91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ

Lifelong Learning

Rekindle the wonder of discovery and the goodwill that naturally comes with it

91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Engagement Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning

Melissa Kerin presenting at Discover Middle Ages campus program

Campus Programs

The campus programs encourage you to satisfy your enduring curiosity about the world and to think about the arts and sciences, current events, history, literature, and philosophy, while in the company of experts from the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ community and beyond. Alumni College, Wonderweek, and the weekend seminars — Law & Literature, Institute for Honor, and Tom Wolfe — offer options for the entire family.

An image of a Travel Program group in Rome

Travel Programs

The 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Travel Program offers opportunities to get to know the world firsthand, to experience different cultures, to appreciate new world views, and to savor the inspiring beauty and history of other lands. The education adventure tours are led by experts, creating memorable travel experiences for 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ alumni, families, and friends.

A couple at home watching an event on a laptop

91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ At Home

Convenient access to timely topics, cutting edge research, and thought-provoking discussions about literature and the arts is the hallmark of 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ At Home. The program offers live online webinars on current issues; the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ After Class podcast featuring university faculty; the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Virtual Book Club; and a treasure trove of recorded lectures in the Archives. You’re never far from your next lifelong learning adventure.

"There’s not enough space here to say how absolutely wonderful, amazing, incredible, awesome and fabulous the safari was! Each day better than the day before, each place so beautiful and awe-inspiring. The weather was perfect, the wildlife viewing beyond my wildest dreams!"

Past Travel Program Participant

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning

  • Lifelong Learning
    91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ
    204 W Washington Street
    Lexington, VA 24450

Here to guide your next adventure

The staff of the Office of Lifelong Learning are here to to help further your journey.

James Lambert
James Lambert

James Lambert

Director of Lifelong Learning

James Lambert began serving as Director of Lifelong Learning in July 2025. Previously he served as Provost and professor of English at Southern Virginia University, and prior to that worked as Chair of the English Department at the American University of Kuwait. He received an MA in American Literature at University of Arizona and a doctorate in Early Modern British Literature at the University of Iowa. He has published on Shakespeare, Milton, and a smattering of Renaissance poets and religious thinkers, and he continues to think about teaching, learning, and everything in between. In addition to his work as the Director of Lifelong Learning, James is also the host and executive producer of the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ After Class Podcast and has a courtesy appointment as professor in the English Department.

Lisa D’Amelio
Lisa D’Amelio

Lisa D’Amelio

Associate Director of Lifelong Learning

Lisa joined the Lifelong Learning office in 2021, driven by her passion for education and travel. She manages the office’s travel program and partners with the director to create dynamic campus and virtual programs that inspire lifelong learners. Before arriving at 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ in 2018, Lisa spent more than 20 years in education, teaching English to speakers of other languages, offering Spanish enrichment for elementary students, and working with the youngest learners as a preschool director. She also spent time teaching abroad and holds an M.Ed. from Wilmington University in Delaware.

Darren Smith

Darren Smith

Office Manager of Lifelong Learning

Darren Smith lives in Staunton with his partner and fellow 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ staff member, Jessica Luck. He is a native of Lawrence, Kan., and has a master’s degree in urban affairs and planning from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor’s in communications, legal institutions, economics, and government from American University. For more than a decade, Darren led a social impact enterprise that created app-led, gamified walking tours for historic business districts and other destinations. He has an 11-year-old son who is whip-smart and already better at every sport than Darren ever was. He also enjoys creative projects, such as woodworking and gardening, and attending concerts.

Lisa D’Amelio
James Lambert