Education Center celebrates 30 years

When the Longboat Key Education Center was established as the Longboat Key Adult Education Center in 1985, it offered just 35 courses.

Now, 30 years later, there are 175 classes.

“I have always tried to give what I believe the community really wants in education,” Executive Director Susan Goldfarb said. “I try to keep it as exciting and new as possible. Every year, I try to put two-thirds of a new program out there so it doesn’t get stale.”

Laura Taubes, who believed it was important for people to keep learning throughout their lifetimes, founded the center Nov. 4, 1985, at 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, now the home of the Longboat Observer.

In 1990, the center relocated to its current location at the Centre Shops.

Goldfarb, who was hired as a public relations and marketing employee in its second year, took over as director in 1997.

“I think, over the years, what’s changed is people’s desire to continue to learn,” Goldfarb said. “It’s not just about golf and boating and the paradise we know of the sun and sea. It’s about the mind and keeping it active and young. It’s become an important mindset that I don’t think previous generations were as into.”

The Education Center offers courses ranging from technology help and politics to yoga and movie discussions. Classes vary from a one-time lecture to eight-week courses.

This year, Goldfarb predicts there will be a record-breaking 6,000 individual class registrations. She estimates she sees 2,500 to 3,000 students per year. Students are not limited on the number of classes they can take.

“When I walk through the halls, I’m so proud there is a center for people to enhance their lives with lifelong learning,” Goldfarb said. “I’m very proud of the fact that we have been there for 30 years, and people come back year after year.”

If you go:

Longboat Key Education Center 30th Anniversary Celebration

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 16

Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

Cost: Open seating is $100 for members; $115 for nonmembers.

Call 383-8811, or email [email protected].