The Village Forms Exclusive Partnership With Santa Fe College

April 12, 2013 - PRLog -- GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Students are packing the classroom for a new technology course and several others offered by Santa Fe College. But it’s not taught on the college’s campus, and the students might not be what you traditionally imagine. Under a new, exclusive partnership with The Village, Santa Fe instructors are teaching more courses to older adults on the campus of the retirement community. And it also provides Village seniors unlimited access to courses, lectures and a variety of events on the college’s campus tuition free.

“Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean your college days are over,” says Jim Antonucci, executive director of The Village. “Our campuses are right next door to each other, our residents are eager to learn, and the college is top-notch. It’s a perfect fit and great benefit for both organizations.”

In a survey of residents at The Village, nearly 70 percent considered lifelong learning and forming a partnership with Santa Fe College a top priority. The survey also asked about courses and cultural activities they’re interested in. Some of the most popular academic subjects included technology, history, economics and fine arts.

“There’s a New Technology class taught by Santa Fe instructors, and it attracted triple the enrollment we expected – it’s like a traditional college classroom,” says Paula Bowlan, resident life manager at The Village. “And the drawing class that’s just starting up is also seeing turnout grow. It’s really exciting that seniors are so passionate about lifelong learning and exploring new interests.”

The new partnership gives residents at The Village full access to lectures ranging in subject matter from ancient Greek civilization to cutting-edge biotechnology. It also includes admittance and reserved seating to fine arts events, as well as theatre, dance and musical performances at Santa Fe’s new Fine Arts Hall. Special on-site performances at The Village, including time for residents to meet the student-performers, are planned throughout the year.

Additionally, Santa Fe’s planetarium will host private showings for The Village residents with guaranteed seating, as well as special tours at the college’s nationally recognized teaching zoo. The Village residents will also have unlimited access to Santa Fe athletic events, with special recognition opportunities such as ‘Throwing Out the First Pitch’ at baseball games.

“It’s truly a win-win,” says Kathryn Lehman, coordinator of cultural programs for Santa Fe College. “The partnership provides residents of The Village enriching opportunities to academic and cultural programs we offer. It’s also valuable for our students and instructors to interact with a wider variety of adults seeking continued education and new experiences.”

“There are many advantages for both the college and our community,” Antonucci says. “I think this affiliation further emphasizes the changing face of higher education, the desire among seniors for lifelong learning opportunities and our commitment to healthy aging.”

About The Village
The Village is North Florida’s premier rental retirement community. For more than 25 years, it has provided maintenance-free independent living, as well as access to on-site health care, including assisted living and memory support, if ever needed. The Village is located on 104 acres at 8000 N.W. 27th Blvd., Gainesville, Fla. For more information, visit www.thevillageonline.com or call (800) 653-2104.

The Village is one of three Florida retirement communities owned and operated by Gainesville-based SantaFe Senior Living, part of a not-for-profit family of organizations serving Floridians throughout all phases of life. For more information, visit www.santafehealthcarefl.org