What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 12pm 1pm - 4:30pm

EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning

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United States
Charleston, IL
EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning

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The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers diverse, free/low-cost, noncredit educational opportunities to Charleston, Mattoon, and neighboring communities.

Our programs are supported by gracious donations from the Friends of the Academy. The purpose of the Academy is to provide all community members an outlet for their educational, social and creative pursuits. We provide opportunities to learn new skills, engage in discussion topics of interest, explore new areas of learning and enjoy sharing our unique perspectives. Lifelong learning is generally thought of as ongoing and self-directed. We encourage you to continue the journey with us.

10/26/2026

💰 Money management doesn't have to be stressful!

Join the EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning for Mindful Money Management, a three-part workshop series led by Dr. Linda Simpson.

Discover practical ways to reduce financial stress, understand your spending habits, and build a healthier relationship with money, all in a welcoming, judgment-free environment!

📅 Three Thursdays in November:

Nov. 5: Why Does Money Feel So Hard?

Nov. 12: Where Did My Money Go?

Nov. 19: Stretch Your Money Without Stretching Yourself Thin

🕟 Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m.
📍 Location: MLK Jr. University Union, Charleston/Mattoon Room, EIU

✨ Whether you're looking to improve your financial habits or simply feel more confident about money, this series has something valuable to offer.

🔗 Learn more and register: https://go.eiu.edu/Money_26

💙 Learning is lifelong, and financial confidence can grow at any age!

Know someone who could benefit? Share this opportunity with your friends, family, and community!

10/26/2026

🎨✨ Creativity, Learning & Wonderful Memories!

What a fantastic time we had at our Heads & Heart: Stitched Cloth Spirit Dolls workshop! 🧵💙

From exploring creative ideas to crafting unique spirit dolls, it was an afternoon filled with fun, learning, and connection!

A big thank you to Jamie Willis for leading this wonderful experience at the Tarble Art Center!

📸 Take a peek at the fun we had!

10/12/2026

🧵 A Little Creativity, A Lot of Heart! 💙

Ever wondered how a simple piece of fabric can become something meaningful?

Join the EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning for Heads & Heart: Stitched Cloth Spirit Dolls, a hands-on workshop led by local artist Jamie Willis!

Explore the cultural traditions behind spirit dolls and discover how fabric, colors, and everyday materials can be transformed into unique creations that reflect your imagination and personal expression.

✨ No advanced sewing skills needed! Just bring your creativity and enjoy an afternoon of learning, making, and connecting with fellow lifelong learners.

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026
🕟 4:30–6:00 p.m.
📍 Tarble Art Center, Charleston, IL
🎨 Instructor: Jamie Willis

🔗 Registration is required:
https://go.eiu.edu/SpiritDolls

Whether you're an experienced crafter or simply curious to try something new, we'd love to have you join us!

10/01/2026

⛵ A Journey of Healing, Resilience & Hope

Take a moment to watch this video and meet Jill Siegal Chalsty, the award-winning author whose remarkable story will be at the heart of our next Academy of Lifelong Learning program.

Join us for 107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything, as Jill shares how experiences with loss, caregiving, cancer, and an extraordinary journey at sea shaped her path toward healing and rediscovering purpose.

📅 Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual via Zoom | FREE to attend
👉 Register: go.eiu.edu/107_Days

https://youtu.be/Azy6DD2bDHg?si=FMVweiB3RckSPCIg

09/29/2026

Join the EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning for 107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything, featuring Jill Siegal Chalsty, 2026 NYC Big Book Award winner.

After profound loss and her own battles with cancer, Jill embarked on a remarkable journey of healing and reflection—one that became a story of resilience, hope, purpose, and moving forward.

📅 Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT
💻 Virtual Zoom Webinar
🎟️ FREE — Registration required

Come hear the story behind the journey.

👉 Register: go.eiu.edu/107_Days

09/21/2026

⛵ 107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything

Join the EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning for an inspiring virtual Insight Forum featuring Jill Siegal Chalsty—educator, adventurer, author, and founder of Overcoming Obstacles. Jill will share her extraordinary journey of healing, personal growth, and rediscovering purpose.

📅 Wednesday, October 7, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual Zoom Webinar
🎟️ FREE to join — registration required

Come hear a remarkable story and leave inspired to keep learning and keep growing.

👉 Register: go.eiu.edu/107_Days

09/14/2026

🏛️ Do you Know?

More than 10,000 EIU students have called Pemberton Hall home during its 117-year history!

Want to discover more fascinating stories behind this iconic EIU landmark? JoinMark Hudson and the Academy of Lifelong Learning for The Intriguing History of Pemberton Hall.

📅 Friday, September 18 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
📍 Pemberton Hall Great Room
👉 Register: go.eiu.edu/pemberton_1908

09/09/2026

What stories are hidden inside Pemberton Hall?

Discover the fascinating story behind one of Eastern Illinois University’s most iconic and historic buildings—and learn about the people and stories that have shaped its legacy.

📅 Friday, September 18, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:30 p.m.
📍 Pemberton Hall Great Room | Charleston, IL

Bring a friend and discover a piece of EIU history together!

👉 Details & Registration: go.eiu.edu/pemberton_1908

09/04/2026

🍂 Keep Learning. Keep Exploring. This Fall at EIU!

Join the EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning for an exciting Fall 2026 lineup featuring local history, inspiring stories, creative experiences, and practical money-management workshops.

📅 Programs begin September 18!

👉 Details & Registration:
go.eiu.edu/Academy_Fall_26

08/20/2026

Welcome Back Panthers !

Address

600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL
61920

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12175815114

Website

https://www.eiu.edu/alumni/all.php

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