The Academy of Learning in Retirement (ALIR) in North East ISD is celebrating its 30th birthday. The organization and its members commemorated the milestone with a special luncheon on Monday, Feb. 25.
ALIR provides a variety of classes to its students who are 55 years old and older through fall, spring and summer semesters. Participants can learn about ancient cultures, technology, art appreciation, health and wellness, languages, literature, music and much more. In addition to the coursework, however, the Academy brings its members a great sense of friendship and community.
Dick Graham, 83, has been attending ALIR classes for the past 15 years. He started coming with his wife when the program was housed at the Institute of Texan Cultures. In 2006, the program moved to NEISD’s Community Education building.
“I saw a brochure in the library that told all about it,” said Graham. “My wife and I came together, and we really enjoyed it.”
Graham retired from the Air Force. After spending the last eight years of his career at Wilford Hall, he and his wife decided to make San Antonio their home.
Many ALIR-ians, as they call themselves, come from similar backgrounds. Having worked long careers and raising their families, they continue to seek life-long learning and growth.
ALIR currently has 90 different course offerings, with more than 650 student members. The instructors are all volunteers, and they are led by a governing council made up of members.
Each semester, a small fee pays for food and other small expenses, but it also goes to fund an annual $5,000 scholarship that is given to an NEISD high school student. Over the past 10 years, they’ve been able to give out 12 scholarships.
Geoff Leech, 75, is a retired engineer and currently serves as the Chair of the ALIR governing council. He also began his journey with ALIR as a student. While he still takes classes, he now enjoys teaching them as well.
“My first semester was just as a student, and then we had a curriculum fair that provides materials for individuals to become instructors,” said Leech. “I thought it would be fun, and I tried it and really liked it. Since then, I’ve done it every year.”
“There’s room for anyone to come,” added Leech. “We are always looking for new members, so we urge people to look us up on the website. After 30 years, we must be doing something right.”
Classes are held in the North East Community Learning Center located at 8750 Tesoro Dr. For questions or more information, contact Rhonda McRae, ALIR Facilitator, at (210) 407-0167, or visit http://www.neisd.net/Page/875
Posted 2-25-19
