Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will kick off the 2017-2018 year for the Lifelong Learning Institute with a luncheon on September 1, 11 a.m., at the Jackson County Campus. Current and potential LLI members from George, Jackson, Harrison and Stone counties will meet in the private dining room to hear about plans for the year ahead. A schedule of the year’s activities and trips will be available at the luncheon.

“This program is full of energy and excitement,” said Lisa Bradley Palermo, LLI program coordinator and director of Business Development and Hospitality and Resort Management. “We will take a little time to find out what our members want to learn about, and then we’ll hit the ground running with a program that is meaningful and enjoyable. Learning occurs in many different ways, and we plan to explore them all over the course of the next year.”

Founded in 1996, the Lifelong Learning Institute provides educational opportunities to meet the needs of South Mississippi’s maturing population. The member-led organization is for adults 50 and older who care about lifelong learning, are self-motivated and want to continue participating in a variety of activities with other like-minded individuals. The membership fee is $50 annually, with a July to June calendar year.

LLI membership includes exciting opportunities to learn about and connect with the community; opportunities for day and overnight travel; student rates at MGCCC events; use of the campus fitness centers; access to MGCCC Learning Resource Centers; student parking permit; Plus 50’s Encore Completion Program for seniors age 65 and over; and membership in the MGCCC Alumni Association. Alumni Association membership includes receiving the Alumni eNewsletter and President’s Report; Alumni Association membership card and window decal; use of campus tennis courts and walking trails at designated times; discounted rates for admission to athletic and fine arts events; notification of special events; and Gregory War Memorial chapel privileges.

The event is open to the public, and individuals 50 and over are encouraged to attend and find out about LLI adventures. The Jackson County Campus is located at 2300 US-90, Gautier, MS 39553. To RSVP and for more information, contact Lisa Bradley at (228) 897-3971 or LLI@mgccc.edu.