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By Steve Cook
They call ‘em the Golden Years. If
you’ve reached that point in life, or are
fast approaching it, you, perhaps, already
have a good idea as to how you’re going
to spend these years. Some are content
using the time for quiet retrospection or
to simply relax. And, hey, there’s nothing
wrong with that.
However, for many, it’s the GO in
GOLDEN that’s most attractive. In ever
increasing numbers, today’s active adults,
are truly just that...active adults. Retirement
brings about opportunities to see
things, do things, and learn things, for
which there was never  enough time previously.
For such ones, Virginia Commonwealth
University’s Commonwealth Society
has so very much to offer. The Society
is organized under the auspices of the
University’s Office of Outreach Programs,
the purpose of which, says, Patty Worley,
director of the office, “is to give something
back to our neighbors, as well as to show
off our beautiful campus and our fantastic
faculty.”
And, while the Commonwealth Society
is open to person of all ages, Worley
says the average age of its members is
fifty or above. In times past, when one hit
the half-century mark, it was time to start
thinking about slowing down, but according
to Worley, that’s definitely not the case
with the Society’s members. “It’s full of
bright, dynamic, amazing people,” she
says, “who are fun to be around. They are
absolutely not just sitting around.”
That’s a good thing, because the Commonwealth
Society offers plenty of fun,
and some pretty dynamic and amazing
activities for its members. Taking advantage
of VCU’s exceptional faculty, members
can choose from a host of fascinating
topics as they further their education
in an inviting environment. These noncredit,
but college-level courses are offered
without anyone needing to stress
over exams or grades.
It’s learning for the pure enjoyment of
learning. Just consider some of the topics
recently offered. Everything from bird migration
to Arabian folk literature, to Richmond
and the Civil War are found on this
fall semester’s list of courses. As for the
Spring 2010 schedule, Worley says a number
of exciting courses are being planned.
“Anything to do with Richmond history is
always popular,” she tells me. Art history
and religious history are also well received
by the Society’s members.
But the GO for these Golden Agers
does not simply involve going to class.
The Commonwealth Society offers a
number of daytrips such as a visit to the
Newseum in Washington, scheduled for
early 2010. And for the even more adventurous,
Worley says a trip to China is
being planned for next spring. Past such
treks have included visits to Egypt and
Turkey.
Some of the trips as well as the courses
are member-driven and Patty Worley advises
any interested ones to not only visit
the website (see below), but she also invites
their suggestions for future activities
and course topics. “This is an amazing
organization,” she says, praising both the
VCU faculty who participate, as well as
the members. “They (the members) really
keep us on our toes. Whatever they get out
of this, we get even more from them. This
(the Commonwealth Society) provides
a wonderful opportunity to make new
friends, to learn, and to have fun.”
For more information visit www.outreach.
vcu.edu. Or phone (804) 828-3635.
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