ADVENTURES
IN LEARNING
Lifelong Learning
at Colby-Sawyer College
HISTORY OF AIL
1997
Colby-Sawyer College Professor Hilary Cleveland hosts a group for dinner at her home to discuss the idea of establishing a lifelong learning program in the region.
1998
Adventures in Learning is officially founded. It kicks off its first term with 5 courses offered to 118 participants in 2 different locations: CSC Archives and Tracy Memorial Library.
2000
AIL publishes its first newsletter, Adventures in Learning News, which was later that year renamed Updates.
The first annual meeting is held in May with a Keynote by CSC President Anne Ponder. Bylaws are adopted and the first nine board members are elected.
2001
With the support of Colby-Sawyer, AIL publishes its first website.
2002
Ben Acard introduces the first lecture series in which a variety of experts are assembled to share knowledge around a central theme.
AIL takes its first field trip to what was then called the Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester, NH.
2005
AIL approves its first "mini-course," Revolutionary Virginia: Southern Cradle of Independence. The course runs in winter term 2005, taught by Julie Machen.
2008
AIL offers its first slate of summer term courses.
The quarterly newsletter's name changes to Horizons.
2014
AIL receives the Town and Gown Awards from CSC in recognition for its extraordinary involvement in and contributions to the College.
2015
Lunch & Learn makes its debut.
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2016
AIL introduces its first Science Pub series.
Lethbridge Lodge is established as a dedicated classroom space for AIL.
2021
In the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, AIL offers its first Zoom course.
Lethbridge Lodge gets an upgrade with a digital flat screen.
2022
Having offered over 700 unique courses taught by 313 instructors since 1998, AIL is going strong heading into its 25th year.
Past Presidents of AIL
Charles Carey*, Founder, and 1st President
Peter Q.McKee*, 2nd President
John C. Callahan, Jr.*, 3rd President
Richard Cogswell, 4th President
Elizabeth F. Boege, 5th President
Arthur M. Rosen, 6th President
Morris Edwards, 7th President
Joanna Henderson, 8th President
Julie Machen, 9th President
John Ferries, 10th President
Mary Doyle, 11th President
Harry Tether, 12th President
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*Deceased
I am continually impressed that such a relatively small community can produce so much talent. Friends in other towns and states also wonder how it’s possible. I am most appreciative of those who had the foresight to make AIL happen.
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–Julie Machen
Photo Retrospectives
Click on the dates below to view photo retrospectives by Joan Eaton & Maureen Rosen.
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2019-2020: Peaks and Valleys (JE)
2018-2019: Through the Lens (JE)
2017-2018: Focus On Our Learning Adventures (JE)
2014-2015: Through the Year (MR)