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All TCU. All the time.

TCU 360

TCU 360

All TCU. All the time.

TCU 360

Students discuss religious topics in a small group. (Photo courtesy of tcuwesley.org)
Wednesday nights at TCU’s Methodist campus ministry provide religious exploration and fellowship
By Boots Giblin, Staff Writer
Published Mar 27, 2024
Students at the Wesley said they found community on Wednesday nights.

    Seasoned learners to receive new program

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    TCU’s Office of Extended Education is promoting lifelong learning for anyone 50 years and older through their newly developed organization called TCU Silver Frogs.

    TCU Silver Frogs is set to launch in spring 2015. The program will be a lifelong learning institute that welcomes anyone from the community over the age of 50.

    The mission of the Office of Extended Education is to engage TCU with the community through high quality courses, programs, conferences and other offerings that educate, enlighten, renew and serve, according to office’s mission statement on their website.

    Four week long non-credit classes, luncheon lectures, discussion groups, campus discounts and access to TCU’s Mary Couts Burnett Library are among the things that will be available to those who join Silver Frogs. Persons interested may join the organization by paying a membership fee. 

     

    Assistant Director of Extended Education Julie Lovett said that although 17 percent of those enrolled in Extended Education courses in spring 2014 received a senior discount, the department felt like there were no programs in their department geared toward this particular age group. 

    “We decided to get a reaction from the community and it was positive,” said Lovett. 

    In March 2014, the concept behind Silver Frogs was proposed to a group of individuals who had taken classes through TCU’s Extended Education program and were at least 50 years old.

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    Lovett said the goal of TCU Silver Frogs is to provide older adults, some of whom are retired, a fun way to continue learning.

    Instructors who will consist of both members and non-members of Silver Frogs, will teach the various four-week courses. As of now, there are 16 classes being offered. These classes range from basic fly-fishing to the history of aviation. 

    TCU Silver Frogs is a member driven organization.

    The organization has an advisory board which consists of 15 to 20 volunteers. This board has determined the classes that will be offered and special events that will be held during the spring semester. 

    The advisory board is in the process of creating different committees to aid in running the organization. 

    For future semesters, members of the organization’s advisory board and committees will determine what classes, special events and guest speakers will be offered. The advisory board committees will run Silver Frogs altogether. 

    “Just from serving on the committee, there has been a great sense of comradery and friendship,” said advisory committee member Pam Smith. 

    Frog Club Services Coordinator Julie Phipps said Silver Frogs will be a great way for her to continue her education once she retires. 

    “I think it will be fun to take classes and attend luncheons with others my age,” said Phipps. 

    Silver Frogs has a membership limit of 160 individuals per semester. 

    To join this organization individuals must pay a $130 fee. However, couples may register for $117 per person. 

    Events in conjunction with Silver Frogs will be held in the Secrest-Wible building on campus where the Extended Education department is housed. 

    Individuals interested in becoming a member of Silver Frogs can learn more and join the organization at its kick-off event on Oct. 9th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.