The MSU Evening College may be getting older, but officials say they are ready and determined to continue providing people with interesting and enjoyable courses that have made it popular throughout the years.
Following its Sept. 18 50th anniversary celebration, the college kicked off its semester course offerings Sept. 24.
Evening College is a part of Alumni Lifelong Education, a division of MSU’s Alumni Association. It provides a variety of noncredit multidisciplinary and liberal arts classes for alumni and residents of the Lansing area.
“One-third of our curriculum is new every year, which should keep people interested,” said Louise Cooley, director of the college.
Cooley said some of the new courses available this year are Ancient Civilizations across the Globe, Theater Design: Behind the Seams!, Journey to the North Pole: True North and The Psychology of Money.
She said about 2,000 people usually register for the 120 courses offered every year.
“We have seen a slight increase in enrollment,” Cooley said.
Since 1951, the Evening College has provided MSU faculty with a “curriculum testing arena” to try new instructional formats and test ideas for potential credit courses - at the same time improving their skills in teaching adult learners.
Joan Alam, who has worked for Alumni Lifelong Education in the past, has been taking Evening College courses since 1996.
“I have so many favorite classes, but I tend to especially enjoy the literature courses,” she said. “I love learning and trying new and exciting things.”
For Alam, the Evening College is more than just something fun to do in her spare time - it’s an opportunity to fulfill her constant desire to learn.
“Evening College is different,” she said.
“There are no tests or grades, just an opportunity to learn and do some critical thinking - no pressure at all.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Jeff and Jolee Hamlin, a couple who is enrolled in Ballroom Dancing: Latin Rhythms.
“We have never taken any dancing classes together before, but it’s an exciting experience,” Jeff Hamlin said.
“This was actually a birthday present from my wife, and since we both love Latin music, this class gives us a chance to spend more time together.”
For more information, contact the MSU Alumni Lifelong Education Evening College at (517)355-4562 or visit its Web site at www.msualum.org.
