Dennis Foth
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“Without Dennis Foth, there would be no ELLA” according to Joyce Madsen. When asked if he had been involved in creating ELLA, he humbly replied “yes”.
During a meeting in 2001 with Marilyn Chinnery and a small group of dedicated learners, Dennis Foth, representing the Faculty of Extension, formally confirmed that the University of Alberta could no longer provide classes for Seniors.
Dennis also commented that in his experience the programs for seniors which survive are the ones in which the participants take charge. He also hinted that a partnership with the Faculty of Extension could be worked out if there was an organization of interested seniors keen on continuing the classes.
By the end of that summer, Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association had its official status as a nonprofit society – and 65 paid-up members.
The new organization entered into an alliance with the Faculty of Extension so courses could be offered in the spring of 2002.
Dennis enjoyed several years of being on the Program Committee which met several times a year. This committee organized the courses and instructors for the Spring Session courses. Many enjoyable discussions were held to prepare the programs.
From the beginning of the partnership with the University until its end, Dennis was frequently the Faculty’s academic liaison with ELLA reviewing the courses and vetting the instructors. One of the goals of ELLA was to organize courses, maintain the quality of the course material and instruction and to provide a unique and stimulating learning experience.
In 2009, the Advisory Committee to the Board was established with Dennis Foth as one of the five members. This committee was formed to support the Board by completing background research, suggesting alternatives on issues, and working through questions which assist the Board in functioning smoothly.
Dennis Foth liked the challenges of working with others to create a university-community partnership for an academic program.