Fall 2024 Special Events
*Non-Members may participate in special events for an additional fee. See FAQs for details.
Single-Session Lectures: Open to Non-Members this Fall!
The Destruction of Medical Ethics in Nazi Germany
From 1932 to 1945, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party perverted ethics, morality, and science in their program to purge Europe of Jews and other “undesirables.” The systematic processes and mechanisms used to achieve their aims evolved from propaganda to extermination. This lecture describes this evolution and focuses on the essential role that physicians and health administrators played in the Final Solution.
Instructor: Nicholas Andreadis is Associate Professor Emeritus of Medicine from the Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine at Western Michigan University and former dean of the WMU Lee Honors College.
1 Friday: October 11; 2:15–3:30 pm
Format: Hybrid
Location: Online and West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium
Community Benefits of the New Submarine Cincinnati Memorial
The new USS Cincinnati (SSN 693) Cold War Memorial & Peace Pavilion is being built on the grounds of the VOA MetroPark. We will review details of this unique civic icon and discuss the many benefits for the West Chester and greater Cincinnati areas.
Instructor: Robert Viney is a former U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer and Vice President of the non-profit leading the design and construction of the USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial & Peace Pavilion.
1 Friday: October 25; 2:15–3:30 pm
Format: Hybrid
Location: Online and West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium
So You Want to Get Published
Randy Overbeck, Southwest Ohio school leader, will share his path from veteran educator to published, award-winning author of a best-selling series. In this session, he will discuss the steps he took, the obstacles he overcame, and what he learned to get his books, the Haunted Shore Mysteries, into readers’ hands and on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. Participants who are prospective and emerging writers will learn about the processes, resources, and time needed to go from initial manuscript to a polished, published book.
Instructor: Randy Overbeck is the author of five mystery and thriller novels, which have earned ten awards including the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Best Book Award from Chanticleer Books and Reviews, and Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews.com.
1 Friday: November 1; 2:15–3:30 pm
Format: In person
Location: West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium
Therapy Dogs: Bringing Smiles Fur Miles
This class is going to the dogs! We will focus on therapy dogs, who have a tremendous impact on the individuals and communities they serve. We will explore the traits, characteristics, and training a therapy dog must have in order to become a working canine. Additionally, we will discuss how a therapy dog is different from a service animal or an emotional support animal. Come for the discussion and stay to meet a canine therapy animal, Eddie the corgi.
Instructor: Kristen Humphrey-Schulz and her dog, Eddie, love meeting new people through Eddie’s work as a therapy dog, which centers on providing comfort and affection to anyone in need.
1 Friday: November 8; 2:15–3:30 pm
Format: In person
Location: West Chester, VOALC, Auditorium
Frolicking Not-So-Far Afield (FNSFA): Members Only
FNSFA: Jungle Jim’s International Market Tour
Location: 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield
Date/time: Friday, October 11; 10:00–11:30 am
Cost: $5.00
Let’s adventure to the jungle and take a guided tour of the world famous food lover’s paradise that is Jungle Jim’s International Market. Take a guided tour of the store and enjoy food samples from around the world. You’ll explore miles of incredible sights, tastes, and smells while knowledgeable guides lead you on a fun-filled, informational, and entertaining safari through the wilds of Jungle Jim’s! Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended.
FNSFA: Butler County Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Location: 5260 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Liberty Twp
Date/time: Friday, October 18; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free
BCWS offers water and wastewater service to a growing population of more than 100,000. Operating five regional wastewater treatment plants, the facilities treat 20 million gallons of wastewater every day. Join us for an onsite tour of the LeSourdsville treatment plant and see what it takes to return clean, treated water to the environment.
FNSFA: Miami University McVey Data Science Building Tour
Location: 105 Tallawanda Road, Oxford
Date/time: Friday, October 25; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free
The new McVey Data Science Building on Miami’s Oxford campus serves as home for the departments of statistics, computer science, software engineering, and emerging technology in business and designs. This cutting-edge facility is not only equipped with technology and learning spaces, but it also nurtures a collaborative campus culture. Join with other ILR friends for an exciting tour of this innovative facility.
FNSFA: Spooky Nook Tour
Location: 601 B St N, Hamilton
Date/time: Friday, November 1; 10:00–11:30 am
Cost: Free
We’ve seen it under construction, now let’s visit the finished product. At 691,000 square feet, Spooky Nook Champion Mill is North America's largest indoor sports facility. From basketball and volleyball courts to turf soccer fields, Spooky Nook can accommodate nearly any major dry land sport.
FNSFA: Mound Cold War Discovery Center
Location: 1075 Mound Rd, Miamisburg
Date/time: Friday, November 8; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: $5.00
Mound Laboratory, operating from 1948-2003, was the first Atomic Energy Commission site to be constructed after WWII. Mound Laboratory was built in order to continue work within the Manhattan Project and consolidate the production of initiators for the first atomic bombs. At the Mound Cold War Discovery Center, learn about the top-secret, scientific work of the Mound Laboratory that revolutionized the Cold War, Nuclear Age, and Space Race, plus the subsequent environmental cleanup, and today’s ongoing legacy management.
FNSFA: Cheesemaking 101 from a Dairy Goat Farmer
Location: Artistry Farm, 1800 W Bull Hill Rd, Liberty IN
Date/time: Friday, November 15; 10:00 am–noon
Cost: Free
If you have ever visited the Saturday morning Oxford Farmers Market, you may have encountered Debra Bowles peddling goat cheese and goat milk soaps. Here’s your opportunity to experience the cheese making process right on the farm outside of Oxford. A supply list will be emailed to registrants.
Please Note
Every semester we offer a diverse range of classes and Special Events that await your exploration. As you embark on your journey of knowledge and discovery, please be aware of the situations that may arise.
The opinions and advice given in ILR classes are not necessarily those of the Institute for Learning in Retirement or Miami University.
While healthy debate is welcomed, instructors and students offering opinions differing from yours are to be respected. Anyone disrupting a class will be removed.
Seek additional professional guidance before accepting any diet, exercise, medical, or financial advice.
The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR)
The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) at Miami University provides opportunities to explore, develop, and share knowledge and skills in a wide variety of topics. Courses taught by volunteer instructors, complemented by a variety of special events, enable participants to broaden their horizons and engage with other lifelong learners.
Contact Us
106 MacMillan Hall
531 E Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-8500
513-529-5896 (fax)
ilr@MiamiOH.edu