Seniors College

Lifelong Learning with the Alvernia Seniors College

Open to seniors aged 55 and over, the Alvernia Seniors College has seen a dramatic rise in the 10 years since it first opened in 1998. Although the Seniors College (SC) offers the typical book review clubs, a Red Hat society, and card-playing clubs, the real draw of the program doesn’t come from the kind of classes that you may expect a typical senior’s organization to offer. From classes on the presidential election, to crime, to money management and religious turmoil, Alvernia Seniors College classes offer members thought-provoking and difficult academic material.

And they demand it, too.

“I warn my professors ahead of time, that this isn’t a seniors center, says SC administrator, Sally Reading. “My students want to learn, and will push until they get answers.”

Because 27 different courses were offered in the fall 2008 semester, a sneak preview was offered beforehand to help the members decide which classes to choose.

SC classes, like the popular “Crime and Evidence” class, last five weeks with provocative rotating speakers, such as Alvernia professors Daria LaTorre and Steve Campion, evidence technicians Craig Ziemba and Mihael Dobrosky, and Pennsylvania’s head of forensic evidence Major Nancy Kowal. The goal of the Crime and Evidence course is to introduce students to the law of evidence and related concepts such as forensics, evidence collection, and the hearsay rule.  

Though she usually takes seven or eight courses every semester, Sandy Schaeffer, a Seniors College member since 2002, decided to limit herself to only two this semester. “It’s just hard to narrow it down, says Schaeffer. “Every class is beyond fascinating and it makes you want to sign up for everything offered!” Eventually, Schaeffer chose the Crime and Evidence class because she’s previously taken professor LaTorre for a class. “[Professor LaTorre] is brilliant and great to learn from,” she explains.

Unlike an average sit-down lecture style course (with quiet students intensely taking notes) the Crime and Evidence began with seniors sharing recent pictures of their families and updating each other on what they’ve been up to since they last met.  It instantly becomes obvious that this group of seniors group have become good friends through their shared academic experiences. As a nine-year veteran professor of the Alvernia criminal justice program, Daria LaTorre, began speaking to the class. And it soon became evident that she, too, was no stranger to the seniors.

“Daria, what does your husband do again?,” asked a student. “Daria, what do your kids think about you and your husband being in this line of work?,” asked another student.

Daria (an attorney) is married to a trooper for the Philadelphia police. She answered the questions, and joked, “You should feel bad for my kids. With a Trooper and an attorney as parents, I’m sure you can imagine the interrogation they go through.”  

After warm opening greetings and questions, Professor LaTorre got right on track.  Seniors learned the basics of evidence, and what evidence is admissible at trial.  They reviewed the hearsay rule, and talked about legal court arguments. The classroom buzzed with interest for an hour and a half.  Hands were raised, and opinions were voiced.  The seniors constantly gave professor LaTorre real life examples and wanted to know what would happen legally…and why.

Though she’s old-hat to the SR now, Professor LaTorre says that she was surprised at first about the active involvement of the class. “I expected a passive, quiet audience. Yet it’s clearly the opposite,” she explains. “Before class they are reading newspapers and articles. They retain everything and come to class looking for answers.  It’s safe to say that I most definitely need to be on my toes!”

Alvernia faculty and community experts who teach in the SR (including Mayor Tom McMahon, and Alvernia President Tom Flynn) all volunteer their time. In addition, the Seniors College’s 700 members have the opportunity to support the organization’s objectives by participating on the advisory board, planning committees, or even by serving as course instructors.  Annual membership is $50, and most courses cost between $10 and $60, with discounts given to those who take several classes at a time.