Young at Heart and Mind

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:58:25 +0000

Young at Heart and Mind BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 06/14/2024 - 14:58

Senior College a hit with region’s lifelong learners

June 20, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Donna Allen has a new appreciation for the sounds of nature.

During a Bridgewater State Senior College class on birding, Allen learned to listen to bird calls. But that’s far from the only benefit.

“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.”

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.

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 Jen Reid said.

“Science has proven that socialization and relationships are key to active aging,” Dr. Reid said. “That’s why we started.”

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.

Members can enroll in as many courses as they like for a per-semester fee, and scholarships are available. They also have access to ŷ�� services such as the library and fitness center.

“We’re teaching everything from democracy to drones,” President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’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.”

While there are no exams or grades, Senior College instructor Michael Kryzanek said the courses help participants become more engaged members of our global society.

“It’s about this journey of self-improvement, curiosity and skill development,” said the retired ŷ�� political science professor. “That is so important for all people.”

Susan Luscombe, of Weymouth, even learned to play the ukulele through a Senior College class. It was her first foray into learning an instrument.

“I’m thrilled with this program,” she said. “I’m so glad I found it. I will be coming forever and ever.”

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.

After she received her ŷ�� student ID, Allen proudly texted them, proclaiming: “I am now one of the Bears!”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

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.

Senior College member Donna Allen

Family Ties

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 14:24:04 +0000

Family Ties HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/16/2022 - 10:24

Freshman and grandmother continue tradition as proud Bears

May 17, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Most college students don’t get a call from their grandmother when classes are cancelled, but that’s not the case for Peter Koutoujian, ’25.

That’s because both he and his 84-year-old grandmother, Cornelia “Connie” Koutoujian are currently enrolled at Bridgewater State University.

“It’s actually really cool, being able to say I go to college with my grandmother,” said Peter, who is studying political science.

To have both his mom and oldest son taking classes at ŷ�� is a source of pride for Peter J. Koutoujian, ’83, who currently serves as sheriff of Middlesex County and is a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

“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.”

After taking a tour of Bridgewater when he was in high school, the elder Koutoujian knew he wanted to be a Bear.

“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.

His son experienced a similar feeling when touring his father’s alma mater.

“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.”

It feels even homier now that his grandmother is also at ŷ��.

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.

“My son told me to try Bridgewater and look at their senior college,” Ms. Koutoujian said.

After doing some investigating, she enrolled in the ŷ�� Senior College and has enjoyed the variety of classes offered and social interaction.

“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.”

The state school experience is one Ms. Koutoujian is glad her family has taken advantage of.

“You get an excellent education for a very good price,” she said.

For Sheriff Koutoujian, ŷ�� will always be a special place.

“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 Bridgewater State University, this wonderful campus and this incredible community of educators and learners,” he said.

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

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 Bridgewater State University, this wonderful campus and this incredible community of educators and learners.

Peter J. Koutoujian, '83