Renaissance Society Web Page

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RENAISSANCE SOCIETY

 

1974 - Dr. Robert Heilman, Prof of Social Work and Chairman of Committee on Aging - began a Gerontology Center on CSUS campus. As an outgrowth he learned what was happening on other campuses regarding centers for learning in retirement.

 

1976 - Dr. Heilman attended a conference at New School for Social Research in New York and was so impressed, he opened a center in San Diego. To quote Bob at that time, "It was an eye opener. It was clearly a home for people. It had nothing to do with gerontology. People were living. They were self-directed. Seniors were doing things for themselves. I didn't like the courses on aging anymore. I had heard another drum beat."

 

1984 -Bob attended the first ALIROW Conference put on by Plato Society of U. C. Los Angeles. He felt a center for learning should be established on this campus and preceded to find someone to get it started.

 

Volunteers from the Sixty Plus program picked up his enthusiasm. (The Sixty Plus program permits people over sixty years of age to attend University classes at a nominal fee).

 

1985 - Dr. Margaret McKoane (former Director of the Program for Adult Students' Admission and Reentry -- PASAR) returned from a trip to University of New Hampshire where she had learned of their Active Retired Association. She brought back a copy of their Constitution and a letter of encouragement. She and Dr. Heilman began the development of what was to become The Renaissance Society.

 

President Gerth and Dean Arellanes were enthusiastic about the suggested program and agreed to give $2500 in seed money to get it started. This money was repaid two years later from membership dues. Retired community leaders and representatives from various ethnic groups were contacted and their members invited to join The Renaissance Society.

 

November 1986 - First meeting of the Steering Committee. Decisions were made such as: whether instructors would be hired or would come from volunteer member coordinators; how membership should be defined;

annual dues; desirability of screening prospective members; University resources-- library and media center available, parking privileges.

 

September 1986 - First Forum was presented. Dean Arellanes spoke to an audience of 80, followed by President Francis Meyers of ALIROW. Dr. Dan Crowley, an anthropologist from University of California at Davis, spoke on "Personal Freedom in Today's World Civilizations." Four seminars were offered that first semester: Art and Literature; Science and Technology, Politics, Government and Economic systems; History and Philosophy. Cracker Barrel discussions and Forum speakers alternated Fridays.

 

A Constitution was adopted and officers were elected at that time.

 

"Renaissance:  A revival of intellectual or artistic achievement and vigor."