Senior College / en Young at Heart and Mind /stories/2024/young-heart-and-mind <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Young at Heart and Mind</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-06-14T14:58:25-04:00" title="Friday, June 14, 2024 - 14:58" class="datetime">Fri, 06/14/2024 - 14:58</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Senior College a hit with region’s lifelong learners</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2024-06-20T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">June 20, 2024</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-carousel-gallery field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--gallery-carousel paragraph---id--233641 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="gallery carousel id-233641"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items" role="presentation" aria-label="department slideshow"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/webp" width="511" height="249"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="511" height="249"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege1.jpg?h=de836872" alt="Three people converse at a Senior College event."> </picture> </div> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/webp" width="511" height="249"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="511" height="249"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege4.jpg?h=de836872" alt="Four people pose for a photo at a Senior College event."> </picture> </div> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/webp" width="511" height="249"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="511" height="249"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege5.jpg?h=de836872" alt="Four people play the ukulele at a Senior College event"> </picture> </div> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/webp" width="511" height="249"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="511" height="249"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege2.jpg?h=de836872" alt="Two people hang artwork at a Senior College event."> </picture> </div> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.webp?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/webp" width="511" height="249"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_large_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="583"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_desktop/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1183" height="575"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_tablet/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="951" height="462"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="703" height="342"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_extra_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.jpg?h=de836872 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="511" height="249"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/seniorcollege3.jpg?h=de836872" alt="Two people smile for the camera at a Senior College event."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Donna Allen</strong> has a new appreciation for the sounds of nature.</p><p>During a Bridgewater State <a href="/ccs/seniorcollege" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a364eee3-f689-45f3-a540-ffce54f31814" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="ɫƵ Senior College ">Senior College</a> class on birding, Allen learned to listen to bird calls. But that’s far from the only benefit.</p><p>“It has gotten me more involved and enthusiastic to meet new people,” the Middleboro resident said of Senior College. “One of the easiest things for us to do is to isolate, and that’s not a good thing. ... I don’t want to be a sit-at-home old lady.”</p><p>Allen has taken Senior College classes for two years. The initiative, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, began with just eight classes and 100 members. Now, it offers about 50 courses a semester to around 400 members, with goals to expand even further.</p><p>The growth occurred despite a global pandemic that forced all courses to go virtual. Even amid social distancing, Senior College continued to provide invaluable connections, Director <strong>Jen Reid</strong> said.</p><p>“Science has proven that socialization and relationships are key to active aging,” Dr. Reid said. “That’s why we started.”</p><p>Today, Senior College courses take place online, on campus, and at off-campus sites in Bridgewater, Easton and Plymouth. The college is expanding to the Hingham Center for Active Living this fall.</p><p>Members can enroll in as many courses as they like for a per-semester fee, and scholarships are available. They also have access to ɫƵ services such as the library and fitness center.</p><p>“We’re teaching everything from democracy to drones,” President <strong>Frederick W. Clark Jr.</strong>, ’83, told members at a summer gathering, adding: “We’re always trying to raise the bar. These programs are really, really great and they keep shifting and changing thanks to our amazing faculty.”</p><p>While there are no exams or grades, Senior College instructor <strong>Michael Kryzanek</strong> said the courses help participants become more engaged members of our global society.</p><p>“It’s about this journey of self-improvement, curiosity and skill development,” said the retired ɫƵ political science professor. “That is so important for all people.”</p><p><strong>Susan Luscombe</strong>, of Weymouth, even learned to play the ukulele through a Senior College class. It was her first foray into learning an instrument.</p><p>“I’m thrilled with this program,” she said. “I’m so glad I found it. I will be coming forever and ever.”</p><p>For Allen, who has taken political science and history courses in addition to the birding class, Senior College offered a new connection to her grandsons, who are Bridgewater students.</p><p>After she received her ɫƵ student ID, Allen proudly texted them, proclaiming: “I am now one of the Bears!”</p><p><em>Do you have a ɫƵ story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image-9 blazy--field-media-image-9--image-max-470x470 field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-2f624b2b77b" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Four people sit at a table holding Senior College brochures." decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/max_470x470/public/media/article_featured_image/seniorcollegemain.jpg" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--233636 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-233636"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>It has gotten me more involved and enthusiastic to meet new people. One of the easiest things for us to do is to isolate, and that’s not a good thing. ... I don’t want to be a sit-at-home old lady.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Senior College member Donna Allen </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/senior-college" aria-label="Related stories tagged Senior College" hreflang="en">Senior College</a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-credit field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Photos by Mackenzie Rubitschung, '21 </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:58:25 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 252521 at Family Ties /stories/2022/family-ties <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Family Ties</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/hharrisbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>HHARRIS@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-05-16T10:24:04-04:00" title="Monday, May 16, 2022 - 10:24" class="datetime">Mon, 05/16/2022 - 10:24</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span><span><span><span>Freshman and grandmother continue tradition as proud Bears</span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2022-05-17T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">May 17, 2022</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Heather Harris Michonski </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span><span><span><span>Most college students don’t get a call from their grandmother when classes are cancelled, but that’s not the case for </span><strong><span>Peter Koutoujian</span></strong><span>, ’25.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>That’s because both he and his 84-year-old grandmother, </span><strong><span>Cornelia “Connie” Koutoujian</span></strong><span> are currently enrolled at ɫƵ.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“It’s actually really cool, being able to say I go to college with my grandmother,” said Peter, who is studying political science.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>To have both his mom and oldest son taking classes at ɫƵ is a source of pride for </span><strong><span>Peter J. Koutoujian, </span></strong><span>’83, who currently serves as sheriff of Middlesex County and is a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I love seeing the genuine pride on my mom’s face when she tells her friends she goes to school with her grandson and the smile on Peter’s face when he hears her say it,” he said. “I think it speaks volumes about how my family has been connected to this incredible community from the day I entered through this very day.”</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>After taking a tour of Bridgewater when he was in high school, the elder Koutoujian knew he wanted to be a Bear.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;<span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“Walking across campus I was struck by how welcoming everyone was, the students, staff, and faculty. That culture continued throughout my time here,” he said.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>His son experienced a similar feeling when touring his father’s alma mater.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“I have to admit, it wasn’t at the top of my list at first, but I took a tour and have loved it ever since,” Peter said, “I have been hearing about Bridgewater State from a young age, and because of that it’s always sort of felt like home.”</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>It feels even homier now that his grandmother is also at ɫƵ.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>When the pandemic first hit the former teacher and attendee of the State Teachers College at Boston knew she needed an outlet to keep her mind occupied.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“My son told me to try Bridgewater and look at their senior college,” Ms. Koutoujian said.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>After doing some investigating, she enrolled in the ɫƵ Senior College and has enjoyed the variety of classes offered and social interaction.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I’ve had such a wonderful time,” she said. “The teachers are absolutely fantastic. I would give them all gold stars and the social element, the way we are able to chat back and forth, it’s so enjoyable.”</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The state school experience is one Ms. Koutoujian is glad her family has taken advantage of.</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“You get an excellent education for a very good price,” she said.</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>For Sheriff Koutoujian, ɫƵ will always be a special place.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Whether as an alumnus, the son of a student, the father of a student or the friend of a graduate, I am just so proud to be affiliated with ɫƵ, this wonderful campus and this incredible community of educators and learners,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;<span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><em>Do you have a ɫƵ story you'd like to share? Email <a href="mailto: stories@bridgew.edu ">stories@bridgew.edu&nbsp;</a></em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image-9 blazy--field-media-image-9--image-max-470x470 field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-a1de0b3852a" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Peter Koutoujian, '25, Peter J. Koutoujian, '83 and Connie Koutoujian stand on steps of Boyden Hall" decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/max_470x470/public/media/article_featured_image/koutoujian_photo_.jpg" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--150136 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-150136"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Whether as an alumnus, the son of a student, the father of a student or the friend of a graduate, I am just so proud to be affiliated with ɫƵ, this wonderful campus and this incredible community of educators and learners. </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Peter J. Koutoujian, '83 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2766" aria-label="Related stories tagged Student Spotlight" hreflang="en">Student Spotlight</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/alumni-profile" aria-label="Related stories tagged Alumni Profile" hreflang="en">Alumni Profile</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/senior-college" aria-label="Related stories tagged Senior College" hreflang="en">Senior College</a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-credit field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Photo by Zachary Allen, '24 </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 16 May 2022 14:24:04 +0000 HHARRIS@bridgew.edu 244416 at Senior College Goes Virtual /stories/2020/senior-college-goes-virtual <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Senior College Goes Virtual</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/hharrisbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>HHARRIS@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2020-05-14T14:15:04-04:00" title="Thursday, May 14, 2020 - 14:15" class="datetime">Thu, 05/14/2020 - 14:15</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span><span><span><span>Program for lifelong learners continues to thrive online</span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2020-05-15T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">May 15, 2020</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Heather Harris Michonski </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span><span><span><span>The assumption is often made that senior citizens are not savvy when it comes to technology. However, the ɫƵ “Silver Bears” are proving that theory wrong. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>When ɫƵ transitioned fully to online/remote learning in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, the university’s Senior College did likewise. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Despite the challenges of moving online, the program is still thriving, with seniors and instructors successfully adjusting to remote learning. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“We imagined there would be more challenges for seniors going online, but for the majority of them that hasn’t been an issue," said <strong>Jennifer Reid</strong>, director of ɫƵ Senior College. “They have adapted and are really savvy. Their generation is so resilient.” </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>The program was first introduced this past fall with 105 seniors signing up to participate in a slate of seminars and courses designed to educate, and foster creativity and self-discovery. Registration numbers jumped to 160 for the spring semester. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“We have been blown away by the level of interest,” Reid said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>When word came down that things were moving online this semester, the Senior College did lose some participants, but most stayed on, including <strong>Evelyn DeLutis</strong>, ’63. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“In the midst of this pandemic, it was so exciting to know that the senior students would not lose out on the semester I had so looked forward to,” DeLutis said. “Being housebound over these weeks, it has given me something to look forward to.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Instructors were forced to adapt as well. For some, there was some apprehension as they have only taught in person. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“In my years of teaching, interacting with students in a classroom face-to-face was so rewarding,” said Senior College instructor <strong>Michael Kryzanek</strong>. “But realizing that a personal teaching experience is just impossible I jumped on the Zoom bandwagon.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Zoom, a company that provides videotelephony and online chat services, has become a popular platform during the pandemic for online learning and business meetings. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Reid said the feedback has been positive and seniors are grateful that ɫƵ was able to keep the program alive during the public health crisis. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“For this population, the pandemic impacts them even more so. They perhaps are more socially distant than working-age people,” Reid said. “We knew right away we were doing to do what was necessary to get content delivered virtually to these folks.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>DeLutis is impressed the university was able to continue with the Senior College. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“With all that ɫƵ is having to deal with, it is admirable that they did not let the program flounder,” she said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>And while he still prefers the vibrancy of the classroom, Kryzanek believes that remote learning has its merit and is happy to still be teaching.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>“I firmly believe in the value of life-long learning that is taking place at ɫƵ’s Senior College. It has been a pleasure participating in this important educational program,” he said. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><em>Do you have a ɫƵ story you'd like to share? Email <a href="mailto: stories@bridgew.edu">stories@bridgew.edu</a></em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image-9 blazy--field-media-image-9--image-max-470x470 field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-afbbe1564cd" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="A screen shot of a senior college class taking place online" decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/max_470x470/public/media/article_featured_image/Senior%20College%203%20Cropped.jpg" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--81936 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-81936"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> “I firmly believe in the value of life-long learning that is taking place at ɫƵ’s Senior College. It has been a pleasure participating in this important educational program." </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Michael Kryzanek </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/senior-college" aria-label="Related stories tagged Senior College" hreflang="en">Senior College</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 14 May 2020 18:15:04 +0000 HHARRIS@bridgew.edu 228086 at Back to School /news-events/news/back-school-0 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Back to School</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>Anonymous</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2020-01-09T10:35:58-05:00" title="Thursday, January 9, 2020 - 10:35" class="datetime">Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Lifelong learners flock to new Senior College </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2019-09-25T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">September 25, 2019</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Heather Harris Michonski </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field__items"> <div class="field__label">Story Series</div> <div class="field__item"> News Feature </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>It’s never too late to learn something new, just ask the 105 students enrolled in ɫƵ’s newest initiative, Senior College.</p> <p>The program offers intellectually stimulating seminars and courses for mature learners. Each course lasts six weeks and is intended to foster creativity and self-discovery.</p> <p>Michael Sutton of Whitman signed up for “Living on Purpose: Building and Maintaining Meaningful Relationships When Work Ends.” After his second session, he said he’s enjoying the experience.</p> <p>“I thought taking a class like this might be helpful because I’m recently retired. I’ve got a lot of free time to fill and I’m learning to adjust to my new role in retirement,” Sutton said.</p> <p>He’s not alone. According to Cape Cod Campus Continuing Studies Director <strong>Jennifer Reid</strong>, a recent nationwide survey of over 1,000 older adults found that seniors are interesting in continuing their education to keep up with what’s going on in the world, learning for their own spiritual growth, or for the simple joy of learning something new.</p> <p>The College of Continuing Studies took on the initiative after President <strong>Frederick W. Clark Jr.</strong>, '83, requested the creation of a dynamic program to improve active aging, allowing mature adults to engage in a meaningful way with their peers in the region.</p> <p>“The participants of the Senior College from our region will have the opportunity to learn something new to help their minds and perceptions change, which in turn makes it easier for them to adapt to the inevitable changes life always brings,” Reid said.</p> <p>The first six-week semester is currently underway and offers four courses. Topics this fall include community engagement, constitutional rights, nutrition, retirement, history and politics.</p> <p>Next semester runs Oct. 28 through Dec. 9 and will offer four courses. Classes are held at the Bridgewater Public Library, located at 15 South Street, Bridgewater.</p> <p>Participants 50 and older can select up to three courses per semester for $55 per person, per semester. All classes are led by ɫƵ emeritus faculty, full and part-time faculty and other educators in science, social sciences, arts and humanities.</p> <p>For more information email <a href="mailto:ɫƵseniorcollege@bridgew.edu">ɫƵseniorcollege@bridgew.edu</a> or call 508-531-2570. More information can also be found online at <a href="/ccs/seniorcollege">/ccs/seniorcollege</a>.</p> <p><em>Do you have a ɫƵ story you'd like to share? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu">stories@bridgew.edu</a>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-migrated-featured-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image-9 blazy--field-media-image-9--image-max-470x470 field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-b95e6c69eb1" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, introduces Senior Col" title="President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, introduces Senior Col" decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/max_470x470/public/seniorext.jpg" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--43026 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-43026"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> The participants of the Senior College from our region will have the opportunity to learn something new to help their minds and perceptions change, which in turn makes it easier for them to adapt to the inevitable changes life always brings. </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Cape Cod Campus Continuing Studies Director Jennifer Reid </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/senior-college" aria-label="Related stories tagged Senior College" hreflang="en">Senior College</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000 Anonymous 222646 at