Conference to draw legion of retiree learners

Some university retirees still in the teaching business will be among those comparing notes at the first-ever statewide meeting of retiree learning groups sponsored by UW–Madison.

UW–Madison’s Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) will host the meetings from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, at Memorial Union.

These groups of retired individuals teach their retiree colleagues in mostly participatory study-discussion groups. At UW–Madison, PLATO has 350 members and 18 discussion groups organized and led by their peers.

The organization, sponsored by the Division of Continuing Studies, is one of the most popular adult-education programs on campus. PLATO provides opportunities for adults to lead and participate in discussion groups on issues ranging from jazz to world history to current events. Groups meet for 10 weeks, with members taking turns leading discussions. The program also offers a series of lectures by current and retired UW–Madison faculty members. Classes meet in both the fall and spring semesters; lectures and social events are offered throughout the year.

The statewide meeting grew out of the first national conference of this type in Washington, D.C. last June. The state conference is being developed and coordinated by MaryJo Biechler, UW–Madison Division of Continuing Studies, and Anne O’Meara of the UW-Milwaukee Guild for Learning in Retirement.

The participating ten organizations represent Beloit College, Nicolet Area Technical College, Waukesha County Technical College, and UW campuses at La Crosse, Stout, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Parkside, Milwaukee and Madison.

Presenters at the Oct. 20 meeting in Madison include Nancy Merz, program manager from Elderhostel Institute Network, Boston, and Christie Truly, Wisconsin Humanities Council. Members of the Learning in Retirement groups also will join panel discussions on a variety of topics including the future of a state organization.

For more information, call MaryJo Biechler, (608) 262-3309.