In the early 1990s, a group of retired men and women came together at Edmonds Community College to discuss classes designed for “lifelong learners,” people who were older, retired, but still vitally interested in being part of a lively exchange of ideas and knowledge. Leading the session were Pamela LeMay, assigned by the college president to evaluate the possibilities of such a program, and John Terrey, LeMay’s professor in graduate studies at the University of Washington.
Terrey was also executive director of community colleges for this state. Instead of the 10 or 15 folks they expected, 50 showed up and immediately began volunteering to serve on planning committees for what was to become the Creative Retirement Institute, with LeMay as executive director. Terrey remembers a specific request John Lord made loud and clear: “We want classes with academic substance. No pabulum. We’re here to learn.”
That premise has held. Creative Retirement Institute offers college-level classes led by experts in which retirees can learn and discuss issues with others who have similar interests. Classes are open to any retired person regardless of their educational background. Volunteers from the senior community are involved in all aspects of planning.
The advisory board’s curriculum committee makes final decisions on class offerings. This fall, the list includes such diverse subjects as “Al, Bing and Frank, a musical celebration,” “The Greek Tragedies” and “Health Care: What the Presidential Candidates Want … Do You?” In some instances, teachers become students.
Among ths classes this quarter is “The Best and the Brightest,” led by Dave McCourt, a former history and political science faculty member at Everett Community College. The discussion will address how this country’s best minds have served us — for good or for ill — over the last century. This class runs Oct. 29 to Dec. 10.
In all, 29 classes, as well as lectures and special events, are scheduled at the EdCC campus this quarter. Classes are spread over the quarter; some covered in two sessions, others running longer. Terrey and a colleague will lead a “Current Issues Forum” in November discussing Al Gore’s new book, “Assault on Reason.” Terrey describes it as an analysis of how the politics of fear, secrecy, cronyism and blind faith have contributed to an environment that is hostile to reason. He looks forward to the class discussion of “what is reason.”
Last spring, in a class on “dangerous ideas” that also challenged strongly held opinions, his lecture covered the famous Scopes trial in Tennessee. Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan were on opposing sides of the creationism vs. evolution issue. So descriptive and convincing was Terrey’s lecture that a student came up to him later and said, “You described it so well I could see the sweat on Clarence Darrow’s face.”
Terrey also remembers another student saying to him after the class, “They tell me you’re 81 years old. You can’t be.” Terrey replied, “I am, except when I teach, and then I get younger.”
That enthusiasm permeates the institute offerings. Classes change from quarter to quarter. There are no tests, no paperwork, just learning and enrichment. Classes take place during the day. Fees average about $5 an hour. So it’s possible to sample the program with a single class for a modest fee. Those who chose to pay a $60 yearly membership get some extra perks: priority registration for classes, the EdPass, which allows free passage on Community Transit buses, and use of the college library.
Members pay just $5 for the institute’s thrice-yearly luncheon ($17.50 for others) that feature well-known guest speakers.
Students on a budget can apply for scholarships covering half their class fees. It’s a simple form, LeMay said. No financial records are required.
“It’s fascinating to see how far people will come for a program like this,” she said. The enrollment lists cover communities throughout this county and north King County. Interest in this program has sent LeMay and the institute’s leadership team to help initiate similar life-learning programs at Evergreen College and Western Washington University.
“I feel dedicated to this as a movement,” LeMay said.
The people this institute serves feel equally dedicated to participating and spreading the word. “These are not elitist programs at all,” Nadeau said. “You’re welcome whether your formal education ended early or you went on to earn several degrees. The teachers love to teach. Everyone shows up for class because they want to be in there.”
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