LLI’s Origin Story

by Sara Hardman with Felice Gelman

Sara Hardman was LLI's first president.

Introduction

Planning for the creation of LLI began in the winter of 2000. The idea had developed in a book group at the Red Hook Library when Sara Hardman and several other women expressed their frustration at the long waiting list at Marist’s Center for Lifetime Study. It was apparent that as more retirees moved to the area, there would be an even greater need for new programs, and so the idea for LLI was born.

After preliminary meetings when the group already saw interest growing, they articulated the mission, selected a name (which was not easy), and made a plan for moving ahead. They were clear about two goals, said Sara. They wanted to be affiliated with Bard, and they wanted to open up, even with a limited program, in the upcoming fall.

Beginning Steps

Early contacts had introduced the group to Jonah and Joan Sherman, who had started Marist CLS with a small grant from Jonah’s aunt. “We had no such aunt but we needed a startup fund to cover early costs like printings and mailings and an opening event,” Sara remembered. “The Shermans were invaluable. They took us to their board meetings so we could see how CLS was structured, and they introduced us to their good friend at Bard, Stuart Levine, who was then Dean of the College.”

At the first meeting with Bard, the four founders presented their plan and a list of 15 things they wanted from the school. To their amazement, Bard accepted everything on the list, including startup costs. They also asked many other people for advice and guidance. Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) provided copies of bylaws and structures from several groups, making it easier to formulate Bard LLI’s structure and bylaws.

Dean Levine's Invaluable Support

Sara doesn’t remember Dean Levine ever saying no to any of their ideas. “He would always respond, ‘Sounds like a great idea. Try it.’” As the project developed, the group learned what a boon it was to have Bard’s sponsorship. “We never had to create our own tax-exempt organization; Bard handled our finances and provided us the space and technology we needed for classes.”

Dean Levine convened a meeting with the planning group and key Bard staff, the people who would be needed to ensure LLI’s success. In addition to a vice president, there was the treasurer, head of security, head of dining, someone who would handle classroom assignments, and all the other support staff Stuart thought the group would need to rely on.

Problem Solving

Wherever a problem appeared, there was an easy and logical response, according to Sara. “Where would our members come from? Elderhostel had lists of local retirees who had already expressed interest in learning and meeting others. Where would we find qualified people who would teach classes and not expect to be paid? They emerged. Many were local retirees with common interests, and some just wanted to be associated with Bard. Then there were the many faculty members who were intrigued by this new group on campus.” Sara adds that many of those potential members became actively involved in planning for and then managing the program as it grew.

Vital Roles

Once the organizing got under way it was clear that there were several key roles: Curriculum, a vital interest of history buff Josette Lee’s; Publicity, Carol Lee’s career and forte; and Administration, an area Sara’s experience made her comfortable with. 

“That’s how I got to be the first President,” Sara says. She already had experience developing programs. As a New York City teacher, she developed the Program for International Studies for NYC’s District 2. As the mother of two adopted children, she was the co-president of Adoptive Parents—Westchester, an advocacy and support organization. She authored a book, If I Love My Kid Enough: The Reality of Raising An Adopted Child. This background informed the approach the group took to starting LLI.

Sara Hardman, LLI's First President
Flying Birds Over A Green Field At Sunrise

Success Amidst Tragedy

LLI opened with just four classes, a kind of trial run. It grew very quickly. “We kept having to increase the limits on our membership. We started at 100, then quickly went to 125 and up from there. People were so excited to teach classes. We had so many people we couldn’t give them free memberships so we gave them bagels instead,” Sara laughed.

The fall opening season coincided with the devastation of 9/11/01. “So many of us were touched. Sorrow and despair pervaded the atmosphere,” Sara noted. “But a few weeks later, on our designated Friday morning, we opened. The hospitality room welcomed our first incoming class with their lively conversation and excited faces. The weather was beautiful. There was joy. It happened on time and on our beautiful Bard campus, and we were fulfilling our mission to provide social and intellectual opportunities for members to share their love of learning and to exchange ideas and experiences. Now a third unforeseen goal had been added, respite from the sadness engulfing our world. LLI was a success!”

Satisfaction and Sharing

Sara concluded, “Conceiving LLI was so fulfilling. It allowed us to use all the skills we had acquired over our lifetimes. As with any new venture, it was creative and energizing and helped to bring about new friendships for many who had recently moved to this area and were seeking new purpose in their lives.”

“With all the help we got, we saw it as a mission to help others get started,” she added. Bard LLI has offered a helping hand to Lifespring, New Paltz LLI, and Vassar LLI, and now regularly meets with our regional lifetime learning programs.


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