Pillar Institute for Lifelong Learning

Today is the day!

Join us as we celebrate PILLAR’s 30th Anniversary and 30 years of lifelong learning in the Pikes Peak region.

Stop by from 10am-2pm in our dedicated space at Chapel Hills Mall to meet instructors and staff, learn about upcoming classes, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate with the PILLAR community.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

PILLAR Institute is turning 30, and we're marking the milestone with an Open House at our dedicated space inside Chapel Hills Mall. Come see where curiosity lives, meet our instructors and staff, explore Summer 2026 classes, and enjoy refreshments with the community that makes it all possible.

Whether you've been with us for years or have always been curious about PILLAR, this one's for you.

Mark your calendar:
PILLAR's 30th Anniversary Party and Open House
Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Chapel Hills Mall, Suite 847 | Colorado Springs

Free and open to everyone. RSVP here: https://pillarinstitute.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/pillarinstitute/event.jsp?event=7728

From poetry and Shakespeare to current events and strategy, this week’s classes offer something for everyone. We love seeing both familiar and new faces in class, and we hope you will join us for another week of learning and conversation at PILLAR.

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

Mah Jongg Open Play
Wednesday | 10:00am–1:00pm
Enjoy a fun and social afternoon of Mah Jongg in our dedicated game space.

#2001 Chaos in the Green Zone: The Iran War and Lessons from Iraq War Strategy
Tuesday, May 19 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Hear a firsthand perspective on leadership and decision making during the Iraq War.

#2010 Poetry Made Simple: Read It, Write It, Love It
Wednesday, May 20 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Read and discuss modern poetry while trying your hand at writing your own poems.

#2011 How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare
Wednesday, May 20 | 12:30pm–2:30pm
Explore Shakespeare’s life and journey to becoming one of history’s greatest playwrights.

#2012 When Politics Meets Homeland Security: Inside America’s Shifting Strategy
Thursday, May 21 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Examine current issues surrounding homeland security, politics, and the role of the military in the United States.

We look forward to another great week together at PILLAR!

We have another great week of learning, conversation, and community at PILLAR. Whether you are a longtime member or joining us for the first time, we would love to see you in class.

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

Course Development Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 | 9:00am–10:00am
Help brainstorm and shape upcoming fall classes and instructors.

#2005 Walk: Discover Native Plants of the Pikes Peak Region
Tuesday, May 12 | 9:00am–12:00pm
Take an easy guided walk through Garden of the Gods while learning about native plants and local history.
Location: Meet at Rock Ledge Ranch parking lot, 3105 Gateway Rd.

#2006 The Art of Haiku: Writing Beauty in Just a Few Words
Wednesday, May 13 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Explore the art of haiku through reading, discussion, and writing your own poetry.

Mah Jongg Open Play
Wednesday, May 13 | 10:00am–1:00pm
Enjoy a relaxed and social afternoon of Mah Jongg in our dedicated game space.

We look forward to seeing you this week at PILLAR!

PILLAR is thriving, and it is all because of our incredible community. As our membership grows and more classes are added each term, we are looking for volunteers to help us continue building engaging lifelong learning opportunities.

There are many ways to get involved, including:
Receptionists, Class Hosts, Technology Support, Hospitality, Fundraising, Catalog Support, Course Development, and Board Committees.

Whether you have a few hours each week or can help occasionally, there is a place for you to make a meaningful impact.

If you love PILLAR and want to help shape its future, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] with which volunteer opportunities you are interested in or to learn more.

Due to the upcoming snowstorm, PILLAR will be closed on Wednesday, May 6.

There will be no Mah Jongg Open Play, no Course Development meeting, and class #2001 "Chaos in the Green Zone" will be rescheduled to Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00am

Please stay safe, stay warm, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

We have a great mix of classes this week, and we would love to see you there. If you are new to PILLAR, this is a perfect time to join us and experience our community.

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

Mah Jongg Open Play
Wednesday | 10:00am–1:00pm
Enjoy a relaxed and social time playing Mah Jongg in our dedicated space.
Location: Chapel Hills Mall, north entrance between Dillard’s and Peak Pickleball

Taste of PILLAR — Three Mini Classes
Tuesday, May 5 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Sample three engaging mini classes and get a feel for what PILLAR has to offer.
Location: Chapel Hills Mall, north entrance between Dillard’s and Peak Pickleball

Chaos in the Green Zone: My Time as an Iraq War Strategist
Wednesday, May 6 | 10:00am–12:00pm
Hear a firsthand account of high-pressure decision making during the Iraq War.
Location: Chapel Hills Mall, north entrance between Dillard’s and Peak Pickleball

IGP: The Art and Lives of Russell and Re*****on
Thursday, May 7 | 10:00am–11:30am
Explore the lives and artwork of two defining artists of the American West.
Location: Inn at Garden Plaza, 2520 International Circle

We look forward to seeing you this week at PILLAR!

We are beyond honored to share that PILLAR has been named Small Business/Nonprofit of the Year at the 2026 Joe Henjum Senior Accolades!

Thank you to the Senior Resource Council for hosting such a meaningful evening dedicated to those who serve older adults across the Pikes Peak region. To be nominated alongside so many incredible individuals and organizations was already humbling and to win is truly something special.

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees and winners. The work happening in this community for older adults is nothing short of remarkable. We are proud to be part of it.