June 8, 2022 —Wise persons over the years have recognized the benefits of lifelong learning, long before research was conducted proving the fact.
“I’m still learning,” Michelangelo, age 87
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever,” Mahatma Gandhi
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young,” Henry Ford
OK, so what do YOU know about …
- The Grand Strategy of Ronald Reagan
- How Social Forces Affect Our Thoughts and Behavior
- Puccini: Master of Operas with Real Emotions
- Math Puzzles
This is a very small sample of topics that have been offered at Kendal College over the last 20 years!
Kendal residents organized Kendal College
Early Kendal residents not only wanted to have educational events and artistic performances, they understood the need for continuous learning as an important part of active, healthy aging. Not long after the first residents moved in, they organized what is known fondly as “Kendal College.”.In an effort to make these programs available to all residents, the events are funded through small fees paid by each attendee. This is NOT a money-making effort but a fun-making effort!!!
KaLex resident Ruth Woodcock has served on the Kendal College committee since its inception. She sums up the purpose of Kendal College, “It gives all of us a chance to be stimulated and to keep up to date with what is happening in the world. I’ve learned so much from the quality programs, but my favorites have been the opera presentations. Tim [Professor Emeritus Tim Gaylard, W&L music department] is so knowledgeable, talented, and fun!” Long-time resident, Mary Stratton adds, “It’s so gratifying to have Lifelong Learning come right to your home!”
How does it work?
Kendal College presentations are organized as a series of 3 or more one-hour sessions on a topic, including time for questions from the audience made up of residents, staff, and special marketing guests. With abundant professorial resources from Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute here in Lexington and Southern Virginia University in nearby Buena Vista, the resident-run committee seeks out experts on a wide variety of topics – some active professors and some Kendal resident experts.
There are an average of five or six Kendal College events scheduled each year (close to 100 different sessions over the years) and they are always well attended! In addition to the topics mentioned above, subjects have included music, poetry, literature, climate change, surrealism, witches, history, economics, politics, biology . . . and on and on! During the CARF accreditation process, the robust Kendal College program was singled out as a major strength of the Kendal at Lexington community. For more information about CARF accreditation.
Coming Soon to Kendal Hall
The current Kendal College 3-session series will cover American Indian Reservations, and a program on Greek mythology and its application in today’s world is scheduled for July and August.