October 31, 2013 - 9:51am
Nov. 6 celebration marks ElderCollege’s 20th anniversary and formal launch of VIU’s Centre for Healthy Aging
PARKSVILLE, BC – One of Oceanside resident Sandra Walker’s greatest joys is sharing her love of learning and literature with seniors at Vancouver Island University’s ElderCollege, whether it’s the trials and tribulations of Jane Austen or the poetic talents of T.S. Eliot.
Walker is VIU’s longest serving volunteer instructor – now teaching her 30th ElderCollege course at VIU’s Parksville-Qualicum Centre.
“I love teaching ElderCollege courses because adults are so self-motivating,” says Walker, who holds a PhD and once taught literature at York University’s Atkinson College in Ontario. She began teaching literature courses for ElderCollege as a volunteer after retiring to Parksville in 1994.
The contributions of Walker, and countless other community volunteers, will be acknowledged on Nov. 6 at a special celebration to mark ElderCollege’s 20th anniversary and the launch of VIU’s Centre for Healthy Aging.
The joint celebration from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at VIU’s Parksville-Qualicum Centre (100 Jenson Avenue) is open to the entire community, and will showcase guest speakers, a cake cutting ceremony, refreshments, and interactive sample sessions of promoting lifelong learning and healthy aging.
Lynne MacFadgen, project manager of VIU’s Centre for Healthy Aging, says the formal opening of the new Centre ties in perfectly with ElderCollege’s milestone anniversary.
“Our Centre’s mandate is to promote excellence in healthy-aging research, education and practice, with a special focus on seniors’ health care improvements, active and productive aging, and the creation of age-friendly communities,” says MacFadgen.
“An age friendly community is one that recognizes and supports seniors as vibrant and contributing members of their communities. This is a perfect description of the countless number of volunteer instructors and active community members who participate in ElderCollege.”
Founding Board member Jack Hill says his involvement in ElderCollege has enriched his life.
“This has been a marvellous group to be part of,” says Hill, who at age 85 still helps distribute ElderCollege calendars around the community.
“ElderCollege was born out of an idea by a few enthusiastic people dedicated to lifelong learning. It continues to serve the community well. ElderCollege gives seniors the opportunity to expand their horizons and make new friends," he adds. “Through ElderCollege, my wife and I have met so many active and tuned in seniors. There are a lot of us living in this community.”
The ElderCollege Society, formed by a group of volunteers, first became active in the Oceanside area in 1993, offering eight courses to more than 75 participants. Twenty years later, ElderCollege offers courses on a wide variety of topics over three semesters to more than 850 students. Annual memberships are $20 per year, and tuition fees for courses are normally $40 plus GST.
“The philosophy of ElderCollege hasn’t changed,” says long-time member Lynda Sieber, who wrote a brief history of the organization for VIU archives. “Our leaders are still volunteer facilitators or guest speakers. The prime objective is still to have members plan and operate their own learning.
“Literally dozens of dedicated volunteers have contributed to this lifelong learning program. Many persons in our community have volunteered countless hours, promoting, facilitating and publicizing ElderCollege.”
Community members are invited to the joint celebration Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, at VIU’s Parksville-Qualicum Centre, 100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville. Information about both ElderCollege and the VIU’s Centre for Healthy Aging will be available.
The Centre for Healthy Aging is also hosting three Research Networking Luncheons in November: Connecting the Generations through Words and Rhythms on Nov. 7, Alive with Music on Nov. 13 and Storytelling: the Power of Story for Healing, Resilience and Meaning-Making on Nov. 19. For more information, visit www.cha.viu.ca
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Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University P: 250.740.6288
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Tags: In the Community
