Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida

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Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida

The Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida a Lifelong Learning progeam for Adults 50+

Established in 1991, the Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida (LIFE at UCF) is a 501©3 organization in partnership with the university. Members, 50 and older, enjoy stimulating, non-credit classes on the UCF campus, which are taught by faculty from the various colleges within the university or by professionals from the local community. In addition, LIFE members are offere

d opportunities to participate in experiential learning experiences through field trips and travel offerings. LIFE’s partnership with UCF provides many benefits: meeting space for 800 members on a weekly basis, campus parking, shuttle buses, library privileges, free or reduced admission to sporting events and musical/theater performances. LIFE at UCF has reciprocated with over $600,000 in research awards and scholarships for deserving faculty and students. In addition, LIFE members often volunteer as participants in research projects impacting older adults. LIFE at UCF, a largely volunteer organization, is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of 18 members. A small staff assists with coordinating various committees charged with the successful oversight of this dynamic lifelong learning program.

05/05/2026

Membership is now open for the Learning Institute for Elders at UCF! Click the link in our bio to register by July 1st. Must be 50+ to join.

Click here to join today ! :
https://life.member365.org/public/login/membership/0f6cc3476de4b6cd8e7cd3efb18b197c82b4b1f8/1

04/22/2026

LIFE at UCF held its annual meeting last week and it was NOT your typical annual meeting! If you missed the “Reach for the Stars” bash, you missed the Pegasus Ballroom which had been transformed into an inter galactic atmosphere complete with planet centerpieces, balloon selfie arches, and aliens everywhere you looked. LIFE members sure know how to have fun! After an out of this world continental breakfast and a wild and crazy business meeting, we had a round of endless door prizes, best costume contest and volunteer awards ceremonies. We ended with a heavenly performance by the UCF String Quartet to bring us back to earth. There surely is LIFE in our galaxy.

04/15/2026

Dr. Marcel Otto, Assistant Professor, UCF Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research spoke to LIFE on molten salt and how it is transforming the energy landscape by enabling safe, efficient heat transfer for advanced nuclear systems and unlocking long-duration energy storage for renewables. Dr. Otto shared with us that in Sanford, Florida, a joint facility by UCF, Kairos Power and Siemens Energy is at the forefront of this transformation—developing cutting-edge molten salt technologies that support clean, dispatchable power.

The second lecture this week was delivered by Mrs. Anne Taylor, Director of Philanthropy – IDignity, a non-profit organization in Orlando, Florida that helps U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain essential identification documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and Florida IDs/driver's licenses for free, thus removing barriers to employment, housing, and social services. Vulnerable populations are helped with guidance through the often complex process toward the goal of self-sufficiency.

04/14/2026

An enthusiastic group of UCF "LIFErs" enjoyed a wonderfully interesting tour of the Valencia Culinary Institute in the Union West Building in downtown Orlando. Our tour guides, Valerie Camacho and Elisa Brewer, regaled us with stories of all the training their students must complete for graduation. The Institute proudly boasts an impressive 100 percent placement rate.

04/13/2026

‘Adventure Seekers’ from LIFEatUCF experienced an unforgettable opportunity to soar on Monday……just like the first recorded seaplane took flight 112 years ago!!!!
Ashley, from Jones Brother's Seaplanes shared the history and specifics of the various seaplanes along with the geography of the Harris Chain of Lakes & other nearby lakes. We learned of the many unique competitions & events that occur throughout the year at their picturesque location. A very experienced mechanic then shared his vast experiences & the intense work needed to keep the seaplanes ‘afloat’.
We were then divided between two floatplanes - one with retractable wheels which rolled down the ramp into the Lake. We experienced the excitement of takeoff, a “Splash & Dash” at 50 miles/hour and then our final smooth SPLASH DOWN back onto Lake Dora. As we soared, our pilots shared insights of the stunning aerial views of Tavares - "America's Seaplane City", lush scenic Florida landscapes, charming waterfront homes, and historic Mount Dora. We glided over Blue Water Industries that operates a major sand processing plant which causes a blue lake in Leesburg.

It’s an amazing feeling to finally admire those views from the cockpit rather than a mere postcard (or FB!). We are so grateful to have experienced this incredible ‘bucket-list’ ride! CHECKED THAT OFF!!!

A few members enjoyed lunch at the “Puddle Jumpers” restaurant next door - with views of our seaplanes flying in.

04/10/2026

For those who braved the rainy weather last Tuesday, the LIFE lecture series was a lot of fun. The presenters included the return of Wayne Bowen, Ph.D. Associate Vice Provost, Office of Undergraduate Studies for an “Ask the Professor” presentation. Members provided many questions that kept Dr. Bowen busy.
The lecture series ended with a panel discussion. Topic included: Taxation in America - A Multilevel Policy Forum. Panelists consisted of Dr. Bradley Heim, Professor and Director, UCF School of Public Administration, Dr. Esteban Leonardo Santis, Director of Research, Florida Policy Institute, James H. Sutton, Jr., CPA, Esq., Attorney and CPA, Moffa, Sutton & Donnini, Kim Frederick Heller II, Esq., Attorney, Kim F. Heller, P.A., and Jamy Barreau, Esq., LL.M., Managing Attorney, Barreau Legal, PLLC.
We even had a special appearance by Knightro who spent a lot of time shaking hands and making rounds in the room.

Great pictures of the action, Delaney.

04/02/2026

SIXTY-TWO appropriately clad LIFE at UCF members worked three hours at Second Harvest Food Bank! We were split into two groups; frozen food and dry goods. What a wonderful way to give back! We boxed and bagged over 25,000 pounds of food that calculates into 21,000 meals to people who depend on Second Harvest and its affiliated food banks/kitchens!

03/31/2026

Today, Wayne Bowen, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost, Office of Undergraduate Studies returned to LIFE with a lecture on N**i collaborators during World War II. Dr. Bowen had us look at the possible reasons that supporters from across Europe enthusiastically joined German military campaigns, enabled the Holocaust, and shared many of the same goals as the N**is. He gave us background information on N**i collaborators and posed the thought-provoking question, “How could so many non-Germans buy into the N**i idea of a master race?”

Our second lecture topic was “The Complete History of Florida (in less than an hour!)” presented by Dr. Ben Brotemarkle, Executive Director of the Florida Historical Society and the WUCF PBS producer and host of “Florida Frontiers.” We were taken on a whirlwind entertaining trip through Florida’s historical years to cover our state’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

We also had a visit from alien creatures from outer space who told us about our Space Themed LIFE at UCF Celebration, Award Ceremony and Annual meeting in April.

*****REMINDER: Don't forget to renew your LIFE membership. If you renew quickly, you will be eligible for a drawing for an amazing prize.

03/30/2026

30 LIFE members couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather as we were treated to a tour of Rollins College on Monday morning. Dr. Dorrell Briscoe, the new dean of religious and spiritual life, guided us around the incredibly beautiful Knowles Memorial Chapel. His energetic approach to his job was obvious in the improvements he has made for students of all faiths. Improvements that include special comfortable places for prayer and/or study! Our main guide was Ms. Jo Marie Hebeler, Associate Director of External Communications. She walked us around campus pointing out the historic pathway of over 300 stones, each with a historic name inscribed on a stone from the birthplace of each person…for example, Shakespeare and Maya Angelou. Stones have arrived from all around the world. The project was started in 1929 with a mere 20 stones by then president of the College, Hamilton Holt to inspire students by connecting them to historical greatness. Additionally, this is the time of year when everyone wants “to be my neighbor.” We were given the special, March only, insight and tour of Rollins most well-known alumnus, Mr. Fred Rogers! We saw his famous shoes and a beautiful sweater hand knit by his mother!

We left with the inspirational quote that Mr. Rogers lived by: LIFE IS FOR SERVICE.

03/26/2026

Thursday morning was the perfect time for almost 40 LIFE members to arrive at the Audubon Birds of Prey in Maitland. Although many of us had been before, there was no one who had visited since the major renovations/additions to the Center had been completed. With a group as large as ours, we had to be divided into two groups. As we toured, we learned of the complex process that accompanied each new patient to the Center. A vet fully examines each bird inside and out before allowing it to move into a facility to fully recuperate. Although only 40% of the birds that arrive or are reported will achieve a wellness level allowing for release back into the wild. Fortunately, the ones who must stay will have wonderful care for the rest of his/her life…one resident has been there for 39 years!

Address

P. O. Box 117
Goldenrod, FL
32733

Telephone

+14078235433

Website

https://lifeatucf.org/

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