Learning in Retirement

We believe that education makes a difference at any age. Learning does not stop just because our “school days” are behind us – in fact, for most of us the desire to learn keeps growing over time. To serve our intellectually curious community of lifelong learners, DCS develops and sponsors a variety of opportunities for learners in retirement on campus, in community settings, and in retirement centers . This fund will expand the delivery of programs for senior citizens and create new opportunities for distinguished emeritus faculty to share their special knowledge.

Learning in Retirement Fund

A gift in this category will help provide support for the development of programs designed for the learner in retirement. The Division partners with such organizations as UW Cooperative Extension, the Wisconsin Alumni Association, and senior citizen centers to provide a series of educational programs. Recent examples include Senior Academy, a series of educational programs delivered in senior citizen centers around Dane County; and Grandparents University, an award-winning two-day summer workshop on the UW-Madison campus. Your gift will expand opportunities for lifelong learners to come together and learn from one another in a dynamic atmosphere.

Emeritus Faculty Public Presentation Fund

For 10 years the Division has supported Eloquence and Eminence, an award-winning series where retired faculty renowned for their teaching and scholarship provide free community lectures throughout the semester. Topics range from politics to science, from art to social movements, from religion to history. Your gift will help people throughout Wisconsin continue to benefit from the rich knowledge and insights of our retired faculty.

Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization
(PLATO) Fund

PLATO, UW’s membership-directed student organization for retired citizens, is a diverse group of learners who benefit from member-led presentation/discussion sessions on a rich variety of topics, from the history of Big Bands to the philosophy of world religions. Your gift will help expand the number and location of PLATO’s peer-group educational events to locations throughout Dane County, so that more senior learners can get together and join in this exciting and revitalizing experience.

The Arts are for Everyone      Alumni Lifelong Learning
Youth and Teacher Enhancement      Wis. Idea Public Presentation
Wis. Idea Strategic Initiative

Student Opportunity Fund       DCS Giving Home