A legacy of excellence
After a stellar 18-year run as Chair of the ILR Curriculum Committee, Bill Gracie will be stepping down at the end of this semester to begin the next chapter of his retirement. From the aisles of Kroger to the locker room at the Rec Center, Bill was always on the lookout for a great class and never shy about recruiting outstanding instructors. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he rarely failed in his attempts to bring new talent into the ILR fold. After all, ILR is an easy sell—especially when you can share with retired peers and professors the joy of teaching their passions, without the pressure of homework, tests, and grades.
In addition to his tireless work as Chair, Bill also taught many of his own courses and coordinated some of our most popular offerings. ILR's database reveals an impressive 37 courses that Bill taught, coordinated, or lectured in, beginning in 2004. His wide-ranging topics included everything from the literary insights of Robert Browning and Tennyson to the historical impact of Freedom Summer, and even contemporary topics, such as a series he coordinated for each of the past four Presidential Elections. Whether it was leading deep dives into World War I and its legacy, exploring the art and poetry of various eras, or offering captivating lectures on the Titanic and Oxford’s history, Bill’s versatility and intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. Through it all, he truly embodied the meaning of dedication, with an unwavering commitment to ILR and an infectious passion for sharing knowledge.
Bill’s contributions to ILR cannot be overstated. His work helped shape ILR and ensured that each term was filled with engaging, enriching, and enlightening opportunities for all. We are deeply grateful for his service and the legacy of excellence he leaves behind.
As your ILR family, we offer tremendous thanks to you, Bill, and wish you nothing but the best—and a bit of rest—as you embark on the next exciting phase of your future journey.
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Filling shoesBill Gracie's big shoes could be the perfect fit for you! No, you don’t need to commit to 18 years (or even more than three), but his remarkable length of service shows just how rewarding and fulfilling this role can be. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact and grow your sense of fulfillment in retirement, consider joining us in this or another one of these exciting volunteer opportunities:
- ILR Curriculum Chair
- ILR Curriculum Committee (Oxford/Hamilton and/or West Chester/Monroe)
- ILR Publicity Chair
- ILR Instructor Support Team
Ready to explore a role that will make a difference? To express your interest and gain more information, simply complete the ILR Volunteer Form.
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Call for proposalsHarness all that knowledge you've acquired throughout your career, travels, hobbies, and lifetime to create an engaging course for ILR. Whether you're a current, former, or prospective instructor, you now have the opportunity to teach for ILR from anywhere in the world. Virtual, hybrid, and in-person courses are being collected for the fall term, October 6 thru November 7, 2025. Join us by submitting your ILR Course Proposal Form by May 10.
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Good for the soulWednesday, April 30; 4-5:30 pm
Location: Oxford, Sesquicentennial Chapel
Come join us as we lift our voices and sing some of the greatest hymns from Wales. We will sing familiar hymns, as well as others that are staples in a North American Gymanfa Ganu, in English, with organ/piano accompaniment in four-part harmony. This event is free and open to both members and non-members. To be added to the event and receive the link for free parking at the chapel, please email ILR@MiamiOH.edu. See catalog, page 22, for more information.
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With abundant thanksWe are delighted to announce that Berkeley Square is once again sponsoring ILR's spring semester and will host an exclusive tour of their beautiful Hamilton community for our members and non-members on May 9 at noon. This tour will be immediately followed by our Annual Meeting and Ice Cream Social on their campus. See catalog, pages 8 and 10, for details.
Since 1997, our focus has been on creating a positive impact in the lives of lifelong learners within our community and beyond. We express our sincere gratitude to Berkeley Square and all our supporters for placing their trust in us as we strive to fulfill our mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants.
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Only 12 spots leftWednesday-Sunday, August 27-31, 2025
Uncover Washington D.C.'s seamy world, from lesser-known spy history to famous spy cases — both the cracked and the unsolved, with retired intelligence experts and an NSA officer.
The United States’ 18 national intelligence agencies have always been shrouded in secrecy. Now, some of their covert cases have been marked unclassified. On this fascinating adventure at the front line of the world’s spy coterie in Washington, D.C., delve into the history of covert intelligence in America and hear about the changing role of the CIA through America’s changing culture, foreign policy, and politics. Learn about the art of espionage, find out how spies are recruited, and hear stories of the many women who fly below the radar as master spies.
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Strike up the bandThe Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band will present 20th Century Masters, celebrating composers and their music, including many fan favorites. This free concert will be held on Sunday, April 27th, 2:30 pm, Mason Middle School auditorium, 6370 South Mason-Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH.
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