The Graham School is a one-of-a-kind intellectual community that brings the best of the University of Chicago to lifelong learners seeking intellectual discovery and discernment. Each year, the Graham School participates in UChicago’s Giving Day. This annual event provides an opportunity for our community to unite in support of the programs that matter most to them.
This year, we are setting a goal of raising $100,000 to fund scholarships that will open our classrooms to more students during the 2025–26 academic year. Every gift, no matter the size, contributes to sustaining our high-quality education while expanding access to more learners.
Your donations on Giving Day make an immediate impact on ensuring our programs are accessible to learners from all walks of life. And this year, your gift can go even further, thanks to a generous matching donation from Basic Program alumna Sue Padula. Because of her support, every gift made on March 25 and 26 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.
The Graham School and its Basic Program have enriched my life at every stage of adulthood. Whether as a young mom at home with kids looking to meet people and talk deeply about books, a busy professional and entrepreneur needing to take a break and think about something other than my work, or as a retiree with time now to meet and engage on topics I’ve always wanted to learn about, the Graham School has been there for me, and I am happy now to return the favor.
I hope you will join me in supporting Graham this Giving Day and offering up the power and joy of lifelong learning to others.
—Sue Padula (Basic Program)
From Student to Supporter: A Conversation with Sue Padula
We had the pleasure of speaking with Sue Padula, a dedicated lifelong learner who first joined the Basic Program in the 1990s. Her journey with the Graham School has been one of discovery, growth, and giving back. After reconnecting with the program at a recent symposium, Sue has chosen to deepen her involvement by volunteering on one of our councils, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting and expanding access to lifelong learning. We are incredibly grateful for her generosity and passion.
Sue’s experience with the Basic Program is unique in that not only did she complete it once, but she enjoyed it so much that she did it twice.
“I like to say that I had such a great experience in the Basic Program that I did it twice,” says Sue. “The first time I did the Basic Program, my kids were young and I was looking for a way to be around people that weren’t part of my everyday life at home. The Basic Program provided an opportunity for me to read, think, and talk about books and engage in philosophical debates with people that I wouldn’t have met in any other way at that point in my life and I loved it!”
A few years later, Sue introduced a friend to the program, joining her for another round of learning.
“I spoke with a friend about the experience and she said she would do it if I joined her, so I did. The experience was just as rewarding and impactful for me as it was the first time around and it helped me demonstrate to my children the pursuit of lifelong learning.” says Sue.
Inspired by the profound impact the Graham School has had on her life, Sue became a donor, supporting its mission to make lifelong learning accessible to more people.
“I’ve had the chance to reflect on the impact the Basic Program, the Alumni sequences, and the Open Enrollment courses have had on me and have concluded that they have been foundational to the formation of my life as an adult,” says Sue. “It has kept me curious, informed, exposed to ideas and people outside my typical purview, and has helped me develop a deep appreciation for the art and need for conversations and ideas of substance. As a parent to adults who are now making life commitments and beginning to have their own children, it is gratifying to see each of them incorporate ways to continue learning in their lives beyond college. The generational impact means so much to me.”
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Sue’s enthusiasm for the Basic Program didn’t stop with her own experience. She still actively shares it with others, encouraging friends to explore its offerings.
“I was led to introduce friends to the Basic Program primarily because I just simply enjoyed it so much and I wanted others to know about it and have the opportunity to gain the same kind of experience. I am happy to say that each of them has embraced and deeply enjoyed their experience in the programs. And the network is growing and those friends are telling their friends about their experiences and the seeds of the opportunity to participate are being sewn all around.” says Sue.
As we work towards our goal for this Giving Day, Sue hopes her contributions will help the Graham School continue to grow and welcome learners at every stage of life.
“I hope that my contributions help make the Graham School and its mission more available to anyone who is interested, no matter what age or stage of life,” says Sue. “I would like to see more people participating and receiving the value of lifelong learning and conversational engagement.”
Her advice to those considering a donation to the Graham School is this:
“Giving of time, talent or treasure to things and organizations you value and enjoy is always worthwhile. Whatever stage of life you are in, you can support the Graham School by taking a class or telling friends about your experience and encouraging them to do the same, engaging with the Graham community as a whole, or of course donating funds. Each has their time, place, and intrinsic value and all are integral to making the Graham School an enriching part of life’s journey.”
We are deeply grateful for Sue’s dedication to the Graham School. Through her generosity and advocacy, she has helped build a thriving community of curious minds and lifelong learners.
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friendships
Sue’s enthusiasm for the Basic Program is contagious, inspiring friends to join her on this intellectual journey. We had the opportunity to speak with two of her friends, Mary Etherington and Mary Russell, about their experiences in the program and the impact it has had on their lives.
Mary Etherington, a fellow Basic Program student, recalls how Sue first introduced her to the program:
“Sue and I had known each other for many years and were part of a neighborhood book club together,” Mary shares. “I remember Sue introducing me to the Basic Program in her soft-spoken way: ‘Mary, I think you’d like this program I’ve been doing with the University of Chicago.’ We chatted about it, and the rest is history! I enrolled in the Basic Program in the fall of 2016 and was immediately captivated by the entire experience.”
After completing the program in June 2020, Mary deepened her involvement in the Basic Program by taking several Alumni Courses, including The Modern Tradition, The Romans, and The Asian Classics. She also appreciated the flexibility of the virtual sessions introduced during COVID, which allowed her to continue engaging with the material even when she couldn’t attend live.
“Over the years, it has been wonderful to compare notes with Sue about our classes, the incredible people we’ve met, and the inspiring faculty,” Mary shares. “She continues to motivate me with her dedication—not only has she completed the Basic Program twice, but she remains actively engaged in classes and outreach efforts within the Graham School community.”
Reflecting on what she found most rewarding about the program, Mary notes that it’s difficult to put into words just how transformative the experience has been. However, she especially values the deep engagement with original texts that have shaped civilization.
“I like that “we have to figure it out” based on what is in the text without necessarily getting a lot of cultural or historical clues – that a particular work is included in the Basic Program because it speaks to us across the years, in some sort of a timeless manner. The faculty are there to fill in the holes, but a lot of the work is simply reading the text and thinking and discussing and listening to others.” says Mary.
Nine years after first enrolling, Mary continues to find new ways to enrich her intellectual journey.
“Through attending the Basic Program and subsequent Alumni Sequences, I have gained so much but especially an appreciation of all the great thinkers and writers throughout the ages. After only nine years, I am just beginning to dip my toe into it.” says Mary.
Mary’s time in the Basic Program has strengthened her connection to the Graham School, offering her a meaningful learning experience while cultivating a vibrant community of lifelong learners who inspire, support, and uplift one another.
A Journey of Intellectual Discovery
For Mary Russell, joining the Basic Program was an easy decision—one sparked by a chance meeting with Sue and their shared love of reading and learning.
“When I was new to Chicago a few years ago, a mutual friend decided that Sue and I must meet, thinking we would hit it off, because we both love books and reading. When we all got together for dinner the first time, Sue told me about the Basic Program at the Graham School—it sounded like an opportunity to read all of the books I should have along the way in life, and a chance to meet other thoughtful, interesting, fun people like Sue!” says Mary.
Now in her third year of the four-year program, Mary considers it one of the most enriching aspects of her life in Chicago.
“I’m now in my third of four years, and it’s been my favorite thing about Chicago (and I’ve found lots to love here in five years). I had forgotten how much I revel in the give and take of face to face discussion. And I’ve been lucky to connect with such an interesting group of people in my cohort, many of whom I now consider friends.”
The Basic Program has not only expanded Mary’s knowledge but has also shaped the way she thinks and approaches life.
“I came to the Basics course looking for some wisdom so I can make the most of my post-65 years in a considered manner. And I’ve certainly found wisdom, although not in the form of easy answers to life’s big questions that I could easily apply to my personal life. What I am finding is an intellectual and moral bedrock on which I can formulate my own answers to my life’s questions.” says Mary.
Looking back, Mary believes that the insights gained from studying history’s greatest thinkers should be shared more widely.
“If it were up to me, I’d make the Basic Program mandatory for all young people before they graduate college. Wouldn’t it be great to have an understanding of what brilliant thinkers throughout time considered about the world and how to live life, before one sets out on one’s own.”
Through the Basic Program, Mary has gained more than an education—she has found a vibrant intellectual community and friendships that continue to inspire her.
At the Graham School, learning is more than just an academic pursuit—it’s a bridge that connects students through curiosity, intellectual exploration, and a shared sense of community. Sue’s passion for the Basic Program has created a ripple effect, inspiring those around her and enriching the lives of fellow lifelong learners.
We are profoundly grateful for Sue’s dedication and generosity. Her commitment not only strengthens the Basic Program but also empowers and inspires others to embark on their own journeys of lifelong learning and meaningful connections. Visit our giving page to learn more about supporting the Graham School. If you have any questions about giving opportunities, please contact Tiana Schlottman at tianas@uchicago.edu.
