History

Education Unlimited was conceived in the Fall of 1978 and offered its first course the following Spring. Though sponsored by the Madison County Office For the Aging, is it completely independent and financially self sufficient.

Typically there are three courses offered in each academic year. Courses generally run for one hour, twice a week for three to six weeks depending on the instructors’ desires and schedule. Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 PM have been common, but this varies from course to course. (See the Next Course tab.) Instructors are selected from the ranks of Colgate University and Morrisville State College faculty/emeriti for their teaching skills and expertise. Non-academics and professionals have also been invited to share special interests and knowledge. There is a nominal stipend for instructors of $40 per session.

A wide variety of subjects has been offered over the years: art, architecture, genealogy, Shakespeare, geology, antiques, Madison County history, gardening, computing, health, finance, literature, mythology, world religions, photography, political science, to name a few. Students are charged $10 to $20 per course, depending on the number of sessions. The decision was made at the very beginning to offer intellectually challenging programs and to charge tuition so that participants would take the course seriously. Enrollments run from eight (the minimum) to 65. Absenteeism is rare. Interest is always high. In order to reach an unlimited clientele, scholarships are offered to all who request them. The age of those served has ranged from teens to nineties.

Education Unlimited marked it 30th year in 2009. Up to this time, 87 courses had been offered. Besides Hamilton, participants have come from Cazenovia, Deansboro, Earlville, Oneida, Morrisville, Poolville, Smyrna, and other area communities.