History

In April 1998, Learning Is ForEver affiliated with Pierce College’s Continuing Education Department.  Pierce College invited citizens of the county to join in the planning process for a Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI).  Twelve individuals met in November 2000 to begin learning how to launch an Elderhostel “at home” program (Currently called Road Scholar’s LLI).  Members of the Edmonds College LLI provided valuable assistance with the non profit paperwork, leading to the first public meeting held at Pierce College.  Fifty-five individuals from the community attended a meeting in 2001, and thirty paid dues to provide the initial financial support for the project.  Members were surveyed regarding course ideas and activities, and based on the input from those surveys, it was decided we would focus on one-time lectures instead of weekly classes lasting a full quarter.  That October found Learning Is ForEver (LIFE) launching its first educational classes for active retirees in Pierce County, Washington.

In January 2005, LIFE moved its affiliation from Pierce College to Pacific Lutheran University.  PLU has been very supportive of the our organization by permitting the use of their classrooms, printing services, technology assistance, and overseeing our finances through the University’s Business Office. We especially appreciate the assistance of the Graduate Studies and Continuing Education office.

In early 2007, a website was launched in connection with the PLU website.  LIFE’s mailing list is around 250, with approximately 100 members being active through regular class attendance.

2009 found LIFE hiring a part time employee, to act as a liaison to the University, and to assist with the increasing demands of the program.

We aim to change with the times, requesting our members to receive their quarterly brochures by email, when possible, and allowing walk-in registration to most of our classes.