Hanna Fromm

Dedicated to Education

Hanna Fromm, interested in higher education all her life, in the mid 70's pioneered, with her husband, Alfred, the founding and funding of The Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning at the University of San Francisco.

This university within a university is composed of students who are retired persons aged 50 to 93 years. They are taught on a high academic level by emeritus professors from many distinguished centers of learning. The institute does not award degrees, but its members attend for the simple joy of learning and keeping their minds active. With this scholastic environment the structure of classes and learning enhances self esteem and enables seniors to continue leading productive and meaningful lives. This educational experience adds to their physical well being, acting as a catalyst for their energies and abilities. Currently there are nearly 500 students and 40 professors.

Living in San Francisco since 1941, Hanna Fromm has served on many boards, such as the National Council on the Aging, the American Red Cross, and the Geriatric Curriculum Program Board of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.

Hanna and Alfred Fromm are the proud parents of two children, David, a professor and surgeon and Caroline, a psychotherapist. The Fromms enjoy five grandchildren.

For her pioneer work in founding The Fromm Institute For Lifelong Learning, and the impact that this first of a kind program had on the retired people of San Francisco, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service by the University of San Francisco in 1979. Active in managing The Fromm Institute for the last 16 years, Hanna Fromm remains deeply involved in its educational curriculum and community outreach.

Women's International Center takes great pride in acknowledging with a 1990 Living Legacy Award, the powerful and meaningful work of a woman with true vision, Hanna Fromm.

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