UW-Superior’s Center for Continuing Education provides educational access across the lifespan

While many students attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior fit the description of recent high school graduates, that group isn’t the only population the university serves.

From associate degrees to master’s programs – both on campus and online – UW-Superior provides offerings for life-long learning.

As part of UW-Superior’s Anchor of the North efforts, the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) is supporting the creation and expansion of digital badges, micro-credentials and certificates tied to industry standards to enhance relevant skills of lifelong learners. The university is also committed to providing educational access across the lifespan.

Through CCE, UW-Superior has been officially designated an Age Friendly University and joins a national network which recognizes, provides and supports learning for all ages. As the demographics continue to change in northern Wisconsin, this designation will provide an opportunity for continued program expansion in conjunction with other initiatives that CCE already engages in such as dual high school enrollment and continuing education programming.

“The focus on 55+ programs started several years ago in Continuing Education,” said Danielle Fagen, outreach program associate director for CCE at UW-Superior. “It was geared toward professionals working with older adults in the community. We began to hear from our older adults in the community that they are interested in programming for them, so we started with one or two programs, initially, which were very well received. We’ve expanded our programming ever since.”

One such program currently under discussion for expansion is the popular Leadership Superior Douglas County program. The hope is to offer the program in a half-day format for 55+ adults with a focus on making connections within the community.

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING

CCE offers community education programming designed for lifelong learners looking to explore interests and expand their knowledge and continues to work at growing its programs geared toward those 55 years of age and older. 

“Stepping back from our family’s business to focus on our grandchildren, I found that there were extra hours in my days for personal enrichment,” said Cathy Casper, who has attended several Continuing Education 55+ programs. “Searching through the Twin Ports area, the Continuing Education Department at UWS caught my eye. I saw an opportunity to connect with people that shared the same interest.”

One of the most popular programs has been “Music in the Movies.” This four-part series, facilitated by Erin Aldridge, professor of orchestra and violin at UW-Superior, looks at the fascinating world of music in movies, showcasing important scores from the early film “talkies” to the present. From various styles and approaches to genres and composers, students learn how music and silence can work with each scene, including its integration on the conscious and subconscious levels. Geared toward adults 55 years of age or older, no prior musical or film knowledge is necessary.

“‘Music in the Movies’ with Erin Aldridge was very fun and fascinating, and it gave me a chance to be a UWS student with no homework,” said Casper. “I had such a wonderful experience to be a Yellowjacket within UWS’ Continuing Education Department and would recommend it to anyone.”

So popular, the program has continued to grow with “Music in the Movies: The Sequel,” in which Aldridge delves deeper into the world of compilation scores, action film music and extraordinary works of composers like Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer.

Additional programs geared toward those 55 years of age and older include topics such as “Aging With Meaning And Purpose,” “Conversations On Living Alone,” “Exploring The Arts” and “Well-Being For Older Adults.”

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

In November, CCE will host an event to address issues of social isolation and loneliness and well-being, which the U.S. Surgeon General has classified a public health crisis. This one-day event will provide an opportunity to bring together the region’s 55+ community and local aging service organizations for education, dialogue, connection and a shared awareness of available services. Participants from Northwestern Minnesota and Northeastern Wisconsin will gain the opportunity to meet other community members, learn at least one new strategy to support their health and well-being and take one action to lessen feelings of isolation or loneliness. 

ON THE ‘ROAD’ AGAIN

CCE will be resuming its popular Road Scholar program in the summer of 2025 with an opportunity for 55+ individuals to explore and learn about the surrounding area.

From Lake Superior’s glacial and tectonic geology to its significance to indigenous peoples and importance to environmental research, the largest freshwater lake in the world makes a fascinating study. Embark on a journey exploring western and southern Lake Superior, including a history of the Twin Ports, field trips to historical sites and presentations by local indigenous elders and historians. Enjoy hands-on learning experiences, wading in the rivers of the Brule River State Forest to catch and identify aquatic creatures and exploring natural wonders through canoeing and hiking. The program will also set sail on the Sadie Ann, UW-Superior’s new “floating classroom” designed with state-of-the-art technology to support research and education in any discipline.