CLIR: Forever Learning

By Cathleen Love and Betty Heiss

The Center for Learning in Retirement (CLIR) became an UConn Extension program in 2013. CLIR’s mission is to provide meaningful intellectual activities for adults from all walks of life, which closely matches with Extension’s mission to provide the knowledge and expertise of the university through outreach and public engagement. There are currently over 280 participants in CLIR and new members are always welcome. CLIR members are engaged in meaningful and stimulating classes taught by university faculty, community members, government and nonprofit agencies, legislators, clergy and experts from business and industry.

Members of CLIR meet in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in the Vernon Cottage on the UConn Depot Campus. Ample parking is available and the cottages are handicapped accessible. There are no academic requirements to participate in CLIR and no tests, term papers or age limitations. CLIR staffing and teacher are volunteers.

All of the classes meet during the day, Monday through Friday from 10:15 am to 11:45 am or 1:15pm to 2:45 pm. CLIR operates on a three-session schedule: fall, winter and spring. Each session offers up to a dozen single classes and approximately eight courses. A course may be as short as two weeks or as long as eight.

The program offers a buffet of topics. Classes have been offered on current events like Global Climate Change and School Reform or topics related to history, literature and the arts, science and religion. For those who enjoy writing, each session has a Memoir Club that meets every Thursday morning for nine weeks. Recent speakers have included the Presidents and several Deans from both Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut.

Membership in CLIR enriches the minds and broadens the horizons of all who participate. It also affords an opportunity to meet new people and form friendships. This happens in the classroom and during the social time that is organized at each session. Participants in CLIR have the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns in a safe environment where everyone is welcome.

CLIR is a membership based, self-supporting organization led by volunteers. The cost to belong is $25 per member for each session and that allows the opportunity to take any and all courses. New members may join at any time during the year. A current schedule is posted on the website: www.clir.uconn.edu. Any questions about the program can be answered by the UConn Extension administrative liaison, Cathleen Love, Ph.D. or the CLIR staff support, Marilyn Diaz at (860) 570-9012.