Five College Learning in Retirement
Membership Information and Application Form
Five College Learning in Retirement serves the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. 5CLIR is sponsored by Five College Inc., an association formed by Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mt. Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. 5CLIR is an affiliate of the Elderhostel Information Network
The Membership
Our members are a group of intellectually curious individuals
who want to pursue new fields of interest or to revisit interests too long
neglected. We are characterized by a willingness to share the knowledge
and insights we have gained over lifetimes variously experienced.
Membership has grown steadily since 5CLIR's founding in
1989, and by Spring of 2003 there are over 250 members. While most live
in Amherst or Northampton, there are as well members from as far away as
Wilbraham, Heath, and Westfield.
The Seminars
Member-designed and -moderated seminars stand at the core
of 5CLIR. They cover a wide variety of subjects and are previewed each
fall and spring at a meeting of the membership followed by a festive potluck.
Each seminar meets weekly during daytime hours on the
campus of one of the affiliated colleges. In general the seminars are organized
around member presentations; active discussion is encouraged in order to
draw upon the diverse perspectives and seasoned insights or their members.
Winter/Summer Events
During January 5CLIR invites several of the area's musicians,
artists, and scholars to present programs open to the public.
Summer programming for members includes museum trips,
regional theater, music event, and visits to historic and cultural sites.
Also, there is on occasion the opportunity to join membership-based Eldershostels.
In addition, in the spring 5CLIR serves as the area's
sponsor for the Annual Great Decisions Symposium, as developed by the Foreign
Policy Association.
Social Events
To complement the socializing that occurs naturally in
the seminar setting, 5CLIR provides:
-- Conversations -- where topics of
interest to members are pursued, such as health care, housing
options in the Valley, and travel.
-- Potlucks -- where shared food, a little wine,
and good fellowship go a long way.
-- Exhibitions -- where the artists among us have
their day.
Member Privileges
To facilitate active learning in the collegial setting
each member receives:
-- A Five College I.D. Card providing library privileges
as the participating institutions.
-- Campus parking permits for seminar attendance and library
study.
Membership Information and Application Form