Lori Bruno, a member of Stetson’s Lifelong Learning program, discovered her passion for painting with the help of the program’s dedicated volunteers and staff. Lifelong Learner is located at Stetson University’s Celebration and DeLand campuses and the program gives members an opportunity to learn new topics in an academic setting with other members who are in their age group and share their desire to learn. Lifelong Learner gives those involved a second chance to expose themselves to something they always wished they had learned but never could. Bruno is only one of the many Lifelong Learners whose life has changed after experiencing this program.

“When I moved to Celebration in 2013, I was in the process of reinventing myself after a 30-year career as a public school speech/language pathologist,” said Bruno. “I’ve always had a love of the visual arts, but never had the time to try my hand at it while I was working. By chance, I came across a course catalogue for Lifelong Learning opportunities offered at Stetson. That fall, I enrolled in my first set of drawing classes with Meryl Rachlin as my instructor. I was hooked! I signed up for every art class I could after that; it was as though art was pouring out of me.”

Toni Castillo, director of the Celebration Center Lifelong Learner program, spoke about the program’s success: “Through the tireless efforts of our volunteer committees and volunteer instructors, along with our supportive staff, this program has thrived! I have not only personally met people I would have not had the chance to meet in my every day life, but most importantly I feel that we truly bring value to a community that was thirsty for furthered learning.”

Yet the program has more to offer than a chance to learn. Bruno reflected on the most important lesson she learned while being in the program. “For me, the most impactful thing I’ve learned is that life doesn’t end with retirement,” Bruno said. “Lifelong Learning through Stetson has helped me to discover the hidden artist within, encouraging me to stretch my creative wings in a risk-free learning environment. The connections and friendships I’ve made as a result are as important to me as the program itself. I have never been happier!”

Castillo cares deeply for each member of the program, and she is dedicated to helping them succeed. “I literally become teary-eyed when I see our learners take their newly found talents to the ‘next level,’” Castillo said. “It shows me that what we are doing really means something. I’m absolutely honored to be a part of this program and only thirst to see where else it takes these students! We are daring our students to be significant – at no matter what age!”

Examples of Bruno’s art can be viewed at http://www.derbytreedesigns.com/.

For more information about Stetson’s Lifelong Learner program, contact Toni Castillo at 321-939-7617 or [email protected].

By Nicole Melchionda