Grandparent University 2010 ready for record enrollment

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association is welcoming more than 200 OSU legacies and their grandparents to the first session of Grandparent University 2010 June 9-11.

The three-day summer camp is a fun-filled experience that actively engages kids in academics at OSU while creating memories for grandparents and their grandchildren.

“Grandparent University or GPU is a wonderful opportunity for OSU legacies to learn in a college environment and get acquainted with OSU,” says Melisa Parkerson, director of student programs for the OSU Alumni Association. “It’s also a great time for them to meet other legacies and strengthen the bond with their grandparents.”

The Association has hosted this unique intergenerational learning experience for legacies ages 7 to 14 and their grandparents since 2003. A legacy is a child registered under a parent or grandparent who is an active member in the OSU Alumni Association.

While on campus, participants attend classes taught by OSU faculty, stay in student housing, dine on campus and enjoy the life of average college students. Under the instruction of OSU professors, the students learn about their “major” and participate in a variety of activities.

Depending on their chosen major, students have the opportunity take part in designing a city, planning and carrying out a flight plan, creating and editing a movie, touring dairy and equine facilities, and learning drawing techniques.

Upon completing their assignments, the participants received a graduation certificate for all their hard work as college students during their stay at GPU. Along with the activities in the classroom, there is time to socialize while swimming at the Colvin Center or cheering at an OSU Tailgate.

Because of high enrollment and enthusiasm surrounding GPU, two sessions were created last year to accommodate more attendees. This year, the second session of GPU will be held June 23-25. Majors still open for enrollment include agribusiness management, English in Oklahoma, entomology and the world of entrepreneurship. Those interested in enrolling may contact the OSU Alumni Association at 405.744.5368 or 800.433.4678 – the deadline to enroll is June 11.

GPU is just one of the many benefits of being a member of the OSU Alumni Association. For more information on GPU, visit http://orangeconnection.org/GPU.