ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – When the city of Rock Hill’s Lifelong Learning program needs experts to talk about different topics, it is natural that program organizers often turn to Winthrop University for speakers.
“Their expertise and level of knowledge are appealing,” said Krista Hayes, the program’s coordinator. “From my standpoint, I can typically count on professors to know how to comfortably teach the content, to prepare adequately for their classes, and to provide a quality lesson or course, which speaks volumes to our learners.”
The program, which is housed in the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, is an inclusive community for adults ages 50+ who come together to share educational programs through learning opportunities, tours and local excursions. There is a fall semester and a spring semester for participants to hear about engaging subjects, experiences and skills related to personal growth and enrichment.
Participants pay minimal fees for attendance and have to register for the programs, which can be either one or several sessions. Organizers only ask that they bring their curiosity when they meet at the Northside Recreational Center.
This spring, they heard then-Interim Provost Peter Judge, a retired religion professor, talk about “Who was St. Patrick, Really?” Anthropology Professor Brent Woodfill taught a multi-week introduction to forensic anthropology. Political Science Professor Scott Huffmon lectured on polling and how he conducts the Winthrop Poll.
Winthrop faculty and staff members serve on the advisory committee, including retired Biology Professor Bill Rogers who offers a multi-week birding class every semester.
Others who have held sessions include: English Instructor Bryan Ghent, who spoke on the John F. Kennedy conspiracy; Katarina Moyon, who offered a discussion-based course based on Winthrop’s General Education Human Experience course; History Professor Andy Doyle, who talked about college football in the South; and Gary Simrill, who offered a walking tour of Winthrop’s campus and shared its history.
Rogers, who is now serving as the committee’s chair, said the program has grown by leaps and bounds since the pandemic has abated. “Its success demonstrates there's a large population of folks over 50 who want real-time and often hands-on experiences,” Rogers said. “The classes and activities provide access to a community of curious individuals who want to know more about their world and who enjoy interacting with similarly motivated people of their generation.”
Participants are able to meet and make new friends while enhancing their understanding of a range of topics from wood working to local government, genealogy, poetry and prose, science topics, even guitar, ukulele and other instruments, Rogers added.
“The participants are attentive, enthusiastic and fun to be with,” he said. “They ask good questions and bring diverse perspectives to the classes. Best of all, there's no grading! It's a win all around.”
For more information, contact Lifelong Learning Program Coordinator Krista Hayes at 803/329-5527.
