Grandparents University connects generations

Grandparents have a lot to teach their grandchildren, and Grandparents University gives them the chance July 19-20.

Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association and UW Extension, Grandparents University is a two-day workshop in which children ages 7-12 and their grandparents participate in hands-on learning experiences at UW–Madison.

These students will earn a “degree” together in ecology, history, science or communication arts while learning more about one another through shared stories and shared experiences. UW–Madison deans and professors will lead sessions at Grandparents University.

“Grandparents University provides a creative way for kids and adults to teach each other and have fun at the same time,” says Paula Bonner, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. “We believe that learning is a lifelong experience and this program aims to prove that you’re never too old or too young to learn something new. We are very excited to work with the UW Extension on this intergenerational program and hope to make Grandparents University an annual event.”

“This program offers a wonderful opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to not only learn together but also to enhance and celebrate the important relationship they share,” adds Bonnie Hutchins, outreach specialist at UW Extension. “Our opening session will help participants explore those relationships and life milestones.”

Grandparents University opens with a workshop lead by historian Jerry Apps, who will teach grandparents and their grandchildren how to create their own oral histories and to share the joy of life with others. After that, grandparents and children will study their chosen major together:

• Grandparents and children will lace up their hiking boots and venturing into nature in the ecology segment of the program. Tom Yuill, director of the Institute for Environmental Studies, will lead an expedition to some of the most unique natural places on campus, like the Arboretum and Picnic Point.
• As science “majors,” grandparents and children can explore the groundbreaking work that scientists are doing today. They will participate in hands-on experiments using DNA with Herb Wang, associate dean of the College of Letters and Science.
• What was it like for the men and women of Wisconsin when Camp Randall wasn’t a stadium, but a training camp for Civil War soldiers? Experts from UW–Madison and the State Historical Society will teach history students at Grandparents University the stories of these brave men and women. They will also learn how Wisconsin became the agricultural center it is today.
• Lights, camera, action! Those who sign up for communication arts will get a behind-the-scenes look at acting, directing, and producing a television program. Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, associate dean of the College of Letters and Science, will lead workshops in the art of stage acting at Vilas Hall, where programs like “Zoom” and “Teen Connection” are produced. Communication arts students will also have a firsthand look at the technology that goes into producing television shows.

  AARP is offering full scholarships to four low-income minority grandparent-grandchild pairs to attend Grandparents University. The scholarships will cover the registration fee and dorm stay for the pair. For information on this scholarship, contact UW Extension at (888) 391-4255, or 262-1411 if calling from Madison.

  The registration deadline for Grandparents University is Thursday, July 5. Cost: $120 per adult, $60 per grandchild. One adult per grandchild is recommended, although two will be accepted.

  To request registration information and a brochure, call UW Extension, (888) 391-4255, or use the Web information request form.

  The Wisconsin Alumni Association has been serving UW–Madison and its graduates since 1861. WAA provides an array of services, programs and benefits, including On Wisconsin, a quarterly alumni magazine; a national council to foster multicultural diversity; a career database program; and an extensive student relations program.