What is the Lifelong Learning Community?
Our Lifelong Learning Community (LLCO) is a member-directed group of people, primarily over age 60. who enjoy learning, sharing experiences, and making new friends in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups – Learning for the Fun of It.
Who may join the LLCO?
The LLCO is open to anyone with a sense of curiosity and a love of learning, whatever their level of education, whether a teacher, farmer, homemaker, pastor, secretary, or…you.
What does the LLCO offer?
A variety of classes, usually running for three-to-six sessions, are offered each term and described in detail on-line at LINK. Topics are chosen by a committee of members, based on levels of interest and the availability of conveners. Much discussion occurs; a straight lecture format is rarely used. Typical areas: history, art, science, politics, movies. Your fee entitles you to take as many classes as you wish that term; it’s an all-you-can-learn buffet.
What is Notables?
Notables is our weekly series of talks by NIU faculty and community members, with a different speaker every week. Recent topics have included reforming Congress, the science of flavor perception, and secession movements in Illinois. You can find the upcoming term’s schedule at LINK.
Who are the LLCO instructors?
Each study group has a convener, usually an LLCO member, who may lead some or all classes. Some groups also have a discussion leader or guest speakers or tasks divided among group members. Some conveners are retired educators; others have had little or no teaching experience but are willing to share their vocational expertise, hobbies, experiences, talent, and knowledge.
When and where does the LLCO meet?
Each study group meets once a week on a Tuesday or Wednesday, in the morning or afternoon. For the six-week fall and spring terms, LLCO meets at the Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center at 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, DeKalb, with plenty of free parking. The six-week winter term is on Zoom.
What does the LLCO cost?
Our costs are low because of the volunteers who run LLCO and who lead our classes. Each year, the LLCO
Steering Committee sets the charges for that year. It’s a flat fee per term, for which you may take as many
classes as you like. The Fall 2025 term fee is $25. Since Oak Crest provides LLCO with rooms and equipment at no charge, the fee is waived for Oak Crest residents, but they still need to register.
Who runs the LLCO?
LLCO is overseen by a Steering Committee composed of our officers and committee chairs, all of whom are volunteers. (LINK) You are always welcome to contact any of them with questions about the LLCO or
suggestions for courses, conveners, speakers, or other ideas or concerns..
Is there anyplace to eat or get coffee or a cold drink at Oak Crest?
Yes. The Cafe which is open from 11 am – 2 pm, has drinks, sandwiches, salads, and soup at very reasonable prices. Non-Oak Crest residents must pay in cash; credit cards are not accepted. Some members gather between morning and afternoon classes for lunch, which they’ve brought or which they buy at Oak Crest or elsewhere. You can also have lunch in the Oak Crest dining room. Meal tickets for this are available at the receptionist’s counter at Door 18.
Why must I enter at Door 18?
Health and safety regulations require Oak Crest to have a record of who is in the building., and there is enough parking outside Door 18. An LLCO member will be at Door 18 to quickly check you in by checking your name off a list.
What if I use TransVac?
If you use Trans Vac and if mobility is an issue for you, then ask to be dropped off at Door 4, near the Little Theatre and elevator to the Vista Room, the places we meet. You will need to sign in as an Oak Crest visitor inside the door—put down visiting LLCO — and then check in with your LLCO class convener.
What else should I know?
We know our members are busy; it is fine to miss a class or two, whether because of travel or a dental
appointment. Out-of-area members are welcome for our winter Zoom term.
Where can I get more information and/or register?
For more information, continue checking out the links on this website or contact any member of our Steering Committee (LINK) .To register for the upcoming term, click here (LINK).