Adults 55 and Older Invited to Sign Up for Fall Classes through Ohio Wesleyan’s New Lifelong Learning Institute

DELAWARE, Ohio – Online registration begins July 15 and runs through Sept. 4 for the inaugural session of the Lifelong Learning Institute at Ohio Wesleyan University. Telephone and mail-in registration begin July 22.

For a flat fee of $75, Delaware County residents 55 and older are able to take any or all of the 10 courses (subject to availability) scheduled for the institute’s fall session, Sept. 23 through Nov. 1.

The non-credit classes will be taught in a non-competitive, relaxed environment with conversation encouraged for learners to share experiences with classmates. The courses won’t include term papers or tests, but instead will create fun, engaging ways for older adults to continue to learn and grow.

Fall classes and their instructors are as follows. Unless otherwise noted, all classes will be taught on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.

• “Academy Award-Winning Films and the Backstories They Tell” taught by Tracey Peyton, managing director of The Strand Theatre. Mondays, 9 a.m. to noon at the Strand, 28 E. Winter St., Delaware.
• “DNA Testing, What Is All the Fuss About?” taught by Kelli Bergheimer, nationally known DNA testing/genealogy expert. Mondays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• “My Favorite Lecture” taught by current and former Ohio Wesleyan professors covering topics in physics, politics and government, psychology, classics, fine arts, and music. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon.
• “Lifespan Maintenance of Knowledge,” taught by Lynda Hall, OWU psychology professor. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• “The Universe and Your Place in It,” taught by Tom Burns, retired Perkins Observatory director. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon.
• “Whirled Religions: A Traveler’s Guide to the Faiths of the Human Family” taught by Jon Powers, Ohio Wesleyan’s university chaplain. Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• “Rutherford B. Hayes – Things You Didn’t Know” taught by Bill Rietz, former social studies teacher and chairman of the Rutherford B. Hayes Heritage Fund Committee. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon at the Willis Education Center, 74 W. William Street, Delaware.
• “Veg Centric – Trending Now: Cooking with Seasonal Vegetables,” taught by John Lindeboom, director of Culinary Services for Willow Brook Christian Communities. Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Willow Brook Christian Village, 100 Willow Brook Way South, Delaware. (Enrollment is limited to 40 participants.)
• “A Matter of Balance” taught by Claire Edwards, SourcePoint community education and initiatives manager, and Leslie Menges, volunteer leader. Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon for eight weeks through Nov. 15. (Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.)
• “The OWU Connection: The World Through Our Eyes” taught by Lisa Ho, assistant director for OWU’s Office of International and Off-Campus Programs. During the course, several Ohio Wesleyan students also will share travel-learning experiences. Fridays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Delaware residents Bob and Mary Holm, co-chairs of the steering committee launching the new institute, said they are excited for the fall session to begin.

“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!” said the couple, both OWU graduates. “We think the LLI will be a great addition to the many services and opportunities already available in our Delaware community.”

In addition to Ohio Wesleyan, community groups collaborating to create the Lifelong Learning Institute include the Delaware County District Library, SourcePoint, and Willow Brook Christian Communities. The Delaware County Foundation provided grant funds to help launch the institute.

To register, visit www.owu.edu/lli starting July 15, or call Debbie Lewis at (740)-368-3078 or send a check made out to “OWU LLI” – with your preferred course selections – starting July 22 to:

     Ohio Wesleyan University, Attn: LLI
     Mowry Alumni Center
     61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015

Space in classes is limited, so please register as early as possible. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Institute at Ohio Wesleyan University and sign up for email updates at www.owu.edu/lli.

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Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 25 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan’s signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.