George Azar Featured in Senior Life

George Azar is Lifelong Educator
By Marissa Sweatland | Staff Writer Senior Life

"I have always loved education. I loved going to class and getting to learn," George Azar said. "Working in education has only made me love learning more." 

Azar is a lifelong educator. He began his education journey by acquiring his Bachelor of Science in biology from Indiana University Bloomington and Master of Science in secondary education and teaching from Indiana University South Bend. He also earned his principal license through Bethel College. 

Azar working in the South Bend Community School Corporation for over a decade, teaching in John Adams High School and serving as principal at Rise Up Academy and LaSalle Intermediate Academy. While at Rise Up Academy, Azar's leadership raised the school's Indiana state grade from 'F' to 'C' and doubled the graduation rates. "That was something I was really proud of," Azar said. "It's amazing the pride of students who get what they have worked for."

He then transitioned into the principal role at St. Joseph Grade School. He also served as a remote instructor for New York-based Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School and Dean of Instruction for North Carolina-based Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. "My family and I moved to North Carolina in summer 2021, for a change of pace and scenery," Azar explained. "But our friends and family brought us back. We moved back to the South Bend area in June."

Azar has transitioned into his most recent educational endeavor this past October when he accepted the position to serve as Forever Learning Institute's executive director. "When the position was posted, and the more I read into it, I knew it was going to be a perfect fit," Azar said. "I love the population. I have always been an old soul and I love working with people I feel connected to." 

Forever Learning Institute is a school that promotes lifelong learning. The organization allows community seniors the opportunity to further their education in a variety of different topics.  

"In the spring semester we will offer 102 classes and that number is still counting," Azar mentioned. "In the fall, we offered 94. We have also added about 20 new instructors."

Classes range from language to art to history to health and fitness to technology and almost everything in between. Classes are taught by volunteers who are trained in that area of expertise. Classes are $55 per class for a 10-week semester. The fall semester begins the first full week following Labor Day and spring semester begins the first week of March.

"Our mission is to serve our senior population, to bring them together so they can find community and they can continue their dream of wanting to pursue lifelong learning," Azar confirmed. "For us, it's not Just the learning that takes place within these walls, its the camaraderie, the fellowship and the community. It's coming together and enjoying each other." 

Forever Learning Institute is housed within the parish center of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, where it leases office space, six classrooms, a full gymnasium and kitchen.