Our History
The History of the Organization
COLLEGIUM. This name and its logo have graced the brochures, letterheads, and envelopes that have come into our homes and our lives since 2004. Yet how often do we stop to think about the name of this organization and the symbol that accompanies it? What do they mean? Why were they chosen?
The word “collegium” has many meanings. One resource defines it as “a group of officials with equal rank and power.” Another, perhaps the more appropriate definition, describes a collegium as “a group whose members pursue shared goals while working within a framework of mutual trust and respect.” This meaning is surely the soul of our Collegium. And what of its history?
That began in 2004 when a plan took shape. Spearheaded by Edith Landau Litt, it encompassed a small group of visionaries who designed a fresh educational opportunity for older, intellectually curious people. Despite some initial skepticism, one hundred interested souls braved a torrential rainstorm to attend an open house introducing this program. The planning group grew and, supported by leaders of Westchester Community College and the Westchester Community College Foundation, brought a long-discussed vision into existence: an organization with the goal of reaching out to seniors through a program combining serious study with convivial social exchange. The image chosen to be its symbol aptly recalls the silhouette of the Greek Parthenon, the quintessential home of intellectual and social exchange. The program was formally named COLLEGIUM for Lifelong Learning.
Collegium immediately filled a need in the senior community, and the success continues to this day. The first session had 10 classes and 71 participants. Seventeen years later the semester offers 23 classes to 260 members for between four and six weeks on Wednesdays or Fridays. Led by an all-volunteer Collegium Board in partnership with the College, and graciously housed in the Knollwood Center on the Westchester Community College campus, the Collegium vision flourishes, enriching the lives of so many people. Each semester brings a wide selection of courses led by exceptional volunteers with expertise in their subjects. Spirited discussions fill classrooms and spill over into conversations during lunch and between session breaks. The exhilarating give and take of ideas fosters friendships and builds relationships based on mutual respect.
This in a nutshell is Collegium, and we welcome you to it! Peruse the brochure listings and select courses that cultivate curiosity and encourage an intellectual leap. Claim your place in the shadow of our own Parthenon.