Welcome...

to lifelong learning

Eureka College has long been known for excellence in Learning, Service, and Leadership, and this new initiative strives to maintain the same high standards. The Center for Lifelong Learning is designed to meet the needs of today’s adult student. Our programs are sensitive to the working and family responsibilities of adult students, and we will assist you in remaining focused on your personal and professional goals.

We recognize the value that a degree can offer and pledge to:

Approach your education as a partnership
Offer classes in cohort models to ensure cohesiveness and success
Design tailored tuition reimbursement programs with your employers
Focus on practical experiences that allow you to apply your learning

A few known facts from the National Center for Education Statistics:

- Over one third of students in U.S. higher education are now 25 and older – by 2012 it will be one half.
- Each year almost half of all working adults participate in some kind of formal or instructor-led education.
- The demand for high-skill, technically specialized, productive adult workers is going to grow dramatically over the next twenty years.
- Nearly two-thirds of employed adult students receive some type of employer support.
- The demand for adult learning programs is continuing to grow across the nation.
- Worker shortages and skills gaps are predicted to grow over the next 20 years.
- Jobs requiring degrees or other postsecondary certification will account for 42% of new job growth between 2000 and 2010.
- Industries most affected by skills gaps are manufacturing, health care and the service industry.
- With the baby boomer generation retiring, the labor force is predicted to fall more than 4.8 million workers short of meeting demand.

Whether you are a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or even a part-timer, we recognize the importance of balancing your time. Our Center for Lifelong Learning is designed to help you meet your goals in non-traditional approaches.

The following are advantages to being part of the Eureka College family:

- Accelerated courses - either one night a week, or in weekend cohorts
- Full-time and specialized adjunct faculty who promote positive educational environments
- Personal, educational advisement prior to enrollment
- Full-time enrollment status for those in Organizational Leadership for financial aid purposes
- Convenient parking and access to your course work on the Eureka College campus
- One-stop assistance with on-campus services through our friendly and dedicated staff
- Programs that engage adults as active partners in their own learning


Karen Bruning Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning

Get to know

discovery at any age

Karen Bruning received her baccalaureate degree in Education from Illinois State University, and her master’s degree in Education Administration from National-Louis University in Chicago.

Her professional experience has spanned over 20 + years in the field of education and the last ten have focused on professional development, state policy, creating professional credentials, nation-wide training and creating programs to meet the needs of the adult learner; i.e. articulation of credit to institutions of higher education, portfolio development, advising, and providing resources to advance one’s career.

Karen has served on the Governor’s statewide committee for early childhood along with chairing a Professional Development Advisory Council to create a system in which professionals gain recognition and guidance for serving children and families in Illinois. Her passion is providing resources and training to those who want to be lifelong learners.

Karen resides in LeRoy, IL with her husband Larry and four sons.

For more information contact:

Karen Bruning

Director
The Center for Lifelong Learning

309-467-6678

LLEdCtr@eureka.edu