You Are Never Too Old to Learn

Shirley Garrison is an 82- year-old retiree. She’s also a Harper College student.

The Arlington Heights resident eagerly signed up for 10 classes last fall; this spring, she registered for eight. And, through the years, she has happily worked her way through a cornucopia of course topics—including a recent favorite that addressed the differences in cultures across the world.

Her vehicle: Harper’s Lifelong Learning Institute, an especially-for-seniors program dedicated to helping those over 55 experience the joy of learning. Launched in 2003, the Institute now boasts more than 500 non-credit courses in a host of subjects—from history and art to science, philosophy and music—and also offers regional trips and tours and one-session lectures.

Garrison, who also teaches an Institute course on “Writing Your Life Story,” appreciates the Institute courses as much for what they do provide—camaraderie and fun-filled learning—as for what they leave out. There are no tests, no textbooks and students do not have to write papers or worry about grades.

“You just have to go in there and enjoy it. It thrills me,” Garrison said. “I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to keep their mind going like this.”

Harper will offer a Program Preview of its Lifelong Learning Institute from 9 a.m. to noon on Wed., Aug. 4, in the Performing Arts Center on the main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. The Preview, geared toward newcomers but open to all, allows attendees to visit classes and meet instructors, enjoy free refreshments, sign up for courses, and learn about the Institute.

Call 847-925-6300 or visit harpercollege.edu/ce to reserve a spot at the annual event.

Lifelong Learning Institute courses are held in a variety of locations around the suburbs, including on Harper’s main campus; most run during daytime hours Monday through Thursday.

Among the fall options: a Civil War series focused on the war that helped shape America, exercise classes, a course on Chicago mob history, a how-to session on downsizing your home, a seminar—complete with pictures and artifacts—looking back on the 1950s, field trips to the Art Institute and the Mayslake Peabody Estate in DuPage County, and a collection of “Pizza with the Professor” lectures allowing participants to lunch and learn with Harper instructors.

“We truly do offer something for everyone,” said Kathy Swan of Harper’s Continuing Education Department, which oversees the Lifelong Learning Institute. “Our program encourages people to get involved."