Come For The Education, Stay For The Friendships

“It began with a collaborative and cooperative spirit, and our beliefs have not changed. We work hard to provide quality broad-based learning opportunities for area residents. We have done what we were forewarned could not be done.”

Our Mission

Lakes Area Unlimited Learning engages and energizes older adults who embrace lifelong learning and are endlessly curious about the world around them. Our philosophy is “learning without limits,” and we live that philosophy by offering stimulating and relevant monthly programs, events and field trips. People join Unlimited Learning for the educational opportunities and stay for the friendships.

Our Mission

Lakes Area Unlimited Learning engages and energizes older adults who embrace lifelong learning and are endlessly curious about the world around them. Our philosophy is “learning without limits,” and we live that philosophy by offering stimulating and relevant monthly programs, events and field trips. People join Unlimited Learning for the educational opportunities and stay for the friendships.

How We Have Evolved And Grown

How We Have Evolved And Grown

2001

The idea of lifelong learning organization in the greater Cuyuna Range area surfaced in 2001, and was followed by considerable discussion and research. Local leaders, with the support of the Initiative Foundation and the Blandin Foundation, studied what we needed to be a healthier community. Continuous, ongoing education emerged as a priority, especially for older adults.


In 2002, the framework for Unlimited Learning was completed, including a joint venture with the Crosby-Ironton School District. A program design was developed, and we formally launched in Nov. 2002.


Our first program was about Islam, with more than 80 people attended from a radius of 50 miles. During the first year, attendance averaged more than 60 people. Topics included Saudi Arabia, Cuyuna Range history, birding in the area, Mayan culture and the Ojibwe Nation. Partnerships were formed with the Minnesota Humanities Commission, St. Paul, and the Elderhostel Institute Network, Vermont.


Planning for a U.S. foreign policy discussion group began in late 2002, requiring coordination with the U.S. Foreign Policy Association in New York City. An ongoing relationship was also developed with the Minnesota International Center, Minneapolis. The first Great Decisions discussion group was launched in January 2004.


Since 2004, Lakes Area Unlimited Learning has expanded programming and relationships with groups sharing a commitment to lifelong learning – the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Minnesota, the University for Seniors at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the University of Massachusetts and the Cuyuna Historical Society.

Now

In the words of one of our founders, “It began with a collaborative and cooperative spirit, and our beliefs have not changed. We work hard to provide quality broad-based learning opportunities for area residents. We have done what we were forewarned could not be done.”

Our Leadership Team

Board of Directors

President: Ruth Ann Wefald  I  Secretary: Chris Roberts, Ric Larson  I  Treasurer: Sally Ihne
Board Members: Marge Angell, Stephanie Dess, Kathe Lemmerman, Mary Steffenson, Jan Nordell

Program Committee

Chair: Mary Steffenson  I  Ruth Ann Wefald, Sally Ihne, Kathe Lemmerman, Jack Hickerson, Diane Leslie, Margaret Lunachek, Tom Lunachek, Jesse Nix

Finance Committee

Ruth Ann Wefald
Ric Larson

Marketing/Membership Committee

Chair: Sally Ihne
Chris Roberts, Peter Nordell, Stephanie Dess

Great Decisions

Ruth Ann Wefald
Kathe Lemmerman

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