Donations to the Scholarship Fund
are always welcome

We have always tried to offer educational opportunities at an affordable price. We continue to have a scholarship fund to assist any member who is in need of some additional funds to cover class fees. Donations to the Cunningham ElderCollege Endowment Fund help make this scholarship fund possible. Contributions are invested and only a portion of the interest is used. If you wish to discuss inclusion of the endowment in your estate plans, contact Dr. Sue Babione at the college (419.559.2301). Lets keep the fund growing for the future!

A Little History

Since the first four classes offered in the fall of 1994, ElderCollege has grown in numbers and educational offerings. The Elderhostel Institute Network assisted the founding members in forming this Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI). This Institute was the brainchild of Fr. William Cunningham who heard about this type of program on a national news program. He gathered three friends (Davis Sunderland, LaMar Christy and Robert Van Hook) to help him research and expand upon the idea for our area. Several established institutes were visited to gain an understanding of how other programs were organized. They visited with Dr. Charlotte Lee and established Terra Community College as the program host. These men, along with others who joined them in their efforts, organized an informational meeting to see if there was interest in our area to move forward. This first meeting attracted many adults interested in establishing a lifelong learning organization. ElderCollege was established!

Several thousand adults interested in participating in lifelong learning have attended classes or gone on educational outings with ElderCollege during the past ten years. Courses in art appreciation, computers, history, music, literature, science, and many more subjects generate interest each year and discussions often exceed the confines of the classroom walls. Outings have been taken to local and regional sites of interest for hands-on learning and in-depth historical perspective. Cooperative science and nature programs continue to be offered through the Sandusky County Parks District.

More than fifty members serve in leadership positions each year to keep ElderCollege functioning. They serve three-year rotating terms on one of the following committees: Steering, Curriculum, Executive, Travel, Special Events and Social, Nominating, or Public Relations. These leaders have a vital roll in keeping ElderCollege directed toward the classes and outings of interest to the members. Several members also serve as classroom representatives.

Elderhostel

ElderCollege is part of the Elderhostel Institute Network. Many members not only participate in classes and activities at Terra, but also attend Elderhostel programs throughout the world. The Elderhostel catalogs are available online at www.elderhostel.org. The Elderhostel Institute Network information is available online at http://www.elderhostel.org/ein/intro.asp

Our Mission

ElderCollege of Terra Community College is a peer-led group serving mature learners by broadening intellectual interests, physical activity and social interaction. Our mission is to create a climate that rekindles interest and stimulates the thrill of lifelong learning.

Member Benefits:

• Class and outing participation
• Leadership opportunities on ElderCollege committees: Steering, Curriculum, Finance, Travel, Special Events & Social, Public Relations, Executive, and Nominating
• Use of Terras computer labs, including Internet access and E-mail
• Use of Terras library and Ohio Link lending system
• Membership at Terras Student Activities Center for $20 per quarter

Inclement Weather policy
ElderCollege is never held when Terra is closed. These announcements are made on local TV and radio stations. If classes are delayed until 10 AM, we will begin with our 10 AM class unless you hear otherwise. Please make certain that we have your correct phone number so we may contact you with class-related information. If a class is cancelled, we plan to add it at the end of the class series.