George Azar and James Kapsa are a perfect pair. They are friends who have the answers to whatever you want to know about the Forever Learning Institute. George is the executive director and Jim is a board member.
Jim serves as George’s wingman, driver and carnival barker. In addition to those fine activities, Jim is the retired superintendent of South Bend schools.
George is legally blind and that slows him down a little. He is often the guest speaker at lunches and other events. He speaks about the joy of learning for seniors.
However, getting there was a challenge until Jim volunteered to be the guy behind the wheel.
“I had my wife take me, but that became too much to schedule,” George said. “Jim stepped up.”
“I wanted to do whatever I could to make this work for FLI,” Jim said.
What they had was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. (With only a slight apology to Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains in “Casablanca.”)
Jim says George is quite the guy. “He is perfect for the job. He understands education, working with people.” George said Jim is a friend and a mentor.
At a recent retirement reception for South Bend schools, George talked about the range of programs and opportunities from Forever Learning, such as travel, cardio and computers.
Jim roams around the back of the room, throwing out questions and talking to attendees. Hyping the fun. The goal is to get their attention and consider taking a class. Perhaps there is a skill a retired teacher might enjoy teaching.
Jim says: “George, we have questions back here. People want to know if there are tests? How much? When does the summer session begin? Where are classes? Who can take classes?”
Classes begin after the Fourth of July. Classes are for 50 and older. No tests. Cost is $35 to $55 depending on the length of the class. Location for the summer is at Clay High School, George says.
Clay? Yes, Clay.
Forever Learning received approval from the SBCSC school board to take the summer session to Clay while work is being done at the regular location at St. Thérèse Little Flower Catholic Church.
FLI hopes the temporary move will be permanent, Jim said.
A little Forever Learning background. It is a large educational non-profit for students ages 50 and older. The Rev. Louis Putz started FLI in the 1970s.
Father Louis taught at the University of Notre Dame and as he neared retirement, he became interested in “third agers.” This group was past being wage earners but still curious. He saw these seniors being overlooked by the communities.
The first semester, Father Louis wanted 40 students. He had 115 students enrolled in 22 different classes. This past school year, there were 350 different classes and travel opportunities and 2,000 students. Classes in economics to pastels, tai chi to euchre.
George taught at Adams High School and later was principal at Rise Up Academy, LaSalle Intermediate Academy and St. Joseph Grade School. “I was in K-12 for nearly 20 years. I wanted something different,” he said. He started in 2024 as director.
Jim said George is a perfect ambassador for FLI with a great deal of enthusiasm for the students and the subjects. “George teaches two classes — cardio drumming and euchre. That is a hands-on administrator.”
Adampalooza raises money for Supporting Heroes
Adampalooza is a party, a fundraiser and a family venture. Also an act of love. The outing will feature food, a cash bar, raffles and drawings from 1 to 7 p.m. June 28, at Jeannie’s Tavern, 621 S. Bendix Drive, South Bend.
The proceeds will go to Supporting Heroes. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to assist families of first responders who die in the line of duty.
The Adam part of the palooza is Adam Kuspa. Adam was a Washington High graduate who made up his mind early to be a firefighter. He was an Elkhart firefighter, a friend, a son, a brother and a hero.
Adam was a captain in the Elkhart department. He was a newly minted captain, getting the promotion in December 2024. He died unexpectedly in January 2025 following medical complications from surgery for a job-related injury.
Adam’s mother, Sue Kuspa, said the family decided they needed to support other first responders. “We wanted to start a tradition. To have a gathering and support Adam’s causes. He always supported first responder causes. We want him to be remembered for his love of the community.”
Supporting Heroes was created by retired Louisville police officer Eric Johnson. Eric said the office supports families in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. “We helped 35 families last year. When we heard from the Kuspa family that we would be the beneficiary, we greatly appreciate the help.”
Sue says to come by Jeanie’s for good food and good people with big hearts.
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Forever Learning Institute prepares for summer school for seniors
Reporting by Kathy Borlik, Columnist / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kathy Borlik, Columnist | USA TODAY Network
