Bluffton University's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program designed specifically for retired individuals, is offering six winter classes to continue its 19th year.

The classes, sponsored by Bluffton University and the Elderhostel Institute Network, will run Jan. 20 through Feb. 24.

The five-week winter term costs $50 and enables members to take as many of the one-and-a-half-hour courses as they wish, as well as participate in other ILR activities.

Individuals may participate in one course for $25 (two-course limit). Registration and course fees (if applicable) are due at time of registration. All classes will be held in the Kreider Board Room in Marbeck Center unless otherwise noted.

For more information or to register, please contact Janet "JP" Schumacher, director of ILR, at [email protected] or 419-358-3346. The registration deadline is Jan. 20.

Classes include:

Masterpieces of the Renaissance Moderator: Bev Fisher Wednesday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 20-Feb. 24
This class will focus on the studies of the Renaissance era. There will be specific concentration on Italy from the 14th into the 16th centuries.

Lincoln - The Man and the Myth Moderator: Ron Huber
Wednesday, 12:30-2 p.m.
Jan. 20-Feb. 24
Come learn and discuss topics about Abraham Lincoln's life, including his childhood, views on religion and how he was seen by the Southerners; Lincoln's ladies; Lincoln at Gettysburg; Lincoln's physical and mental health; Lincoln's death and aftermath; and Lincoln's descendents.

Colloquium
Guest Speakers
Wednesday, 2:30- 4 p.m.
Jan. 20-Feb. 24
Guest speakers will present and discuss topics such technology, international travel, art and more. A complete list will be handed out at the first session.

Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Moderator: Judy Ruen
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Jan. 21-Feb. 25
Don't think you are a painter? Think again. This course will allow you to express yourself through creativity and teach you to sharpen your artistic skills. This course will be an extended time of two and a half hours to allow maximum instruction and time to complete projects. The class is limited to 15 participants. course fee: $30, Course material fee: $15

Touring Africa
Moderators: Rob and Sarah Waters
Wednesday, March 10
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., all day seminar
Rob and Sarah Waters, visiting professors at Ohio Northern University, will present a day of African culture, history and music. Rob will start off the day discussing different aspects of African history and talking about the politics and cultures of the different regions of the African continent. Sarah's afternoon lecture will discuss music from all different regions, and an African instrument demonstration. Course fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Tired of Winter Annual Field Trip
Wednesday, March 17
Would you like to experience a get away from the winter blues? This year's field trip will take us to visit Toledo radio station WGTE and to the S.S. Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship on the Maumee River. The 617-foot ship was launched in 1911 and was once the largest bulk freighter on the Great Lakes. After 60+ years in service the ship was retired in 1980 and opened to the public as a floating nautical museum in 1987.

*All ILR students may eat lunch in Marbeck Commons for $4.25