With the support and efforts of Sonja Marchand, an administrator at CSUN Office of Continuing Education, and a contribution of $15,000 from the Milken Foundation, SAGE was launched.
Starting with 12 inspired, hard working members, and one study discussion group, SAGE now has 14 study discussion groups per semester and a membership of over 150 and growing.
Besides the study discussion groups which are the heart and core of SAGE, other activities have enriched its members. For example, over the years SAGE has had Colloquia, Town Meetings and Forums twice each year. These feature speakers expert in their fields accompanied by stimulating discussion from the audience. Forums include a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and are very popular among members and guests. Currently, we moved the forums online, and we will enjoy a number of guest lectures via zoom.
In 1995, SAGE had its first annual RETREAT, a three day get-away where members came to enjoy the outdoors and recreational activities combined with study and discussion, a movie presentation, games, mingling and general comradery.
A number of field trips have also been a feature of SAGE. These were held periodically, and included visits to the Getty Museum, Japanese Gardens, the Nethercutt Museum, the Reagan Presidential Library, the Santa Barbara Art Museum, and Los Angeles Conservancy Walks. We also celebrate holidays together with potlucks and mark 5-year anniversaries with celebratory luncheons. We also enjoy our own member productions of theater plays. usually in December.
SAGE continues to grow and innovate to meet the needs and desires of its members.