About
On the Road extends the mission of MCLL by providing free lectures directly in senior living settings across Montreal — seniors’ residences, retirement clubs, and independent-living apartment buildings. Driven by community outreach, this program will allow seniors to gain meaningful educational experiences within the comfort of their communities, at no cost. MCLL offers a wide range of lecture topics, including health and wellness, history, fine arts and culture, literature, music and science, among others.
The program will offer lectures between November 2025 and May 2026, with scheduling tailored to meet the needs and preferences of all participating communities.
Lecture Program
MCLL usually offers both online and on-campus lectures, wherein volunteer lecturers present their expertise on a variety of topics. The lectures provide an accessible environment for members to explore new ideas, while also facilitating discussions for peer-based learning. These sessions are typically more informative than instructional, offering a relaxed learning environment. However, depending on the topic, some lectures are more instructional and are held as workshops. Past topics for such workshops include self-defense, financial management, and personal goal setting.
Available Topics
Lectures are facilitated by MCLL’s volunteer lecturers, who share their expertise and knowledge on a variety of topics. Available lecture topics will be updated on the website.
| Lecturer | Lecture (-s) offered |
| Michelle Gadoury (Retired Neuropsychologist) |
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|
Lawrence Lincoln |
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| Christopher Neal (Retired Journalist, Communications Manager & Writer) |
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|
Tony Wait |
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| Rick Jones |
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| Dale Bonnycastle |
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| Prithu Mukhopadhyay |
|
Cost and Technical Requirements
The lectures offered by the On the Road program are free, and MCLL will deliver them at your facility at no charge. This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors. For the program to be successful, however, the lecturers will need the following technical facilities at the location:
- A quiet space with seating
- Basic presentation equipment, such as a projector, screen, or TV, with HDMI input
How to Apply
Montreal-based seniors’ residences, independent-living apartment buildings, retirement clubs, and communities catering to older adults are welcome to apply for On the Road. If you are interested in a lecturer speaking at your facility, please reach out to mcll.scs [at] mcgill.ca. Kindly add the name of the facility, and preferred dates for the lecture in your email. Additionally, please add any special requests, i.e. accessibility needs, preferred topics, etc., to the email. Our team will get back to you shortly after.
FAQ
How long is each lecture?
Each lecture lasts up to two hours, including Q & A.
Is it possible to host more than one lecture at a facility?
Absolutely! The number of lectures can be tailored to your needs.
Will residents receive information about MCLL?
Yes, a representative from MCLL will be present at the facility during the lecture to talk about the organization. The representative will also be able to help interested individuals sign up to become MCLL members.
Can the facility choose a lecture topic, or will a list of available topics be given to them to choose from?
Topics for lectures depend on the availability of a lecturer on the scheduled lecture date. However, when a lecture is scheduled, MCLL will provide you with a list of potential topics and lecturers who may be available.
About MCLL
Since 1989, volunteers at the McGill Community for Lifelong Learning have delivered over a hundred study groups and as many lectures every year to older adults who like to learn and discuss. This unique initiative emphasizes peer-led, and discussion-based study through lectures and study groups. MCLL stands as a welcoming space for seniors who value education and social connections, with no added pressure of grades or exams. Lectures and study groups are led by our community volunteers in the in-person, online, and hybrid formats. The structure of MCLL encourages discussion and group participation. Members also have access to McGill student benefits, including full access to the McGill University library.
