Central Ohio residents are invited to go back to school this fall through the new Lifelong Learning Institute at Ohio Wesleyan. The classes won’t include term papers or tests, but instead will create engaging ways for older adults to continue to learn and grow.
More than 200 people attended a free “sampler” event on campus May 4, at which five presenters offered previews of the courses they plan to teach in the fall. Among the presenters were Tom Burns, retired Perkins Observatory director and part-time English professor, discussing “The Universe and Your Place in It” and psychology Professor Lynda Hall discussing “Lifespan Maintenance of Knowledge.”
Delaware residents Bob and Mary Holm, both members of the Class of 1960, are co-chairing the steering committee working with community organizations and residents to launch the new institute.
“We are excited to be part of this initiative,” said the couple. “The mission statement of the Lifelong Learning Institute affirms that ‘learning throughout one’s life is an important pursuit in acquiring knowledge and skills, examining new ideas, and fueling one’s curiosity,’ and we couldn’t agree more!”
The inaugural fall term of the LLI will run from Sept. 23 through Nov. 1, with a registration fee of $75 for as many classes as participants choose to take from the 10 expected offerings, subject to availability. The noncredit classes will be taught in a relaxed environment, and conversation will be encouraged as learners share their experiences with classmates.
In addition to Ohio Wesleyan, community organizations helping to create the Lifelong Learning Institute include the Delaware County District Library, SourcePoint, and Willow Brook Christian Communities. The Delaware County Foundation has provided a grant to help launch the institute.
Read more about the Lifelong Learning Institute at Ohio Wesleyan University at owu.edu/LLI.