Western program provides community education in art, literature and science

Western’s Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) offers education to all interested adults, regardless of age or background. Founded in 1998, the program provides courses and excursions in a wide variety of topics, ranging from arts, literature, and science to current events and the local environment.

“We picked Bellingham because we wanted to be in a college town and have opportunities for continuing education,” said A.L.L. participant Bill Radock, who moved to Bellingham seven years ago for retirement.

Participants bring diverse life experiences and perspectives to the classroom, which make courses especially rewarding, shared Radock. He enjoys exploring new issues and subjects through A.L.L., especially courses in Northwest geology, ecology, and wildlife.

Volunteers work to develop the courses, organize excursions and recruit instructors from a diverse pool of Western faculty, faculty emeritus, and experts in various fields.

Courses last from one-day up to five weeks, typically with one class meeting a week. There is no homework, tests or grades. Excursions include trips to the opera, theater, and museums.

 “A.L.L. students are motivated by a pure passion for learning and knowledge, which keeps me saying yes to teaching courses despite my busy schedule,” said Western English professor Laura Laffrado, who is teaching the A.L.L course “Ella Higginson: The Forgotten Pacific NW Author” this fall.

Teaching an A.L.L. course offers an opportunity to investigate a specific topic outside of a professor’s regular curriculum, said Western Professor Edward Vajda, who teaches Russian Language and Eurasian Studies. Over five years of teaching A.L.L. courses, Vajda especially enjoyed leading students through an in-depth study of the history of disease. He incorporates questions A.L.L participants raise into his main campus courses.

“I think it’s good for Western that we are engaging with the larger community,” Vajda said. “The community feels like they are part of the university.”