In the Renaissance Society, former nurses study architecture, retired hydrologists discover a hidden passion for Greek mythology. The members live up to their name meaning: “rebirth of knowledge.”

This over 1,000-member group of retired professionals interested in continuing education meets for seminars and lectures from jazz to global warming.

Member Barbara Taylor said it is not hard to tell who they are on campus.

“Our nickname is the Q-tips,” she laughs, referring to her hair.

Several of the interest groups in the liberal arts category include a non-fiction critique, digital camera, travel and adventure. Seminars on the great museums of the world and middle eastern countries are also popular this semester.

“The clique of sitting in a rocker and knitting is not true anymore,” said, Jennifer Kerr, retired Associated Press photographer. “At some point you are going to go through your work life and (say): ‘What can I do now that’s interesting and fun?'”

Sparked by member interest, the seminars are a synthesis of gaining knowledge and hearing others’ diverse experiences and backgrounds.

“You should never stop learning. It’s a mantra to live by,” said Bob Schmidt, former journalist.

Keeping your mind active and in shape is just as important as your body, Schmidt explained. The ages of those in the Renaissance Society range from 50 to over 100.

But not only is the society a chance to learn, it is a retired version of Sac State’s sororities and fraternities.

“I did not know many people (after moving to Sacramento), and so I went and it was such a god-send. Intelligent older educated people who pay attention to what’s going on in the world,” said Mary Coverdale, publicist for the society.

Cracker Barrell, a current events discussion group, proved that the meetings are not just reminiscing of times past. Members vote on the wide variety of topics to keep it engaging for everyone.

The single most important factor as you grow older is an active involvement in learning, said member Dale Starkey.

“When an older adult continues to live in the world of ideas and challenge themselves with new thoughts and experiences, they not only create new neutral pathways, but they find new self expressions. I take psychology because Aristotle told me that ‘a life unexamined isn’t worth living,'” Starkey said.

Member Birte Harley said the story-telling seminar she attended helped her in her public speaking skills.

“You say, ‘I’ll never do that,’ then you get swept up into it. By the time is was over, we couldn’t wait to get up and tell our stories.”

Last week “Travels with Food,” a seminar to explore other cultures through cuisine, discussed Ireland. St. Patty’s Day appropriately followed this week.

Member Kathie Micallef presented on the political history of Ireland, including anecdotes on her own Irish ancestry and her relatives’ involvement under Irish independence leader Michael Collins.

Mary McGrath followed with traditional Irish folklore renditions. Pulling from her over 300 collection of memorized tales, she delighted the members with an animated performance of fairy tales, one containing adult-appropriate content.

So why do so few younger college students know about the society? Mentioning the name, images of King Arthur and Guinevere appeared to more than a few undergraduates.

The society is certainly involved in the campus community. Some members mentor in the gerontology department and also fund two scholarships, $500 each, for department undergraduates. Tarble said the amount will increase this year.

Some male members volunteer as ushers at the theater performances. Because of the wide array of professional talent, Tarble would like to see more members speak to classes in their special fields.

“I don’t like how they separate society by age groups,” Taylor said. All the members agreed that younger people should be excited that learning doesn’t just end when they receive their diploma. There is always the chance to go back. It some ways it is better since it becomes leisure.

On the subject of creating ties between the society and young members, Starkey said: “Don’t’ be afraid to look at each other and say, ‘Hello, How are you?'”

Former president Donald Gerth was an advocate when the society began in 1976. He strongly emphasized the importance of continued education in the community by providing seed money, which the society paid back a few years later.

Founder Dr. Robert Heilman said: “Seniors were doing things for themselves. I didn’t like the courses on aging anymore. I had heard another drum beat.”

Tarble said the backing of the university was extremely helpful and instrumental in the society’s success. With an original membership of 50, it has come quite a way.

Melanie Sill of the Sacramento Bee will be speaking this May on the future of the newspaper industry.

Chloe Daley can be reached at [email protected].