| Almost too numerous to count, we can certainly blame the pandemic for a lot of our woes this year. Here's one more: the ILR 2019-2020 Annual Report is coming to you late. Due to the enormous effort required to move our fall semester online, the report moved to the proverbial back burner where it simmered for the past few months. Pandemic notwithstanding, our 23rd year continued to demonstrate the growth and success we’ve enjoyed for the past nine years.
- ILR Chair Comments
- Curriculum
- Special Events
- Finances
- Challenges
- Special Thanks and Recognition
- The 2020-2021 ILR Board
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Unleashed generosityDespite the challenges we have faced in 2020 due to the pandemic, our mission binds us together. While the downside of the pandemic is evident all around us, for ILR it has been the stress on our finances. Thanks are due to our loyal supporters who answered the Giving Tuesday plea from Ben Mattox, ILR Board Chair. If you missed it, it's not too late for 2020 tax-deductible, year-end giving. Please Support ILR.
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Survey says?A big THANK YOU to everyone who completed our Fall 2020 End-of-Semester Survey. The results are in, showing ILR provides an exceptional lifelong learning experience even when it's not possible to meet in the classroom. Here’s an abbreviated results summary:
- Our best means of publicizing ILR is word of mouth. Nearly 70% of our members report hearing about ILR from another member. Good news travels fast. Thanks for spreading it.
- 98% found ILR registration to be very easy. Of those, 97% registered online. If they can do it, you can too! Online registration immediately reserves your space in classes and events.
- 84% agreed the 5-week term length is just right; 13% wish it could be even longer and reported shedding a few tears as the semester drew to a close.
- 92% view our 75-minute class length as perfect; 5% wish that class never had to end and would prefer to see it lengthened.
- 98% report that for the price of admission, ILR is a great value. It's like going to the buffet—pay one price and take as much as you'd like—with no button-busting outcome.
- 99% stated they were highly satisfied with the support they received from the ILR office. We couldn't be prouder!
- And a whopping 99.4% report that, overall, they were highly satisfied with their ILR experience last semester. Considering it was a virtual semester, we've certainly got a lot to crow about. Thank you for recognizing our efforts through your kind feedback.
With numbers like these, you would think we could rest on our laurels, yet we're continually working to enhance your ILR experience. Spring 2021 will find us remaining virtual, but with the learning curve behind us, the road ahead has been paved for your success. We hope you'll join us.
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Wrapping a perfect giftDo you struggle to find that certain someone the perfect gift? Do others become exasperated shopping for you? Give the gift that's always a perfect fit. ILR gift certificates—valid for three years—are just as exciting to give as they are to receive. Pick up one for a friend and put one on your own wish list. Purchase a certificate today and enjoy crossing one more item off your to-do list.
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Save the DateClear the spring calendar and back away from the rails–ILR is barreling down the tracks. It's full steam ahead for our spring semester, March 29 through April 30. The classes have been formalized and the catalog is under construction. Look for registration to open on March 1st, and make plans to get virtually Engaged, Enriched, and Enlightened!
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Ron Howard's adaptation of J.D. Vance's Middletown-based memoir Hillbilly Elegy is now on Netflix. Matthew Smith wrote a short film review on the blog, which includes some discussion with Sam Ashworth at Middletown Historical Society. Separately, he did a short "Catching Up..." with Sam on the blog, which you're sure to enjoy!
Donna Boen, Miamian Editor, interviewed Bonnie Meibers, J.D. Vance's cousin and a 2018 graduate of Miami, and posted the interview on Slant Talk, the Miami University Alumni Association blog. Read the article.
Whether we are listening to the music of Ravel, enjoying the paintings of Monet, or visiting the Louvre in Paris, the artistic culture of France is worth our time and the effort brought to you by the ILR-sponsored Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band. Their tour of French music begins with two versions of Maurice Ravel’s, ‘Bolero,’ a version for full orchestra and a version for band / small wind ensemble.
See what's on the calendar from our friends at Road Scholar. Join online for upcoming full-hour virtual lectures on fascinating topics like Edvard Munch, women’s suffrage, and so much more — all live, all from Road Scholar experts, and all without stepping out your front door!
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Celebrating
23 Years of Excellence in
Lifelong Learning
Join us this semester!
March 29 through April 30, 2021
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