The fall 2025 semester marked the beginning of WILL’s 20th Anniversary – two decades of lifelong learning in community here in Silver City. Special events and celebrations have been planned.
WILL stands for Western Institute of Lifelong Learning. WILL’s mission is to “Enrich lives through learning in the community.”
The Western Institute of Lifelong Learning has been Western New Mexico University's lifelong learning institute since 2006. Loyd Alexander, Patty Reed, Nancy Elsinger created the idea of WILL based on the idea of “a grassroots learning institute that serves people 50 and older.” Kathie Gilbert, Bonnie Maldonado, and Patty Reed met with WNMU president, Dr. Counts, asking for the name, an office and classroom usage.
WILL’s website boasts, “WILL is an intentional, inclusive community that fosters friendships, challenges the mind, body and spirit, and promotes creativity and self-expression. We offer experiences in lifelong learning and opportunities for volunteering that optimize life’s potential, satisfy personal curiosities, and enrich members' lives.”
WILL offers three semesters each year. A wonderful and diverse selection of courses are offered each semester from classroom meetings to traveling abroad. Courses are led by passionate facilitators who volunteer their time and knowledge. An annual membership and small fees for the classes pay for the necessities.
Many categories of classes are offered from armchair travel, art, music, dance, history, how to, outdoor experience, to technology, to name a few. Each semester classes change to give a chance to experience new or favorite topics. Recent experiences in learning included beginning drawing, aqua Zumba, garden prep, seed saving, hiking, and Chaucer.
The Lunch and Learn Program consists of six free lunch hour seminars featuring local researchers and activists. Topics range from local history and health, to the dynamics of the southern border region. Three seminars are co-sponsored by the Silver City Museum. Lunch and Learn events are open to the public.
WILL hosts several specialty Enthusiast Groups. These form when participants of a WILL course want more interaction and fun with like-interested members. New EGs can be formed based on a previous or current semester course.
The Travel Program EG takes groups on immersive adventures. This year a trip called “250 years of American History” will travel from Silver City to Boston and on to Washington D.C. for a nine-day experience in September.
For folks who fish there is a Reel Fishing EG. Any WILL member interested in stream habitat restoration and or fishing can join. One other EG is The Writers Workshop Enthusiast Group. This grew out of a memoir class and now this small group has evolved into all writing genres.
Many volunteer opportunities are available to match your skills and interests and training is provided if needed. Volunteers play an important role as course facilitators, class shepherds, audio visual, first aid, social planners and much more.
For questions or to apply go online to fill out a WILL volunteer form at volunteer@will.community.
The fall 2025 semester marked the beginning of WILL’s anniversary. Celebrating 20 years at WILL this spring are some of the following events. Saturday Apr. 25 WILL’s Got Talent 7-9:00 p.m. at Light Hall Theater, featuring a variety of WILL members’ talents with Master of Ceremony, Howie Richey.
On May 9, visit the Grand Opening: WILL Museum Exhibit. And on May 21 the celebration highlight is the 20th Anniversary Gala Luncheon. Watch for details.
WILL’s website quotes Jim Smith, "What makes WILL unique is its democratic spirit. Volunteers drive the program from the bottom up, providing opportunities for anyone to share their knowledge and passions. Of all the programs I’ve known, WILL stands out for the sense of community it fosters, a community built on shared curiosity.”
“For anyone seeking friendship, connection, and a deeper bond with the Silver City community, it can truly be a lifesaver.”
“After more than 12 years of making presentations for WILL, I’ve found it to be a program full of heart – one that makes the world a little less lonely, more engaging and richly stimulating,” Smith said. “I can’t imagine my retirement without the joy, inspiration, and intellectual stimulation that WILL provides.”
The WILL office is located on the WNMU campus in the Rhoda House, 104 Rhoda Road.
For further information visit its extensive website: will.community or 575-538-6835.
