LifeLong Learning-San Marcos

Studio Art with Roxana Tuff
About LifeLong Learning-San Marcos
Since 2014, under the direction of Dr. Marianne Reese, LifeLong Learning-San Marcos (LLL-smtx) has been sponsoring lectures and courses at the San Marcos Public Library and through the San Marcos Activity Center. In November 2017, this organization became a non-profit public charity whose mission is to provide learning experiences for adults fifty and older in the San Marcos area through no-cost/low-cost, easy-access, non-credit courses and lectures. Since 2014, LLL-smtx has served over 1000 learners.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020, LLL-smtx moved its courses on-line where it continues to draw learners into a variety of courses.
LLL-smtx does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
LLL-smtx is an organization of volunteers governed by an Executive Committee and Advisory Council that are duly nominated and elected.
Executive Committee
Dr. Marianne Reese, Director
Embracing Henry Ford’s adage that “anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80,” Marianne launched LifeLong Learning-San Marcos in 2014 to ensure adult learners have low-cost, accessible opportunities to explore, question, learn, and engage with others. Marianne is a life-long educator. In public schools, she served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and superintendent. Moving to Texas State University, Marianne taught courses in the Educational Leadership program and retired as chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Marianne was honored by the University as Associate Professor Emerita of Educational Administration.
Ms. Becky Duval Reese, Associate Director
Becky worked for over a decade at the Blanton Museum at UT-Austin and retired as director of the El Paso Museum of Art. Becky now serves on the Wittliff Collections Advisory Board at Texas State University. Her curatorial and publication focus is the art and artists of Texas. Becky will present with David The Art of David Everett: Another World at the 2021 Texas Book Festival.
Ms. Susan Beebe, Secretary
During her 40-year career as a professional educator, Sue taught English and communication studies while co-authoring five college-level textbooks. Now retired from the Department of English at Texas State University, Sue continues her work as a textbook author. She is also an avid reader and enjoys exploring new topics and ideas in LLL-smtx courses.
Dr. Wayne Schurter, Treasurer
Wayne served for 40 years at all levels of public education in the Midwest, retiring as a Chicago-area superintendent. He was appointed a National Defense Education Act Fellow and is a Certified Public School Business Official. After his wife, the love of Wayne’s life is Bonnie, a Gordon Setter he raised and trained from a puppy.
Advisory Council
Executive Committee members
Ms. Stephanie A. Korcheck
With over 30 years of policymaking, teaching, and program experience in education-related government and nonprofit organizations, Stephanie has expertise in education policy and law, advocacy, and strategic communications. Stephanie is happiest when she is with family and friends, cheering on the Fighting Irish and Longhorns, reading a good book, mixing good drinks, trying to play her guitar, and learning stuff.
Ms. Patricia Margerison
Patty is a recovering English teacher, having taught grades seven through college. In the “before times,” she enjoyed traveling in France and trying new restaurants. Patty’s pleasures these days are reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Pat Pattison
Shortly after her retirement from Texas State University in 2017, Pat was honored as a Distinguished Professor Emerita of Finance and Economics. The award was presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to higher education and to the discipline. Pat had come to Texas State as Chair of Finance and Economics in 2003 and taught and published in a variety of business law-related topics. Prior to joining the faculty at Texas State, Pat was a Professor of Legal Studies, Chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, and Associate Dean of the College of Business at the University of Wyoming.
Ms. Patsy Pohl
Patsy is a longtime resident of San Marcos, having come here as a college freshman and never leaving. She was a Senior Lecturer in Texas State’s Department of English and once served as President of the Texas State Alumni Association. Currently, Pat is a member of the San Marcos Cemetery Commission and the Brackenridge Club.