The 28th International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame Induction and Conference took place in Florence, Italy from 7–9 November 2024, where 18 brilliant adult and continuing learning professionals (including scholars, policy-makers and practitioners) from 14 countries across America, Africa and Europe were inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. These professionals have made significant contributions and inspiring initiatives to the development and promotion of adult learning and continuing education, as well as to advocate universal access to high-quality adult learning and education.

During the Induction Symposium, which was facilitated by Dr. Biscoe, the Acting Executive Director of the IACE Hall of Fame, the inductees reflected on the question of what key issues need to be resolved for adult and continuing education to become a powerful, more effective and more recognized component of higher education and international communities.

It was an inspiring and memorable moment when the nominators gave the inductees a little speech about all their amazing achievements, then hung the Hall of Fame medal around their necks and presented them with a plaque that will be put on display in the Hall of Fame Home Office at Oklahoma University. These inductees demonstrated the diversity of adult learning; for example, among the other inductees was Don Luigi Ciotti, an acclaimed Italian priest whose efforts to help young people in leaving mafia-related environments by providing them with educational opportunities were widely acknowledged.

The Hall of Fame’s commitment to lifelong learning is exemplified by the Organization Award established in 2020. The award is intended for organizations whose mission reflects opportunities for adult and continuing education by promoting the growth and development of adult learners, and whose vision is dedicated to the idea that adult and continuing education contributes to human fulfillment and positive social change. This year the Organization Award went to the European Association for the Education of Adults for its contribution and impact on adult and continuing education.

The IACE induction events were integrated into the Revitalizing Adult Continuing Education for Positive Social Changes and Personal Fulfillment conference.  This was the first large-scale conference ever organized by the IACE Hall of Fame in partnership with 22 major adult education organizations in Europe and North America, along with 15 relevant journals. A total of 150 participants from 26 countries attended the conference. This event was truly unique, departing from traditional formats and bringing together the world’s leading professionals and organizations in adult and continuing education to engage in meaningful discussions, explore potential collaborations, and launch new projects and initiatives that will drive the field forward. All stakeholders involved have a legitimate expectation to demand concrete initiatives and actions rather than mere rhetoric.

At the reception following the induction ceremony, Hall of Fame members, colleagues, family members and friends celebrated the new members and the legacy of adult education. Since the first induction in 1996, the prestigious IACE Hall of Fame has grown to encompass 429 members from 45 nations, and three organizations have been honored with the Hall of Fame Organization Award.