The Lifelong Learning Program is an outreach program that arranges for emeriti faculty to give lectures or make presentations at senior residences and community centers in Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. This popular program was managed for many years by Peter Brier (English), who recently handed over the direction of the program to John Kirchner, who has been an active speaker for many years.
The topics that are offered are quite varied. For example, Stephen LaDochy (Geography) recently spoke on "The History of L.A. Wildfires". Stephen is the coauthor of the 2023 book, Fire and Rain: California’s Changing Weather and Climate. John Kirchner gave a talk titled "Dinosaurs in the Snow: Getting to Know a Very Different Japan." As a photographer, he has done research on five different continents.
While travel and hobby-related programs are especially popular, we have among us some emeriti with unusual professional skills. Susan Kane (Music) is planning a future program entitled, "Opera and the Power of the Human Voice." It will weave together education, live performance, and audience engagement.
Emeriti faculty from any discipline are encouraged to write to John Kirchner with a proposed topic/title, to ask for information about the program, or to learn more about how to participate in other roles. If selected, speakers will receive an a $100 honorarium for delivering a 45-minute presentation.