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About LIR

This contains general information about LIR

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.

Senior Showcase Video

Senior Showcase

Mission

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Learning in Retirement (LIR) is a self directed, non profit organization that provides life long learning opportunities for older adults.

Membership includes individuals in the Fox River Valley in the cities of Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Fondulac, Appleton, and surrounding areas.  The organization’s Curriculum Committee develops courses which are conducted at locations within its membership area.   In addition tours to theatrical music shows, stage shows, businesses and other points of interest are available. Course topics represent member preferences and presenter expertise and availability.

LIR is non profit organization and self-funded by membership fees and profits from tours.  These fees support UW Oshkosh clerical support and other expenses generated by the course offerings.  Member volunteers provide other essential services. Office, classroom and storage space is provided by The University.

Vision

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Learning in Retirement will be a model for engaging older adults in life long learning opportunities.  We will be admired for

  • Diverse course offerings that enhance the knowledge of those attending.

  • High utilization of computer technology to facilitate organizational processes

  • Partnerships with community organizations and businesses

  • Fiduciary responsibility

Demographics

City of Residence
Age Pre-retirement Work
Gender
Appleton
7%
< 55 years
0%
Business
25%
Female
74%
Fond du Lac
2%
56 - 64 years
16%
Education
47%
Male
26%
 Neenah/Menasha
10%
 65 - 74 years
49%
 Healthcare
21%
 
 Oshkosh
70%
 75 - 84 years
29%
 Law/Government
4%

Other
9%
85+ years
5%
Other
3%
 

Officers and Committees

President Bill Mattes
Vice President Paul Janty
Secretary Kathy Mahoney
Treasurer Eileen Leinweber
Curriculum Bernie Olejniczak
Membership/Promotion Mary Bayorgeon
Finance/Administration Janice Frazee

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

If you would like to join a committee, contact us at (920) 424-1129 or e-mail lir@uwosh.edu for specific times and locations.

Schedule of Meetings

  • Steering committee meets the third Friday monthly at UW Oshkosh, Dempsey Hall 301. Meeting time is 9–11a.m.

  • Membership and Promotion committee meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:15 a.m.. Meetings are held at Evergreen Retirement Community.

  • Curriculum committee meets the last Wednesday monthly at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 110 Church Ave. Meeting time is 10 a.m.

  • Administration and finance committee meets the third Thursday monthly at 9 a.m. in Reeve 217.

  • Annual membership meeting is held in June

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