Lifelong Learning Institute of Virginia Tech

Longtime LLI instructor Jesi Pace-Berkeley is a featured artist on PBS' Artistic Encounters - Meet the Artist, a show that essentially takes the artist from behind the camera and welcomes them into the Blue Ridge PBS studio.

Lynn Brammer: Leading Light! Lynn Brammer has been recognized by NRV Leading Lights as a Leading Light in Montgomery County.

They write, "Lynn Brammer is a lifelong volunteer whose dedication to community service spans numerous organizations across the New River Valley. She actively contributes to groups such as Volunteer Montgomery, the New River Blues Society, Montgomery/Floyd Friends of the Library, and the League of Women Voters, often serving in leadership roles and supporting marketing and outreach efforts. Lynn plays a key role in promoting events and fundraisers, helping organizations expand their reach and connect with the community. Her passion for social justice, diversity, and community well-being is evident in the causes she supports and the time she gives. Known affectionately as “The Button Lady,” Lynn uses creative ways to raise awareness, wearing buttons that highlight various causes. Through her energy, consistency, and enthusiasm, Lynn inspires others to get involved and support local initiatives. Her lifelong commitment to volunteerism has made a lasting and meaningful impact across the New River Valley."

Lynn serves on the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, VA, where she is Director of Events. She has responsibility for events including our annual meeting and fall orientation.

Here she is at the 2026 Annual Meeting, wearing some of those buttons, between Carolyn Rude and Jes Davis. Congratulations, Lynn!

The LLI Program Committee is now in the process of selecting the Spring 2027 offerings. We invite LLI members, university faculty, and community friends to submit proposals for courses, special events, and field trips. Proposals received by Friday, July 10 will be considered at the July 13 program committee meeting.

Thank you to the current and retired faculty of Radford University and New River Community College for helping LLI this spring by teaching in one of our classes!

The LLI program is made possible through member funds, donations, and our annual sponsors. Thank you so much for your generosity and support of the LLI program!

Platinum Sponsor:
- Plott & French Financial Advisors

Gold Sponsor:
- LewisGale Regional Health System

Silver Sponsors:
- Cooke Lavender Massey & Company, P.C.
- Edward Jones

Bronze Sponsors:
- Baseline Solar Solutions
- Blacksburg Pharmacy
- Brown Insurance
- Mike Eggleston, Coldwell Banker realtor
- Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley
- South Main Chiropractic Clinic

Thank you to the many volunteers that served as instructors, class assistants, and committee members this year! Our program would not be possible without you. Enjoy these photos from our 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Reception, featuring guest speaker Megan Duffy, Head Coach of Virginia Tech Women's Basketball.

LLI Volunteer Reception 2026 Thank you to the many volunteers that serve as instructors, class assistants, and committee members! Our program would not be possible without you. Enjoy the...

Enjoy this recap of the 2025-26 LLI program!

LLI 2025 26 recap video Enjoy this recap of the 2025-26 program of the Lifelong Learning In...

Congratulations to the 2026 Niles Award winners, Britton Gildersleeve and Bill Ochsenwald! The Niles Award recognizes sustained teaching excellence in the LLI program.

LLI members had a wonderful time going Behind the Fences at Virginia Tech’s Livestock Research Centers! We loved learning more about the care and management of the animals—and seeing it all up close.