Over the past thirty years, the ۲ݮƵ Community for Lifelong Learning (MCLL) has grown from an institute with 180 participants and 15 study groups that met in small classrooms all over the ۲ݮƵ campus to a community of 1200 with its own home at 688 Sherbooke W. MCLL now boasts a lounge, many spacious classrooms, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to support 100 study groups, workshops and lectures over the year.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, MCLL is establishing a scholarship fund in honour of Fiona Clark, a strong advocate for continuous learning. It was in 1989, as the Assistant Director of Continuing Studies at ۲ݮƵ University, that Clark , who was profoundly committed to the philosophy that learning never ceases, launched what was then known as the MILR-۲ݮƵ Institute for Learning in Retirement.
A fitting gesture for a formidable advocate of lifelong learning
To honour this legacy, the Fiona Clark Bursary has been established to provide financial support for mature students enrolled in the ۲ݮƵ School of Continuing Studies (SCS). The bursary will be launched at the 30th Anniversary Ceremony on November 28, 2019 at ۲ݮƵ Faculty Club and the first recipients will be students enrolling in Fall 2020 semester at the ۲ݮƵ School of Continuing Studies. “This is a fitting gesture for a formidable woman who has enriched so many lives,” says MCLL member Liz Parish, who was introduced to the community by Fiona back in 1989 and has been a member ever since.
A Canadian first
The first of its kind in Canada to use an entirely peer-led model, MCLL offers programming designed and run by senior learners, offering lectures and small-sizes study groups on topics such as arts, literature, history, music, science, philosophy, world Culture, and travel. “MCLL is a place to meet, mingle and socialize, and be introduced to disciplines many would not have tried as young students, such as science, architecture, and opera,” says Helen Forsyth, MCLL member and office volunteer since 2005. “Study groups, lectures and workshops are peer-led and peer-moderated so members can share what they know and broaden their horizons”. The program is based on Harvard’s peer-learning concept, (add short description)
Intergenerational language learning
MCLL also offers two unique intergenerational programs to members to foster exchange and learning. Through its SPEAK and Parlons Français programs, MCLL members meet with students in ۲ݮƵ’s Intensive English and French Language programs who come from around the world, serving as conversation partners and sharing cultural experiences both in the classroom and one-on-one. Through its Brainy Bar program, intermediate to advanced English learners from the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) Intensive English Language and Culture (IELC) program volunteer to provide MCLL members one- on-one computer assistance in SCS Computer Labs.
“MCLL makes an invaluable contribution to lifelong learning and represents a significant partner to Continuing Studies at ۲ݮƵ”, explains Dr. Carola Weil, Dean of Continuing Studies at ۲ݮƵ. “We are very grateful for the generous gift of the Fiona Clark Bursary at the School which will have a significant impact for our community of learners.”
To learn more about MCLL, visit