An organization dedicated to providing learning opportunities for older leaders will begin their spring and summer courses this week.

The Society for Lifelong Learning is “a member-driven organization dedicated to offering a wide range of high quality, intellectually stimulating, non-credit educational programs and experiences for ages 50 and over who have a love for learning,” according to a press release from the Society.

“The Society for Lifelong Learning at WKU (SLL) is for adults 50 and over who are naturally curious about the world around them and appreciate the value of learning for a lifetime,” Susan Esters, the Marketing Manager in the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach at WKU, said in an email. “The people who sign up for classes are from a wide array of backgrounds and educational levels.”

Food For Thought events are an excellent way for the community to experience the SLL and what it offers.

They will be offering 23 classes and four “Food for Thought” events throughout the spring and summer. The spring courses started Tuesday and will be offered until May 5, with additional summer programs available.

According to a press release from the Society for Lifelong Learning, over 120 members have registered for upcoming courses.

The Food for Thought events include classes and discussions titled “The Beatles vs. the Stones,” “Immigration in Kentucky,” “Tips for Staying Healthy as We Age” and “Taking Care of Elvis.” The “Taking Care of Elvis” event will feature guest speaker Letitia Henley Kirk, who was Elvis Presley’s private nurse for over 10 years.

“Food For Thought events are an excellent way for the community to experience the SLL and what it offers,” Ester said. “These are events that feature a guest speaker, a light meal and an opportunity to meet other SLL members.”

There will also be classes looking at the history of presidential elections and a course studying Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” that includes a trip to Louisville to see a production of the play by “Shakespeare Behind Bars.”

“Our members play a key role in determining the classes that we offer – and our instructors are willing to develop and teach classes based on what the SLL members request,” Cindy Ehresman, the Program Manager of Lifelong Learning, stated in an email.

The majority of the Society for Lifelong Learning courses and activities will take place at the Knicely Conference Center located on South Campus.

Although the Society for Lifelong Learning is a membership-based organization, the Food for Thought events are open to anyone who wants to attend with the purchase of a $10 ticket, Esters said. Guests who are interested in joining the Society for Lifelong Learning are also able to attend a class session for free before joining.