Lifelong learning for retirees with The Knowledge Exchange program
From Staff Reports
Continuing education is for all ages, which The Knowledge Exchange (TKE) at Governors State University (GovState) puts into practice with its lifelong learning program.
Designed for the retired and semi-retired, TKE, a program in GovState’s School of Extended Learning (SXL), offers full-length courses, workshops and presentations in eight-week sessions held in fall, winter, and spring with meetings on Fridays. This program is the only one of its kind in the Chicago Southland.
For some, it may be a chance to make new connections or reconnect with familiar faces.
“The 2025-26 academic year is 64 years since my first year of teaching at Governors State University (1961-62),” said Ron Small, former GovState faculty and TKE Volunteer Class Leader. “Eve Duray, who is currently in my Knowledge Exchange music class, was one of my first students in my music class 64 years ago. I’m honored to have her back in a lifelong learning capacity.”
For others, these opportunities bring more joy to their retirement.
“Thank you for creating spaces and making opportunities like this possible for my Dad,” shared Nicole Beeson. “Going to TKE classes is happiest he has been in a long time!”
The courses are non-credit and led by a team of dedicated volunteers made up of GovState faculty, alumni and community experts. Suzanne Patterson, External Program Manager, has taught a Cinema Studies class for the program for 21 years and has managed the program for 15 years.
In addition to cinema studies, class topics change by session and can include history, law, liberal arts, current events, foreign policy, music/film, philosophy and more.
While each class offers a chance for lively discussion among peers, participants can continue discussions and share life experiences at lunch to get to know other TKE students.
Just last academic year, 276 individuals participated in various courses, field trips, and live musical performances through the TKE program.
A couple of past students, Barbara and Rodney Campbell, enjoyed their experience and are grateful for the program.
“Thank you for all your efforts to present classes that cause all of us to grow as we age. The Knowledge Exchange is a great asset to the campus and south suburbs.”
Upcoming sessions for TKE run in the spring from April 10 – May 29 and in the fall from September 18 – November 6. To learn more about the program, click here.