George Petty started reading at an early age, so it makes sense that when he retired nine years ago, this lifelong pursuer of knowledge wasn’t ready to stop learning.
Since his retirement, Petty has faithfully attended the Institute for Learning in Retirement, a program that meets on the campus of the University of North Alabama (UNA) in Florence for eight weeks in the fall and spring.
"I especially enjoy courses that keep me up on current events," said Petty, 65, who lives in Florence. "I’m one of the course directors, and it’s my responsibility to find speakers to come and talk to our group. Since we are affiliated with the university, we can often get the professors to speak to our group, too."
Last fall, 104 men and women registered for the program, which offered eight courses ranging from symphonic music to computer education.
"The program helps keep people’s minds active and stimulated," said Meghan Pike, the institute’s coordinator. "The people in the group are mainly retired professionals who want to keep learning."
This is one of several lifelong institutes of learning across the state. Each is independent but all offer study programs for senior adults.
Petty said he particularly enjoys the UNA program because it’s run by the people who attend. "We select what courses and speakers we want to have offered," said Petty, a retired chief financial officer for several public corporations.
According to Pike, the class fee allows participants to attend any or all of the classes. Usually seven or eight classes are offered each semester, and they are offered four days a week.
The Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners (AUALL) has been active for 16 years. "First and foremost, this program is fun," said coordinator Mary Burkhart. "It’s a wonderful way for people to meet other folks, and it’s a great way to learn."
About 250 people are involved in AUALL, and they meet for three eight-week terms in the fall, winter and spring.
Architecture, economics, painting, Shakespeare and the history of war are some of the 21 classes that have been offered in past terms.
"We try to have something for every person’s interest," she said. "There’s no requirement to participate except interest."
In Birmingham, a group called New Horizons, which is affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), also meets for three eight-week sessions during the year.
Speakers ranging from professors to politicians to clergy give lectures three mornings a week to the group of 125.
The seniors also take time to have coffee and snacks and visit with other members. The group meets at the Marshall Conference Center on the fringe of the university’s campus and has its own parking lot.
"We’re part of UAB but we paddle our own canoe," said past president Harry Bressler, 82, who is retired from the advertising industry. He added that the group has a newsletter that lists the lectures for each eight-week session.
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