Stimulating Speakers and Community Engagement

In the past several years, many communities, including Syracuse, have developed programs to appeal to “active aging” populations. Offering courses and activities that help adults stay intellectually active and make new friends is nothing new to Syracuse University.

SU’s Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP) offers a great opportunity to hear from engaging speakers on important topics and to meet people with similar interests.

IRP was established in 1972 and was one of the first lifelong learning institutes in the country. Members hear from experts on a variety of topics, from history and the arts to current events. Returning speakers have included political scientist Robert McClure, writer Sean Kirst, and local historian Dennis Connors.

“In retirement, my interests are in economics— finance, health, world events, and a little bit of everything else,” said IRP member and retired school teacher Tom Petro. “Twice monthly, I enjoy very qualified speakers who present information and take questions. This is part of a very good retirement.”

In addition to bi-monthly meetings, IRP organizes special activities such as tours and exhibits. “IRP is a great opportunity to learn more about our community and it also offers an opportunity to make new friends,” said IRP member Mary Lou Karrat.

Participants include teachers, engineers, homemakers, librarians and many other professionals — a mix of viewpoints leading to lively discussions.

Want to get involved? Meetings are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided and attendees are invited to bring a bag lunch.

Sessions are held in an easily-accessible meeting space, just a few miles from campus and downtown.
For complete directions and more information, visit uc.syr.edu/IRP or call (315) 443-4846. (Submitted editorial)