What kind of opportunities lie ahead in retirement? Perhaps it's building community while gaining expert insight on staying active, retirement finances or art scholarship. All were part of a vibrant launch for TC’s Silver Roundtable, a new affinity group for alumni who are in or approaching retirement.
“It's exciting to think, ‘Well, what's next?’ and so now, we have a chance to give back, to explore interests, to develop new interests, to discover things, to embrace lifelong learning. What better place to do that than at Teachers College?” explained Patricia Vardin (Ed.D. ’84, M.A. ’72), a member of the Silver Roundtable’s planning committee, in her welcome address in Grace Dodge Hall. “We all have this common shared experience. And even though we all love and have these great careers that we gave so much to, [we’re] supposed to be with our people again. Remember how we were in classes with them? Many of us might have been in classes together in this room. And so it’s great to have a chance to come back together again and to have these experiences.”
Hosted by TC’s Office of Institutional Advancement, the eventful day featured informative sessions that immersed alumni in topics like exercise, arts, education philosophy, financial planning and life at the College today. A robust bench of experts included TC’s Carol Ewing Garber, Professor of Movement Science and Education; Judy Burton, Macy Professor of Education; David Hansen, the John L. & Sue Ann Weinberg Professor in Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Education; private wealth advisor Myah Irick (M.A. ’06) and President Thomas Bailey.
Following the day of learning and connection, members of the Silver Roundtable planning committee shared why they wanted to get involved.
It went beyond all of my expectations...To see people chatting like old times, that was a tremendous feeling…It was a nice group of people and even though some of us didn’t know each other, we all connected...We’re not slowing down. Many of us are eager to keep learning and we want to be purposeful, and Teachers College is part of it.
I thought it was very enjoyable. The most rewarding part of the day was connecting with colleagues and the College, as well as feeling a sense of community and enjoying very substantive sessions.
I loved the dancing and the whole talk by Carol Garber about the importance of moving…I really loved talking to people when we were having lunch. It helps you make a connection, and that’s one of the most important things about Silver Roundtable, because as you age and you live alone, it's really helpful.
TC has just been so much a part of my life for so long. It just seems natural to stay engaged, help when I can, and stay a part of the community.