Now in its fourth year, Slippery Rock University's Institute for Learning in Retirement is offering more the 60 courses and eight day trips as part of its spring semester.

It continues to meet the learning interests of those who are retired or near retirement in the Slippery Rock region.

Enrollment reached 979 students this semester, said Ruth Hoffman, executive director, attributing the growth to participants' curiosity.

"They become very involved, very interested and are always wanting to learn more," she said. "We get some wonderful people to teach classes for us."

Spring semester includes classes in basic computer skills offered at the Cranberry Township Library, as well as quilting, bridge, geology, genealogy and astronomy and Mexican cuisine and others at SRU.

The program also offers trips to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as well as day trips.

"Our curriculum committee deliberately tries to offer new subjects and to expand topics where our members have shown an interest," Hoffman said.

For example, computer classes started with a single basics class. The institute now offers an introductory class and courses in Excel, Publisher, Windows and Web page design.

"These classes are very popular," Hoffman said, "and they tend to fill up very quickly. We also have begun a basics class in Cranberry Township."

Retired SRU Spanish instructor Kathleen Boykin teaches Mexican Cuisine, meeting once a week with 15 participants.

"After 33 years of teaching, you kind of miss it," she said. "I love to cook. There are people who come because they're interested in eating and the culture. While we make dishes, we talk about how it relates to the culture and the country."

Boykin added the class is casual, with no tests or grades.

Day trips remain an important part of the ILR program. Most often the trips are to nearby destinations such as "A Day in Ohio," featuring visits to woodcarving, pottery and button museums; a brunch cruise on Lake Arthur; and a trip to Akron for a matinee of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Carousel Dinner Theater.

In addition, the ILR has begun to offer more extensive trips such as an overnight to Washington, D.C., to visit the new Native American Museum at the Smithsonian.

Formed as an affiliate of SRU's Alumni Association, the program depends on the availability of volunteer instructors. Hoffman notes, "The ILR has been truly blessed with terrific instructors."

Although the Institute for Learning in Retirement is a membership organization, some classes and trips are open to non-members. There are no age or educational requirements for ILR membership.

Inquiries about the ILR are welcome at 724-738-1604.