Learning IN Retirement

Join a community of lifelong learners!
LEARN something new
SHARE engaging activities
MEET interesting people
Learning in Retirement (LIR) at Evergreen, in partnership with UW Oshkosh, is a member directed adult learning group promoting lifelong learning for older adults. Your LIR membership fee includes attendance at unlimited programs for one academic year:
• Learning sessions led by experts
• Peer teaching
• Member-led interest groups
• Tours of local business and industry
• Theater and music performances
Enjoy all the fun of learning without homework, tests or grades. New members are always welcome.
Course Canceled – April 17th – #36) Independence (Continued)
New Course Added – #36 (2) Asylum and The Changing Face of Migration on April 17th
ABOUT
Learning in Retirement at Evergreen in partnership with UW Oshkosh is a member-directed adult learning group promoting lifelong learning for older adults through a variety of stimulating opportunities. A committee of members choose topics or subjects, take the lead in organizing classes, discussion groups or tours and participate in peer teaching and learning. There are classes and instructors, but no tests or grades.
Activities include one-time and serial classes and interest groups, tours of area businesses, attendance at performing arts events and other points of interest. Activities are presented by experts in their field and LIR members.
The organization started in the summer of 1997 by UW Oshkosh staff who invited community members to learn more about the program. More than 100 attended and helped plan Learning in Retirement activities. Since then, the organization has grown to more than 250 members throughout the Fox Valley.
LIR is self-funded by membership fees that support the administrative functions of the organization. Member volunteers provide other essential services. Office, classroom and storage space is provided by Evergreen.
Mission – Learning in Retirement (LIR) is to be a member-directed organization that provides lifelong learning opportunities for older adults.
Vision – Learning in Retirement will be a model for engaging older adults in lifelong learning opportunities. We will be admired for:
- Diverse course offerings that enhance the knowledge of those attending
- High utilization of computer technology to facilitate organizational processes
- Partnerships with community organizations and businesses
- Fiduciary responsibility
Each semester Learning in Retirement offers a variety of courses and tours, averaging more than 100 programs per academic year. The annual membership fee entitles participation in as many courses as desired. There is a wide range of topics:
- Book discussion groups
- Current events
- Finance
- History
- Life stories writing
- Managing personal investments
- Politics
- Sustainability
- Technology
- And so much more…..
MEMBERSHIP
Learning in Retirement (LIR) is a member-directed adult learning group. Every spring and fall, we offer a wide variety of courses for older adults—covering an array of topics in different formats and lengths.
To register for classes, you must be an active member of LIR. Membership is renewed annually, so even if you’ve participated in the past, you’ll need to register each year to maintain access to programs.
Your LIR membership includes attendance at unlimited programs such as:
Learning sessions led by experts in their fields
Member-led interest and study groups
Member-taught learning sessions
Tours of local businesses and industries
Opportunities to enjoy on- and off-campus performances (theater, music), and local cuisine (note: some events may include additional costs for tickets, admission, meals, or transportation)
New members click here
Returning members click here
Membership Dues:
- Annual Membership/Two semesters (Fall & Spring): $105
- Spring Semester Only: $55
Payment Instructions:
- Checks should be made payable to Evergreen with LIR noted in the memo section.
- Checks can be:
- Dropped off at the LIR office at Evergreen.
- Mailed to:
Evergreen
Attn: LIR
1130 North Westfield Street
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Please Note: LIR does not issue refunds for membership fees.
We’re thrilled to welcome you to LIR and look forward to an exciting year of learning and connection!
COURSE CATALOG AND REGISTRATION
Printable Course Catalog
Printable Course Registration Instructions
Click here for Registration & Course Calendar
*Please note: To register for classes, you must have an active LIR membership. For details on how to join or renew, please visit the Membership tab.
COMMITTEES
Learning in Retirement (LIR) is a member-led organization that thrives on the involvement of its members. By participating in committee work, members not only help LIR grow and succeed—they also enjoy the opportunity to connect more deeply with others who share similar interests.
Getting involved is a great way to share your talents, gain new experiences, and make meaningful connections. LIR offers three standing committees that members are welcome to join:
Administration & Finance
Curriculum
Membership & Promotion
These committees play a vital role in shaping our programs and operations. In addition, the Steering Committee—comprised of elected officers and committee chairs—provides overall leadership and direction for the organization.
Interested in joining a committee? We’d love to have you! Please reach out to the LIR office at LIR@EvergreenOshkosh.com.
Thank you for your involvement!
Committee Details
Administration and Finance Committee
The Administrative and Finance Committee is responsible for developing and monitoring the annual budget, setting the dues structure and maintaining LIR policies. It meets every two months on the last Monday of September, November, January, March, and May. Meeting time is 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Terrie Krogenbrink – Administrative and Finance Committee Chair
Curriculum Development
The Curriculum Development Committee is responsible for planning all courses and activities and setting standards for the learning experience. All members have a voice in determining the courses that are offered. All members are invited to make suggestions to the Curriculum Committee and develop and lead their own course. It meets the third Wednesday of August, September, October, November, February, March and April and May. Meeting time is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lee Prellwitz – Curriculum Chair
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee members include the officers, past president, the committee chairpersons and an Evergreen staff member. They discuss issues as they arise and approve the budget to keep the organization viable. It meets every month on the fourth Thursday of September and May. Meeting time is 10 a.m. – Noon.
Membership and Promotion Committee
The Membership and Promotion Committee is responsible for recruiting new members, publicizing LIR programs and distributing promotional materials. Meeting times and dates are to be determined.
Pat Mahoney – Membership and Promotion Committee Chair
Annual Meetings
LIR holds an annual meeting in June. The agenda includes the slate of officers for the next year, committee reports and bylaw changes. A fall luncheon is held in September as a kick-off to the academic year and has a guest speaker.
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
Jim Krueger – President
Pat Lowney – Vice President
Kathi Sawall – Secretary
Terrie Krogenbrink – Treasurer
CONTACT US
Contact
Phone: (920) 237-2101
Email: lir@evergreenoshkosh.com
Phone calls and e-mails are answered Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To meet with staff please make an appointment in advance by calling (920) 237-2101 or through e-mail at lir@evergreenoshkosh.com.
Mailing Address
Evergreen
Attn: LIR
1130 North Westfield Street
Oshkosh WI 54902
Media
Email LIR at lir@evergreenoshkosh.com
