January 16, 2002

BOISE STATE�S RENAISSANCE INSTITUTE SERVES OVER-50 LEARNERS

A new program offered by Boise State University�s Division of Extended Studies is geared to learners aged 50 and beyond. Working in conjunction with community organizations, the Renaissance Institute offers short-term seminars and a current issues lecture series designed to meet the educational interests of mature adults who don�t want to commit to a traditional semester-long class.

"Boise is one of the best places to retire, partly because of its access to the university," said Extended Studies Dean Joyce Harvey-Morgan, citing a list of the nation�s top 100 retirement communities recently published by Where to Retire magazine. "We have wonderful resources at the university and in the community that people of retirement age can take advantage of."

By partnering with community agencies, the Institute is able to offer events in off-campus venues that enhance the experience � such as a jazz seminar that will meet in the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy � while providing ample parking and room for socialization.

As with the jazz seminar, which culminates just before the Gene Harris Jazz Festival April 4-6, seminars and lectures are scheduled in conjunction with cultural events or current topics of interest as a way to enhance understanding.

The Spring 2002 Seminar Series includes two options: All That Jazz, exploring the origins and contributions of jazz music, by jazz pianist, recording artist and Boise State adjunct music professor Chuck Smith, March 4, 11, 18 and April 1; and Middle East and the U.S.: Origins of Terrorism, by Boise State history professor Michael Zirinsky, April 18, 25 and May 2, 9.

The Spring 2002 Lecture Series on Current Issues includes: