on how the institute has grown over the past decade.

Other speakers included Pat Hyer, associate provost emerita and the institute’s volunteer leader, and Jerry Niles, founding dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and former interim vice president for outreach and international affairs. Both were instrumental to starting the organization at Virginia Tech.

Members also enjoyed wine and light hors d’oeuvres while browsing the art and creative work of LLI members and instructors.

Drawing on the region’s vast academic and community resources, the member-driven volunteer organization is supported by Continuing and Professional Education and offers courses, lectures, field trips, charter travel, and more for curious adults 50 and older over two terms each year.

Photos by Amanda Broome for Virginia Tech.