• 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 Generous!We Are Having Fun!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

  • Dan Stewart Edible Forest & Community Garden

    Everyone remembers the scene from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, when young Charlie Bucket first walks into the room where everything is edible from the grass, to the trees, and even the giant chocolate river flowing through it. The Edible Forest & Community Garden at Sawyer-Ludwig Park is much the same way, though with […]Read More »
  • The Candy Shack & Cafe

    THE CANDY SHACK AND CAFÉ. Thirteen years ago, when Jody Lackey’s father suggested she open a candy shop for the holidays, she had little idea that more than a decade later that temporary shop would grow into a Marion mainstay for both sweets and tasty lunches. Now in Charleston Place on Center Street, the Candy […]Read More »
  • Alloway – Environmental Services & More

    Incorporated in 1982, Alloway’s path to success began when owner, John Hoffman started his career at Alloway in 1979 as the sole laboratory analyst for the company. Two years later, John purchased the company and expanded the operation to include a total of 3 employees. Alloway continued to grow in size and analytical capabilities, and […]Read More »
  • Lowell Thurston

    LOWELL THURSTON: DECADES OF SERVICE AND FAMILY FIRST. Lowell Thurston entrepreneur, family man, Marion citizen. The graduate of Bowling Green University was raised on his family’s farm in Deshler, Oh. Where he grew up with his four siblings and 2,000 turkeys. While majoring in accounting, he had the privilege of studying alongside his sister and […]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