About Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island

Our Board
Kristen Sakati, President and Curriculum Chair
Heidi Mueller, Curriculum Co-Chair
Jim Van Cleave, Vice President and Advertising
Ron Rychener, Treasurer
Sherrie Sauer, Venue Chair
Michelle Audet, Community Outreach
Candice Spadafora, Recording Secretary

Curriculum Committee
Michelle Audet
Georganne Binnie
Darby Cusick
Linda Joss
Ann Merrill-Glenn
Diane Kastler
Heidi Mueller
Ron Rychener
Kristen Sakati
Sherrie Sauer
Candice Spadafora
Jim Van Cleave
Carol Vivona
Joyce Westgate
Paul Weismantel

Our Mission Statement

Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head is a peer-led, volunteer organization drawing on the knowledge and talents available in the area and beyond, to teach, lecture and share life experiences. We are committed to providing affordable, superior learning opportunities to the Hilton Head Island community. We believe the quest for knowledge is not bound by age, but is enhanced through life experiences and the sharing of ideas.
We will, when advisable, provide financial assistance to other non-profit organizations whose programs enhance the educational opportunities of their constituents.

Our Origins

After having been affiliated with SHARE and the Creative Retirement Center, our Board of Directors decided to create a new organization for Hilton Head Island and nearby communities. Our classes would be held at various venues, but all would be located on the Island. Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island kicked off its first academic year in the Fall of 2005. 

Each year since then we have seen our membership grow and our curriculum provide a wider course selection. One of the great advantages we had from the outset was the talents and experiences of our volunteer instructors.  Some are long-time Islanders; most are “transplants”. Their amazing depth of education and professional background is reflected in the wide range of courses we offer in the arts, history, psychology, science and popular culture. 

Our Contributions to HHI

In accordance with our Mission Statement, we are very proud that we have been able to provide financial assistance to our community over many years. The organizations we have contributed to are all non-profit and provide educational enrichment for their constituents: The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, Friends of the Library, Heroes On Horseback, The Sea Island Regional Science Fair, Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry, Programs For Exceptional People (P.E.P.), Hilton Head Heroes and The Children’s Center.