• 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 Having Fun!We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!
  • 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

  • Pat Baldinger, Serving The Community For Over 60 Years

    Pat Baldinger has been a 4-H advisor for 60 years. The 4-H milkshake booth at the Marion County Fair was named after her!  Baldinger has personally impacted many 4-H members over the years. She was a 4-H member. Baldinger participated in two different clubs. She then went on to become a 4-H advisor for the […]Read More »
  • Women’s Enrichment Day Sparks New Interests

        Women and teens had an opportunity to explore new interests, including sewing, knitting, photography, skincare, music and dance at the Women’s Enrichment Day at Tri-Rivers in September. In addition, the founder and speakers highlighted living a life of purpose. They encouraged attendees to use their skills to build up Marion and each other. […]Read More »
  • Quilting Tradition Stitches Hope for Cancer Survivors

    Candyce Dreher of Marion remembers her grandmother quilting when she was just three years old. “I remember her putting her quilting frame up in the living room. She and her friends would quilt on it. I’ve always been a creative person but quilting really opened something in my heart,” Candy says. In 1988, Candy learned […]Read More »
  • G&R Tavern Attracts Tourists to Waldo

    An area treasure loved by locals and travelers alike has been recognized by Ohio Magazine as one of 30 Famous Ohio Food Spots for Ohioans to add to their bucket lists. The G&R Tavern at 103 N. Marion Street in Waldo has been serving up thick slices of grilled bologna since 1962. Tourist Reviews “They […]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