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Senior
University offers higher learning
By Cynthia Tom
On-line Forty-Niner
Students of Cal
State Long Beach's Senior University program are proof that
one never stops learning.
Established in 1996, Senior University is a self-supporting,
nonprofit service of the College of Health and Human Services
open to anyone age 50 or older. It has only one paid employee,
Office Administrator Gabriele Anton, and all other instructors,
coaches and office personnel are volunteers.
"Senior University is dedicated to promoting positive
aspects of aging and encouraging personal growth and personal
enrichment," Anton said. "The lifelong learning
process is nurtured [through this program]."
Classes available vary each term, and those for summer session
include topics in religion, music, political science, sociology,
art, finance, history, science, physical education, foreign
language, computers and English. There are no prerequisites
for attendance or enrollment, and there are no grades or tests.
Curriculum for these classes is developed independently of
university standards or undergraduate or graduate programs.
"Our instructors are highly qualified individuals with
good, solid backgrounds including professors, doctors and
skilled professionals," Anton said. "They all give
of their time and expertise."
One such instructor is Arlene Lazarowitz, who serves as director
of Jewish studies and a teacher in the history department.
"For me, teaching American-Jewish history is a personal
responsibility," Lazarowitz said. "I also find the
students extremely attentive, well-informed and appreciative.
It's a joy to teach them."
Judging by attendance and membership records, their efforts
are not in vain.
Senior University has grown tremendously since its inception
to include 600 members. More than 360 students are expected
to attend this summer.
"We've had a very good response, and we're still growing,"
said Anton. "This is a valuable service and a way to
give back to the senior community. We allow them to
broaden their knowledge, have social interaction and personal
growth and even just to get out and come together in class."
A total of 30 summer classes will run from June 27 to August
23, with most meeting for an hour and a half weekly.
To attend, there is an annual membership fee of $30, and a
tuition fee of $10 per class. Computer classes may require
additional charges.
"I find it very productive to work with senior citizens,
since they each have lifelong experiences from different walks
of life," Anton said. "To see them come together
and make this organization work shows that it's not about
the money, it's about people pulling together to launch a
fruitful program."
For information on how to register or to volunteer as an instructor
or guest lecturer, contact (562) 985-8237.
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