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About ILEAD

Ann Hargraves President Peter Bleyler Vice President Martin Blumberg Treasurer Anne Baird Secretary Other Executive Counselors   Townsend Swayze Curriculum Chair Evva Larson Banisa Damian Susan Cohen Study Leader Support Mary Ann Holbrook Membership Services Sandra Hoeh Communications Chair Bobbi Travis Special Events Chair Bruce Macdonald Summer Series Chair Lyn Mead Study/Travel Chair Tom Brody Tim Thacher Members at Large Mary Ella Zietz Dartmouth Provost Office Liaison

An idea of continued learning…

ILEAD…pronounced like Homer’s “Iliad” and an acronym of Institute for Lifelong Education at Dartmouth…was founded in November, 1990 by 38 members of the Upper Valley intrigued with the “idea of continued learning.”  ILEAD founders relished the challenge of their own self-administered and peer-taught discussion programs.  Since January 1991, they achieved their every goal with over 1,000 Study Groups having been offered with participation by over 18,000 members.

Our Mission Statement…

The Institute is joined to Dartmouth College by a charter.  While much of its constituency will be area residents with some past or present affiliation with the College, it is designed to be a service to all adults living in the Upper Valley.  It therefore seeks members both with and without Dartmouth affiliation.

The primary purpose of the Institute is to promote learning through the study of topics selected by the membership. The emphasis is on peer participation, with some members leading a study group or giving a lecture while others actively engage in class discussions, research, and the presentation of short reports.

Planned social activities, lectures, trips, and other events of significant interest to members supplement the learning within the study groups.  The many opportunities for informal gatherings, combined with the rewards of peer learning, lead to stimulating encounters and new friendships.

A volunteer-run learning organization for Upper Valley adults…

As a self-supporting department of Dartmouth College, ILEAD’s purpose is to promote learning through the study of continuing series of thought provoking topics.

Supervised by its Executive Council, and managed by a salaried Program Coordinator and a Department Administrator, ILEAD is similar to over 300 such institutions at other universities and colleges.  With over 1,400 members we are the sixth largest in the country.

And there’s an annual Summer Program you won’t want to miss…

During July and August, there’s an intriguing lecture series focused on timely subjects by guest speakers from varied backgrounds.  Series normally meet from 9-12 once a week for six or seven sessions.

Previous series have included Conceptual Insights of the 21^st Century, Terrorism, and the Bill of Rights.

Becoming a member is as easy as “ABC”…

To become a registered member and be eligible for all ILEAD activities…plus receive mailings and participate in as many Study Groups as you wish…simply:

1. Register each year…annual membership year runs from July 1 – June 30.
2. Complete the Application Form accompanied with your annual membership fee.
3. Mail your Application Form to ILEAD, 10 Hilton Field Road, Hanover, NH03755-1413

Being a member is most rewarding…

Members…regardless of age, academic background or college affiliation…can participate in year-round stimulating, provocative and intellectual activities and courses of their choosing.

During the period of your selected course(s) you are allowed use of the renowned Dartmouth College Libraries.

Study Travel Programs offer opportunities to travel worldwide.  In addition, a series of day and overnight trips to historical and cultural locations is offered throughout the year.

Plus, you’re sure to meet new friends during special academic and social events featured throughout the year.

_{photo taken by Emily Jones @ ILEAD 2009 Annual Meeting}