Generous gift boosts LIFE@Lynchburg fall season

Jul 31, 2023

August 4, 2023

The University’s popular lifelong learning program, LIFE@Lynchburg, is headed into its second year with lots of enthusiasm and a $60,000 gift from the Treadway Family Fund. Fall classes start Sept. 13 and take place every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-noon.

“The University of Lynchburg is a special place to Brandon, me, and both our families,” said Hannah Baraty Treadway ’09 MEd. Treadway, the daughter of the late trustee Rebecca Burnette DuFour ’82, 19 DEd, pledged together with her husband, Brandon Treadway ’10 MBA.

“Not only did Brandon and I earn our master’s degrees from Lynchburg College, but several members of our family are alumni, current students, employees, or supporters of the University. We’re so grateful to have an institution that provides such high-quality educational opportunities right here in our town!”

One of those family members is LIFE@Lynchburg program coordinator Sarah Rhodes, who told the couple all about the learning community for people over the age of 50.

“When we learned about LIFE@Lynchburg from my cousin, Sarah, we both immediately recognized the value in bringing such a program to the Lynchburg community,” Treadway added. “Older generations of curious learners need a place to connect and engage with one another and the community as a whole, especially after being so isolated during the COVID years.

“LIFE@Lynchburg has provided this! We have loved hearing about the lectures and learning opportunities from friends and family who are members of the program. LIFE@Lynchburg inherently recognizes the value of lifelong learning.”

Treadway said her late mother and stepfather, Richard, believed strongly that learning doesn’t stop when one graduates high school or college.

“They were continuous learners, both as leading experts in the field of education and in their personal lives,” she said. “My mother was also a huge advocate for the University of Lynchburg as a distinguished alumna and trustee. I have no doubt they would be attending LIFE@Lynchburg sessions alongside friends and family members.

“It is for this reason that Brandon and I dedicated our gift to their memories. We truly cannot wait to see how LIFE@Lynchburg grows in the years to come.”

The fall season features 10 sessions on a variety of subjects, including “The Heisenberg Certainty Principle” on Sept. 13, “The Power of Nature” on Sept. 27, and a performance by Curtain Call, the University’s musical theater ensemble, on Oct. 11.

Register online by selecting your membership on the LIFE@Lynchburg website. Annual membership is $150 (virtual: $79), a semester membership is $85 (virtual: $49), and individual classes are $12. Membership fees include a variety of perks such as reduced meals in the dining hall and access to art exhibitions and theater and music performances.

For more information about LIFE@Lynchburg, contact Rhodes at 434.544.8084 or [email protected].

Article by Janika Carey / News / advancement, LIFE@Lynchburg, Office of Advancement