About Us
We are a team of over 120 dedicated volunteers whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for adults aged 50+ in our community, by offering affordable opportunities for continued learning.
We provide an array of courses led by passionate volunteers, covering everything from the arts to technology, history, science and wellness, as well as a Saturday morning lecture series. Join us to discover the power of lifelong learning and engage with fellow community members.
Our History
Comox Valley ElderCollege’s story started in September 1999, when residents Betty Emery and Elizabeth Smith became inspired by the possibility of a lifelong learning program in the community. They took their vision to North Island College President, Lou Dryden, who immediately embraced the idea. That summer, more than 140 people from the community attended a planning meeting. ElderCollege’s first course guide launched later that fall, offering a wide variety of courses and lectures spanning disciplines such as English literature, biology, information technology and much more. For 27 years, we have operated as a program within North Island College, receiving clerical support and the use of classroom space. In return, we have provided monies for the NIC Foundation to create three endowment funds in support of NIC students.
Since its beginning, CVEC has grown into one of the largest programs of its kind, boasting 1,000-plus members, and continuing to be mainly volunteer run. During the Covid years, we successfully pivoted to provide online courses. In 2026, when NIC was forced to cut budgets, CVEC formed a non-profit society to offer the popular Saturday morning lecture series, while continuing with the NIC partnership to present on-campus courses. Offering over 60 courses in each of two terms, and with a robust committee structure of more than 60 volunteers, the Comox Valley ElderCollege is a valued resource in the community.
2026/2027 Board of Directors
