Spring 2005

For some, curiosity never retires

Institute for Learning in Retirement presents courses for mature adults in literature, history, the arts and more

ILR members Betty Bannor and Gil Klapper take part in a spring class called Poetry for Pleasure.

Stephen Anzaldi

By Judy Moore

One hundred and twelve Evanston residents are expanding their education this spring by taking their favorite group courses at Northwestern’s Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR).

Favorite study group topics include “Poetry for Pleasure,” “Shakespeare,” “The Fifties: The People, The Times,” “Plays on Chicago Stage,” “Wagner, the Ring of the Nibelung,” “The Practical Psychology of Carl Jung,” “Writing for Pleasure” and “The New Yorker.”

The ILR is a non-credit, daytime program for mature adults in the University’s School of Continuing Studies. Instead of faculty or lecturers, the ILR is a peer-learning, member-driven program. Members pursue their academic goals in seminar-style discussion groups where they explore topics in literature, history, politics, science, philosophy, current affairs and the arts.

Evanston campus courses are held at the University’s Norris University Center, Walter Annenberg Hall, Ryan Field and Engelhart Hall, as well as off campus at Mather Place at The Georgian, and the Illinois Technology Enterprise Center (ITEC). Chicago ILR members meet at the University’s Wieboldt Hall.

Twenty-five of the ILR’s 600 members participate in courses on both Northwestern campuses. They drive, take public transportation or ride the free University shuttle that travels between both locations.

Members find they are challenged in an active and participatory learning environment.

“‘Curiosity Never Retires’ is our motto,” said Barbara Reinish, administrative director of the program. “Our mission is to create a highly participatory, lifelong-learning community. Our varied study groups appeal to a wide range of inquiring minds. ILR members study, discuss, argue, challenge and support each other in a very caring manner.”

What lures mature adults to the ILR program? Evanston resident Patricia Thrash, who joined ILR in fall 1997, was drawn to the program because of its affiliation with the University, where she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling and was associate professor of education and dean of women. After leaving Northwestern she was with the North Central Association’s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, serving for nine years as executive director.

“After I retired, I liked the idea of going back to campus,” said Thrash. “My favorite study groups are The New Yorker and Writing for Pleasure and Discovery. I have remained a member because of the camaraderie and the quality of the people I have met who are dedicated to learning. To my surprise and delight, some of the best friends I have made in life, I have made at ILR.”

In addition to co-coordinating Writing for Pleasure and Discovery, Thrash has served as editor of the ILR Journal (published annually) and as chair of the curriculum committee.

Since Evanstonian Bob Brooks joined the ILR in the fall of 2001 he has taken workshops in writing, essays, poetry, film and The New Yorker.

“When I retired in the spring of 2001, one of the many things I wanted to do was learn more about things I was interested in or curious about but hadn’t been able to devote as much time to as I would have liked. I think it’s an aim I shared with many retirees,” said the former corporate lawyer and former Loyola Law School teacher.

Brooks also is turning in a proposal for a new course on “The Literature of Baseball.”

“There is some wonderful literature about baseball by some of our most distinguished writers, including John Updike, Philip Roth, Don DeLillo, Roger Angell, Donald Hall and Doris Kearns Goodwin,” he said.

If Brooks’ proposal is accepted, the new course would be offered this fall.

Besides being able to register for up to three groups per semester from more than 70 choices on both of the University’s campuses, or the camaraderie, an ILR membership offers other benefits. New members receive a Northwestern University identification card called the WildCARD that gives them borrowing privileges at all University libraries. Members can attend ILR social and cultural events, receive affiliate rates at the University athletic facilities, and ride the free campus and inter-campus shuttles. They have access to computer labs, their computer user group and ILR listserv, and receive the annual ILR Journal literary magazine and a twice-yearly newsletter.

ILR members also receive a discounted fee to audit School of Continuing Studies programs. Many members take advantage of intergenerational, volunteer and travel/study opportunities or affiliation with Elderhostel Institute Network. Currently ILR members volunteer at Evanston Hospital’s Hospice, the Unitarian Church of Evanston, Northminster Presbyterian Church of Evanston, the Levy Center, Over the Rainbow Association of Evanston and many other Chicago and North Shore organizations.

“Anyone who has the time during the day, and the interest and energy, is welcome to become an ILR member,” said Reinish. “Currently our students range in age from 50 to 95.”

Launched 17 years ago, the ILR program continues to be enhanced. The ILR recently received a $100,000 grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation to establish an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute soon, making it one of 61 such institutes in 23 states. The grant will support and strengthen the lifelong learning program for the coming fiscal year.

Currently, 350 people are enrolled in Evanston ILR courses, and 250 on the Chicago campus. A full year (fall, spring, summer) ILR membership is $475 and a half-year (spring and summer) is $350.

Since the ILR seeks diversity in its membership, there are no academic or age prerequisites. 

To enroll, complete the registration form available at www.scs.northwestern.edu/nuilr. Include a personal check (Visa and MasterCard also are accepted) with the completed form and send it to either Northwestern University’s ILR Evanston office at 405 Church St., Evanston, Ill. 60208-2650 or the Chicago office at 339 E. Chicago Ave., Room 513, Chicago, Ill. 60611-3008.

Anyone considering becoming a member in fall 2005 is welcome to visit one of the courses during the ILR’s limited summer program to gain a sense of what the program is like.  

The fall catalog of courses will be mailed in June. Fall 2005 classes begin Sept. 19. Registration forms also are available by mail, fax or in person. They are accepted through the first day classes begin.

For more information, or to arrange a summer visit, phone Barbara Reinish at (847) 491-7724 or Lisa Kupferberg at (847) 467-3021.