One-hundred thirty Iowa State retirees and their guests will be attending the annual ISU Retirees Holiday Dinner Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Gateway Center.

The event is planned by the ISU Retirees Organization and Retirement Office, which has been part of the university for almost 25 years, said Betty Licht, secretary of the office of Retirement Information and Planning.

Licht has been working with retirees for the last six years.

“It is a great opportunity for people that have worked together for so long to continue staying together through retirement,” she said.

The night’s events will consist of social time beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and entertainment, which includes a performance by the Ames High School Madrigal Singers, conducted by Steve Linn.

Max Exner, ISU Extension music specialist from 1947 to 1980, will be leading several sing-along Christmas songs for the attendees.

Exner, 89, has been a choir director for 4-H programs, composed many pieces of music and has led church choirs as well.

“Leading singing is something I’ve always enjoyed doing,” he said.

The sing-along will feature familiar songs such as “Joy To the World,” in addition to some Exner has composed himself.

Licht said it is exciting to work with retirees.

“The retirees feel a very deep dedication to ISU,” she said.

Licht said her favorite thing about working with retirees is learning about ISU history.

“The people all have stories to tell,” she said. “It is fascinating to hear it from the people that lived through it.”