The Thomas Dunn Memorials Adult Education Program is a not-for-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives of St. Louis adults through practical application of communication, critical thinking, career training and development, personal growth, family relations, and life skills. We have no tests, no grades—and no tension!

We offer:

• Convenient location
• Safe, comfortable environment
• Lighted parking
• Handicapped access
• Professional faculty
• Free or low-cost quality education
• Classroom space available for rent

Fall 2008

Dear Friends:

Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage and each must play his part.” Could The Bard have fathomed this would include the Olympic Games in Beijing; Anheuser-Busch in Belgium; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under witness protection; massive global warming; cost-prohibitive transportation; the dream of home ownership breaking the backs of those who have achieved it; careers so valiantly pursued vanishing with corporate layoffs; and the market capitalization of venerable GM equal to that of Bed, Bath and Beyond?

Shakespeare knew human nature. Sooner or later greed, envy, pride, wrath, gluttony, lust and sloth result in immeasurable pain and suffering – if not destruction. And all trust is lost in the process. A major – if not the major – defense against such pain is education. That is our “part.”

During the past year, we have enjoyed many pleasant surprises among our continuing challenges:

• Veteran faculty member and student Bill Diel included us in his charitable remainder trust. Bill was a staunch advocate of our mission, and he provided financial support at his death for us to continue. We are most grateful!
• Bob Baer, Bill Bowersox, The Honorable Tom Villa, Richard Welmering, Debbie Fellenz, Rita Fust and the Friends of Thomas Dunn Memorials donated generously so that one day we may actually have a whole new roof. We are humbled by their support. We have added a donation box on page 19 of the catalog if you wish to join them. Or Contact Us for more information
• Dr. Zelema Harris, Chancellor of the St. Louis Community College, was elected to our Board of Directors for a three-year term. During that tenure, we hope to continue to expand our partnership with the college. Together, we provide participants with technology to enhance their lives and careers.
• STLCC’s Virginia Schorle advanced our Computer Lab with the installation of fiber-optic cable.
• Katie Dodwell and her team continue to maintain our Lab so we have the latest innovations on our south-side campus.
• Jacqui Landau has included cooking classes in the college curriculum. What a treat!

It’s all here, isn’t it? Through the years, we’ve lectured on budgeting, investing and voting. Now we teach downsizing and preventing home foreclosures; and we are relieved that this election cycle is nearing its end.

Yes, we adapt with the times, but nothing thus far has changed our view that learning enhances lives. History, music, crafts, cooking, political science and tours – it’s all here. Walk, bike or bus if you must, but join us. That’s your “part.”

Sincerely,

Kathleen R. Bangert