2022 Kauffman Remembrance Day and Award

The Center for Lifelong Learning is continuing Kauffman Remembrance Day, a tradition begun by the Academy for Lifelong Learning, one of the Center's predecessor organizations. Its purpose is to honor the memory of Dr. Earl F. Kauffman, one of the individuals most responsible for the 1989 creation of the Academy and the bringing of senior education to Aiken area. The 2022 Kauffman Remembrance luncheon was held April 21 in the lobby the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken. Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon gave the invocation.

Center President Wayne Rickman emceed the event and reported on this first year of operation after the successful merging of the Academy for Lifelong Learning and McGrath Computer Learning Center organizations into the combined Center for Lifelong Learning.

USC Aiken Chancellor Dr. Daniel J. Heimmermann was the keynote speaker. He shared his views on the University's place in the Aiken community and its plans to better meet the needs of the community and become a bigger and more vital part of the community in the future.

Kauffman Award Presentations

Part of the Kauffman Remembrance Day observation is the presentation of the Kauffman Award to an individual or group that has made significant contributions to the organization. This annual award was begun in 1992, just three years after the Academy for Lifelong Learning was organized in 1989. Past Academy President Harriet Haynes presented the awards at this year's luncheon to Vicki Collins and Jim Brown.

Harriet Haynes Receives Special Recognition

The combining of two diverse organizations with decidedly different modes of operation into a single Center for Lifelong Learning was no easy task. It took well over a year of concerted effort by the board members of both organizations to make this happen. Of all those involved, one stands out as the key to this integration and our first year success, Harriet Haynes.

Harriet was President of the Academy before the merger and continues to serve on the new Center's board. She designed the committees needed to work on the merger and kept everyone's nose to the grindstone until there was the framework for the new organization. This year she has been the backbone of planning and execution. For these reasons, The Board recognizes Harriet's outstanding efforts and authorizes this special Leadership Award.