2025 Kauffman Remembrance Day and Award

In a tradition going back to 1992, a luncheon is held each year to honor the memory of Dr. Earl Kauffman, the driving force behind the creation of the Center for Lifelong Learning's predecessor organization in 1989, and the beginning of senior education in Aiken. The 2025 Kauffman Remembrance Day luncheon was held April 15 in the lobby the Etherredge Center at USCA.

The luncheon is funded in part by an endowment from the family of late USCA Professor James Kauffman to perpetuate the memory of his father. The event is open to all current registered members of the Center for Lifelong Learning and invitees.

Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) President David Tavernier gave opening remarks regarding the Center's success this academic year. David also announced the awarding of two scholarships to students from USCA LIFE, a post-secondary program that teaches employment and independent living skills to college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recipients Angus Macaulay of Chapin and Julianna Gray of Lexington were in attendance. "Thank you for the funding. This is a wonderful program. We’re so proud of it. We’re so proud of the students," said Melissa Martin, director of USCA LIFE.

USCA Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann also spoke, relating how the Center is such an important program at USCA.

Kauffman Award Presentation

Part of the Kauffman Remembrance Day memorial is the presentation of the Kauffman Award to an group or individual who has made significant contributions to the Center for Lifelong Learning. This annual award was begun in 1992, three years after the Academy for Lifelong Learning was organized.

Center Vice President Harriet Haynes presented awards at this year's luncheon to Katie Dixon and Susan Steinbis. This is only the second time in the award's history that two people have been recipients.

Haynes said Katie and Susan have helped revamp the Center’s catalog and scheduling, produced manuals for volunteers, and made other improvements to the Center’s operation. "They’ve been with us only a little over a year, and they’ve made a tremendous difference," Haynes said, recognizing Dixon and Steinbis "for their help, their energy, their new ideas, and their accomplishments."

"I was really just looking to take some classes and do something with my spare time and I learned about volunteering here," Dixon said. "It has been so rewarding because of the people I get to interact with here every day."

"I love the program. I love what it stands for," Steinbis said. "I do want to see it do more. I want to see it grow. There’s so much more we can offer."

Note: This article is an edited version of the one appearing in the Aiken Standard by Carl Dawson and of the manuscript for the Center's newsletter The Spiral by Doug Wilson. Thanks to the Aiken Standard for the photo.