Senior Professionals

Senior Professionals is a membership-based organization of retired and semi-retired individuals from Central Illinois with backgrounds in various fields, including business, education, social service, trades, health care, volunteerism and more. To be a member, no prior association with Illinois State is required.

The brainchild of Charles Bolen, retired professor of music and former dean of the College of Fine Arts, Senior Professionals was formed more than 30 years ago as a means to provide partnerships among retirees, Illinois State University students and faculty and the community. Members serve as valuable resources for various academic functions of the University, sharing their experiences, skills and knowledge to enhance student learning outside of the classroom. Senior Professionals offers creative learning experiences, cultural enrichment and social interaction. Special events and unique programs for members are offered throughout the year and provide opportunities to interact and socialize with members.

In addition, Senior Professionals offers lifelong learning programs, which include Mornings with the Professors lectures, Academy of Seniors classes and Classroom Journey bus trips. These programs are open to the public.

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Announcements

Programming Change for Mornings with the Professors on Friday, November 7

Chris Koos is unfortunately unable to present on November 7th for reasons including the federal government shutdown. While AMTRAK is still operating, the department from which Mayor Koos gets his resources is currently closed.
Speaking in his place (on a different topic) will be Bob Bradley, Professor Emeritus, Politics and Government, ISU.
 
Session Title: Will America Keep Its Republic?
Session Description: Is America part of the wave of democratic backsliding occurring in the world? Will America lose its republic that the Constitution created and was designed to endure for the ages? We will examine the causes and characteristics of democratic backsliding and assess whether the judgment that the American republic is dying is accurate or premature.

Fall 2025 / Winter 2026 Class Registration is Now Open!

Class information and registration is now live for our Fall 2025 / Winter 2026 Academy of Seniors, Mornings with Professors, and Classroom Journey sessions is now available. Learn more and register.

Civic Engagement Service Learning Grant Awards

Civic Engagement Grant Awards, co-sponsored by Senior Professionals, the Center for Civic Engagement, and the State Farm Foundation, are available for Illinois State University student organizations or individuals partnering on an in-course project that is aimed at improving or educating within Bloomington-Normal or McLean County. See links below for full award criteria. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, November 21.

Civic Engagement Award Criteria  | Civic Engagement Grant Application