Senior-Citizen Learning Cooperative Seeks New Members; - Spring Classes Start April 9

Vital, active, intellectual group of 400 seeking like-minded mature adults to engage in intellectual challenges, networking opportunities and social activities. Possible lifetime of learning and companionship.

So might read a personal ad for the Athenaeum—a unique, continued-learning organization run by and for men and women age 50 and older in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology.

Since 1987, Athenaeum members have chosen and led a variety of courses on everything from consumerism to communing with God. A few of this spring's offerings are, "Little Known Operas," "Power Over People: Classical and Modern Political Theory" and "Vikings, Ho!"

Athenaeum members develop and lead each of the more than 100 courses offered each year at different times during the day. "Our members have a sense of curiosity and a drive to excel," says Rosie Sepos, program director of the Athenaeum. "They come from diverse backgrounds, and that enriches the team-learning experience."

Past course topics include astronomy, pet relationships, assessing financial security, Kipling, Shakespeare, America in the 1830s, Renaissance music and antique car collecting.

The spring term starts April 9, and the Athenaeum is actively seeking new members to learn and have fun. On April 3 the Athenaeum presents an Open House—Issues and Ideas—featuring presentations by course leaders and an introduction to the Athenaeum program. Barber Conable, former New York state congressman representing the Rochester area and former president of World Bank, will speak on "Africa: The Most Troubled Continent," on April 5.

In addition to more than 40 class choices each term, Athenaeum members receive an RIT student ID card that allows them access to RIT's recreational and health facilities, library and student rates for campus events. Other perks include monthly lectures by visiting RIT professors, listening in on RIT liberal arts courses, and plenty of social activities and field trips.

The Athenaeum got its name from RIT's predecessor—the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute. The word athenaeum is of Latin and Greek origins, meaning a temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. The seniors at the Athenaeum at RIT share their lifetime of wisdom and learning and want others to become a part of their exciting and intellectual cooperative. Learning, they find, is the tie that binds.

For more information, contact the Athenaeum at 292-8989.