FIELDEN INSTITUTE
FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Ready to explore new ideas and connect with fellow learners? The Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College offers a welcoming space to delve into shared topics of interest.
Join a community of enthusiastic learners at the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College. Our peer-led and peer-directed programs offer a diverse range of engaging courses, exciting educational travel tours, and stimulating monthly lectures. Experience the joy of learning without the pressure of grades or tests, in a welcoming atmosphere across five locations (Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie).
Lifelong Learning programs do not apply toward any degree program or grant credits.
Course Offerings
The Fielden Institute thrives on the energy of its members, where learning is a shared experience – everyone is both teacher and student. Our dedicated volunteers lead a diverse array of engaging activities, from lively discussions and hands-on workshops to enriching field trips and book and film groups, all held within a supportive environment for adult learners.
Distinguished Lecture Series
The River’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Current Issues brings experts and seasoned educators to the podium to present on subjects including criminal justice, national security, space exploration, the environment, veterans’ affairs, and more.
Peer Leader Program
What truly sets the Fielden Institute apart is the remarkable talent and diverse experiences our Peer Leaders bring to every session. These dedicated volunteers are the heart of our learning community — over 80 members have served as Peer Mentors, and together they offer nearly 100 programs each year.
If you have a passion to share or know someone who would inspire others, connect with the Fielden Institute office at 772-462-7880.
About the Fielden Institute
The establishment of the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning was made possible through the generous endowment of Dr. Jean Dickinson Fielden, a tribute to her beloved late husband, Dr. John “Jack” Seward Fielden. Jack’s distinguished career in academia spanned decades, holding faculty positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of Illinois, Purdue, and Harvard and serving as Dean of the Business Schools at Boston University and the University of Alabama, where he and Jean met. A proud World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jack was deeply involved with the Institute since its inception in 2006, serving on the External Advisory Committee and enthusiastically leading classes until his passing in 2010. Jean continues his legacy as a devoted advisor and a popular peer leader, facilitating the multi-campus program Great Adaptations: Books into Films: Never Judge a Book by Its Film.
As loyal and impactful supporters of Indian River State College, Jack and Jean Fielden have pledged significant leadership gifts to support the growth of the college’s student scholarships in health sciences and mathematics. Published authors, the Fieldens also played a key role in developing the Pioneer River Press, providing an avenue for publication with a portion of sales directly benefiting Indian River State College scholarships. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience training employees at some of the world’s largest corporations, Dr. Jack Fielden and his co-authors published Throw Me the Bottom Line…I’m Drowning in Email! The Press provides an opportunity to pursue publication with a portion of sales directed to support Indian River State College scholarships. Jack’s visionary leadership and dedication will forever be remembered as foundational to the success and enduring impact of the lifelong learning initiative at Indian River State College.
Support Our Work
In addition to annual membership, you can support the lifelong learning program in a variety of ways. If you are interested in supporting the Endowment Fund, please donate online or contact Taylor Farnsworth at TFarnsworth@irsc.edu.
Outreach
We are happy to come and speak to your group or organization about the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning’s programs. To schedule a visit, please contact us.
GET IN TOUCH
Have questions about lifelong learning programs at The River? Reach out!
