The LU – LIR Connection
By Barb Maxwell, LIR Writers Club
At a recent meeting, the comment was made that “History is often based on bad things that have happened.” Fortunately for the history between Lincoln University and Learning in Retirement, that statement is not true.
In fact, just the reverse is true: The beginnings of the relationship were based on the desire of some dedicated Lincoln University professionals to start a program of continuing education for retired adults in the area. From that early relationship, a community organization has developed and grown, offering travel opportunities, educational courses, and active clubs for more than 400 members.
Dr. Gary Scott, Dean of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at Lincoln University, 30 years ago, was aware that many area residents wanted to continue learning even though they were retired. At the time, Dr. Scott was a member of the National Advisory Committee of the Elderhostel Institute Network, which was an international organization that offered college-level courses to retired people.
Because Americans were living longer and retiring earlier, they could explore experiences they missed when younger. They knew that learning did not stop at age 65, and they now had the time and financial resources to become involved.
Dr. Scott attended an Elderhostel meeting in Kansas City to explore the feasibility of establishing what was then referred to as Institutes for Learning in Retirement with the concept to offer special college-level courses to retirees. Dr. Scott returned to the LU campus interested in starting a learning group for seniors in Jefferson City. Because Lincoln had curriculum available and, if the university was willing to provide the facilities and support, he believed the organization could happen in Jefferson City.
He approached Lincoln University President Dr. Wendell Rayburn and explained the advantages of connecting to the community’s many retirees. The president understood the logic and was aware of the unmet need. He encouraged Dr. Scott to continue.
According to June Glaser, then a tenured Lincoln University Associate Professor of Research Instruction and chair of the LU Campus Gerontology Committee, civic organizations and local churches had been discussing the formation of just such a group, and the time was ripe for a “town and gown” enterprise.
Dr. Scott appeared before the Gerontology Committee and told of his interest in a project called “Learning in Retirement,” a program that would offer college-level, non-credit courses for retired people in the community. He also explained that the organization would provide socialization opportunities as well.
A steering committee, made up of Lincoln University personnel and community leaders was formed, and by April 1992, Dr. Scott believed enough community interest was shown to establish a Learning in Retirement (LIR) group.
Ads were placed in the News Tribune; flyers were circulated; posters were hung around town; and letters of invitation were sent announcing a public meeting to discuss the concept of senior learning. Almost 60 people attended that first meeting. Committees were formed for membership, curriculum, and finance, and 15 members were elected to the first board of directors. Parking and office space at Soldiers Hall on the LU campus were available for the institutes’ use. Annual membership fees were set at $40 and remain so today.
In November 1992, the Elderhostel Institute sent a letter welcoming the Lincoln University Learning in Retirement group as the FIRST institute organized in Missouri. Short courses and field trips were planned, and the Jefferson City Learning in Retirement organization was on its way.
By February 1993, membership stood at 97 and has continued to grow. Membership totals in the past have stood at 428, but because of Covid, LIR currently has about 350 members. Twenty-two short courses were offered in 2019. Nineteen trips, some day and some overnighters, were planned and well-attended. In addition, 14 clubs offered numerous activities to keep LIRers busy.
Today, Learning in Retirement still has its office and a classroom in the basement of Soldiers Hall on the Lincoln University campus. Clubs now number 16, and educational travel and curriculum courses are picking up again.
This volunteer organization continues to offer opportunities for learning, for adventure, and for socialization among the senior members of the community.
The group wants to continue to strengthen its ties with Lincoln University. Occasionally, some of the educational courses are taught by LU professors, and in the future, LIR would like to see this practice become more common.
One current member said she had taken a course after first joining Learning in Retirement in 2011. The course was on the Reformation and was taught by an LU professor. She felt this was very impressive for an organization designed to provide continuing education for retirees in the community, and she was “hooked.” She is one of many past, present and future!
Much information for this article was taken from the history files of Learning in Retirement in the LIR office, which have been compiled by organizers and various historians of LIR.