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CONNECTIONS Fall 2015 | Pathways 19 A True Commitment to Lifelong Learning Specialized Courses Encourage Learning for Older Adults Committed to providing educational opportunities for people of all ages, Howard Community College offers a number of classes specifically for community members 60 years old and above. Some courses are discussion and debate focused, while others center around physical activity, health, and wellness. The common thread, according to Roxanne Farrar, continuing education coordinator, is that the people who register for these classes come with a genuine interest and passion for the topic of focus. "Our students have such diverse interests and our course offerings reflect that," said Farrar. "We have history and aquatics classes. You can come here for guidance on how to administer an estate in Maryland or learn how to paint original works in acrylic or oils. We even offer a four-day Senior Adult Summer Institute for students to take a series of one-day classes in the arts, humanities, or science." In partnership with the Howard County Office on Aging, many of these courses are offered at centralized community locations in addition to locations on HCC's main and Gateway campuses. "The people who enroll in our 60+ course offerings are interested, motivated, and really want to learn about the topic," Farrar said. "In many cases, the students forge a strong connection with their instructor, and it opens up dialogue about what they are most interested in focusing on or learning about. We account for that input as we evaluate courses and determine what new kinds of classes to add to our schedule each semester." For example, HCC recently offered a series of classes about the biographies, key policies, core decisions, and long-lasting impact of each U.S. President. The courses were so popular and well-received that the college plans to offer a similar series in 2016, focused on the U.S. First Ladies. Also new to the 60+ program starting next year will be "iPad Masterpieces," a creative class that will challenge students to recreate the work of famous artists using their tablets.