Academic learning is a never-ending enlightening process and is necessary for experience and career skills. The Emeritus Plus 50 Program at Richland College is offered to retired individuals and those still working who are 50 and older. It is an opportunity for individuals to broaden their career skills, find volunteer opportunities and simply embrace learning.
Two programs, Emeritus, which started in 1989, and the Boomer program recently merged to form Emeritus Plus 50. Since then it has continued to enrich its members through social gatherings, enrichment lectures and classes.
Enrollment in the program is open to anyone eligible and offers non-credit and credit classes currently held in one classroom. Class times are created to work with any schedule and are available throughout the day and evening.
Individuals are also able to obtain a certification for arts and letters and computer literacy.
Tuition is free for individuals 65 or older who have lived in Dallas County for at least one year or pay property taxes in Dallas County.
"Currently we have four volunteer opportunities that I am very proud of. We have received the Innovation of the Year award in 1994 and 2010," said Director Mitzi Werther.
Conversation Partners is the biggest volunteer tutoring that helps Richland's international students with English.
Werther also said Richland is the only college in the DCCCD to offer such rewarding opportunities for senior volunteers and Richland students.
The program expands its enlightening lectures to a number of retirement communities in Dallas, Garland and Mesquite. Professors and experts deliver lectures at the retirement homes and offer something new that seniors can enjoy.
Recently the program went to Gainesville and Oklahoma to see the Winstar World Casino and have fun with friends in the prospering Texas city.
Throughout the year, various events are planned to bring new people into the program. The next event is scheduled for December and features the a cappella group "Smooth Brew." The event costs $12 and is a festive kick-off for the holidays.
In the spring the program will present Brown-Bag Dinner movies. The movies will be held on Fridays. People are welcome to bring their own brown bag meals to enjoy while watching the film.
Emeritus Plus 50 is advantageous not only for seniors but for passionate professors as well. The program is always looking for educators to volunteer their time to lecture on any topic.
For information go to richlandcollege.edu/emeritus or call 972-238-6393.
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