Meer Apartments Siyyum Graduation and Dessert Reception. (NOTE: All photos courtesy of Jewish Senior Life.)
Fall 2024 Semester Meer Live and Learn Community Certificate of Completion.
L to R: Nancy Siegel Heinrich and Wendy Handler listen to Oakland University President Pescovitz address the Meer attendees.
Oakland University professor Drake Dantzler teaching Verdi's La Traviata, Opera at its Finest
Oakland University professor of Political Science Dave Dulio teaching at Meer's Live and Learn Community.
PACE, adult learners, community engagement
March 6, 2025
In 2024, a shared vision between Oakland University’s Professional and Continuing Education (OU PACE) division and Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) was realized.
A program was developed that supports seniors in their pursuit of learning, fosters critical thinking and encourages engagement with contemporary topics. This collaboration seamlessly aligns with the PACE mission, creating meaningful educational experiences for adult learners.
The partnership was born out of discussions between JSL and OU leadership, aiming to provide learning opportunities specifically designed for adult and senior learners. Recognizing the importance of intellectual stimulation and social engagement for seniors, both organizations committed to crafting a program that would deliver high-quality, accessible education to the JSL community. This program, called “Live and Learn” was piloted at JSL’s Meer Apartments Independent Living community in West Bloomfield in the summer of 2024 and has continued since that time.
The program features non-credit courses offered at JSL’s Meer Apartments, spanning summer, fall, and winter terms. The engaging courses and distinguished OU faculty members involved thus far have been:
- Central Tenets of American Democracy: 2024 in Focus – Dave Dulio, Ph.D, Distinguished Professor, Department of Political Science
- New Informational Landscape – Katie Greer, Professor, Kresge Library, Fine and Performing Arts Librarian
- La Traviata: Opera at its Finest – Drake Dantzler, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Music, Voice Opera Program Coordinator
- Artificial Intelligence: The Basics – Dan Arnold, Ph.D., e-Learning and Instructional Support
- American Political Institutions: Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court – Dave Dulio, Ph.D, Distinguished Professor, Department of Political Science
- History of the American Musical Theatre – Alta Boover, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Music
Popular courses include those that integrate experiential learning components into course offerings. For instance, the La Traviata short course was complemented by an opportunity for participants to attend a live performance of La Traviata at the Detroit Opera House. Similarly, the History of the American Musical Theatre course will culminate in an excursion to The Parade musical theater event in Detroit.
The seniors participating in the Live and Learn Community at Meer Apartments range in age from 77 to 105. These courses provide them with opportunities to explore new topics and cultivate fresh interests. Many participants have developed a passion for subjects they previously knew little about, such as opera and artificial intelligence.
“I really enjoyed how [Dave Dulio] explained the process of government and voting. My favorite thing about the class was that we spoke about big ideas,” said Student Ruth Singer.
Beyond intellectual growth, the program fosters social connections. Participants are forming new friendships while engaging in stimulating discussions and learning experiences. The initiative has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with over 80% of residents enrolling in at least one course since its launch in June 2024.
“These classes made me feel alive again. It’s so wonderful to be part of a large group of older people taking such stimulating adult classes. I don’t feel like an elderly person anymore,” said Student Ina Lutz.
Feedback from participants is integral to shaping future course offerings. Through surveys and focus groups, residents play a direct role in selecting subjects that resonate with their interests.
“This has been among the best experiences of my life. We spent our whole lives from elementary school through college taking classes that were requirements. Now we get to choose what we want to learn about. My heart and brain are so happy,” exclaims Student Susan Weiner.
Looking ahead, there is keen interest in expanding the program to additional JSL locations as funding becomes available. Both JSL and Oakland University PACE remain committed to enhancing this initiative, ensuring that seniors have continued access to high-quality learning experiences that enrich their lives.
The partnership between PACE and JSL stands as a testament to the power of lifelong learning. By providing intellectually stimulating courses and fostering social engagement, this initiative is transforming the lives of senior learners. With ongoing collaboration and future expansion on the horizon, the impact of this educational endeavor will continue to grow, creating lasting benefits for the JSL community.
About OU's Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program:
Earn valuable credentials, upgrade skills and increase earning potential with Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) at Oakland University. PACE has a variety of educational offerings that are innovative and designed to meet local, state and national requirements. Flexible programs are available online, on campus or as in-house custom programming. Learn more on the PACE web page.
About JSL:
Jewish Senior Life is far more than a place to live. It’s 6 beautiful residences in 2 vibrant communities in southeast Michigan where bonds of friendship are built or renewed and passions are pursued. It’s where residents actively engage with one another and, as a result, remain active in mind, body and spirit. Learn more on their website.
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