• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Presidential!We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

LEI Lifelong Learning

By MarionMade! on January 15, 2018

The Learning Enrichment Institute (LEI) provides an opportunity for individuals 50 and older to broaden their experiences through a schedule of short, non-credit courses that promote creativity, free thinking, and personal growth and development. The program is a partnership between The Ohio State University at Marion and Marion Technical College and was established in 2006.

Over the past 11 years, LEI has provided over 500 unique courses to more than 600 community participants. It offers two terms (autumn and spring, each lasting approximately 5-6 weeks) of programming each year that meet the diverse needs and interests of adults 50 and older.

Faculty and staff from both campus institutions make up a large number of our instructors. However, many of the instructors for these specialized courses come from the Marion community. Presenters from local establishments including the Marion Public Library, Marion County Park District, Carousels and Carvings have willingly donated their time to share their knowledge with our participants.

Although most of our LEI participants come from Marion County, we are starting to pull more from outside of our area, bringing more people to our community to experience something positive. Instructors from across Ohio also participate, bringing in speakers and specialists from many disciplines and backgrounds.

LEI is a community service/outreach effort modeled after more than 600 successful “elderhostel” programs across the country. It belongs to the official Road Scholar Institute Network. It is living proof that learning never stops and the Marion community is lucky to have such a gem.

#MarionMade #WeAreLearning #WeAreTheOhioStateatMarion #WeAreMarionTechnicalCollege

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Ted McKinniss

    His roots are in Marion. Born in Marion in 1950 and a graduate of Harding High School, Ted he has devoted a lifetime’s worth of time and talent to his hometown and is definitely MarionMade! As a practicing attorney, serving Marion for more than four decades, Ted’s work has had a significant impact here, including […]Read More »
  • Looking Back Antiques

    MORE THAN A PLACE TO SHOP It started as most small businesses, a hobby became a career for Karen Harris of Marion. She says her inspirations were an aunt and uncle who loved to go antiquing–a love they passed on to her at an early age. That passion for all things old found an outlet […]Read More »
  • Stewart’s Root Beer Stand Celebrates 100th Year

    Despite the February chill, Stewart’s Root Beer Stand at 1036 North Main Street opened to a packed lot for its 100th season. “The root beer comes in an ice-cold mug. It’s even colder today!” said owner Michelle Whitaker with a smile. Just like the 1950s, car hops still bring the food right to your car […]Read More »
  • The past, present and future of the Women’s Club

    Marion Women’s Club and home both became designated as national historic sites in December 2019. Records were found in a cedar closet located inside the home dating back to 1895. Club meetings began in the home in 1905 after it was built by Shauck Elah Barlow and Ida Harsh Barlow. It was donated in 1945 […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2026 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image