FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 1, 2005

CONTACT: Daniel P. Finney, (515) 271-2833 or Daniel.Finney@drake.edu

RAYSOCIETY MEMBERS LIVE LONG, PROSPER AS LIFE-LONG LEARNERS

Follow the money. Explore the Dead Sea Scrolls. Fine the musical muse in your soul. These are just some of the educational adventures members of the RaySociety at Drake University will explore during their fall offering of courses.

The Billie and Robert D. Ray Lifelong Learning Society at Drake University offers courses on a variety of topics targeted at retirement-age people interested in learning in a college atmosphere. The courses are designed to accommodate those returning to school as well as individuals setting foot on a university campus for the first time.

The society takes its name from a pair of distinguished Drake alumni, former Iowa Gov. Robert D. Ray, who also served as the University's president, and Billie Ray, former first lady of Iowa and a former schoolteacher.

A $50 annual membership fee to the RaySociety is required in addition to the $25 per-course fee. Classes, consisting of three to six sessions, are held during the day, Monday through Friday, and are taught by volunteer instructors from the current and former Drake University faculty, from the society membership and the community. The first classes begin on Sept. 12.

"The RaySociety brings a commitment from Drake University to the greater Des Moines community and offers people an opportunity to continue lifelong learning," said Jim Wise, vice president of the society and chair of the membership committee. "The society reflects the integrity and value of Mr. and Mrs. Ray and provides stimulation, socialization and bountiful opportunities to all."

Classes offered this fall include:

"Music - Something Special For You"
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10
Location: Fellowship Hall, First Christian Church, 25th Street and University Avenue
Instructors: James Romain, visiting assistant professor of saxophone and jazz music; Robert Meunier, associate professor of percussion and director of bands; Aimee Beckmann-Collier, professor of conducting; Leanne Freeman-Miller, associate professor of voice

"Fields of Green: A Look at the Role of the Financial Industry in Iowa's Future"
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dates: Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Location: Sept. 14, Bulldog Theater, Olmsted Center; all other classes Olmsted Room 312-313
Instructors: Barry Griswell, chairman, CEO and president, Principal Financial Group Inc.; John Schachterle, executive director, Federation of Iowa Insurers; Lynn Horak, president, Wells Fargo; John Sorenson, president, Iowa Bankers Association

"How To Live Long and Well"
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13
Location: Fellowship Hall, First Christian Church, 25th and University
Instructors: Dr. Robert Bender II, medical director Lakeview Center for Senior Health; Mary Heisterkamp, wellness director, Wesley Retirement Services; Kathy Davidson, Lakeview Center for Senior Health; Joceylyn Harsein, pharmacy manager, Walgreen Pharmacy in Urbandale

"Biological and Cultural Aspects of Cloning and Stem Cell Research"
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13
Location: Meredith Hall, room 103, Drake campus
Instructor: Gene Lucas, Drake professor emeritus of biology

"Issues and Events in American Women's History
Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18
Location: Meredith Hall, room 206, Drake campus
Instructor: Dorothy Schweider, Iowa State University professor emeritus of history

"Earth: A Risky Place to Live"
Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dates: Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8
Location: Meredith Hall, room 229, Drake campus
Instructor: Dennis O'Brien, Drake professor emeritus of geology

"What We Learn From the Dead Sea Scrolls"
Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 3, 10, 17
Location: Levitt Hall, Old Main, 25th and University
Instructor: Lyle Simpson, attorney, Dreher, Simpson and Jensen

Also, join the RaySociety members for these exciting upcoming social events:

Sept. 22: Jane Goodall Lecture at the Knapp Center at 7 p.m.
Oct. 16: StageWest Sunday Matinee - 3 p.m., Production of "Angels in
America" by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Tony Kushner. Stay for a Q&A session with the director and actors afterwards.
Nov. 16: Tour of the Hall of Pride - 1 p.m. for a tour of the Hall of Pride. There are 26 exhibits, many interactive as well as a theater. For a reduced rate of $4.00, Jack Lashier will give a tour.

Dec. 6: Dinner and an evening with the Drake Symphony Orchestra - 6
p.m., dinner in Levitt Hall followed by the Symphony Orchestra performance at 8 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.
Jan. 17: Tour of the new Meredith Test Kitchens - 1 p.m. and find out how they test recipes, participate in a Q&A session and even some sampling!

For more information about the RaySociety and course offerings, call Teresa Bartschat at (515) 271-1847 or visit the RaySociety Web site at www.drake.edu/raysociety.

- 30 -