The History of New Knowledge Adventures
Visit: New Knowledge Adventures - Pocatello Homepage
Written by NKA Historian Trish Mooney
The organization was first envisioned as a local version of Elder Hostel in 1997. The idea of continuing education on a local level with local subjects was the seed that grew into New Knowledge Adventures (NKA). The initial membership consisted of 13 people: Gail Furniss, Shirley Deagle, Phyliss Bailey, John and Carol Haley, Jim Smith, Dr. Louis and Mary Rose Bush, J. Lazusky, C. J. Lammers, Julie Wilkes, Sister Mary Kathryn, and Judy Grail. The membership increased to 55 the following semester and has grown steadily each year since.
The first classes were: Financial Issues in Retirement; Book Review for We the Sagebrush Folk and A Thousand Pieces of Gold; Historical Idaho from Lewis and Clark to the Railroads; Introduction to Computers; Great Decisions - Current Foreign Affairs of 1997; How to Build Wind Chimes; and Snowshoeing Excursion. Those topics have expanded tenfold over the succeeding years.
Initially, NKA worked closely with Idaho State University (ISU) and the Office of Continuing Education. Many classes were held in the Continuing Education building until 2016. Then, for several reasons, NKA separated from ISU and was established as a nonprofit organization. The NKA Board of Directors rose to the challenge of finding new homes for classes, including Liberty Hall, Juniper Hills Country Club, and local businesses. The board continues to find new venues, including the Senior Activity Center, Assemble' Learning and Event Center, Elks Lodge, and Idaho Fish and Game lecture hall. NKA still works closely with ISU Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT), which maintains NKA’s class registration system and helps with a myriad of other administrative services.
In 2020, NKA faced another challenge: COVID-19. The board felt it was extremely important to continue classes during this trying period. While many classes were curtailed, Trent Stephens and Jim Mariani adapted the lectures to Zoom, which continues to be used today to accommodate students who cannot attend lectures in person.
Initial fees for classes in 1997 were $27.50 per semester. While class fees have increased modestly over the years, the board strives to meet its obligations and keep costs as low as possible. The primary uses of the fees are classroom rent, ISU CEWT administration fees, and the publication of catalogs. All instruction given at NKA classes is donated.
The vision of continuing education for the mature mind and body that started in 1997 continues to grow and flourish through the efforts of all NKA volunteers to this day.
NKA Past Presidents
1998/1999- C. J. Lammers (deceased)
1999/2000- Leonard Arnold
2000/2001- Shirley Deagle - Boohr
2001/2002- Bob Edwards (deceased)
2002/2003- Juanita Bailey
2003/2004- Barbara Jackson
2004/2005- Joe Price (deceased)
2005/2006- Allen Jackson (deceased)
2006/2007- Helen Beitia
2007/2008- Carol Harsch
2008/2009- Bill Brydon (deceased)
2009/2010- Barbara Bain
2010/2011- Jane Riley (deceased)
2011/2012- Donna Hillard
2012/2013- Bob Bieda
2013/2014- Marjean Waford
2014/2015- John Carlson (deceased)
2015/2016 - Audrey Cole
2016/2017 - Marilyn Ames
2017/2018 - Mary Spinner
2018/2019 - Phil Joslin
2019/2020 - Jan Flandro
2020/2021 - Trent Stephens
2021/2022 - Sue Miller
2023/2024 - Christine Brower
2024/2025 - Teresa Westfall
2025/2026 - Suzanne Johnson