February 12, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT
Janna Overstreet §941-359-4296 § [email protected]
Lifelong Learning Academy Announces
Spring 2014 Semester
March 10-May 1
The spring semester runs March 10-May 1, 2014, and offers 64 courses in a variety of subjects, including literature, the arts, history, current affairs, science, psychology, health and wellbeing, technology, and languages. Lectures and Einstein Circle discussions will also be offered throughout the eight-week semester.
(Sarasota-Manatee, Florida) “Human History—The Big Picture,” La Storia: The Italian American Experience,” 19 Ways to Generate Retirement Income,” and “Robert Frosts’ Greatest Hits.” This is only a sampling of the 64 in-depth courses offered this spring by the Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA). Courses are primarily offered on the campus of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM). Classes are also offered at Kobernich-Anchin-Benderson in Sarasota, Westminster Tower and Shores in Bradenton, and Anna Maria Island Community Center. Weekly classes run six to eight weeks, March 10-May 1, 2014. Each class costs $75 and registration is through March 13, 2014. To register or learn more about spring semester courses, visit www.lla-sm.org. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296.
Janna Overstreet is the Lifelong Learning Academy’s executive director, having previously served as the founding director of the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. Education that lasts a lifetime is both her passion and profession. “Our academy sets the standard other educational organizations follow,” she says. “I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of it.”
Overstreet praises LLA, celebrating its 15th anniversary, for, “creating intellectual and cultural stimulation in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Our students experience lively discussions promoting personal growth and social engagement. It’s a true meeting of the minds.” She adds that LLA’s instructors come from, “the top of their fields,” and include CEOs of major companies, professional artists, writers and photographers, experts in science and medical research, and educators from renowned universities and colleges.” Overstreet adds that LLA’s instructors aren’t the only top minds; the students have great minds of their own resulting in lively classroom discussions. She describes the Sarasota-Manatee region as, “a mecca for lifelong learners. This is definitely the place to be if you want to continue to grow and experience an active retirement.”
LLA is currently a finalist for the WEDU Be More Empowered award, which honors grassroots organizations that were founded to meet an unmet community need and which have successfully served the intended recipients. With more than 1,600 students last year and a 38 percent increase in the Winter 2014 enrollment over Winter 2013, Overstreet says it is apparent the academy is meeting a community need. She encourages people who believe that lifelong learning is valuable to our region to support the Academy through donation at www.lla-sm.org
Lifelong Learning Academy offers four course terms per year on the USFSM campus, at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. In 2014, the Spring term runs from March 10- May 1. Each course lasts six to eight weeks; most classes meet for one hour and 20 minutes each week. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org.
