Senior University attracts older students to CSULB

By Michael Watanabe
Daily Forty-Niner

Senior University, a Cal State Long Beach program, allows students above 50 years of age to participate in the university experience.

"I really enjoy this," said Max Slegeis, a retired engineer who has taken three years of classes with Senior University. "It's a worthwhile thing to be involved with," he said.

The program, run by the College of Health and Human Services, develops their own curriculum, which includes courses in writing, art and computers.

However, most of its internal structure differs from the rest of the university.

"We don't even pay our instructors," said Shirley Collins, the President of Senior University. The administrative offices have only one paid employee, and the rest volunteer.

The opportunity to serve the students is payment enough for some teachers.

"That's what keeps bringing me back," said Todd Sanders, retired title insurance agent who drives to campus from Riverside, and teaches a big band era class. "It's worth it."

Senior University was established at CSULB in 1996, and has developed a membership of around 500 people.

Sanders, who deals with seniors in various other institutions, describes the CSULB group as unique.

"Those people down there in Long Beach seem to be younger at heart and younger with feeling," Sanders said.

Students enjoy the chance to exercise their brain power.

"I've been looking for something mentally stimulating," said Gloria Coodley, a retired high school teacher. She said she hopes to make new friends, and lighten her life's load. Coodley said she had previously taken some college courses for enjoyment, but appreciates being able to be with her peers.

"The people that are there are all highly motivated and they are wanting to learn," said Jerry Ball, mathematics professor at CSULB. "They just don't show up unless they are interested in what you're offering."

The structure differs from the rest of the university in a variety of ways.  Throughout their offices, they only have one paid worker. The rest are volunteers.

Yearly membership is $30 and classes are $10 each. Scholarships are also available for those in need. Registration is currently open and classes begin on Oct. 2.