Ms. Austin Lilly graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1919 with a B.S. in Home Economics. During her time at UK, she was involved in a number of clubs and extracurricular activities including the YWCA, Alpha Xi Delta, and the Home Economics Club. After graduation, Lilly went on to teach domestic science at Lexington Junior High School until 1966. While she was a teacher, she took college courses in art. In the late 1950s she studied at the University of Arizona, the University of California, Transylvania, and the University of Guadalajara in Mexico. She took courses for a number of years as a Donovan Scholar until she became an instructor in the program in 1969. Ms. Austin Lilly served as a painting and art appreciation instructor in the Donovan Program for 14 years. In 1983, she retired from the program.
In 1962 the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees established the Council on Aging. The brainchild of former UK President Herman Donovan, the Council was intended to create educational programs for senior citizens and perform research related to aging. In 1964, upon the Board of Trustees approval, the Herman L. Donovan Fellowship for Senior Citizens was established. Donovan Scholars had their tuition waived and were allowed to enroll in any courses on Lexington's campus as well as at community colleges. The only requirement was to be at least 65 years old. The program gained national exposure in 1966 when it was covered in TIME magazine. In time the program expanded to offer special opportunities in the arts, open to a slightly wider age range. This included writing workshops, music lessons, and visual arts courses. These offerings were not for credit, but were instead aimed at self-enrichment. The Donovan Program is still in operation today.
From the description of Austin Lilly papers and photographs, 1916-1983 1916-1919, 1979-1983. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 192072495
