Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy to Hold Classes at Temple Beth Sholom
Summer semester registration begins April 19 for LLA members. Open enrollment begins April 26.
Starting June 6, LLA classes will begin in new location.
Sarasota, FL— In the wake of the recent announcement that Lifelong Learning Academy will merge with Ringling College of Art and Design as part of the College’s Continuing Studies and Special Programs (CSSP), Lifelong Learning Academy is preparing to move from its longtime headquarters at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
Lifelong Learning Academy will continue to offer classes at USF until the conclusion of its spring 2016 semester on April 28. At that time, the organization will have officially merged with Ringling College and will move its courses to Temple Beth Sholom on June 6.
Ultimately, Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy’s new home will be at the historic Sarasota High School, currently under renovation. The building will house the College’s community programming, including the Sarasota Museum of Art (SMOA), Lifelong Learning Academy, and CSSP.
According to Janna Overstreet, the executive director of Lifelong Learning Academy, the move to permanent headquarters is scheduled to take place in late 2017, when the building is poised to be completed.
“We’re thrilled to announce that our temporary headquarters will be at Temple Beth Sholom,” says Overstreet. “We searched for a location that allows for flexibility in scheduling, eliminates the need for parking permits, and provides space for students to meet and socialize. Temple Beth Sholom offers these amenities and more.” Overstreet adds that Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy remains committed to “providing students with quality, lifelong learning experiences that meet their need to learn, to socialize, and to engage with others in an open and welcoming environment.”
“We know that any change, large or small, often comes with concerns and questions,” says Overstreet. “But we want our students, faculty, and supporters to know that our name change and partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design only strengthens our commitment to providing first-rate instructors and learning experiences. This partnership also enables us to operate in classroom spaces that are specifically created for lifelong learning, in addition to exposing our students to options for creative courses in art and design. We’re excited about this new chapter in our history and anticipate a journey filled with new opportunities for growth, new stories to tell, and good times along the way.”
Overstreet adds that the summer term, which runs June 6-July 28, features more than 25 classes. “Many courses run only one to four sessions, in order to give those students who will be traveling and or have guests this summer the flexibility they need to take courses and still maintain their summer activities.” Registration for the summer semester begins on April 19 for LLA members; open enrollment begins April 26. The public is invited to attend an Open House at Temple Beth Sholom, June 2, 11 a.m.-noon.
On June 1, LLA moves to Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S Tuttle Ave., in Sarasota. For more information, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org to view or request a catalog.
