Courses &
Registration
Courses &
Registration

About Us

The Chilliwack ElderCollege is a volunteer-powered, not-for-profit society in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley.

Our Mission to provide adults over the age of 50 with education and learning opportunities that enrich their lives and expand their knowledge.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Spring of 1999.
The Big Idea
Ace Hollibaugh approached the University College of the Fraser Valley with a proposal to form an ElderCollege.

The UCFV President at the time was Dr. Skip Bassford. He strongly supported the idea and an enthusiastic committee was formed, spearheaded by Brad Whittaker. Whittaker, who would go on to serve as Chair for 11 years, was instrumental in seeking people who were interested in establishing an ElderCollege, organizing the Council, directing the search for instructors, and creating a schedule of courses.

The committee was further comprised of a number of interested community individuals, including Keith Bright, who was providing classes for seniors through a program called “Lifetime Learning“. This program was winding down so the timing for ElderCollege was right!
Spring of 1999.
Fall 1999
First courses
A program of 8 courses was developed for Fall 1999 under the auspices of Chilliwack and District Senior Resources Society and in partnership with UCFV (now known as UFV).

Ninety-eight people registered for that first semester.
Fall 1999
2000 - 2015
Immediate Growth!
In January 2000, approximately 200 people registered for courses. The following Fall, well over 250 people registered and caused the registration to be moved from UCFV to Evergreen Hall.

After several more years of growing interest, registration was moved to the AgRec Centre, which is now the Landing Sports Centre. This larger space was needed to accommodate the growing number of people interested in taking courses at ElderCollege.
2000 - 2015
2016
Get with the Times
In 2016, we went online! This allowed for quick and easy registration with little to no wait-times!

Purchase of memberships and registration for courses are now available through software called amilia.com
2016
2016-2020
Alive and Thriving
Chilliwack ElderCollege membership increases to over 600 and the program is successful at integrating seniors into the UFV campus - helping make it a true multigenerational learning environment that is accessible to all ages.

Our courses are fun and stimulating and presented by outstanding instructors, including many UFV faculty.
2016-2020
2020 - 2022
COVID
The pandemic hits the ElderCollege community hard as it is comprised of those who are considered some of the most vulnerable. Classes are cancelled and the campus is closed indefinitely.

ElderCollege, as a Not-For-Profit which relies solely on Membership to operate, is dramatically impacted and comes close to shutting it's doors for good.
2020 - 2022
Spring 2022
Rebirth
Chilliwack ElderCollege reopens with a small group of incredible volunteers who won't take no for an answer. The program is re-invigorated and although membership has dropped to below 100, courses are organized and people eager to get involved return to campus.

A free membership drive increases to our community to just over 300, slightly under 2015 numbers.
Spring 2022
Spring 2023
The Future
Using the last of it's financial resources to build out a spring semester, Chilliwack ElderCollege again opens it's doors to help seniors stay active, get involved, and challenge themselves.

If you've been thinking about improving your life, NOW is the time for you to connect with this community and help us keep the momentum moving forward!

Purchase My Membership →
Spring 2023

CHILLIWACK ELDERCOLLEGE

COUNCIL 2025-2026

  • Chair: Don Logie
  • Vice Chair: Nalla Steigvilas
  • Secretary: Pam Pederson
  • Treasurer: Janice Aver
  • Administration Team Chair: Alan Cadwell
  • Program Team Chair: Doris Heller
  • Members At Large: Rowland Amos,Leona Gardiner, Gerry Eggert, Sabine Abbasi
  • Past Chair: Wanda Hook, Marlene Dance

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

  • Chair: Alan Cadwell
  • Team Members: Deborah Allenby, Janice Aver, Don Logie, Glenn Brubaker, Moni Bhavra, Michael Phelan, Sabine Abbasi, Gerry Eggert, Marlene Dance

PROGRAM TEAM

  • Chair: Doris Heller
  • Team Members: Bob Fisk, Patti Wright, Leona Gardiner, Nalla Steigvilas, Rowland Amos, Sonja Kendrick, Dave Gillett, Sylvie Lehr, Bob Langton