Media Contacts:

Tricia Inlow, Encore Center, 919/ 515-5782

Nov. 16, 2000

NC State's Encore Center Opens Registration for Spring Semester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Adults over 50 may register for the Encore Center's spring semester courses, which run from Jan. 22 through April 26 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. A component of NC State University's Division of Continuing Studies, the Encore Center for Lifelong Enrichment provides a wide variety of non-credit short courses, computer courses, study trips and lectures for older adults.

First-time course offerings for spring 2000 include "India in the Contemporary World," "Musical Royalty: the African-American Influence on Popular Music," "Native Plants of the Triangle," "Appreciating Jewish Scripture," "Contemporary North Carolina Authors" and "Home Design." Returning favorites include "Great Decisions Discussion Group," "Renaissance Art," "Religion, Science, & the Future," "Introduction to Personal Computers" and "Andean Archeology." Encore's six-week courses meet once a week for 90 minutes; there are no prerequisites or tests.

Special events include a study trip to St. Augustine, Fla., focusing on literature and history; North Carolina Symphony Rehearsal Series; a "Hockey for Dummies" lecture and follow-up excursion to a Carolina Hurricanes game; and a winter theater trip. Encore's twice-monthly lecture series will include guest speakers with expertise on the topics of N.C. campaign finance reform, Raleigh and the Civil Rights Movement, managing investments via the Internet, and mental health law.

The Encore Center, which has been providing enrichment opportunities to Triangle-area older adults since 1991, is one of an ever-growing number of learning-in-retirement programs in the United States. As the population ages, these program will begin to play an even larger role in helping retirees lead productive post-work lives. Encore's programs, however, are not limited to retirees -- any adult over 50 may enroll.

Encore’s membership fee, for January through August 2001, is $30 and includes many NC State student benefits such as library privileges and discounts on cultural events. Six-week courses are $40, computer courses are $110, twice-monthly lectures are free with membership, and trip and event prices vary. For a complete schedule of Encore spring courses, call (919) 515-5782 or visit www.ncsu.edu/encore.

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