Reframing aging, purpose, and lifelong learning at the University of Dayton.
When you picture a student at the University of Dayton, you likely imagine an 18-year-old moving into a dorm, a researcher huddled over a microscope, or a graduate student defending a thesis. Those faces are the heartbeat of our campus—but they aren’t the whole story.
In the last eight months alone, the Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education has welcomed more than 1,530 learners ranging in age from 20 to 97. In that time, these learners enrolled in over 9,230 individual seminars, continuing education units, music ensembles, and special learning events.
From the young professional chasing a certification to the 72-year-old picking up a trumpet for the very first time, the "traditional" classroom is expanding. Through the Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education (SPCE), UD is proving that education isn’t a four-year sprint—it’s a lifelong marathon of discovery.
The "Best Kept Secret" on Campus
“I think the amount of activity and life enrichment that takes place in our office is largely unknown by many,” says Katie Reynolds, Ph.D., Executive Director of SPCE. “We don’t want to keep what is happening here a secret. We want to share this community with the whole of the Miami Valley and beyond.”
SPCE is where the University’s mission meets people exactly where they are. And you don’t need a UD degree—or any degree at all—to walk through our doors. Whether you’ve lived in Dayton your whole life or just moved to the Miami Valley, this is your intellectual home. It’s a place where a diploma isn’t a finish line, but a milestone in a much larger journey.
More Than a Classroom: A Pathway for Every Goal
Whether you are looking to climb the career ladder, finish a degree you started years ago, or finally learn that instrument you’ve always loved, SPCE is the bridge to your next chapter. Our offerings are built around the belief that growth is not age-bound:
For the Professional: Staying Sharp
In a rapidly changing economy, standing still is moving backward. We partner with university departments—including the UD Research Institute and the Center for Leadership—to provide:
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs): High-level training for educators, healthcare providers, manufacturing experts, and nonprofit leaders.
- Non-degree enrollment: A "try-before-you-buy" approach to graduate or undergraduate courses to explore new fields or meet prerequisites without the immediate pressure of a degree.
For the Comeback: Finishing the Journey
It’s never too late to see your name on a diploma.
- Adult Degree Advancement Program: A dedicated, flexible pathway designed specifically for adults returning to finish their bachelor’s degree later in life.
For the Soul: Connection & Creativity
Education isn't always about a paycheck; often, it’s about purpose.
- The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (UDOLLI): Join a peer-led community of curious minds. With nearly 400 seminars a year, you can dive into everything from theology and history to the latest in tech—no grades, just growth.
- New Horizons Music & Dayton Celebration Chorus: From beginners to advanced performers, these ensembles prove that you’re never too old to find your voice or learn an instrument. It’s not uncommon to see a 20-year-old rehearsing alongside a 75-year-old.
- Financial Strategies for Retirement: In partnership with UBS Financial Services, we offer sessions to help the community navigate the complexities of saving and investing for the years ahead.
These are not peripheral offerings. They reflect UD’s commitment to educating the whole person at every age.
“At the University of Dayton, education is not confined to a season of life,” Reynolds adds. “It is a lifelong invitation.”
And that invitation has never been more important.
Reframing the "Third Act": Why This Matters Now
We are living through a historic shift. Every single day, 10,000 Americans turn 65. By 2030, nearly one in five of us will be over 65, entering a "post-career" life that can last 20 to 30 years (Anderson, 2015; Tang, Choi, & Goode, 2013).
But at UD, we don’t see this as a "retirement crisis." We see it as a transition.
Research shows that the traditional "gold watch" retirement is a thing of the past. Today, retirement is fluid—many adults transition into bridge careers, part-time roles, or "unretirement" (Maestas, 2010; Schlosser et al., 2012). Amidst this change, one finding remains constant: Older adults who stay intellectually and socially engaged experience significantly higher well-being.
Learning isn’t a luxury in later life. It is a stabilizing force.
Tuning In: The "Lifelong Flyer" Podcast
While our classrooms and music halls are buzzing with activity, we’re taking these vital conversations beyond the campus gates. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast, The Lifelong Flyer, hosted by Dr. Reynolds.
Our inaugural four-episode series focuses on a transformative concept: The Modern Elder. Being a "modern elder" isn't just about age; it’s about marrying decades of experience with a "beginner’s mind" and a commitment to lifelong growth.
The Modern Elder Series: Now Streaming
- Episode 1: The Vision of Unretirement — Host Dr. Katie Reynolds and guest host Donna Kastner (Age Well Dayton) sit down with award-winning "unretired" journalist Richard Eisenberg. They explore how to redefine thriving beyond traditional retirement timelines.
- Episode 2: Communities That Work — What makes a city "age-friendly"? Jenny Carlson (AARP) joins the show to discuss Ohio’s momentum as a leader in creating communities where people of every generation can thrive together.
- Episode 3: The Multi-Generational Workforce — Dr. Reynolds and guest Dr. Cassie Barlow (President of SOCHE) examine how modern elders are the "secret sauce" for a resilient workforce—acting as mentors, interns, and leaders who bridge the gap between generations.
- Episode 4: The Power of Place (Launching This Week!) — Where you live shapes how you age. This week, we welcome Ryan Frederick (author of Right Place, Right Time) and Prentice Lipsey (CEO of CommonSpirit Senior Living) to discuss how our physical environment supports longevity in mind, body, and spirit.
Listen now: The Lifelong Flyer on Spotify
Join the Conversation: The 2026 Senior Symposium
These aren’t just abstract theories; they are the lived experiences of our neighbors. To dive deeper into these shifts, UD’s Office of SPCE is hosting a landmark event:
The Duane W. Chapman Senior Symposium: "Reframing Aging"
When: March 11
Where: Curran Place, University of Dayton
This isn’t just a talk about aging—it’s a collective effort to re-envision it. We are bringing together scholars, retirees, caregivers, and community leaders to ask: How can we age with agency, dignity, and vitality?
Featured Speakers
- Richard Eisenberg: An award-winning “unretired journalist,” podcaster, and former Managing Editor of PBS’s Next Avenue.
- Jennifer Carlson: State Director of AARP.
In addition to our keynote speakers, attendees can join breakout sessions on navigating the "unretirement" years and meet with local agencies dedicated to supporting seniors and soon-to-be retirees.
Education as a Lifelong Relationship
The aging of our population is not a crisis—it is a transition. But transitions require institutions that see their role differently. At the University of Dayton, we believe a university should serve its community at 30, 50, 70, and beyond. For many in our community, that journey begins right here at SPCE, regardless of where—or if—they went to college. At UD, we aren't just building an ecosystem for our alumni; we are building one for our entire region.
Dr. Reynolds states, “A diploma is not the end of the relationship. It’s simply one milestone in a lifelong journey of learning.”
If our current oldest learner at 97 is any indication, that journey has remarkable endurance. Whether you are newly retired, years into your journey, or a professional seeking a new edge, there is a seat at the table for you.
At UD, education begins again—with every question, every seminar, and every conversation that reminds us: growth is lifelong.
Take Your Next Step with UD
Curiosity has no expiration date. Here is how you can get involved today:
- Enroll for Spring Term (UDOLLI) : UDOLLI is currently welcoming both returning members and first-time participants. Step into a vibrant intellectual community where the only requirement is an open mind.
- Register for the March 11 Symposium : Join us at Curran Place to help us reframe the future of aging.
- Explore continuing education and SPCE programs : Visit continuingeducation.udayton.edu or contact the Office of SPCE at spce@udayton.edu to find the program that fits your current season of life.
Resources
Anderson, L. B. (2015). Changing the story of retirement: How AARP utilizes a strategic narrative to advocate for the aging workforce. Public Relations Review, 41(3), 357–364.
Maestas, N. (2010). Back to work: Expectations and realizations of work after retirement. Journal of Human Resources, 45(3), 718–748.
Schlosser, F., Zinni, D., & Armstrong-Stassen, M. (2012). Intention to unretire: HR and the boomerang effect. Career Development International, 17(2), 149–167.
Tang, F., Choi, E., & Goode, R. (2013). Older Americans’ employment and retirement. Ageing International, 38(2), 82–94.