Banish the winter doldrums by auditing a course at Fairfield University through the Institute for Retired Professionals | Press Releases

Update 9/20/15: This program is no longer available.

College isn't just for young adults. University College at Fairfield University invites you to bridge the generation gap by joining the Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP).

University College will host an open registration day for the IRP on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the dining room of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Refreshments will be served. IRP participants and those interested in the program can register and select courses, or simply learn more about what it has to offer.

The IRP is an association of retired professionals who participate in broadly based monthly symposia, audit a wide range of University courses and attend special interest programs.

Trumbull resident Vince Murphy was a psychology professor and associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University when the group was just getting its start.

"It was a question of continued learning and a social outlet," said Vince Murphy, a member of the IRP who has since served on its board. The original concept, which started with course auditing, grew to include symposia, scholarship fundraisers, day trips and other activities. "It just grew wildly."

The IRP currently has some 125 members and continues to grow. Members are allowed to audit one undergraduate course each semester from the University College program. The classes generally meet from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; however, some are offered during the day. During the academic year, IRP members participate in enriching monthly symposia that tackle a range of subjects and expose members to the viewpoints of a highly diversified group of professionals. Past symposia topics have included: literature, music, art, finance, medicine, psychology, politics, interpersonal relationships, technology, ethics, communication and environmental concerns.

The benefits of IRP membership include: free on-campus parking, use of the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreational Complex (for an additional fee), and access to the DiMenna-Nyselius Library. Members can also get discounted tickets to Open VISIONS Forum, Fairfield University's distinguished lecture series, and to Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts performances.

But one of the biggest benefits of all is the opportunity to meet people who share similar interests, said Joe Feeley, chairman of the IRP advisory board. "You meet, really, people with outstanding backgrounds," Feeley said, noting that the membership boasts lawyers, doctors, business people and a host of other retired professionals.

IRP membership costs $198 per semester; $157 for spouses. The tuition covers the cost of instruction and materials, exclusive of textbooks. IRP members can also choose to support the Albert M. Loch Scholarship for the IRP, which subsidizes a deserving University College student each semester. For more information about the IRP or the open registration day, call Elizabeth Hastings at (203) 254-4307.

University College at Fairfield University is the gateway for individuals seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional certificate programs, study abroad and personal enrichment opportunities. With an emphasis on quality, convenience and flexibility, University College offers a wide variety of evening, day, online and weekend programs taught by a distinguished faculty. University College offers an enriching personal and powerful educational experience that is backed by the resources and reputation of a great Jesuit university. For program information e-mail gradadmis@mail.fairfield.edu or visit www.fairfield.edu or call (203) 254-4184.