FAU's Lifelong Learning Society in Boca Raton Donates $250,000 to FAU College

BOCA RATON, FL (November 10, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University's Lifelong Learning Society (LLS) in Boca Raton recently announced that it will donate $250,000 to FAU's Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters to create the LLS Distinguished Professorship in Arts and Humanities. The grant, which will be overseen by the College's dean, William A. Covino, will be awarded to a faculty member who has an outstanding record of teaching, a strong research background and a commitment to lecture for LLS.

"We are extremely grateful to LLS for this very generous gift," said Covino. "We look forward to continuing to work with LLS in research and education that is of benefit to many."

This is the second such position created by LLS in the College of Arts and Letters. Last spring, LLS donated funds to establish the LLS Distinguished Professorship in Current Affairs. This position is held by Jeffrey Morton, associate professor of political science and director of FAU's Peace Studies program.

"LLS is delighted to establish this second distinguished professorship in the College," said Ely Meyerson, executive director of LLS. "It not only recognizes a faculty member who has an outstanding record in teaching and community service, but also serves the interest of the largest lifelong learning society in the country."

The LLS was founded in 1980 to offer non-credit, university-level courses to mature students. Until the Barry and Florence Friedberg Lifelong Learning Center opened its doors in 1998, classes were held in various locations on and off FAU's Boca Raton campus. Built solely by contributions from LLS members and students, the Friedberg Lifelong Learning Center is a mainstay of the Boca Raton campus. LLS has an annual enrollment of 17,000 on the Boca Raton campus and 9,000 enrollments annually on the John D. MacArthur campus in Jupiter. Programs are currently being developed on FAU's other campuses. Since its inception, LLS has given generously to the University. These gifts take the form of undergraduate and graduate scholarships as well as endowed professorships.

For more information about FAU's Lifelong Learning Society, call 561-297-3185.

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