Pillar Institute for Lifelong Learning

08/31/2026

Fall is here, and we are kicking off a new term with a great lineup of classes! From civics and voting to AI, emergency preparedness, and Mah Jongg, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new and connect with the PILLAR community.

Please remember to pre-register for classes at the link in bio, as there are no walk-ins for registered programs.

#3000 Taste of PILLAR: Three Mini PILLAR Classes
Tuesday, September 1 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Sample three engaging mini classes exploring the Bill of Rights and civic obligations, voting methods, and the world of AI data centers.
Free to all. Registration required.

#3001 Beginning Mah Jongg Lessons: 2 Extended Lessons
Tuesday, September 1 & Wednesday, September 2 | 12:30–3:30pm
Learn the fundamentals of Mah Jongg using National Mah Jongg League rules. Only 1 spot remains!

#3002 Ready, Set, Safe: Fire and Emergency Preparedness
Wednesday, September 2 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Learn practical tips for fire safety, emergency preparedness, and prevention.

Course Development Meeting
Wednesday, September 2 | 12:00pm
Join the conversation as we explore potential classes and instructors for the spring term.

We are excited to begin another term of learning, discovery, and community at PILLAR!

08/25/2026

Fall registration opens tomorrow, August 26th, and there are 63 classes to choose from in the new fall catalog! Don't forget to purchase your Fall Membership before registering for classes.

Join us tomorrow at 10:00am for the Catalog Party to pick up your fall catalog, enjoy refreshments, and spend time with friends deciding which classes you want to take.

Come find something that sparks your curiosity and get ready for another great season of learning at PILLAR!

08/09/2026

A new week brings another great mix of learning opportunities at PILLAR, from exploring our solar system to discovering the history of blues and R&B. There is something for every curious mind, and we would love to have you join us.

Please remember to pre-register for classes when required, as there are no walk-ins for registered programs. Register at: https://www.pillarinstitute.org/learn

Mah Jongg Open Play
Every Wednesday | 10:00am–1:00pm
Bring your 2026 Mah Jongg card and enjoy a fun, social afternoon of play with fellow enthusiasts.

#2071 Our Solar System: “Sector 001 of the Alpha Quadrant”
Tuesday, August 11 | 12:30–2:30pm
Take a closer look at our solar system, including its planets, orbits, and fascinating objects.

#2072 Nikola Tesla: The Genius Who Electrified the World
Wednesday, August 12 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Explore the inventions, ideas, and intriguing personality of the visionary who helped shape modern electricity.

#2073 The Urban Blues and Rhythm and Blues
Wednesday, August 12 | 12:30–2:30pm
Travel through the history of urban blues and early R&B while listening to the artists who shaped these influential genres.

#2074 Mah Jongg Strategies
Thursday, August 13 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Learn new strategies and techniques to help improve your Mah Jongg game.

Come learn something new, meet fellow lifelong learners, and make the most of another week at PILLAR.

08/02/2026

We're excited to share our feature on Our Town!

PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning is the only independent lifelong learning institute in southern Colorado, and we're proud to keep the Pikes Peak region curious, connected, and learning at every age.

In this episode, our own Sandy Halby talks about what makes PILLAR different: no exams, no homework, just classes on everything from art history to Mah Jongg, taught by local and international instructors, plus the social connection that comes with being part of our community.

Give it a listen:

Dedicated to promoting educational and social opportunities for adults in the Pikes Peak region. As the only independent lifelong learning institute in southern Colorado, we offer a diverse range of liberal arts and science classes. https://www.pillarinstitute.org/

07/31/2026

Mah Jongg Together was a hit!

Thank you to everyone who joined PILLAR Institute at Dillard's at the Chapel Hills Mall this past Saturday for an afternoon of Mah Jongg! The 3rd floor was buzzing with great conversation, Mah Jongg play, and plenty of curious first timers.

Guests watched live play, got their questions answered by our instructors, and got a first look at Dillard's new line of Mah Jongg tiles. Thanks for the great turnout and the energy you brought!

07/28/2026

We're honored to be featured in a recent Beacon Senior News - Colorado Springs-Pueblo article highlighting PILLAR's Mah Jongg program and our commitment to lifelong learning in the Pikes Peak region.

The article spotlights Board President and instructor Sandy Halby, whose passion for teaching Mah Jongg has helped introduce countless learners to a game that promotes strategy, connection, and lifelong learning.

We're grateful for this recognition and proud to share the impact PILLAR continues to have in our community through engaging classes, dedicated instructors, and meaningful opportunities to learn together.

Read the full article here:

From mental exercise to competitive tournaments, instructor Sandy Halby breaks down the game of Mah Jongg and reveals where to find local playing groups.

07/23/2026

Our Palisade Peaches arrive Saturday, August 1st at Chapel Hills Mall, and we need hands on deck to get them to our supporters!

We're looking for volunteers to:
🍑 Load peach boxes into cars
🍑 Direct traffic
🍑 Separate half boxes
🍑 Check names off the spreadsheet

When: Saturday, August 1st, 9:00am to 12:30pm
Where: Chapel Hills Mall

Can you lend a hand? Email Vickie at [email protected] to sign up.
Thank you for supporting PILLAR!

07/20/2026

Let's Mahjong Together! 🀄

PILLAR Institute will be at Dillard's at Chapel Hills Mall (3rd Floor) on Saturday, July 25th from 11:30am to 4:30pm for a full afternoon of Mah Jongg.

Watch live play, ask our instructors your questions, and get a first look at Dillard's new line of Mah Jongg tiles. Refreshments included.

New to American Mah Jongg or just curious what the buzz is about? This is the perfect low pressure way to see it in action and have your questions answered.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfd4Pe1W9jTLQtUCxiVAD2qHXYI-v7qi7BwjsYlKrFbFgFr6Q/viewform

We'd love to see you there.

07/06/2026

Discover something new with us this week! From local history and guided tours to American history and community stories, this week's lineup offers plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and connect.

Please remember to pre-register for classes at https://www.pillarinstitute.org/learn when required, as there are no walk-ins for registered programs.

Mah Jongg Open Play
Wednesday | 10:00am–1:00pm
Spend the afternoon enjoying friendly Mah Jongg games with fellow members.

#2045 Tour: The Historic Day Nursery: A Living Legacy Dedicated to the Care of Children
Tuesday, July 7 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Tour one of Colorado Springs' historic landmarks and learn about the state's oldest childcare organization.

#2046 America at 250: The Declaration of Independence, Then and Now
Wednesday, July 8 | 10:00am–1:00pm
Explore the Declaration of Independence and its continued relevance in America today.

#2047 IGP: A Colorado Springs Love Story: The Legacy of Venetucci Farm
Thursday, July 9 | 10:00am–11:30am
Hear the inspiring story of Nick and Bambi Venetucci and the lasting impact of their beloved family farm.

#2048 Tour: All Aboard: Pikes Peak Trolley Museum Tour
Friday, July 10 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Step back in time with a guided tour of the Pikes Peak Trolley Museum and its historic streetcars.

We can't wait to learn and explore with you this week at PILLAR!

06/29/2026

Expand your knowledge, spark your curiosity, and connect with fellow lifelong learners at PILLAR this week. With topics ranging from artificial intelligence and senior care to fascinating Colorado history, there's something for everyone.

Please remember to pre-register for classes when required at https://www.pillarinstitute.org/learn, as there are no walk-ins for registered programs.

Mah Jongg Open Play
Wednesday | 10:00am–1:00pm
Gather with fellow players for a fun and friendly afternoon of Mah Jongg.

#2040 AI Demystified: From Alan Turing to ChatGPT
Tuesday, June 30 | 10:00am–11:30am
Learn how artificial intelligence evolved from its earliest concepts to today's AI tools.

#2041 Planning Ahead: A Panel Featuring Sages Elder Care, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, and Rocky Mountain PACE
Tuesday, June 30 | 12:30pm–2:30pm
Hear from local experts about home care, hospice, palliative care, and resources for aging well.

#2042 Incredible Colorado: Stories You've Never Heard
Wednesday, July 1 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Discover surprising stories and little-known facts from Colorado's rich history.

We hope you'll join us for another week of learning, conversation, and community at PILLAR.