
The Institute for Retired Persons (IRP) was recognized by Salisbury University in 1980. Designed for adults aged 50 and above, the IRP offers programs to enlighten, educate and offer better understanding of our world. The IRP meets at 2:00 p.m. Tuesdays at the MAC Center on Snow Hill Road (map) in Salisbury during the University's spring and fall semesters. Membership is open to all area residents at a small yearly fee.
The IRP Program Committee arranges a speaker for each meeting. Speakers include regional business and civic leaders, SU faculty members, and others, who share their expertise (sometimes outside the bounds of their specific discipline) and life experiences. Lectures are informative, fascinating and entertaining. Speakers in recent years have included:
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The IRP Tour Group takes a day trip each month of the year and also organizes spring and fall trips that range further afield for the general membership, each at a minimal cost. Recent large-group trips included tours of the Newseum in Washington, D.C.; the Valley Forge National Historic Park and nearby John James Audubon Center; and Baltimore Harbor.
The Tour Group and Book, Bridge, Walking, Biking and Swimming clubs meet once a month, and IRP members are encouraged to join one or more of them and to form new ones.
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Annually the talented members of the IRP present "A Well-Aged Exhibit." Installed in one of the University's gallery spaces, the exhibit features works collected or created by IRP members, including, but not limited to, paintings, jewelry, needlework, photographs and items related to hobbies such as genealogy and travel—whatever interests members wish to share with others. The exhibit is open to the general public at no charge.
In addition to enjoying faculty presentations, IRP members may obtain restricted SU parking passes at a discount and use the University's pool for a small fee. Spring and Holiday luncheons are held in a private room at the Commons and are catered by the University's award-winning dining services. In addition to delicious cuisine, the luncheons feature elegant table settings provided by members and a special guest speaker or performer.
IRP has a fund that provides SU scholarships to two or more students who excel in their studies, contribute to the community and are in need of financial support. The scholarship recipients visit during one of our meetings to share their academic plans and personal aspirations.
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