Students perform during the Emeritus Benefit Concert 2024

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, San Diego College of Continuing Education will host its fifth annual Emeritus Concert to benefit popular enrichment programming for older adults. The Emeritus Benefit Concert ‘Music you will Love’ will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Canyon Crest Academy Auditorium (5951 Village Center Loop Rd, 92130). This event is free and open to the public.

Emeritus students and faculty from the College of Continuing Education’s piano, Mandolin Orchestra, Mozart Clarinet Quintet, Writer’s Workshop literature, American Popular Guitar Ensemble, and more will be performing. A Silent Auction will also be held in the Canyon Crest lobby featuring one-of-a-kind art and ceramics pieces made by students.

“We are proud to welcome the community once again to our Emeritus Benefit Concert. Attendees will feel great joy as they hear from our exceptionally talented students and employees who work hard all year long to be able to perform on this stage,” said College of Continuing Education President Dr. Tina M. King, who will be in attendance alongside the institution's executive leadership team.

The College of Continuing Education offers nearly 200 free Emeritus courses for adults 55+ to take as personal enrichment. An array of courses such as music, arts, health and wellness, literature, and retirement are specifically designed for older adults to help maintain independence, stay intellectually stimulated, socially engaged, and physically fit.

As part of Emeritus, College of Continuing Education students, alumni, and employees are invited to perform at the Emeritus Benefit Concert every spring. The concert is co-led by Helena Wei, a professor of music and accomplished international concert pianist. Wei serves as an assistant program chair of the Emeritus program and is a contract faculty member overseeing more than 430 students through six levels of piano courses ― from beginners to advanced ― and two performance masterclasses.

Alongside Wei are Dr. Claudia Tornsaufer, Professor Ron Franklin, and Professor Marketa Hancova, who envisioned the college’s Emeritus benefit concert five years ago as a creative and accessible learning opportunity for older adults.

For further information about the College of Continuing Education, please visit SDCCE.EDU, or for a full list of free Emeritus classes, visit sdcestudent55.com.