About Us

Institute for Learning in Retirement of Greater New Haven

What We Do

In the company of like-minded peers, members have the opportunity to enjoy college-level academic pursuits without concern for credit, grades or prerequisites, as well as social gatherings and cultural experiences. This creates unique educational opportunities made possible by active membership participation and collaborative leadership.

Many of the courses we offer are led by active or retired professors from various colleges and universities in our area. Others are led by ILR members who want to share their academic interests and passions with their peers.

Join a Community of Life-Long Learners

ILR fosters a community for adults who share a love of learning, and offers unique educational opportunities and social engagement. As a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, ILR receives its sole funding from annual membership dues. Course registration is open only to current ILR members.

Membership

How to Get Involved

If you are retired or semi-retired and are looking for a meaningful way to fill your newly acquired leisure time and meet new friends, we encourage you to get involved with ILR. Whether you have an interest in the arts, literature, music, current events, history, science, movies, social lunches or museums, ILR can provide enrichment to your life.

About Our Classes

We have two primary semesters: Spring (March-June) and Fall (September-December) and we occasionally offer a few classes in the winter or summer. Most of our classes are held during the day and on weekdays, although we occasionally hold a Saturday class.

Classes are held at several sites in the Greater New Haven area, such as the Jewish Community Center and B’nai Jacob in Woodbridge, ACES, the Woodbridge Library, the Daniel Sullivan Education Center in Hamden and others.

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By-Laws

View our current ILR By-Laws.

View By-Laws

Officers

  • Nick Maiorino, President

  • Susan Vallillo, Executive VP

  • Rita Esposito, Secretary

  • Tema Leviter, Treasurer

  • David Phelps, VP Curriculum

  • Marica Jamron, VP Trips

  • Joel Feimer, Ex Officio President

Board Members

  • Holly Chepow

  • Sue Cohen

  • Pat Donohue

  • Annis Fusaris

  • Deborah Kasowitz

  • Jean Maatta

  • Pat Maiorino

  • Mito Mardin

  • Debbie McKeever

  • John Schneider

Our Committees

Curriculum Committee

David Phelps, Vice President

Develops the course schedule for each semester. They research and recruit Study Group Leaders to conduct classes. They determine what new courses might be of interest and what past popular courses could be offered again. They interact with Study Group Leaders (SGLs) who submit their course proposals for consideration and the venues that host our in-person classes.

Communications Committee

Chair To Be Determined

Coordinates communications to the membership and the public in multiple formats.

Finance Committee

Tema Leviter, Treasurer

Oversees and develops the financial standards by which we operate. Its purpose is to make sure that board members adhere to strict accounting policies and procedures so we can operate with transparency and fiduciary responsibility.

Nominating Committee

Sue Cohen, Chair

Presents a slate of candidates to the membership for election at the Spring Annual Luncheon Meeting. They recruit and interview candidates who have an interest in serving on the Board or as an officer of the organization. This committee normally meets in late winter to early spring and welcomes recommendations for potential candidates.

Social Events Committee

Gayle Logan

Plans the social events for our organization such as the Annual Spring Luncheon in June and the Annual Holiday Event in December.

Strategic Planning Committee

Robin Lewis, Chair

Assists the Board with its responsibilities for the organization’s mission, vision and strategic direction.

Technology Committee

Susan Vallillo, Chair

Responsible for the electronic functions of the organization, including our online registration process and Zoom, and works with other Committees to streamline their operations.

Volunteer Committee

Rita Esposito and Pat Maiorino, Co-Chairs

Recruits volunteers as requested to assist other committees in their work, arrange trainings as needed, and acknowledge volunteer efforts.

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Discover enriching educational experiences designed to inspire curiosity at every stage of life.

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