In her previous capacity with Elderhostel, Lightfoot was responsible from 1979 to 1986 for developing new Elderhostel sites in New England, formulating curriculum policies, editing program descriptions for national catalogs and organizing annual national meetings. In addition, for the past five years, Lightfoot managed an elder international exchange program and coordinated international service learning programs with several organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity. Lightfoot said she was privileged to work with the senior citizens who take courses through Senior College. USM's Senior College was established in 1997 in response to requests from seniors in the Portland community who desired an alternative learning opportunity. Courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters.
Members devise the curriculum and enroll in non-credit classes taught by peers.
The program is an adjunct of USM's Center for Extended Academic Programs and is affiliated with the national Elderhostel Institute Network. Earlier this fall, Senior College received the Year 2000 Distinguished Non-Credit Program award from the national organization, the Association of Continuing Higher Education. Membership in Senior College has grown to 465 members at USM's Portland site and over 900 members statewide. This fall, courses at Senior College are being offered at five locations affiliated with the University of Maine System. Courses are offered in York County, Lewiston, Bridgton, Brunswick and Mt. Desert Island, covering such topics as world history, spirituality, literature and computers.