Ft. Washington Campus, Temple University

It could be music or art. Perhaps it’s history or entertainment. Maybe a rousing debate about contemporary issues and events is what truly interests you.

The LifeLong Learning Society at Temple University Fort Washington provides active persons 50 and over an opportunity to explore their passions in new and innovative ways each semester through topics ranging from Classical Music to an open forum on national and international events.

“The LifeLong Learning Society began in 1995 and was primarily created to meet the needs of the newly retired and over 50 age group in our community,” said Marylou Delizia, director of Temple University Fort Washington. “It’s for those who enjoy learning and want to expand their knowledge during the day in topics of specific interest to them.”

The spring session of the LifeLong Learning Society will kickoff Wednesday, March 11, at Temple University Fort Washington, 401 Commerce Drive. The first courses begin at 9:30 a.m. with other programs offered throughout the day.

Prospective members will have an opportunity to preview the program during a free LifeLong Learning Society Open House on Wednesday, March 4, beginning at 11 a.m.

Participants may join via the spring membership fee of $99, which allows them attend as many of the courses offered through the LifeLong Learning program as they like during the semester.

Individuals may also decide to attend one or more offerings in the Society’s Lecture Series — Lectures That Matter — The B. Batsheva Friedman Lecture Series. During the spring semester, the lecture series will examine topics such as “The Lawyer Stands Trial;” “Between the Wars - WWI and WWII,” “Death by Debt Strangulaton: The Subprime Mortgage Crisis;” “Take Care of Him and I Will Repay Thee: A History of the Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia,” “Iraq, the Humanitarian Side of War;” and “President Obama's First Hundred Days: An Historical Assessement” which will be presented by Temple University Ambler Dean Dr. James W. Hilty, a nationally recognized authority on the history of the American presidency.

LifeLong Learning Society courses for Spring 2009 include: Managing Your Writing Talent - 101 Approaches; Renaissance Art; Creativity: Have An Affair with Your Mind; Steven Sondheim - The Man and His Music; and India: 5,000 Years of History.

A program favorite, A Forum on National and International Events, is also returning with brand new topics.

“My philosophy is simple — the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” said instructor Dan Shoulberg, who after many years as a member of the LifeLong Learning Society made the jump to course moderator and became the Society’s Program Coordinator. “I think the most effective way to get to the truth is to hear from a diversity of opinions in an open discussion of today’s issues.”

Each semester “starts off fresh each semester with new programs for our longtime members and for individuals just finding out about the LifeLong Learning Society,” Delizia said.

“We have courses that highlight arts and entertainment, history, health, technology, and finance — most every facet of a person’s life is represented in some way,” she said. “The program is a fun and educational way to learn about and discuss the issues that impact our lives with others who are facing those same issues.”

For more information or to register for the LifeLong Learning Society, call 215-468-8500.