Celebrate 50 Years of Lifelong Learning With Encore 55+ at Western and Eastern Campuses

Milestone events to honor legacy of educational excellence for older adults

HIGHLAND HILLS — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) invites alumni and lifelong learners to celebrate five decades of connection, curiosity and community at the 50^th anniversary of the Encore 55+ Learning program.

Offered through Corporate College^®, a division of Tri-C, Encore 55+ has been a cornerstone of learning for adults ages 55 and older. Established in 1974 at the Eastern Campus by Iris Whittington Gold, the program has grown to serve thousands across Northeast Ohio through engaging and enriching educational experiences.

Almost 15,000 seniors have enrolled in Encore 55+ courses since 1996. Today, the program serves about 900 students annually and has over 150 course offerings and community programs.

To commemorate this milestone, Tri-C will host celebratory events at the Western and Eastern campuses: 

• Friday, Oct. 10 | 3 ‒ 4:30 p.m. | Western Campus (11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma 44130)
• Friday, Oct. 24 | 3 ‒ 4:30 p.m. | Eastern Campus (4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills 44122)

Tri-C welcomes all past and present Encore participants, instructors and employees to join in honoring the legacy and continued impact of this transformative program.

Each event will feature a welcome video presentation, remarks from Western Campus President Rebecca L. Rahschulte, Ph.D., and Eastern Campus President Todd Kitchen, Ed.D., interviews with Encore participants, and a reception with live music from the Tri-C Jazz Band Trio, light refreshments and a commemorative giveaway.

Guests are also invited to participate in a complimentary Encore Campus Fridays experience from 9 a.m. ‒ 3 p.m. on the day of each celebration. This immersive opportunity allows attendees to explore the program's offerings and connect with the Encore community for free at each event.

About 55% of Americans ages 45 and older are actively seeking personal growth and learning new things, according to a 2022 AARP study on lifelong learning.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Encore 55+ webpage.

October 03, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu