Pierian Spring honors donors, new director

Learning doesn’t have to stop when you reach a certain age. In fact, the Pierian Spring Academy is a non-profit institution dedicated to offering courses to area seniors looking to continue their education.

On April 3, the academy will host a gala to honor all of the students and donors who have made it possible throughout the years. The gala, which will take place at the home of Dean of Faculty Dr. Stan Nikkel and Ruthann Bromley, also will honor the installation of Janis Cohen as the organization’s new executive director and the retirement of Dr. Robert Carlson, who held the position for eight years.

“Times like these are always good to reflect as well as look forward,” Carlson said. “I’ve spent eight years watching the academy grow, and over that time, we’ve increased our enrollment, courses and faculty. A lot of people contributed. I get a lot of the credit, but there were a lot of players, who all contributed in different ways.”

This year was another record-breaking one for Pierian. It generated more than 1,200 course enrollments, which is a 6% increase from last year, and its 58-person faculty was the largest in the organization’s 13-year history. 

After his retirement, Carlson will continue to play a role by serving on the academy’s board of directors.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to stabilize the accomplishments we’ve seen so far,” he said. “I think the academy will continue to reinvent itself and find ways to continue to offer the best education to the older adult learner.”

He feels the school is in good hands with new Executive Director Janis Cohen, who also will be honored at Tuesday’s gala.

“She’s committed to lifelong learning and is equally excited about the courses offered,” Carlson said.