Student enjoys more than 30 years of life-long learning at Malaspina

Maureen McIntyre loves learning, especially when she gets to share a classroom with young, bright minds of today.

McIntyre, now in her mid-70s, has been a dedicated student at Malaspina University-College for more than 30 years.

“I take classes strictly for my own pleasure,” said McIntyre. “It fills my week quite nicely, and makes my whole year. I find it stimulating to learn new things, and taking classes certainly raises the level of dining room conversation with my husband."

McIntyre has taken classes in almost every subject including English literature, history, global studies and political science. She began studying at Malaspina College when it first opened at the old hospital site on Kennedy Street in 1969. For the past two decades, she's taken courses at the Nanaimo campus on Fifth Street. 

"I just love everything about Malaspina, especially the new library which opened last year, and browsing for books in the bookstore," said McIntyre.

Currently, one of McIntyre's "greatest joys" is taking political science classes from professor Allan Warnke. “I've met so many marvelous teachers at Malaspina like Mr. Warnke," she added. "They're always so well prepared.”

McIntyre just finished a global studies course in which she learned about the United Nations. In January, class she'll tackle a course in comparative politics.

One course, the History of Art, “opened a whole new world” for McIntyre. "For someone who loves to travel, it was absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I’ve been to Greece three times and to almost every country in Europe with my husband, Peter. To actually stand in front of famous artwork you’ve studied in class is really quite a thrill."

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, McIntyre has always placed a high value on education. In the early 50s, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in history and economics, from the University of BC.  She trained for 18 months in Seattle in the field of orthoptics, and worked in a local ophthalmologist’s office in Nanaimo until she retired in 1989.

While her two children were still teenagers, McIntyre began taking classes at the newly opened Malaspina College. “I was part of a group of mature women who jumped at the chance to take classes at the new college,” she said.

McIntyre’s children, Ann and Bruce, took courses at Malaspina after they graduated from high school. Her son Bruce McIntyre, now a partner in Price Waterhouse, spent his first year studying at Malaspina, and then transferred to UBC to earn a forestry degree. “He still says that he had his best years of physics instruction at Malaspina," said McIntyre.

Not only did McIntyre’s children take classes at Malaspina, so did her grandchildren.

One grandson graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Malaspina last June, while another grandson graduated from the Culinary Arts program in October. “Sometimes I'd pass them in the halls,” said McIntyre. “It was nice. They’d stop, smile and say ‘hi grandma.’ It was good to see them in school.”

Meeting and mixing with younger students has been one of the highlights of McIntyre's ongoing educational journey. “I’ve met many students across a broad spectrum of ages and maturity levels," she said. "I’m impressed with their sheer determination to finish their studies. Even the youngest students have a high degree of maturity these days. They ask such stimulating questions in class."

McIntyre takes mostly third and fourth year classes because it’s easier to get in. “I feel quite strongly about not taking a student’s place,” she said. “If there’s room available, I’ll take the course. If there’s a waiting list, I’d sooner see a younger student get in.”

McIntyre may well be one of Malaspina’s longest serving students, said Malaspina President Rich Johnston.

“She is a great example for the rest of us about the benefits of life-long learning,” Johnston said. “By taking advantage of the terrific opportunities available here at Malaspina University-College, Maureen is keeping her mind active and energy levels up. It’s great to see that Malaspina has contributed in such a positive way to her quality and enjoyment of life. I wish her many more years of inspiring education at Malaspina.”