September 2025 Newsletter

Forever Travel:

South Bend,

One History Two Worlds

Back to School Picnic

Instructor Luncheon and CPR/First Aid Training

Greetings from FLI!


We are thrilled to begin a new semester with record class enrollments and an exciting variety of courses. Registration is still open—so be sure to visit our online registration site and find a class that sparks your interest!


We kicked off the semester with a wonderful Back to School Picnic, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make it possible and to all who joined us for food, fellowship, and fun.


Our Forever Travel group also enjoyed an enlightening experience, exploring the history of South Bend through the unique perspectives of both the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center and the History Museum.


Meanwhile, our dedicated instructors gathered for a luncheon where they not only received helpful updates to better support your learning but also participated in CPR and first aid training provided by Clay Township Fire Department.


As we look ahead, we invite you to continue sharing the good news about the opportunities here at the Forever Learning Institute. It is because of your support that we continue to grow—welcoming new students and instructors each year.

Thank you for being part of our community. We can’t wait to see you soon!


Warm regards,


George, Toni, and the Board at Forever Learning Institute



Forever Announcements


Check out FLI on HomeTown Living 8/4/25!




FLI in Senior Life Newspaper 


Check out the front page and page 11!


Raymond J. Camosy, long time board member and lover of Forever Learning Institute, sadly passed away on July 31st, 2025. Ray served as Board President from 2020-2022, helping shepherd the organization through deeply challenging times. His leadership helped ensure the strength of the organization, and will always be remembered. 



Tom Peterson, a recent addition to the Forever Learning Institute instructors, quickly captured the hearts and minds of his students. Drawing on a lifetime of experience in counseling, Tom combined deep compassion with a wealth of knowledge, encouraging students to explore themselves in ways they never imagined possible. His presence was both grounding and inspiring, and he will be remembered as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and understanding within our community. 


Closings/Cancellations 


❄️ Wondering if the Forever Learning Institute will be closed due to inclement weather? Tune in to WNDU or WSBT for updates!


📧 Be sure to also check your email regularly, as all cancellation and closing announcements will be sent directly to you.

Missing Email?


Haven’t received an email from your instructor or from FLI?

Be sure to check your junk or spam folders. Occasionally, our emails may be mistakenly filtered there by your email provider. To ensure you don’t miss important updates, consider adding FLI to your safe sender list.


How Has Forever Learning Institute Changed Your Life?


You mean the world to us, and your stories are a powerful way to share the impact of our mission with others! We’d love to hear how the Forever Learning Institute has made a difference in your life. Whether through a written note, video, photo, or any format that best expresses your experience, your story matters.


Please send your submission to george@foreverlearninginstitute.org or feel free to drop it off at our office. We can’t wait to hear from you!


Forever Events

Forever Travel

Beatles vs. Stones –

A Musical Showdown at Morris Performing Arts Center


Join FLI for premium seating Thursday, October 16th 7:00 PM

Register Here


Exploring Ceramics and PrintMaking with the South Bend Museum of Art


Forever Learning is excited to announce a partnership with the South Bend Museum of Art to offer 2 new experiences in ceramics and printmaking hosted by their expert educational staff. You may take either experience, or both with a discount. 


Learn more about this opportunity here!

SOLD OUT!

Portugal and the Douro River Cruise 

June 17-27, 2026!


ADDING ADDITIONAL CRUISE

Portugal and the Douro River Cruise 

July 8-18, 2026!


A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Spend two nights in the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, Portugal with a tour showcasing the famous sights of this remarkable city. Enroute to Porto, visit the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the university town of Coimbra. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego, enjoy a new perspective of Europe as you sail the along the Douro.


Registration coming soon!

Inquire in the office for more information!


Only 16 seats left!

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Join FLI for a high flying trip 

October 9th–14th, 2026


Founded in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began with just 13 balloons and has since grown into a spectacular event featuring over 600 balloons from around the globe. Immerse yourself in the charm of historic Albuquerque, a city steeped in Native American culture, as you witness the breathtaking "mass ascension" of uniquely shaped balloons soaring into the sky at sunrise. Explore the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, stroll through the captivating streets of Old Town, and discover the beauty of Santa Fe, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the foothills of the Rockies. The tour also includes a visit to the Pecos National Historic Park, home to ancient archaeological ruins and 19th-century ranches, offering a rich blend of history and adventure.

Flyer

Registration Form


Forever Learning

Fall Semester 2025


Begins the week of September 8!


New Class for Fall 2025

This class is not listed in the Course Guide. You will be able to

register for this through our online registration site.


Preparing Today, Protecting Tomorrow


Join Forever Learning Institute for an Informative Presentation

📅 Tuesday, October 1 at 10 AM | 📍 In Payne Hall

We’re bringing together three trusted community partners to share valuable insights on planning ahead for life’s most important decisions:

  • Palmer’s Funeral Home – Learn the benefits of preplanning, from preserving today’s costs to protecting assets and easing the emotional burden on loved ones.
  • Heart to Heart Hospice – Discover the facts and myths of hospice care and clear up common misconceptions.
  • THK Law – Understand key legal considerations, including Full Code vs. DNR, POA vs. Healthcare Advocate, and important documents such as the Indiana POST Form, Out-of-Hospital DNR, and Living Wills.

This presentation is designed to provide peace of mind, practical guidance, and clarity on choices that matter most.


Register Here!


Teach Your Passion! 


Submit your interest here!

Forever Upcoming Dates

➢ Monday, September 8: Fall Semester Begins 


➢ Thursday. September 18 — ACOM Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair @ Four Winds Casino 10 AM - 3 PM 


➢ Thursday, September 18 — Solid Silver Dancers ACOM Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair @ Four Winds Casino 10:40 AM 


➢ Sunday, September 21 — Silvertones Sing for Unity Concert


➢ Thursday, October 16: Beatles Vs. Stones at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Register Here.


➢ Thursday, November 6 — Exploring Ceramics and PrintMaking with the South Bend Museum of Art 3:30 PM – 5 PM. Register Here.  


➢ Tuesday, November 18 — Fall End of Semester Festival


➢ Monday, December 1 — Winter Semester Registration Opens 9 AM


➢ Monday, January 5 — Winter Semester Begins




⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


If FLI has made an impact in your life, consider leaving a positive review for Forever Learning Institute on Google with the link below.


Leave Forever Learning a Review

FLI Spirit Wear


Forever Learning Institute hosts an online store where you can purchase t-shirts and jackets with our logo. Show all your friends your love of lifelong learning!

Forever Store

Our Founder, Fr. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C.


Fr. Putz viewed life as a chain with three distinct links: the age of learning, the age of earning, and the age of returning. As he approached retirement in the early ‘70s, he envisioned a school for the “third-agers,” where students returned to share their collective experience, knowledge, and talent in service to others.

As Fr. Putz often said, “Service adds years to your life and life to your years.” He envisioned a school for seniors who would come together for the pure joy of learning and social interaction, as well as personal and spiritual growth.

On September 27, 1974, that vision became a reality.

Improving the quality and dignity of senior adult life through continuing intellectual challenge, spiritual reflection, and social interaction for 50 years.

Our program is made possible with support from:

Forever Learning Institute

St. Therese Little Flower Parish Center

(574) 282–1901

54191 Ironwood Dr.

South Bend, IN 46635

574-282-1901

director@foreverlearninginstitute.org

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