The open house on Sept. 8 marked the start of a new year for Learning In Retirement At Iona College, known to its members as LIRIC.

Attended by Dr. Sibdas Ghosh, dean of the School of Arts and Science, the open house was held to welcome new and returning members to this program that focuses on educating senior citizens in a variety of topics.

LIRIC is a not-for-profit organization that partners with Iona College and the Elderhostel Institute Network. The program works under the philosophy of learning for learning’s sake. According to iona.edu, “Members have a thirst for learning and intellectual stimulation. There are no tests or grades.”

The learning is furthered through experiential learning in the form of trips and guest lecturers.

This year the program offers over 60 classes including “News and Views,” playreading, Tai Chi, and the Autum Mélange talk series. Many of the classes this semester were designed to be related to of Ireland, which was designated as LIRIC’s theme for the semester.

In addition to the presenters provided by LIRIC, many Iona professors from several departments also contribute to the courses being taught. Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics Dr. Teresa Delgado coordinates the lectures for Religion in the 21st Century, while the class Mass Communications in the 21st Century features four different lecturers from Iona’s Department of Mass Communication.

Beyond the classes offered by LIRIC, by paying the $175 annual membership dues members become eligible to audit one class per semester offered by Iona at no additional charge and are granted access to many of Iona’s facilities including the libraries.