
LifeLong Learning-San Marcos
A Proud Affiliate of the Aging Forward Alliance
Come Learn with Us!
Suzanne Shield Polk, LifeLong Learner
Thank you for creating LLL. It has filled a gap in San Marcos’ culture, bringing connection, discourse, learning, and light to our community, soldiering on through thick and thin.

Hosted by Marianne Reese
2:00-3:00pm, First Thursday of Every Month
KZSM – San Marcos Community Radio
Streaming at KZSM.org
On May's Human Interest show, Marianne’s guests were San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge; Corporal Joseph Osborne, head of SMPD's Mental Health Unit; and Kelly Castillo, SMPD's Mental Health Clinician.
Since joining the San Marcos Police Department in November 2021, Chief Standridge has worked proactively to enhance officer training and develop partnerships and initiatives to help SMPD better respond to calls for service involving people experiencing mental health crises, including connecting them to appropriate resources.
The discussion provided information on why these initiatives are so important to our community and how they are changing the way the department responds to and supports these vulnerable individuals.
Click on the link above to listen to this important episode!
Human Interest hosts guests and shares conversations that may spark compassion, empathy, motivation, laughter, fear, love, and perhaps even anger… all part of the human condition and each of human interest. Local experts and community organizations are featured to offer a broader context around topics relevant to our community.


Art and Music Events at Texas State University
CLICK HERE for more information about each event
Now through Friday, May 2 – FREE!
“Beyond All Reason” Art Exhibition
Saturday, May 3, 7:30 pm – Live Stream ($8.00); In-person ($13.00)
CLICK HERE for information
28th Annual Feria Del Mariachi
Wednesday, May 7, 7:30 p.m. – FREE!
Tickets are required for admission... CLICK HERE for information
2025 Musical Theater Senior Showcase
Now through Friday, May 9 – FREE!
MFA/Communication Design Thesis Exhibition
Now through Friday, May 9 – FREE!
“Mind the Gaps” Art Exhibition
LifeLong Learning’s Inaugural Trip was Terrific!
Where will we go next?
In April, 29 LifeLong Learners joined us for our first on-site field trip to three of the San Antonio missions – Concepción, San José, and Espada – and the Espada Dam and Aqueduct. Dr. Frank de la Teja, long-time history professor at Texas State University and recognized expert in Texas history, provided important context and fascinating facts about the sites we visited.
If you have photos from the trip, please share them with us at lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com.
CLICK HERE to see all the submitted photos.
We hope you will join us for our next journey!


CLICK HERE to learn more about our new, upcoming courses
Starts May 5: Mapping Music—A Musician’s Guide to the Galaxy
Starts May 6: Survival Spanish II NOTE: Schedule Change... all classes now in May
Starts May 15: Genealogical Updates for 2025: Websites, Methods, and Techniques
Starts July 1: Philosophy for Life: A Gentle Journey Through Wisdom

REGISTER FOR ANY SESSION
Once you register, you will receive Zoom links to all sessions… attend those of interest!
The Wittliff Book+ Club
Email lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com to register
The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University is home to an extraordinary collection of rare and unique treasures reflecting the works of writers, photographers, musicians, filmmakers, and other artists. LifeLong Learning is pleased to partner with the Wittliff to present books and related archival materials to our participants.
For our next session on May 29, Wittliff staff will showcase archival material highlighting Sandra Cisneros and her 1984 novel, The House on Mango Street. Due to its sensitive subject matter, including sexual abuse and ethnic and patriarchal themes, The House Mango Street has been targeted by book banning efforts over the years. An award-winning author, Cisneros is widely regarded as a key figure in Chicano literature and is the first female Mexican-American writer to have her work published by a mainstream publisher.
Even if you don’t finish reading the book, join us for a lively discussion of this important literary work… you will enjoy the sharing and conversations.