Âé¶čÓł»­

Rita Bloom walks across the American University campus every Monday and Thursday morning to attend an 8:10 a.m. class, Moral Philosophy, taught by Megan Kaczmarek. For many students, an “8:10” is an academic challenge in their schedules; it’s an early start to the day many students find to be a learning curve itself. Even Rita admitted she was looking for a later start time for her class at first. But Rita, who is “93 years young,” is happy even to have the chance to attend her “8:10.”

Rita is a community participant of the AU Alumni and Community Audit Program. The program, managed by the Office of Alumni Relations, is open to all AU alumni and to community members in certain zip codes around the university who are 55+. For Rita, the opportunity to engage on campus is a bright spot in her schedule.

To many who know her, Rita is the definition of a lifelong learner who challenges ideas and norms. Some expect people to slow down in their 90s, but Rita is an inspiration to living a full life. Nine years ago, when Rita was 84, she also partook in the audit program—that time taking a literature course. “It’s about the nuts and bolts,” Rita said regarding her interest in taking Moral Philosophy. “I’ve lived a full life and learned a lot of things from it. Now I want to learn from the professionals and not just ‘the real world.’”

Rita has lived in Washington, DC her whole life and has been able to explore numerous opportunities for lifelong learning. She’s been involved in museums, music, the fine and performing arts, and cultural opportunities provided by living in the nation’s capital, even taking a class at the Smithsonian Institution. Yet with all these experiences, Rita still feels that “there’s nothing like auditing a college course.” She stated how she loves the opportunity to engage with “a different generation” and how “[it’s important] to hear from diverse voices.” She loves the chance to listen to those with less life experience because she can see the world from new eyes. She described how listeningÌęto newÌęideas “is like opening a door to what's next.”ÌęTo Rita, going back to learning after spendingÌędecades in her career is exciting. “I’ve lived the past – I won’t see the future,” she describes, “but I want to learn what’s to come even when I’m gone. I want to know what’s next.”

Another audit participant this semester, Grace Anderson, SIS/BA ’21, finds herself on the end of the generational spectrum from which Rita is learning. “This class has pushed me out of my comfort zone, in good ways,” Grace says. “I’m very much an introvert, and I’ve been learning to communicate with people and come out more.” Grace finished her AU career online due to the pandemic, and she’s been grateful to be back on campus as an alumna. This semester Grace audited the SOC course National Park Service Video Project, a master’s-level environmental filmmaking production practicum taught by Maggie Stogner.

Grace is new to her job at the White House Visitor Center, managed by the National Park Service. It was her employer who encouraged Grace to take this class. “I would not have had this opportunity to audit a master’s level course without the support of my job,” she said. Grace, with her bachelor’s in international studies, has no background in filmmaking. When Grace joined the class, she was “quite nervous” to be surrounded by people who were more versed in the field. She also knew that the students and professor already had relationships with each other, especially considering the close connections people in a master’s program form. She was worried she wouldn’t find a place. Thankfully, “the students and the professor have ensured that I feel welcomed and supported as I learn these new skills,” she says.

Grace says the audit program has helped her find a community on AU’s campus she never thought she’d have. “When COVID happened, I thought my time on campus was over. I didn’t think I’d be able to come back. Through this program it feels like I am officially finishing my college career,” she says.

To both Rita and Grace, the ability to engage in lifelong learning with the university is a gift. “Lifelong learning, to me, means that you are able to put yourself out there,” Grace says. “Wherever you go, you’re furthering your personal or professional [life].”

Grace was excited to know that the university offers unique and educational ways to remain connected. “At 23 or 93, you’re still able to learn” she said. For Rita, lifelong learning means that “the door is always open to come in, at any point of your life.” Rita, who even enjoys going to jury duty, said, “I’m curious about everything life has to offer and [the audit program] is a way to gain knowledge of the world around you.” And in closing, Rita gave some wisdom she encourages all of us to remember: “No matter how old you are, you’re sitting on the cusp of a whole new world.”

The AU Alumni and Community Audit Program is managed by the Office of Alumni Relations with ample support from campus partners, including academic staff from each school and college, the Student Health Center, and the AU Registrar’s Office.

For other ways to engage in lifelong learning with the university, explore the , the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at AU , and these community resources. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon—and maybe you’ll bump into Rita or Grace along the way.