ANNUAL REPORT 2017
WHO WE ARE The Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute connects older adults in North Alabama and around the State to opportunities that keep their brains, hearts, and passions engaged. Through the Institute, older adults are enriching their lives by continuing to learn, share talents and life experiences, while staying actively engaged in the world around them.
Located on the campus of Alabama A&M University
Housed on the campus of Alabama A&M University, the VCLLI operates under the direction of Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Urban Affairs and New Non-Traditional Programs Unit (UANNP).
Celebrating our successful first year!
170
ESTABLISHED A STRONG ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
• VCLLI was established in October 2015 and began operations March 20, 2016
• Developed governance structure for VCLLI • Established Advisory Council • Established membership recruiting brochure, initial program brochure, promotional rack card, and this, our first annual report
GREW MEMBERSHIP FROM
0 to
We will aggressively continue to grow membership.
OFFERED OUR FIRST CLASSES IN SPRING 2017 Our first semester curriculum in the Spring of 2017 included seven classes. This number increased to 16 classes in the Fall 2017 semester. Our goal is to continue to grow the number of courses offered. We are actively working on putting processes and materials in place to identify and recruit people willing to volunteer as study group/course leaders. OUR FIRST INSTRUCTORS
• Dr. Rudolph Pacumbaba • Mr. Marcus Garner • Dr. Dorothy Brandon • Ms. Cándra Johnson • Mr. DeTahj Abernathy
• Dr. Leatha Bennett • Dr. Annie Payton • Rev. Willie Alexander • Ms. Lillian Henderson • Dr. Vernessa Edwards
AS OF SEPTEMBER 2017
• Mr. John Tate • Ms. A. Reneé Heard • Mr. Ronald Carter • Dr. Latonya Dixon
ESTABLISHED THE SPECIAL INTEREST FRIDAYS SERIES This series engages class participants in investigating, researching and exploring emerging topics of interest in multi-dimensional ways that can include forums, site visits, and other activities.
SPRING
2017
CLASSES
FALL
2017 CLASSES
7 16
IDENTIFIED THE COUNCILL TRAINING BUILDING AS THE FUTURE HOME FOR VCLLI The William Hooper Councill High School was founded in 1867 and was the first high school serving African American students in the City of Huntsville. Our vision is to renovate and repurpose this building in order to continue the long and rich legacy of providing education to all who seek opportunities to learn. A campaign is currently underway to raise $6 million dollars.
CONTINUED THE SUCCESSFUL AGING INITIATIVE CONFERENCES Successful Aging Initiative Conferences were established 15 years ago to bring the community of senior adults together to share lifestyle-enhancing information. These conferences laid the foundation for the establishment of VCLLI. Since 2016, VCLLI has become the main organizer for these conferences. Four conferences were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Huntsville, Anniston, Lauderdale County, and Jefferson County, with an average of 1200 – 1500 attendees each year. Conference themes and topics have included finance, health, and care giving.
SUCCESSFULLY RAISED FUNDS FOR INITIAL OPERATIONS & BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
$240,000 $100,000 $126,000
Funding for architectural design & building improvements Seed funding from state for operations Funds raised through 2016 Gala
VCLLI IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES
• Endowment Legacy Builders – CONTRIBUTORS OF $25,000 • Lifelong Learning Champions – CONTRIBUTORS OF $10,000+ • Community Impact Partners – CONTRIBUTORS OF $5,000+ • Successful Aging Ambassadors – CONTRIBUTORS OF $2,500+ • Team 100 (Seeds) – CONTRIBUTORS OF $1,000
ORGANIZED AND HOSTED OUR FIRST GALA On Saturday, March 19, 2016, the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Family, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and individuals across Alabama and the nation gathered for “An Evening of Academia, Achievements, and the Arts” in honor of Dr. Virginia Caples, university professor and 1890 Extension administrator, who retired on March 31st after 38 years of service. The event also formally marked the kick-off of the endowment fund for the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute (VCLLI) named in her honor.
Our goals moving forward
• Position VCLLI as a recognized change agent in the lives of older adults in North Alabama • Expand opportunities for interaction between students, faculty, staff, and VCLLI members • Form collaborative agreements with other organizations that serve older adults • Grow membership • Increase the number of classes offered • Establish stable funding streams for operations, programs, and outreach • Fund and open our new home in the Councill Training School Building • Establish a senior conciliation program to help families provide healthy support to their aging family members
ADVISORY COUNCIL CONSULTING ADVISORS
Mrs. Abbiegail Hugine
Alabama A&M University, First Lady
Dr. Bernice Richardson
Alabama A&M University, Professor Emeritus, Family & Consumer Sciences, Retired
Ms. Bonnie Banks
Alabama A&M University, Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting & Logistics
Dr. Celvia Stovall
Alabama Cooperative Extension System/ Alabama A&M University, Extension Associate Director
Mrs. Chanda Crutcher
American Senior Assistance Program, Founder & Director
Dr. Cynthia Smith
Alabama A&M University, Family & Consumer Sciences, Chair
Mr. Darwin Washington
Military, Retired
Dr. Denver Betts
Athens State University, Retired
Mrs. Erica Washington
Alabama A&M University, Interim Director/Station Manager, WJAB-FM 90.6
Dr. Gary Lemme
Alabama Cooperative Extension System /Auburn University, Extension Director
Dr. Jeanette Jones
Alabama A&M University, Professor, Biological & Environmental Sciences
Dr. Jennifer Marshall
Alabama Cooperative Extension System /Auburn University, State Leader for Program Evaluation
Mrs. Judy Edmonds
Successful Aging Initiative
Mrs. Marie Morris
Successful Aging Initiative
Mrs. Michelle Jordan
Huntsville Alabama Government, Director of Planning
Dr. O. Wendell Davis
Pastor, Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Dr. Raziq Yaqub
Alabama A&M University, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Mrs. Sandra Stubbs
Alabama A&M University, Director, Marketing, Communication & Advancement
Mr. Tommy Batts
Self-Employed
Dr. Andrew Hugine
Alabama A&M University, President
Comm’r. Bob Harrison
Madison County Alabama Government, Commissioner, District Six
Dr. Dorothy Brandon
Alabama Cooperative Extension System / Alabama A&M University, Extension Specialist
Dr. Julius Scruggs
Pastor, First Missionary Baptist Church
Mr. Kenneth Anderson
Huntsville Alabama Government, Multicultural Affairs Director
Rep. Laura Hall
Alabama Legislature, Representative, House District Nineteen
Dr. Richard Showers
Huntsville City Schools, Councilman, Retired
Alabama A&M University | James I. Dawson Building PO Box 967 Normal, AL 35762 256.372.7022 | www.aces.edu/urban
(Continue to see the fold-out poster!)
Enjoy
Lifelong
Learning!
Take interesting classes! Share your talents and life experiences ! Meet new people!
The Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute connects older adults in North Alabama and around the state to opportunities that keep their brains, hearts, and passions engaged. Through the Institute, older adults are enriching their lives by continuing to learn, share talents and life experiences, while staying actively engaged in the world around them. BECOME A MEMBER & ENJOY THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS: Continuous learning opportunities through new courses each semester at a flat rate at Alabama A&M University and other locations Learn without homework Educational forums and presentations Social activities and gatherings Trips to exciting local, state, and national destinations at discounted group rates, when available Opportunities to engage with people of all ages and generations Information and newsletters about upcoming classes and activities
IT IS EASY TO BECOME A MEMBER! Membership is only $25 per year!
SOME RECENT AND UPCOMING CLASSES & ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
• Smart phones for seniors • Genealogy • Rosenwald School experience • Avoiding credit scams • Computers for seniors • History of the Underground Railroad Located on the campus of Alabama A&M University
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MEMBERSHIP, CLASS TIMES, AND LOCATIONS: please call: 256.372.7022 or email: vclli@aamu.edu An online membership application is available at:
www.aces.edu/urban
MAILING ADDRESS: Alabama A&M University James I. Dawson Building PO Box 967 Normal, AL 35762