Throughout the twentieth century the population of the United States, as indeed the rest of the world, was growing older. Since 1900 the percentage of Americans 65 years of age and older has more than tripled (from 4 percent in 1900 to 13 percent in 2009), and the number has increased from 3 million to 40 million. "Between 2010 and 2050, the…

In 2002 President Martin Jischke initiated a new era in strategic planning at Purdue. Under his leadership, strategic planning became a centralized activity with unit plans aligned to the university plan. Strategic goals were designed to have maximum impact, which would be measurable through metrics. Strategic planning at Purdue would be an…

In common with the United States, Europe is currently experiencing a serious economic recession. The crisis, which started in the financial sector, is now rippling out and affecting heavily other economic sectors: construction, property, retailing, manufacturing, etc. The arguable cause of the crisis was a failure of management in financial…

This article presents a keynote address delivered by Al Gini, Professor of Business Ethics in the School of Business Administration at Loyola University in Chicago, at the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) 93rd Annual Conference, March 26, 2008, New Orleans, Louisiana, on the topic of "Liberal Education in an Interdependent…

This article presents an interview with Mary Bitterman and James Narduzzi. Mary Bitterman, former President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation, is President of The Bernard Osher Foundation and Immediate Past Chairman of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). James Narduzzi is Dean of the University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies.…

Recognizing that lifelong learning is broader than continuing education, providers must move to organizational and community models of learning and seek private and philanthropic funding sources for lifelong learning programs. Continuing education professionals should adopt a new orientation to their professional role. (SK)

Although the boundaries of academia have blurred, the individualistic and disinterested nature of universities remains unique. Three areas of change face university continuing education: the use of for-profit institutions as benchmarks, better application of the philosophy of independent thought, and promotion of the ways in which a university…

Lifelong learning is being promoted as a necessity for economic development, increasing the demand for postbaccalaureate education. The Internet expands universities' reach into this market. Institutions must determine the place and scope of lifelong learning within their mission. (SK)

A profile of 452 older adults enrolled in Learning-in-Retirement institutes showed they had relatively high economic status and extensive educational background. They were motivated by self-actualization, perceived cognitive gaps, intellectual curiosity, and social contact. An intellectually stimulating curriculum is a pivotal factor in predicting…

Lifelong education, particularly personal development activities, as a sanctioned undertaking of universities is controversial. However, commonalities between the goals of universities and lifelong learners make colleges an ideal place to provide intellectual enrichment to adults through informal learning. Continuing educators can help strengthen…

Outreach is defined as one of six types of public service, along with inreach, university service, professional service, community/civic service, and consulting. Outreach is part of the academic core, cross-cutting teaching, research, and service. Its integration into the university mission changes the focus of continuing higher education. (SK)