Class is in Session at Edgehill: Resident-Led Lifelong Learning Program Expands
August 19, 2026
STAMFORD, Conn. — A resident-led lifelong learning program at Edgehill is expanding its curriculum this fall after drawing strong participation since its launch earlier this year.
Created by residents Susan and Ron Ebert, Edgehill University launched in February as a college-style program centered on preparation, discussion and active participation. An initial information session drew 75 residents; of those, 45 enrolled immediately as either participants or auditors.
The Eberts developed the program based in part on their experience with the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement, a group of retired professionals committed to lifelong learning. They worked with Edgehill lifestyle director Sandi Kornblum to adapt the model for the continuing care retirement community.
Susan Ebert holds a doctorate in comparative literature and spent much of her professional career in philanthropy. Ron Ebert earned his doctorate from Pennsylvania State University and worked for more than 35 years as a forensic psychologist.
Unlike a traditional lecture series, Edgehill University is designed to encourage resident participation. Students purchase assigned books, complete readings, attend sessions and come to class prepared to discuss the material. There are no exams or grades.
Initial courses included a study of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and a course exploring prehistoric cave art and early human expression. This fall, Edgehill University plans to add courses on animal intelligence and Ernest Hemingway.
The program has continued to attract interest from residents, and classes fill quickly as the curriculum expands. Edgehill reports that many residents have shared that “this is what we’ve been waiting for,” citing a strong desire for deeper intellectual engagement and connection.
According to the American Psychological Association, learning later in life boosts brain health and neuroplasticity. It also increases confidence, motivation, and the willingness to take on new challenges later in life. Meanwhile, research from the National Library of Medicine also shows that older adults who actively engage in learning new skills may help maintain cognitive performance and reduce the effects of aging.
“We’ve been so pleasantly surprised by how engaged and intellectually curious this community is,” Ron Ebert said. “People come from different life experiences, and that leads to really rich conversations. There are no tests, but there’s real commitment, and people are telling us this has changed their lives. It’s a reminder that when you create space for learning and connection, especially as we age, it can have a powerful impact.”
Edgehill is a continuing care retirement community in Stamford, Conn., offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a range of wellness, cultural, and educational programs designed to support residents’ lifelong engagement and quality of life.
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