SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roots run deep at the non-profit Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) from which Jo-Ellen Unger, its executive director for nearly 20 years, is retiring in November.
Based in Saratoga Springs, the SUNY Empire State College-sponsored A.L.L. offers a wide variety of non-credit academic study groups, leadership and social opportunities for mature learners.
Unger, who is well known for her wearing of stylish hats, has been with A.L.L. since 1994 when she joined as public relations consultant; later that year she was selected to be its first paid executive director, a position she has held ever since.
Her unique abilities to attract inspire and support volunteers—the core of A.L.L.’s committee-run government, study groups, special interest groups and frequent social events—are what 17-year member Rita Carozza points to as Unger’s strengths.
“Jo-Ellen’s energy is remarkable and a key component to her success,” said Jim Hartman, A.L.L. Executive Council Chairman
“The growth of our academic programs and opportunities for social interaction, which are so important for older learners,” Unger says, are among her proudest achievements.
Others include the annual winter Storytellers Series to which the public is invited for free presentations and the New York State Legislature’s declaration of September as Lifelong Learning month.
A.L.L. has been the recipient of a number of awards including the recent 2013 SUNY/CUAD Judges’ Citation for Excellence in community relations.
A published writer and photographer, Unger has no plans to rest on her well-deserved laurels. “It’s time to pursue other interests now,” Unger said.
An avid hiker, kayaker, cross-country skier, snowshoer, and master gardener, the physically-fit Unger loves the outdoors and often walks to and from work—2.5 miles each way.
A tireless proponent of A.L.L. and like the branches of the A.L.L. logo’s iconic apple tree, Unger plans to be around for a long time.
