The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
MILE marks 50 years of nongraded classes
MIDDLETOWN — Members of the Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education celebrated their 25th anniversary during a luncheon at Middlesex Community College June 12.
Created in 1993 and sponsored by MxCC, MILE is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with stimulating educational programs designed by its members, according to a press release. MILE offers classes in a wide range of disciplines without concern for credit, grades or prerequisites, and programs are often enhanced by field trips.
Membership is open to adults age 50 and older who are retired, semi-retired or employed in Middlesex County. Currently, membership averages about 350 people from all walks of life, according to MxCC.
Rosemary McNerney, 91, of Middletown, a 24-year MILE member and the group’s historian, has served on the board from secretary to president. She also taught computer classes from DOS to Microsoft Office and has produced the MILE brochure and newsletter.
“I must give credit and thanks to MxCC. We have had wonderful staff and faculty support for all of these 25 years, despite many presidential changes,” McNerney said during her speech on the history of MILE.
“I see students who were once challenged, but who have later shown the motivation to become lifelong learners. They are lifelong learners because they want to do it,” Kimberly Hogan, dean of administration, said in a prepared statement.
“Lifelong learners help make Middlesex Community College a richer institution of higher education,” she added.
In appreciation of the college, MILE contributes a portion of its fees toward MxCC scholarships.
Also at the luncheon, Judy Cook, outgoing chair, passed the gavel to incoming chair, Loretta Rubin.
Additional information about MILE can be found at mxcc.edu or at mileonline.org.