CHARLESTON, IL – Eastern Illinois University is expanding the value of its Alumni Association membership by including access to the Academy of Lifelong Learning with every membership, creating new opportunities for education, personal enrichment, and connection for alumni and community members alike.
The integration reflects EIU’s belief that learning doesn’t end at graduation. By bringing the Academy of Lifelong Learning into the Alumni Association, members gain access to educational programs, special events, and one of the University’s most distinctive opportunities for continued learning: the Academic Pass Program.
Through the Academic Pass Program, Alumni Association members may audit up to two Eastern Illinois University courses each semester at no additional cost, allowing participants to explore new subjects, revisit longtime interests, or experience the excitement of learning in an EIU classroom without the pressure of grades or academic requirements.
“The Academy of Lifelong Learning has always reflected Eastern’s commitment to intellectual curiosity and community engagement,” said EIU Senior Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement Brandon Kurzweg. “By including the Academy as a benefit of Alumni Association membership, we’re making it easier than ever for people to stay connected to the University while continuing to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships.”
While the organization is known as the Alumni Association, membership extends far beyond EIU graduates, and the expanded membership benefit underscores Eastern’s commitment to fostering lifelong relationships-not only with its graduates, but with everyone who believes in the transformative power of education. Parents, friends of the University, retired educators, and anyone who values learning and community are invited to become members and participate in Academy programming and Alumni Association activities. In addition to Academy access, Alumni Association members enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits, including subscriptions to Forever EIU magazine, invitations to alumni events, bookstore discounts, networking opportunities, and other member services. Membership also supports scholarships, student leadership programs, campus initiatives, and opportunities that strengthen the Panther experience for current and future students. Whether reconnecting with their alma mater, discovering Eastern for the first time, or simply seeking opportunities to continue learning, members become part of a vibrant Panther community dedicated to lifelong growth.
The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers a wide variety of educational programming throughout the year, including lectures, discussions, cultural experiences, wellness presentations, local history programs, arts events, and other enrichment opportunities designed for curious adults of all backgrounds and interests. Md Sakib, program assistant in EIU’s School of Extended Learning, leads the Academy. Sakib is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in organizational development, training, supply chain, and human resource management across sectors including retail, social enterprises, and higher education. He has earned an MBA from Western Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from BRAC University in Dhaka, Bangledesh. Anyone interested in Academy classes or looking to have questions answered about the Academy’s offerings can contact Sakib via email at mnsakib@eiu.edu.
For membership information or to join the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association, visit the Alumni Association website or call 800-ALUM-EIU (800-258-6348).
Additional information about the benefits of EIU Alumni Association membership are available here.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.