PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES AND RSVP PARTNER TO OFFER FREE THIRD AGE COLLEGE COURSES THIS FALL
Expanded partnership makes lifelong learning opportunities
more accessible for area adults.
(Spencer, Iowa) Iowa Lakes Continuing & Professional Education and RSVP are launching an exciting new chapter for Third Age College, making the popular lifelong learning program free for participants beginning this fall.
Designed for adults who enjoy learning, conversation, and personal enrichment, Third Age College offers engaging, non-credit educational experiences in a welcoming, social environment. Through the new partnership, Iowa Lakes and RSVP are expanding access to lifelong learning while continuing to offer the high-quality programming participants have enjoyed for years.
“Learning doesn’t stop after retirement or a career change it continues throughout life,” said Melissa Haukap, Director of Continuing & Professional Education at Iowa Lakes. “We’re excited to partner with RSVP to remove financial barriers and welcome even more community members to discover new topics, meet new people, and enjoy learning together.”
This fall’s Third Age College schedule features two unique courses.
Class ID: 8756
Mondays, August 31 – December 7, 2026
Participants will explore one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations through The Great Courses lecture series featuring internationally recognized historian Dr. Richard Brown of the University of California, Los Angeles. Drawing on decades of scholarship and global expertise, the course examines the cultural, social, political, and historical forces that shaped China’s remarkable rise and transformation.
Class ID: 8757
Wednesdays, August 26 – December 9, 2026
Film enthusiasts are invited to experience the work of acclaimed director Rob Reiner through screenings of some of his most celebrated films. Each session includes guided discussion exploring storytelling, filmmaking techniques, cultural impact, behind-the-scenes insights, and the enduring influence of Reiner’s work on American cinema.
Registration Information
Both courses will be held on the Iowa Lakes Spencer Campus.
Thanks to the partnership between Iowa Lakes Continuing & Professional Education and RSVP, there is no cost to participate. Advance registration is encouraged.
For course details or to register, visit:
The Rise and Fall of China (Class ID 8756)
https://iowalakes.augusoft.net/connect/ClassInfo/ClassInformation?int_class_id=8756&int_category_id=3&int_sub_category_id=44&int_catalog_id=0
Directed by Rob Reiner (Class ID 8757)
https://iowalakes.augusoft.net/connect/ClassInfo/ClassInformation?int_class_id=8757&int_category_id=3&int_sub_category_id=44&int_catalog_id=0
For additional information, contact:
Mari Duncan
RSVP Director
mduncan@iowalakes.edu | 712-580-8652
Melissa Haukap
Director of Continuing & Professional Education
mhaukap@iowalakes.edu | 712-852-5206