Spring ILR: Monday movies, animal kingdom, prose, poetry, Powerpoint and more
Bluffton University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), an educational program for retirees, is offering multiple courses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this spring, beginning April 4.
The tuition for the full spring term is $100; individual class costs can be requested from the ILR director. Most classes will meet in the ILR classroom, located in Hirschler Hall of Riley Court on campus.
To register or for more information, contact JP Schumacher, ILR director, at 419-358-3346 or [email protected].
Spring courses include:
Mondays at the Movies
Mondays, April 4 – May 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Week one “The Book Thief”
Week two “Life is Beautiful”
Week three “The Courageous Head of Irena Sendler”
Week four “Inside Hana’s Suitcase”
Week five “The Pianist”
Week six Students’ Choice
How They Do It: A Comparison of Sexual Life Cycles in the Animal Kingdom, The Mammals
Wednesdays, April 6-May 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
The class will cover reproduction, life cycles and parenting in mammals. In addition, the class will learn about the variations in parenting and length of “childhood.”
Prose, Poetry, Scriptures and Palms
Wednesdays, April 6-May 11, 1-2:15 p.m.
Class members will discuss the literary use of various forms of plant life, their value and their habitats that are featured in British literature, Biblical scriptures, stories and illustrations.
Shaking up Wellness for Seniors
Thursdays, April 7-May 12, 10-11 a.m.
This is not a course to “get in shape” but rather explores new ways to be WELL through nutritional advice, simple non-threatening methods of exercise, waking up the mind and quieting the soul.
What is PowerPoint?
Thursdays, April 7-28, 1-2:15 p.m.
This class will give you everything needed to produce a presentation. Limit of 10 students. Students will need to provide a laptop and have knowledge of basic computer skills.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Families and customers create an oral history of memorable Bluffton businesses
- Local students travel to France, Monaco and Italy
- Move on Up: New drug for COVID-19 exposure
- Back to School Days at Bluffton Public Library
- 50 for 250 performances at Bluffton Public Library
- Community meal on August 20 at Bluffton Senior Center
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Obituary for centenarian Lois Jean Andreas
- Thomas "Tom" J. Basinger served in the U.S. Army
- President Sider to present Aug. 25 State of the University address
- August 10 council recap: Spending increase for Benroth bridge repairs
- MHCO requests zoning change for construction of senior duplexes
- WIP Wednesday: 1915 kitchen gets a charming DIY remodel
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Monday, August 10, 2026
- Pirate girls tennis 2nd at Lima City tourney
- Professor Parquet on the passing of Don Nelson
- Bluffton historical society to discuss upcoming events, fundraising
- Bluffton Public Library hosts Mobile Health Clinic on Aug. 13
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Tommy Jenkins, Cat Dailey, Szabo Trio
- Chair massages offered at the Senior Center
- Bluffton Senior Center to host Spa Day