ILR classes permit students to learn at their own pace. There are no grades or exams. Students learn with their peers in a pleasant social atmosphere. The ILR program is being developed by Wright State’s Center for Professional Development, and the WSU Retirees Association. The ILR plans to offer a variety of courses at least twice per year. Initially, classes will be held at the Kettering Center, 140 E. Monument Ave. in downtown Dayton. Future classes may be held in other Dayton-area locations.

David J. Block, Certified Financial Planner and director of the Financial Services Program at Wright State, will teach "Financial Planning and Estate Concerns for Seniors." The course will give students knowledge and confidence in investing and estate planning. The class will meet on Mondays from 1 to 2:15 p.m., from March 13 through April 10.

"The Balkans: An Historical Overview," will be led by Bela Bognar, Ph.D., LISW, associate professor of social work and community health at Wright State. The course will explore the historical, geographical, cultural, religious, political and ethnic factors that led to the current tragedy in the Balkans. A native of Hungary, Bognar is a student of Balkan history, a nationally and internationally acclaimed gerontologist, and an avid gardener. The class will meet on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., from March 13 through April 10.

Michael A. Williams, professor emeritus at Wright State, will teach "Otherness: An Overview of Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competence." The course will explore barriers to cultural competence, and how persons can develop the skills needed to become culturally competent. Williams taught for 21 years on the faculties of the College of Education and Human Services, and the School of Professional Psychology. He has consulted and lectured on cultural diversity to government and nonprofit organizations, school districts, and social service agencies. The class will meet on Tuesdays from 9 to 10:15 a.m., from March 14 through April 11.

Attention to mind, body and spirit is essential for comprehensive well being. "Total Wellness Lifestyle" will focus on fitness, nutrition, stress management and environmental sensitivity. Andrea Bales, fitness and outdoor recreation coordinator at Wright State, will lead the course. She has taught fitness classes through the health and physical education department at WSU for more than 12 years. Bales also provides fitness and wellness consultation to local businesses and school districts. Students should come dressed for light activity and bring gym shoes, a notepad and a positive attitude. The class will meet on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., from March 14 through April 11.

Other courses include "Personal Writing: My World and How it Looks to Me;" "Orville, Glenn, Jimmy, and the Rest of the Flight Crew;" "Dramatically Speaking: An Introduction to Theatre," and "The Jewish Community of Dayton, Ohio."

Seniors age 60 and over may also enroll in credit classes at Wright State without paying tuition. Enrollment is limited to classes with available space. Students may take classes of interest to them, or choose to complete the necessary course requirements to earn a degree. Spring quarter classes begin March 27. Contact the Office of Admissions during the week of March 27 at (937) 775-5700 for available courses.