The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) is a community-based organization of retirement-age people, who share a love of learning. At its heart is an academic program designed by its members and taught by knowledgeable instructors.
Please note some courses are four weeks, some eight weeks, and the dates vary. Some courses offer a Zoom option, all are available for attendance in person on campus.
Understanding Autism: From Awareness to Acceptance
DATES: Each Monday, Jan. 12 - Feb. 2
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas 124, Marietta College Campus
FEE: $15 (4-Week Class)
PRESENTER: Virginia “Ginger” O’Connor, MA CCC/SLP, Speech/ Language Pathologist with 50 years of experience, currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence.
DESCRIPTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to be in the forefront of the news, often resulting in more questions than clarity. This course offers an accessible introduction to ASD, focusing on the diversity of experiences and strengths within the spectrum. Participants will explore key characteristics, communication styles, and common misconceptions, while learning practical ways to foster inclusion and support. The course emphasizes empathy, awareness, and meaningful connection to better engage with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Honorable Soldiers, Too: African American Female Teachers in the Post Reconstruction Era
DATES: Each Monday, Feb. 9 - Mar. 2
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas 124, Marietta College Campus
FEE: $15 (4-Week Class)
PRESENTER: Dr. Carole Hancock, Ph.D. in Educational Studies with history cognate. Retired Professor Emerita at Marietta College with 44 years of teaching experience.
DESCRIPTION: To the surprise of many, African American women were able to earn teaching credentials and college degrees in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Learn about these remarkable women who leveraged classroom experience to pursue additional careers and advocacy roles. Many of the women discussed will have ties to Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The course includes lecture, discussion, and small group research.
Feminine Evolution
DATES: Each Tuesday, Jan. 13 to Feb. 3
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas Hall 124
FEE: $15 (4-week course)
PRESENTERS: Dr. Ali Doerflinger, Ph.D.-Psychobiology, Purdue University (2005); Dr. Doerflinger teaches at Marietta College in in the areas of Physiological Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Human Sexuality, and Graduate courses in Learning, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Research Methods.
DESCRIPTION: An evolutionary psychology topic about how the females of the species have driven evolution in terms of sexual behavior and reproduction. This new paradigm flips the framework for understanding human evolution from the perspective of female anatomy, physiology, and behavior (Rather than male, which has been the traditional perspective).
Ed’s Encore: Popular music through the ages, 1950-70s
DATES: Each Tuesday, Feb. 10 to Mar. 3
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas Hall 124
FEE: $15 (4-week course)
PRESENTER: Ed Osborne, a member of the Marietta College faculty from 1971 to 2010, he has taught several prior ILR popular music classes. Researching some of the top music stars of the 1950-70 era has been his hobby in recent years.
DESCRIPTION: Some of the music will be taken from 20 prior years of music ILR classes, some will be new. Themes will include music from Chess Records, Sun Records, Motown Records, Woodstock, films, and piano men. It will include both popular groups and individuals with topics such as how they got started, how they got their names, awards, and some personal information and trivia along with many samples of their music. Sing along and dancing in the aisles will be permitted
WEDNESDAY COURSE
Writing the Body: Creative Explorations of Grief, Discovery and Loss
DATES: Each Wednesday, Jan. 14 to Mar. 4
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas 124, Marietta College Campus
FEE: $30 (8-Week Class)
PRESENTER: Dr. Nicole C. Livengood, writer, independent scholar, and former English professor with expertise in American literature and Disability Studies, with lifelong experience living with chronic illness.
DESCRIPTION: We all move in and out of wellness and (dis)ability and cope with the physical and emotional aspects of changing bodies and modes of being. This class blends mini-lectures, discussion, and writing workshops as it invites participants to grapple with the body in all of its glories and griefs. The final sessions offer participants the chance to create and the option to share their own creative works
River Pirates: The Lawless Banditti
DATES: Each Thursday, Jan. 15 to Feb. 5
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas Hall 124
FEE: $15 (4-Week Class)
PRESENTER: Bill Reynolds, historian and long-time Exhibit Specialist for the Campus Martius Museum in Marietta, Ohio. Author of several articles and books.
DESCRIPTION: There was danger on the Ohio River lurking in the shadows of the riverbank and hidden in caves. Travel for settlers carried risks much greater than sand bars and gravel banks — dangers that could take away all they owned and even their lives. Pirates, or the “lawless banditti,” awaited these helpless settlers, even Abraham Lincoln. The mythology of piracy has many pathways from Walt Disney’s Davy Crockett and the River Pirates to Johnny Depp. Above all the popular culture, piracy on the Ohio provides us with some fascinating tales for our exploration.
The Top 10 Wellness Tips for a Happier, Healthier Life and Tai Chi Sun Style Arthritis Foundation
DATES: Each Thursday, Feb. 12 to Mar. 5
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas Hall 124
FEE: $15 (4-week class)
PRESENTER: Linda McClead, Health Educator–Wood County Schools, Board Certified Health and Wellness Counselor, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, Author of Healthy Living by Design and Your 7 Week Wellness Transformation Guide; Chris Poe, Group Fitness Instructor for N.E.T.A.; Tai Chi Sun, WV Arthritis representative to DC to lobby for therapy bills and receive grants
DESCRIPTION: During this course, you will learn tips and tools to create a happier and healthier life. It is up to us to create a life that is enjoyable and fulfilling. With intention and purpose, we can make our lives so much better. Topics will include Sleep Quality, Community and Connection, Soul and Spirit, Weight Management, Movement, Stress Management, Using Food as Medicine, Self-Care, Anti-Aging Tips and Disease Prevention Tips. Additionally, Tai Chi Sun will be taught to improve balance, reduce, stress, increase overall mind, body, and spirit, and help cognitive decline.
An Architectural Sampler of Early Marietta Homes: A Study in Style and History
DATES: Each Friday, Jan. 16 to Feb. 6
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Various homes in Marietta (not Thomas Hall). Registered students will receive a schedule.
FEE: $15 (4-week class)
PRESENTER: Judith Piersall, author of history articles, former education director and current board member of The Castle. Lead recruiter and liaison for the annual Castle Historic Marietta Tour of Homes.
DESCRIPTION: This course will look at four of Marietta’s homes, each exemplifying a different architectural style popular in America’s past. We will learn about the history and elements of each home as well as the people who lived there. Tours will include each residence. A brief review of the founding and development of Marietta will aid in understanding its architectural growth.
The Artist’s Style - with Joyce
DATES: Each Friday, Feb. 13 to Mar. 6
TIME: 3–5 p.m.
LOCATION: Thomas Hall 124
FEE: $15 (4-week class) , Class materials covered by a grant from ArtsBridge
PRESENTER: Joyce A Fogle, retired art teacher of 33 years, a member of the Ohio Art Education Association, President of the East Ohio Art Education Association. Joyce was on the committee that created the “Disciplined Based Art Education” course of study for K-12 in Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Science in art education from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts and Liberal Learning from Marietta College. Joyce has her own studio, teaches individual classes to children and adults. She hosts holiday paint parties, birthday parties, bridal showers. She also teaches a monthly class at the O’Neil Senior Center
Learn the historic eras and styles of the masters and join Joyce in reproducing your own original artwork in these styles. After a description of the time period and artist, students will create their artwork in that artist’s style using a variety of different media. The last class will be an art show of student’s work with a wine and cheese reception.
Registration Instructions
If the course you choose includes a Zoom option, you will be asked whether you prefer to attend in person or on Zoom. You can switch between Zoom and in-person from one week to the next if you like.
Enter the ILR storefront by registering with your name/email or enter as a "guest."
For online registration it is often easier to register as a “guest” rather than trying to login to your account with the payment company. Just click the “Checkout as Guest” button in the lower right corner of the “login” page
Select course(s), and proceed to checkout. Pay by VISA, Mastercard, or Discover card.
DOWNLOAD FORM TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL
To register by postal mail, download and complete the registration form available HERE.
Make checks payable to Institute for Learning in Retirement.
Mail form and check to:
Institute for Learning in Retirement
Jane Murray
515 4th Street, Marietta, OH 45750
REFUND POLICY: Full refunds will be given for any class that a student has paid for and withdraws from up to the Friday before the class begins. No refunds will be made after a class begins. If a student has paid for a book purchased by ILR, the cost of the book will not be refunded. To withdraw, please notify ILR by e-mail at mariettacollegeilr@gmail.com.