The Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) at Lone Star College-Montgomery is pleased to recognize Gigi Hancock and Doris Humphress as the organization’s 2011 Volunteers of the Year. This is the fourth year that ALL, an intellectual and personal growth program for active, older adults, has issued this award.
 
Since 2008, Hancock and Humphress have been the facilitators for ALL’s Day Trippers, a 70-plus-person class that makes local trips for fun and recreation. The group, which meets on the first Wednesday of each month, plans various trips to places within one to two hours of the college. Past trip locations include the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Martha’s Bloomers in Navasota, the Wolf Sanctuary in Montgomery, and Navasota Theatre.
 
“Each semester is a new adventure,” said Hancock, a native Texan who has travelled all over the world. “It’s a fun group of people from all over the country who now live in the area and want to see the surrounding locations of interest and enjoy new friendships.”
 
After teaching for several years, Hancock managed an interior design studio that included residential and commercial projects. She also spent time in Scandinavian countries as part of her interior design training. She lived in New Orleans for 32 years prior to moving to The Woodlands seven years ago.

“Receiving this award was like a gentle summer rain that refreshes the garden and restores the fields—unexpected and truly appreciated,” said Hancock. “The efforts put forth are not for the rewards, but it is nice to know that others take note.”
 
Hancock is a member of The Woodlands Garden Club and serves on the Windsor Lakes Association as a block captain and social committee member.
 
Her counterpart, Humphress, is originally from Indiana, but has lived in New York, South Carolina, and Georgia before moving to The Woodlands in 2005. Her travels include many domestic locations, as well as London, Paris, Virgin Islands, Mexico, and Canada.
 
In addition to her role as co-facilitator for the Day Trippers, Humphress—who just turned 84—is also an ALL Computer Coach assisting in the ALL volunteer office. She received computer training at Purdue University and during her career as a systems anaylst at UNIVAC.  
 
“I think that receiving this honor is exceptional,” said Humphress. “Just doing the job fulfills the need to be needed when you are older and gives you a purpose to be useful. Then to be honored like this is that extra hug.”
 
Humphress’ hobbies include creating computerized birthday cards for a children’s home in Georgia, genealogy, cross-stitch, and Sudoku puzzles.
 
Both Hancock and Humphress have also worked with the Day Trippers to raise money for the ALL Foundation fund, which is part of the Lone Star College Foundation.
 
“ALL members are active in so many ways in the community, and it is pleasure to recognize their extra efforts” said Donna Smith Burns, program manager for ALL at LSC-Montgomery.

The ALL program offers older, active adults non-credit classes and social activities for continued intellectual and personal growth. For a small, annual membership fee, area residents have access to a variety of lectures, workshops, art, and computer classes, as well as trips to local destinations. Classes are taught or facilitated by a variety of individuals who represent a wide range of expertise and life experiences. These include current and former professors, subject matter experts, guest lecturers, and hobbyists.
 
Each of the five colleges within the Lone Star College System offer continuing education for their older, active adults through the ALL organization. Course offerings and program events vary with each campus.
 
Registration for the Day Trippers class is ongoing, with the first class meeting Wednesday, February 1. At each month’s meeting, the group schedules the time and location for that month’s trip.
 
“We hope to see interested people come to our meetings and bring ideas of where they have been or where they would like to visit,” said Humphress.
 
For more information about LSC-Montgomery’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, contact Donna Smith Burns, program manager for ALL, at 936.273.7446; or visit www.LoneStar.edu/all-montgomery.
 
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
 
With more than 75,000 students in credit classes for fall 2011, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.