Celebrating 25 years of lifelong learning | Stories

A man walks and talks in the middle of a classroom, as adult students sit in rows of seats on either side of him.

ELLA students in a classroom. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradley Photography.

Curiosity doesn’t come with a graduation date.

For many Edmontonians, the desire to explore new ideas stays with them long after they leave the classroom. But while the hunger for knowledge remains, finding high-quality, accessible learning opportunities in later life can often be a challenge.

This gap is exactly what led to the creation of the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA).

In 2001, when the University of Alberta’s Spring Session for Seniors was threatened by funding cuts, a dedicated group of volunteers refused to let the learning stop.

For Vivian Mattia, ELLA was a transition to a new kind of engagement in retirement.

“I first heard about ELLA the year before I retired. I was so excited by the possibility of exploring a huge range of subjects alongside a community of people who shared that same passion for learning,” she says.

“After attending for a couple of years, I started volunteering as a Course Host, which eventually led to serving on the Board of Directors. Because ELLA is run entirely by volunteers, I realized the importance of the people behind the scenes.”

A group of students point their smart phones at a wall of framed paintings.

ELLA members take part in an art course. Photo courtesy of ELLA.

Men and women sit at tables in an cafeteria with a wall of large windows.

ELLA members at the University of Alberta. Photo courtesy of ELLA.

Taking courses, making connections

Now serving as Vice President and Program Implementation Chair, Mattia sees firsthand how ELLA’s academic rigour and deep dives into a diverse range of topics sets it apart.

“The calibre of instructors is exceptional. Many are emeritus professors or well-known experts in their fields,” she says.

“They have a passion for their topics, and there’s something for everyone. Courses range from the humanities and sciences to fine arts and wellness.”

Starting with just 65 members in 2002, ELLA is now celebrating its 25th anniversary with approximately 1,000 members and hundreds of expert-led courses.

During the 2026 spring session, for example, students explored topics as varied as The Beautiful North Saskatchewan River and Marvels of Mathematics to Human Worth and Wisdom.

Beyond the books, ELLA is also about connection.

“I enjoy the community of learners here. There’s something special about renewing acquaintances every year and sharing experiences from our different classes,” adds Mattia.

A woman sits a table, looking down at the playing cards in her hands, as a group of four women play cards at a table behind her.

ELLA students can also learn to play games. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradley Photography.

“It provides intellectual stimulation, a chance to be part of an engaged community with shared interests, and, we have fun!”

Edmonton: a global leader in learning

ELLA’s dedication to learning helped lay the groundwork for a major city milestone: Edmonton’s induction into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

In 2022, Edmonton became the first Canadian city to join this international network, with ELLA as one of the original supporters of our UNESCO application. We are now part of a global community of 425 cities across 91 countries dedicated to sharing policies and practices that support learning at every stage of life.

A teepee, surrounded by chairs and stools, stands on the main floor of a library.

Stanley Milner Library.

Edmonton’s Global Network of Learning Cities activities are overseen by a steering committee of 14 member organizations, including:

City of Edmonton
Edmonton Public Library
Edmonton Unlimited (an innovation agency for local entrepreneurs)
Three local school divisions
Eight post-secondary institutions

Students walk toward a building with a glass pedway attached to it.

Feltham Centre at NAIT.

Building a vibrant city of learners

As Edmonton grows to a city of two million people, learning has essential economic and social benefits.

Whether you’re picking up a new language, mastering a craft or diving into local history, lifelong learning helps drive our city’s economic growth and helps ensure our community remains connected and thriving.

In May 2026, Edmontians gathered to celebrate ELLA’s 25th Anniversary. During the event, Mayor Knack highlighted that partnerships with ELLA and other community learning organizations play an important role in Edmonton’s reputation as a hub for curiosity and learning.

“ELLA has created a community where people stay engaged, active and connected,” he said.

“And it’s not just individuals who benefit — our entire city does. Thanks to partners like ELLA, Edmonton became the first Canadian city to join UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities.

A group of six women and three men, all wearing lanyards around their necks, stand in a horizontal line and smile as they pose for a photographer.

Mayor Andrew Knack and ELLA volunteers at the organization’s 25th anniversary event. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradley Photography.

“Being a member of UNESCO connects us with like-minded cities around the world,” says Mayor Knack, “which strengthens the economy, attracts talent and investment, and helps us adapt in a world that’s constantly changing.”

Editor’s note: the first image on this page shows Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA) volunteers at the organization’s 25th anniversary event. Photo courtesy of Jake Bradley Photography.

For more information on Edmonton’s Learning City initiatives, visit edmonton.ca/LearningCity. To learn how you can get involved with ELLA, visit my-ella.com.