MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Okay, I ’ m done playing nice. Honestly, I ’ m sick and tired of all you freeloaders! Therefore, to rid ICL of all undocumented parasites, I have organized my own I.C.E.
( Institute Commandos for Enforcement ), headed by none other than Hall Czar – Russ Stevenson. We plan to raid all ICL classrooms, arrest hundreds of undocumented (those with- out valid ICL memberships) and those dewy-eyed instructors who enable and turn a blind eye. Not only will we save ICL a thimble of money, but alas, this will make our classrooms much safer, or at least smaller. Yes, we will wear masks, and yes, you can thank me when you see me on campus.
Now, on a more somber note, for the remainder of my column, I would like to pay my last respects to Dr. Robert Kramer — May He Rest In Peace . Gone is my moral compass, my true north, my guiding North Star. So, here is my heartfelt eulogy.
Robert Kramer was born April 28, 1955, to Melvin and Jeanne Kramer, the 4 th of five children. He barely graduated Granite High School, then, after much torturing of lab animals, earned a PhD in psychology at the U. of U. After one disastrous marriage, in 1982, he had the uncommon foresight to marry Nancy. Now, let ’ s fast-forward to 2018, when Rob and Nancy moved to St. George, and he began as Director of ICL. In 2018, ICL offered approximately 50-60 classes/semester with a smattering of additional classes added each year. Enforcement standards were lacking. Under Rob ’ s leadership,
ICL expanded to 70-80 classes/semester and adopted higher standards. Additionally, thanks to Dr. Kramer, ICL introduced six popular clubs and the Live Long. Live Well program to promote wellness with our members. When Rob assumed the reins, ICL was experiencing a decline in membership and suffering serious financial difficulties for the 3 rd consecutive year. Recognizing that quality classes were the key, Rob led the transfor- mation of ICL, preparing us for a new and vibrant future. In 2018, by leveraging the talents of the council, office manager, and volunteers, ICL achieved a record membership of 1100 members and over 90 instructors. In 2019, ICL faced the prospect of bankruptcy and closure due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. To mitigate this disaster, Rob led the transition to Zoom classes, ensuring ICL courses would continue. Also, he, along with Daphne Schroth and Russ Stevenson, submitted grant proposals, securing a $30,000 grant from the Sorenson Foundation, which stabilized our bleak financial situation. Dr. Kramer claims his secret to success has been his deep respect for this 47-year-old program and his commitment to its vision and mission, which often has required hard choices. Huh? What did you say? I didn ’ t hear you... YOU MEAN — HE IS NOT DEAD! — Then please disregard all of the above! But seriously, although Rob has passed the ICL Director ’ s torch to Cynthia Holman-Schmidt, his contributions will not be forgotten. Thank you, Rob, for your many years of hard work and service on behalf of ICL. And here ’ s to ICL ’ s continued success! See you in class … ~ Dr. Warren Stucki, ICL President
2 LIFELONG LEARNING
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