“If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

1. “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

2. What is an Institute for Learning in Retirement? • A formal organization of older adults • A non-residential study program affiliated with a college or university • Furthering education & intellectual needs/desires • Members are responsible for learning opportunities • Affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

3. Institute for Learning in Retirement - History • 1962 - New School for Social Research in New York City • 1988 - Elderhostel Institute Network formed • 1999 - 264 affiliated ILRs with 48 in development involving over 66,000 people • 2000 - Over 300 ILRs in the United States “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

4. Characteristics of ILRs • Independent entities • Created by a unique group of people • Sponsored by a host institution • Has its own special character and mission • Learners develop their own college level educational programs • An educational community of older learners “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

5. Common Goals and Characteristics • Educational Purpose - College level, continuing education • Member organization - Learners join ILRs • Open membership - No educational pre-requisite • Dues - Members pay dues • Member lead decision-making • Determine curriculum • Recruit members • Finance the ILR • Develop social programs “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

6. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College The Other Retirement Choice A goal should be…, “to live your full life potential in good health, learning how to handle and shed stress, devoting time to exercise and proper nutrition and, most of all for those over 50, seeking a new infusion of ideas.” Dr. Margery H. Silver Harvard University Medical School “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

7. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College History • 1997 - Preliminary meeting (Butler, Deretehin, Law, & Turner) • 1998 - Warren Butler conducts study • 1999 - Focus Group meetings: • May 14, 1999 • June 4, 1999 • July 8, 1999 • August 6, 1999 (Expanded Group) • 1999 - 10 th Elderhostel Institute Network Conference “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

8. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Mission Statement Provide environments in which active older adults will enjoy opportunities for continued intellectual and personal growth. “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

9. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Benefits to Members • Intellectual growth • Personal growth • Social outlet - people having similar interests • Opportunity to give • A coming together of people with likenesses and differences • The power of a collective voice of active adults in the community “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

10. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Benefits to Montgomery College • To bring diversity to the campus • To expand community services • To share facilities and environment • To be a part of a valuable movement in higher education • To development new networks and partnerships “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

11. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College What can Montgomery College offer the Academy? • Facilities for classes, offices & social activities • An established identify in the community • Staff support • Access to existing college services • Curriculum & instructional support “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

12. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College What can Montgomery College offer the Academy? • Affiliation with the Elderhostal Institute Network • Affiliation with community organizations • Ability to research, market and reach the adult learner • Convenience of location and parking “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

13. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Organizational Structure Steering Committee Curriculum Committee Marketing Committee Membership Committee Financial Development Committee “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

14. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Steering Committee • Eleven to thirteen members • Dean of CCE serves on the committee • Authority for organizational decision making and leadership • Each member will serve on at least one other committee • Members represent the interest of the college and the community in its diversity of gender, ethnic group and backgrounds “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

15. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Curriculum Committee • Responsible for courses & programs offered • Conduct needs assessments • Work with “subject matter” person to develop curriculum • Identify and recruit instructors • Evaluate curriculum and instruction • Plan course schedules “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

16. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Financial Development Committee • Develop funding sources and sponsors • Set and monitor fee formulas • Prepare and recommend a budget • Review the budget during the fiscal year • Consider other financial issues as the Steering Committee may direct “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

17. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Marketing Committee • Developing and projecting the public image of the Academy • Plan, write, and edit the newsletter • Develop news releases • Director of College relations will serve on this committee • Create public relation events “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”

18. Academy for Lifelong Learning at Montgomery College Membership Committee • Recruitment and retention of members • Develop and maintain a speaker’s bureau • Disseminate marketing materials • Conduct needs assessments • Active in related community organizations • Provide orientation for new members “If wisdom comes with age, we should work at embracing the experience.”