Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Institute for Learning in Retirement Program will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a luncheon for former, current and potential members.

The luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. April 14 at the Thames Conference Center on Co-Lin’s Wesson campus. Co-Lin’s jazz band will perform throughout the luncheon and former program coordinators Joann Richardson and Sharon Langley will speak.

Former ILR members will also have the opportunity to share stories of the last 20 years.

ILR President Joy Wesbrooks said the luncheon will be a time for former and current members to reminiscence and give potential members the opportunity to learn about what ILR can do in a person’s life.

“I am honored to be part of a senior program that has been meeting on Co-Lin’s campus  — serving a six-county area for 20 years — that has provided programs where you meet new friends, enjoy new adventures and travel,” Wesbrooks said.

ILR is a non-profit, member-driven organization dedicated to meeting the learning needs of America’s maturing population. Co-Lin’s ILR was founded in 1996, under the umbrella of the Co-Lin’s Division of Continuing Education. The organization now falls under the Division of Community Programs.

The group hosts a luncheon meeting with speakers and entertainers every month from August to May and a membership social in August and January, Wesbrooks said.

“ILR members have the opportunity to go on a day trip seven months out of the year,” Wesbrooks said. “We also take a long trip for four or five days twice a year, in October and April. This month we are going to Atlanta for four days.”

ILR provides members, 50-years and older, the opportunity to interact and develop new skills, Wesbrooks said.

“We are hosting the luncheon to celebrate all that ILR has done for its members,” Wesbrooks said. “We invite any former or current members, or anyone interested in joining ILR to attend.”

Guests will have two meal options — honey baked pecan chicken breast or baked ham. Reservations are required by Tuesday. To reserve a spot at the ILR 20th reunion celebration, email the ILR office at marilyn.brown@colin.edu or call 601-643-8701.