Saratoga Hospital Oncology Unit Director Renee Russell (fifth from left) is flanked by Knitters Chairs Carol Dunnigan and Gloria Marceau and members of the Academy for Lifelong Learning’s knitting group. Photo by Bernie Fabry.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Academy for Lifelong Learning at SUNY Empire State College marked its 25th anniversary with a “Celebrating Silver” Banquet on Friday, Dec. 1, at the Gideon Putnam Hotel. A group of 210 academy members and friends past and present attended.
Special guests included Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen, who proclaimed Dec. 1 as Lifelong Learning Day in the city; SUNY Empire State College dignitaries Walter Williams, Mary Caroline Powers and Sue McFadden, founding members of the academy; Saratoga Hospital Oncology Unit Director Renee Russell; plus John Rowe and Kellie Postlethwaite of Prestwick Chase.
The event included lunch, recognition of the founding members, entertainment by Bobby and Susie Dick, raffle baskets and a collection for the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council.
There also was a special presentation of 425 knitted caps, one for each member of the academy, donated to cancer patients at Saratoga Hospital.
