Bluffton University's Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retired individuals, is beginning its 20th year with a number of course offerings from Sept. 20-Nov. 11.

The eight-week fall term costs $80, which enables participants to take as many of the courses as they wish and to join in other ILR activities. Individuals may take either one course or two for $30 each.

Registration and course fees, if applicable, are due at the time of registration; the deadline to register is Sept. 13. All classes will meet in the ILR classroom, located in Shultz Hall of Riley Court on campus.

To register or for more information, contact Janet "J.P." Schumacher, ILR director, at 419-358-3346 or [email protected].

Fall classes include:

Living and Working Abroad - Jan Emmert, retired relief worker, Bluffton

Mondays 9-10:30 a.m. Four weeks, Sept. 20-Oct. 11

The course will explore diverse issues and experiences, including those of Emmert and several others in the community who have spent a significant part of their lives working abroad.

Among the topics will be foreign-service careers, aspects of development assistance by the U.S. government and non-governmental organizations and living overseas in retirement, as well as a look inside an American embassy.

Paul: Least of All the Apostles - Pastor Kevin Mohr, English Lutheran Church, Bluffton

Mondays 9-10:30 a.m. Four weeks, Oct. 18-Nov. 8

An evaluation of one of the most influential early Christians will include an examination of the man in history and legend; a look at his ministry, message and writings; and reflection on his meaning for the church then and now.

Opera - Julia Szabo, director of alumni relations and annual giving, Bluffton University, and Carol Bridinger, ILR member and former opera singer

Mondays 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Eight weeks, Sept. 20-Nov. 8

On Sept. 20, Szabo will share her experiences as an opera singer. Over the following seven weeks, Bridinger will teach what opera is and how it began, relating stories about specific operas, composers and singers.

The class will also see DVD excerpts of famous operas-in English or with English subtitles-to see why they have retained their popularity over time.

The Alphabet (and a Few Other Things) in Our Food ... and Why We Care - Barbara Stettler, associate professor emeritus of family and consumer sciences, Bluffton University; Dr. Terry Chappell, Celebration of Health, Bluffton; Dr. William Slater, professor of psychology, Bluffton University; Elizabeth Kelly, chaplain, Blanchard Valley Regional Health Systems; Pam Businger, physical therapist

Mondays 1:30-3 p.m.Eight weeks, Sept. 20-Nov. 8

During the first four sessions, Stettler will discuss nutrition, exploring the health benefits from eating a varied diet, identifying essential nutrients and amounts required as people age and sharing ways both to analyze one's daily diet for nutritional quality and to evaluate nutrition claims as fact or fallacy.

Subsequent speakers and topics will be Chappell on holistic medicine Oct. 18, Slater on mind health Oct. 25, Kelly on spiritual health Nov. 1 and Businger on physical health Nov. 8.

Modern-day Engineering Marvels - H.W. Enderle, ILR member

Wednesdays 9-10:30 a.m. Eight weeks, Sept. 22-Nov. 10

Scheduled for study are the Panama Canal, the "Chunnel" under the English Channel, the Akashi-Kaikyo Suspension Bridge in Japan, China's Three Gorges Dam, the Thames River Barrier in England, the Boeing 777, the Liberty ships of World War II and the transistor.

Great Decisions: Global Challenges - Guest speakers
Wednesdays 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Eight weeks, Sept. 22-Nov. 10

This series will provide a look at eight of the most significant and far-reaching challenges facing the world, including essential background facts, present and future policy options and impartial analyses.

Colloquium - Guest speakers
Wednesdays 1:30-3 p.m. Eight weeks, Sept. 22-Nov. 10

Among the topics will be antiques appraisal, how plants have shaped history, interior design for the elderly and the history and mystery of locks, along with mission work in Haiti, Tanzania and Madagascar.

Washington Never Slept Here, but Dillinger Robbed Our Bank - Fred Steiner, Bluffton resident, CEO of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of Bluffton Icon

Thursdays 9-10:30 a.m. Four weeks, Sept. 23-Oct. 14

This history of Bluffton will include how the town was named, its early settlers, the oil boom of the 1890s, famous residents, stories from the Great Depression, natural disasters and several ghost stories.

Book Reviews - Guest presenters
Thursdays 10:45 a.m. to noon Four weeks, Sept. 23-Oct. 14

Inspirational Movies - J.P. Schumacher, ILR director

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to noon Four weeks, Oct. 21-Nov. 11

Featured films will be "The World's Fastest Indian," "The Bucket List," "Waking Ned Devine" and "Secondhand Lions."

Fall Field Trips Thursdays 1-4 p.m.
Four weeks, Sept. 23-Oct. 14

Participants will tour a model of Serpent Mound, take the Litzenberg Memorial Woods Ghosts of Ohio tour, visit a blacksmith and see a homemade airplane and boat. Cost is $4 per trip-nonrefundable if the individual can't attend-or $12 for all four trips. Maximum group size is 15 per trip.

Potluck Thursdays 12:30 p.m.
Four weeks, Oct. 21-Nov. 11

Bring a hot and a cold dish, table service and your own drink, as well as recipes, photos or other things to share about yourself, and catch up with other ILR members over lunch. Hot beverages will be provided.