The Comox Valley ElderCollege is celebrating its 25th year this year.
On Sept. 6, the organization will be celebrating a quarter century of diverse, vibrant and affordable courses offered to older adults in the Comox Valley. This silver anniversary will be marked with a festive event in the Stan Hagen Theatre of North Island College (NIC). The event starts at 2 p.m., and will include some speeches, sharing of memories and a "sizable' 25th anniversary cake. The milestone will be commemorated with a large photo, featuring as many of the 1,000 people who are members of CVEC as possible.
Back in 1999, Elizabeth Smith and Betty Emery learned about the concept of an ElderCollege, and were inspired to create a program bringing lifelong learning to local seniors. In the first year, the group had a handful of members who, according to a release from CVEC, "were eager to explore the possibilities of a dedicated lifelong learning association."
That first year there were four courses on offer to 100 members. And in the two and a half decades since it has grown to a thriving volunteer organization of 1,000 members who have their pick of roughly 70 courses each fall and winter semester. The classes now go beyond the classroom as well, with a consistently popular Saturday morning lecture series, featuring a diverse roster of speakers who address a central theme from their area of expertise.
"That CVEC continues to thrive while many other ElderColleges have been forced to close is somewhat poignant, but is ultimately a testament to the strength of being a completely volunteer-run organization," the release says. "CVEC operates out of NIC鈥檚 Department of Continuing Education and Training, as a self-funded volunteer-run program, and enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with NIC. The college provides classroom space, registration platforms and part-time staff support, while CVEC contributes to the college鈥檚 financial picture."
CVEC has donated over $163,000 to various NIC bursaries and has also created a donation stream for a student emergency fund.
"During the height of the COVID pandemic, when many other ElderColleges struggled to maintain course offerings, CVEC members quickly learned to pivot, shifting courses from class-based lectures to online Zoom school where the virtual doors remained wide open," the release says. "With the resumption of in-class learning in recent years, CVEC members once again flocked to NIC campus, where the vast majority of courses are held. The passage of time and the trials of life have proven to be no match for the zest for knowledge that permeates the entire CVEC membership."
Those who are interested to learn about CVEC can join the upcoming information forum on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9:30 until 11:30 at the Stan Hagen Theatre. Course instructors will present brief and lively synopses of their courses. Admission is free and is open to all, but please note that course participation is limited to those 55+. Details and registration to attend either in person or online can be found at forum.cvec.ca.
