UM senior college expected to make education exciting

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ORONO – The thought of a full-semester, three-times-a-week college course is daunting for some. But how about a six-week class designed especially for senior citizens, with the purpose of learning for fun?

“This is going to take the community by storm,” said Lenard Kaye, professor of social work and director of the University of Maine Center on Aging.

Kaye is predicting a flood of enthusiasm for the University of Maine’s Penobscot Valley Senior College, scheduled to open on the Orono campus Oct. 4.

Adults ages 50 and older will be able to take once-a-week, six-week courses in subjects such as photography, money management, Maine history and enhancing personal relationships.

The 12th such senior college in the state, PVSC will offer 11 courses for two hours in the late morning or early afternoon Fridays on the UM campus.

“For some, it will be a chance to return to the joy of their college years,” Kaye said. “For others, it will be a unique opportunity to experience college for the first time.”

The program is even more enticing because it doesn’t hold the pressures and responsibilities of a degree program, Kaye said.

Senior college has no quizzes, tests, papers or grades. Instead, Kaye explained, the emphasis is on having an excitement for learning while sharing intellect and social interaction.

“This is a whole different ball game,” Kaye said. “In some respect, this is the way learning should be. Senior college is liberal arts topics made fully digestible.”

Course topics were chosen on the basis of interest and instructor availability, said Stan Marshall Jr., chairman of the steering committee for senior college.

“These classes are things people wanted to learn about,” Marshall said recently. “And we also had some terrific people say they’ll teach a class.”

Retired but referring to himself as a “community volunteer,” Marshall serves as a board member or gives his time to 10 different nonprofit organizations. He plans to take a nutrition class this fall.

“I want to live a long time,” Marshall said of his course choice. “It’s too much fun to quit.”

For Marshall, staying active and maintaining one’s interests are keys to promoting longevity – both integral aspects of the UM Center on Aging.

Established in November last year, the Center on Aging is focused on maximizing the quality of life for older adults and their families.

Part of that mission includes empowering elders and emphasizing academic and community partnerships.

“I’ve quickly learned since coming to this region that the older people are still active, and they want to never stop learning,” Kaye said.

But the learning should be affordable, Kaye said, adding that senior college is a deal not to be refused. Students join the senior college network for $25 for an individual annual membership, $40 for a couple, and pay an additional $25 for each course. The course fee includes all books, handouts and extra materials.

In addition to the classes already mentioned, senior college will offer courses on short stories by Eudora Welty, practical toxicology, “Stuff about Energy,” the life and works of Rachel Carson, professional theater and plays for the wise.

Students are welcome to “go to town” and take as many classes as they can fit in their schedule, Kaye said.

Once students have paid the membership fee, they can take classes at any of the senior college sites in the University of Maine System, Kaye said. New classes will be offered in the spring.

Even though senior college was created for older adults, the participation of several generations will make it a diverse learning experience, Kaye said.

“I’m 51 years old, so I’m eligible – and my 92-year-old father-in-law has already enrolled for classes,” Kaye said.

The students will have “complete ownership” of the program, Kaye said.

“You not only have older people taking the classes, but teaching them as well,” Kaye said.

The volunteer instructors of the courses will include retired faculty of the university and people with special skills in the respective fields.

While senior college isn’t geared toward pursuing a degree, it relies heavily on the need for its students to expand their horizons, Kaye said.

“It’s not about where you’ve been and what you know,” Kaye said. “It’s really about where you’re going.”

For information on the Penobscot Valley Senior College or the UM Center on Aging, call 581-3444 or visit the Web site at www.mainecenteronaging.org.

Courses scheduled are:

. “Short Stories of Eudora Welty,” taught by Sarah Clark.

. “Plays for the Wise,” Charlotte Herbold.

. “Stuff about Energy,” Dick Hill.

. “Practical Toxicology: Taking Charge of the Pollutants in Your Life,” Marquita Hill.

. “A Primer in Personal Money Management,” Shawn Lewin.

. “Life and Works of Rachel Carson,” Nancy MacKnight.

. “Food for Fun and Fitness,” Katherine Musgrave.

. “Maine: A Study in History and Fiction,” Dave Smith.

. “Professional Theater – Behind the Scenes,” Mark Torres.

. “Enhancing Human Relationships and Personal Growth,” Max Hammer.

. “American Photography,” Edwin Martin.

Courses are subject to change.