History of LLI/NOVA
The foresight and energy of three persons were chiefly responsible for the establishment of the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI/NOVA) in the fall of 1995. On September 27, 1995, Audrey Markham and Knox Singleton met with Dr. Richard J. Ernst, President of the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) system, to explore the development of a new institute of learning for senior citizens of Northern Virginia. The need for a new organization was evident to all three. Dr. Ernst readily handed over the follow-up to Dr. Kay Haverkamp, Director of Continuing Education at the Annandale Campus, to assist in getting the new organization started.
On October 15, 1996, NOVA published a news release that all persons interested in a seniors group should attend an initial meeting at the Annandale Campus. At this meeting, the decision was made to establish a Steering Committee, and this Committee penned a draft Virginia State Charter and sent it to Richmond. The Commonwealth of Virginia approved this Charter on March 27, 1996. As convened, the organization is governed by a Board of Directors numbering 15 and elected by the general membership for a term of three years each. The officers of LLI/NOVA include a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary who serve in office for a term of one year. There is a part-time, paid Administrator who handles many of the administrative duties of LLI/NOVA. The only requirement for membership is that a person be 50 years of age or over and pay the annual membership fee.
LLI/NOVA activities consist of a variety of classes covering many subjects, trips in the United States as well as overseas and a monthly speaker series (called the Forum) that includes a wide spectrum of topics. These Forums are held in the Ernst Cultural Center on the Annandale Campus. There is no cost for admission to the Forums or to the over 100 courses presented during the year (unless there is a class materials fee). A special category of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), formed by members, allows for a focus on subject matters of a particular interest to those who attend the SIG meetings. In order to support the NOVA Annandale Campus and the aspirations of its students, LLI/NOVA also awards annual scholarships to several students through its Scholarship Committee.
LLI/NOVA Past Presidents
An impressive picture of LLI/NOVA’s Presidents taken in January 2017. They have all helped to shape our organization into the great one that it is today, and we thank them. Seated is Norma Hughes. Standing (L to R) are Ed McKnight, George Chalou, Dick DiBuono, Paul Hopler, Scott Pinckney and Lorin Goodrich (photo by Moe Moser). No longer with us are Knox Singleton, Alan Mayer, and George Chalou.
25th Anniversary History Book
LLI/NOVA has created a 25th Anniversary History book. Information about the book is available Here including access to an electronic copy for download.