Learning in Retirement celebrates 10th anniversary

Learning in Retirement (LIR), a program offered through Valdosta State University's Department of Continuing Education providing non-credit educational opportunities for cultural growth, lifelong learning and recreation for individuals 50 years of age and older, is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Thursday, March 23, 2006. The 10th Birthday Bash will be held at the Regional Center for Continuing Education, 903 North Patterson Street, at 11 a.m.

Entertainment for the event will be provided by Strummers Act II. Tickets cost $9 for members and guests, and reservations can be made through Monday, March 20, 2006.

LIR is also gearing up for its Spring 2006 Term. Registration on a first-come first-served basis has already begun at the Regional Center for Continuing Education for classes in subjects such as computers, social sciences, fine arts, and health. Membership fees are $45 for the term and include the costs of most classes. Registration forms can be picked up at the regional center or accessed at http://www.valdosta.edu/conted/Programs/lir/lirinfo.htm .

Dr. James LaPlant, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and LIR instructor for the past seven years, teaches classes that focus on current news topics and current events on a local, regional, and global level. Referring to his "Views of the News" course, LaPlant said retirees are well-informed, and he learns just as much from the students as they do from his teaching.

Although university-sponsored, LIR's members are involved in determining curriculum, recruiting new members, managing the budget, and developing social programming. New officers will be elected and inducted at the birthday celebration.

For more information on the birthday bash or spring classes, contact Program Coordinator Suzanne Ewing at 229-245-6484.