Poet Kwame Alexander closes out Lifelong Learning Institute's 10th anniversary celebrations

Kwame Alexander, the renowned Hokie and award-winning writer, told an audience of about 100 members and guests of the Lifelong Learning Institute that the power of saying ‘yes’ to ourselves – something he learned from mentor Nikki Giavonni – has changed his life.

That one word can alter perceptions, open doors, and lead to unimagined possibilities, he said.

Alexander was the featured speaker at LLI’s 10^th anniversary luncheon at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. With humorous stories of times spent with the late Giavonni and her wife, Emerita Professor Ginney Fowler — also in attendance — he spoke of amazing experiences from Blacksburg to Ghana. After the event, he stayed to sign copies of his books and chat one-on-one with attendees. 

Over the past decade, the Continuing and Professional Education program has become a New River Valley treasure that draws new retirees to the region and helps Blacksburg retain retired Virginia Tech faculty and staff. The institute does that through experiential and discussion-based learning programs for curious adults 50 and older. Members need not be retired or connected to the university to participate.

Fun and relevant courses are taught in a seminar format. Instead of homework and exams, participants have spirited discussions, participate in hands-on activities, and forge new connections with peers. The institute also organizes field trips around the region, such as a gentle raft float down the New River, as well as ones further afield, such as to Costa Rica.

Related: 

• Lifelong Learning Institute offers retired faculty new purpose and passion
• Older adults sharpen their minds, build friendships through Lifelong Learning Institute
• Lifelong Learning Institute’s fall schedule includes courses on Toni Morrison, doodling, technology, and more

Click on a photo below to see a larger version, and click here to read more about the Lifelong Learning Institute.

Photos by Diane Deffenbaugh for Virginia Tech.