History

OUR FOUNDING FATHER 
 Father Louis J. Putz, C.S.C

June 1, 1909 – June 24, 1998

Immigrant-Priest-Teacher-Visionary

Forever Learning Institute is the legacy of Fr. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C. As a Notre Dame professor for several decades, in the early 1970’s Fr. Putz became deeply interested in 'third agers.' He saw life as a chain with three links: the age of learning, the age of earning, and the age of returning. He chose to focus on the third age because it is that time in life when there is the opportunity to give back one’s knowledge, talent, and experience in service to others.

Likewise, he believed that “service adds years to your life and life to your years” and that “isolation is the greatest malady of older adults.” 

Fr. Putz’s beliefs sowed the seeds for his vision of a school for seniors where students could come together for the pure joy of learning, for interaction with each other, and for their own ongoing personal and spiritual development. Thus, on May 24, 1974, he assembled his first advisory group to flesh out the mission, goals, and structure of the school.

Father Putz was successful in attracting numerous well qualified teachers, dedicated to the mission, and all who would serve without pay. Our first semester, Fr. Putz hoped for 40 students, but was delighted that 115 students enrolled in 22 different classes. While Fr. Putz passed away in 1998, his vision has lived on. Today Forever Learning thrives as the largest adult educational program in Michiana. We offer over 200 classes annually and continue to touch the lives of thousands.   

• 1974:  Forever Learning opened its doors at the novitiate for the Sisters of St. Joseph, 107 South Greenlawn Avenue

• 1979:  FLI moved to the vacant St. Patrick’s Grade School, 308 S. Scott Street 

• 2006:  FLI moved to Little Flower Parish Center, 54191 Ironwood Road (current location)

• 2024:  FLI celebrates 50 years of life-long learning