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 fall session of the LifeLong Learning Society will kickoff Wednesday, October 10, at Temple University Fort Washington, 401 Commerce Drive. The first courses begin at 9:30 a.m. with other programs offered throughout the day.

Participants may join via the traditional membership fee of $175, which allows them attend as many of the courses offered through the LifeLong Learning program as they like during the fall and spring semesters.

Individuals may also decide to attend one or more offerings in the Society’s new Lecture Series — Lectures That Matter. During the fall semester, the lecture series will examine topics such as “The View from the Dinosaur’s Tail,” by Chris Satullo of the Philadelphia Inquirer and “Presidential Leadership: Why Does it Matter?” presented by Temple University Ambler Dean Dr. James W. Hilty. Fall guest lecturers will also include Sister Mary Scullion, founder of Project H.O.M.E., and meditation expert, Dr. Chang-Shin Jih.

LifeLong Learning Society courses for fall 2007 include: Art in 3-D; Sculpture in Life and Society; Egypt — The Crossroad of Civilization; and A Cocktail of Jazz and Classical Music. New this semester is also a series of Two-In-One courses that explore multiple topics over the course of the semester. The fall Two-In-One Courses include The Civil War/The Johnstown Flood and Famous Plays/Expert Insults.

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 this fall is one of the society’s Program Coordinators. “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 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. For detailed course descriptions, visit www.ambler.temple.edu, and click on “Non-Credit Programs” and “LifeLong Learning Society.”