UWO Office of Continuing Education and Extension

Learning In Retirement

About LIR

Officers

President	Doug Jirovetz
Vice President	Paul Janty
Secretary	Kathy Mahoney
Treasurer	Eileen Leinweber
Curriculum	Bernie Olejniczak
Membership/Promotion	Mary Bayorgeon
Finance/Administration	Barry Johnson

What is LIR?

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Learning in Retirement organization is a self-directed, membership-based association of retired people, offering learning opportunities to members. Members choose topics or subjects, take the lead in organizing classes, discussion groups or tours and participate in peer teaching and learning. There are classes and instructors but no tests or grades. The UW Oshkosh’s Office of Continuing Education and Extension hosts the organization and facilitates various learning activities.

Beginnings

The organization started in summer, 1997, when more than 100 people met on the UW Oshkosh campus to plan Learning in Retirement activities. Since then, the organization has grown to more than 350 members. Committees, comprised of current LIR members, include:

Membership and Promotion: responsible for recruiting new members, publicizing LIR programs, and distributing promotional materials
Curriculum Development: responsible for planning all courses and activities and setting standards for the learning experience
Administration and Finance: responsible for developing and monitoring the annual budget, setting the dues structure and maintaining LIR policies

Schedule of Meetings

Steering Committee meets the 3rd Friday monthly at UW Oshkosh Dempsey Hall 301. Meeting time is 9-11am.
Membership and Promotion Committee meets the 1st Thursday monthly at 10am. Meetings will be at Evergreen through December 2008.
Curriculum Committee meets the last Wednesday monthly at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 110 Church Ave. Meeting time is 10am.
Administration and Finance Committee meets the 3rd Thursday monthly at 9am in Reeve 217.
Annual Membership Meeting is held in June

If you would like to join a committee please contact the office at 920-424-1129 or email lir@uwosh.edu for specific times and locations.

Learning in Retirement Organization Offerings

Each semester Learning in Retirement offers a variety of courses, averaging over 100 courses per academic year. A list with brief course descriptions is mailed to members. One annual membership fee entitles participation in as many courses as desired in both the fall and spring semester.

Member involvement

Members have a voice in determining the courses offered. All members are invited to make suggestions to the curriculum committee or develop and lead their own courses.

Course format

Course offerings take a variety of formats, such as tours, study groups, discussion groups, classes taught by members and lectures by visiting experts. The courses vary in length and duration—some study groups may meet over a period of weeks, others may meet only once or twice in a semester. The format is determined by the topic and objectives.

Topics

Variety also is the key word when it comes to course subject matter. Popular topics have included spirituality, life story writing, local history, current events, book discussion groups, heroes and heroism, music appreciation and managing personal investments. One-day tours have included Mosquito Hill, Chicago’s Navy Pier, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, art museums and industries.

How to join

Anyone committed to lifelong learning can join. The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30. A $75 annual membership fee provides for unlimited course participation for one year. Tours require additional nominal fees. To request a brochure with registration form, call the Office of Continuing Education and Extension at UW Oshkosh at (920) 424-1129 or toll-free (800) 633-1442.

LIR Home

CEE: Office of Continuing Education and Extension

Programs available

Conferences & Workshops

Person Enrichment Programs

Camps & Youth Activities

Main Menu

Contact Information