Dr. Marilyn Hadley
There will be a new group of “seniors” taking classes on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus (and at other locations in the community) this fall, but they won’t be the traditional college students. And they won’t be taking traditional classes.
Beginning Sept. 19, the first series of non-credit classes designed for those ages 50 and above will be offered by the Senior College of Central Nebraska.
The Senior College, which is a College of Education UNK Centennial Celebration project, is being offered in partnership with Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Public Library and the Museum of Nebraska Art. A 30-member community-wide steering committee has developed the organization.
“Senior College is an organization dedicated to learning for the fun of it,” said Dr. Marilyn Hadley, dean of the UNK College of Education. “It is an opportunity to explore topics with others sharing your interest or curiosity,”
Senior College, which is open to individuals throughout Central Nebraska, will offer field trips, educational travel, special events, classes and lectures on a variety of topics, all taught by experts in the field.
“The organization is all volunteer,” Dean Hadley said. “However, because there are costs associated with running and maintaining an organization, there is a modest $25 annual membership fee.” For those who join Senior College this fall, the membership will be current through December of 2006.
“To take Senior College classes and participate in Senior College events, individuals need to be members of Senior College,” Dean Hadley said.
Volunteers with expertise in the various subject areas will teach Senior College classes. The classes will meet two hours a week for a maximum of six weeks. The first series of classes will be Sept. 19 – Oct. 28. The deadline for enrollment is Sept. 6.
Classes offered this fall include: “Music–Here’s to Your Health,” “Beyond Cattle and Corn: Exploring the Art of Nebraska,” “Finance for Seniors 101,” “Willa Cather, Mari Sandoz and Nebraska,” “Fun and Friendly Computers for Beginners,” “Sports and Literature,” “A Geographer’s Perspective of World War II,” “Retirement Planning: Growing Older Doesn’t Have to Hurt,” “Fit After Fifty,” and “History of Wine Making.” The fee for taking a class is $25, which covers any books and handouts.
To join Senior College and enroll in classes, or for more information, individuals can contact Cel Davis at 308.865.8508 Monday – Friday. Membership fees may be mailed to: Senior College, P.O. Box 1556, Kearney, NE. 68848.
While the Senior College is a part of the College of Education’s UNK Centennial Celebration activities, Dr. Hadley said, “The Senior College will be a permanent addition to our community.
