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Institute for Learning In Retirement

Welcome to the Institute for Learning in Retirement 

Our goal is simple: create opportunities for retired professionals to share their knowledge and skills. Learning is lifelong, and we offer active learning and connections with like-minded peers.

  • An opportunity to enjoy active learning while meeting wonderful new people of similar 
    age and with varied interests.
  • No long-term commitments; study groups meet once a week during the 
    day, for either four or eight weeks.
  • Lectures – presented by experts with various backgrounds.

Additional benefits: attendance at college events, special tours and workshops.


Daily Meditations: Wisdom in Stillness

A Morning Journey to Gratitude & Clarity

Join us Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM as we embark on a journey towards greater well-being. 

  • Mental Clarity: sharpens focus and cognitive function.
  • Stress Reduction: promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
  • Emotional Wellness: fosters emotional resilience.
  • Physical Health: improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and enhanced immune function.

Annual Yearly Membership

Registration Procedure: Registration for Study Groups and Lectures is on a first-come, first-served basis. All ILR activities are open to members only unless otherwise noted and are subjected to availability and change. 

  • Fascinating Study Groups led by knowledgeable facilitators where you can explore various subjects and delve into meaningful discussions with fellow members.
  • Inspiring Guest Lectures by esteemed experts from diverse fields, providing insights and perspectives on a wide range of topics.
  • Organized Day Trips to local attractions, museums, and cultural events, giving you the chance to expand your horizons and enjoy the company of fellow learners.
  • Engaging On-Campus Events that foster connections, friendships, and an environment of continuous growth and intellectual stimulation.

Click Here to Pay Annual Membership


Study Groups

Mondays:

History

Leader: Dr. Daniel Marrone
2024 Sessions Fees: $35 for 5 weeks Including the paperback version of the book

Location: Lupton T101
Time: Mondays 10 AM - 12 PM

Sessions/Dates: 9/30, 10/7, 10/21 & 10/28 Fall Semester

History of "Herkimer/Greene, Lincoln/TR, Barringer/La Guardia, and Dewey/Koch."

Each session of 4 sessions will cover two chapters of my book, New York Heroes: Herkimer, Lincoln, TR, & La Guardia (Halo Publishing International, 2014).  Note:  This 2014 book was mentioned, but not used in my fall 2023 course.  The proposed fall 2024 course will cover in-depth eight biographies as follows:


9/30/2024:  American Revolutionary War generals, Nicholas Herkimer, who was the "Savior of the Mohawk Valley, New York;" and Rhode Islander Nathanael Greene, who was the "Savior of the South."


10/7/2024:  Abraham Lincoln's speeches on 6/16/1858, 2/27/1860, 3/4/1861, 11/19/1863, and 3/4/1865; and Theodore Roosevelt and His Family on Long Island.


10/14/2024: Columbus Day, no class.


10/21/2024:  Dr. Emily Dunning Barringer, 1st NYS Licensed Surgeon; and Fiorello H. La Guardia, "Highest Rated Big-City Mayor in History."


10/28/2024:  Governor Thomas E. Dewey, who sacrificed the U.S. presidency to launch SUNY; and "How'm I  doin'" NYC Mayor Edward I. Koch.


Wednesdays:

Watercolor

Leader: Diana Hodes
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 4 weeks.      
Location: Lupton Hall T101 
Time: Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Have fun being creative while learning and practicing basic watercolor painting 
techniques. Sketching, prospective planning, and use of color are part of every session. You will 
plan and execute a complete picture each session. All levels of ability are welcome. Supply list 
available upon registration.

Sessions/Dates: TBD for Fall Semester


Contemporary Literature

Contemporary literature group will be discussing a variety of books suggested by both our membership leaders and our very enthusiastic group participants. 

Leader: Susan Blaeser 
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 5 weeks.
Location: TBD
Time: Wednesdays 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Sessions/Dates: TBD for Fall Semester


Introduction to Spanish

Leader: Profesora Shari O'Flanagan
2024 Sessions Fees: $50 for 8 weeks      
Location: TBD
Time: Wednesdays 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 

¡Hola Estudiantes! This Spanish Culture and Conversation course is designed for beginning students who have studied Spanish and need an in depth review, and for those who want to learn Spanish before traveling to a Spanish-speaking country. Students will learn new vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, fun facts and basic verb conjugations in the present, past and future tenses. We will listen to Spanish songs, describe famous paintings, explore various places virtually and create simple, practical dialogue's all while covering a wide variety of topics and improving our communication skills in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. ¡Vámonos!

Sessions/Dates: TBD for Fall Semester


Fridays:

Current Issues Forum

Each week for the first hour the class we will set an agenda and exchange ideas concerning local, national, and global issues. During the second hour the focus is on one or more larger national issues; in an effort to identify problems, generate solutions, and hopefully, clarify your position. 

Leader: Chet Gerstenbluth
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 4 weeks $50 for 8 weeks
Location: TBD
Time: Fridays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Sessions/Dates: TBD for Fall Semester

Discussion and participation are strictly voluntary. Members are encouraged to bring in most current news articles and current events are generally provided by Chet our Study Group Leader. 


Movie Review

This spring we will be presenting 8 films and following each with a lively discussion. The movies are from a variety of genres and were released between 1944 to 2018. 

Leader: Larry Blaeser
2024 Sessions Fees: $50 for 8 weeks      
Location: Gleeson Hall 129
Time: Fridays 12:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Sessions/Dates: TBD for Fall Semester


The Culinary Blueprint

Leaders: Jennifer Singh & Executive Chef Gregory J. Dalton
2024 Sessions Fees: $25 for 4 weeks      
Location: TBD
Time: TBD

Ideal for culinary enthusiasts, the study group will offer a blend of creativity and practical knowledge. Embark on this flavorful journey with us.  This series will emphasize: 

  • Global Fall Cuisines: Cultural Lesson & Preperations 
  • Comfort Food Classics: Chili and Soups Preperations & History
  • Thanksgiving Preparations: Tips & Recipes 

Quick Nutritious Recipes: delicious and time efficient with seasonal ingredients

Sessions/Dates: TBD for Fall Semester


Please note that additional fees may be incurred for materials, auditing, books, study groups, organized trips and lectures. The membership fee covers an annual access fee, granting you entry to all offerings available through Farmingdale State College and the Institute for Learning in Retirement. 

For more details, be sure to check out our Events and Tours  for the upcoming term.


In addition to classes, we offer exciting day trips, lectures, art classes, and more. If you're interested in contributing, consider becoming a volunteer study group leader for our fall 2023/24 semesters. Share your ideas via email! Join us at the Institute for Learning in Retirement Program at Farmingdale State College and embark on a journey of continued growth and enrichment. Join our emailing list today to learn more about this incredible opportunity for lifelong learners like you!

Volunteer Opportunities - Join Our Team!

ILR thrives on the enthusiasm and commitment of our members, and we are actively seeking volunteers to contribute their time and expertise to our vibrant community. If you have a passion for a particular subject and would like to lead a study group or contribute in any other capacity, we warmly encourage you to step forward and be part of our dedicated team.


Help Us Grow and Build Our Program

We are committed to enhancing the ILR experience and creating an inclusive, dynamic learning environment for all. As we embark on this journey together, your ideas, suggestions, and feedback are invaluable in shaping our program and ensuring its success. We welcome your input on new course ideas, potential guest speakers, and any other initiatives that could enrich the ILR community.


Together, we look forward to a remarkable semester of growth, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful connections.

Institute for Learning in Retirement Events

There are no upcoming Institute for Learning in Retirement events at this time. Check back soon for upcoming events.

Last Modified 6/26/24