Lynne Mansell
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Former president Lynne Mansell says Ella has survived and thrived for 25 years and should continue for another 25.
Lynne states that ELLA is an exceptional organization which provides quality academic classes for older adults. Across Canada, most life long learning programs have succumbed to budget cuts and policy changes. ELLA provides comprehensive academic programs which are organized by its participants. The instructors are enthusiastic about teaching inquisitive students. It is life long learning at its best.
Up until 2022, ELLA had a partnership with the Faculty of Continuing Education at the University of Alberta with an agreement that included an office and space for ELLA to conduct spring sessions. In 2022, ELLA was informed that the University could not continue in the same way due to changes in structure as well as funding restrictions.
The ELLA Board and members searched for suitable alternate space at other post secondary institutions and reached out to their contacts for support. Thanks to the Provost Office, ELLA was offered a three-year contract with the U of A Facilities to rent the needed space (the best option available). Although this was a transactional rental agreement with the price to increase over three years, ELLA made it work.
In 2025, another agreement was signed to take us through 2029. Revenue challenges will continue but ELLA will strive to keep course fees affordable (and offer bursaries) and will pursue fundraising and grant opportunities as much as possible, says Lynne..
Lynne declares that we now are “masters of our own destiny.”