82-Year-Old Marion Gommerman Returns to University with Grandson

At 82 years old, Marion Gommerman is embarking on a new academic journey this fall at the University of Toronto. She is returning to complete an undergraduate degree that she began almost 30 years ago at McMaster University. Gommerman is not alone in this endeavor; she will be joined by her grandson, Sam Griffin, who is also starting his undergraduate studies.

Gommerman’s passion for learning has been a lifelong pursuit. “It’s just a real desire to learn and just keep learning something different,” she said in an interview with CP24.com. This enthusiasm was reignited last year when she participated in a unique course called the Intergenerational Classroom. The course, “Aging and Health,” is part of the Public Health Studies program and pairs older adults with undergraduate students to explore vital topics related to aging.

A Unique Educational Experience

The Intergenerational Classroom brings together half undergraduate students and half residents from Christie Gardens, a Toronto retirement community. The course addresses important issues such as social isolation, dementia, and end-of-life care, aiming to foster understanding between generations. Gommerman described her experience in the course as “great” and expressed her eagerness to delve deeper into these subjects by returning as a full-time student.

“I wanted to know more, and the only way I could do that and get right into the real depth of everything was to sign up as a student,” she explained. In addition to the Aging and Health course, Gommerman will be studying psychology and philosophy, as well as taking an immunology class taught by her daughter, Dr. Jen Gommerman.

Family Connections in Education

The familial ties extend beyond her daughter; Gommerman finds it amusing and heartwarming that she will share the campus with her grandson. Griffin is pursuing a degree in jazz music, showcasing the diverse interests of the family. “When I decided to go back, and he was enrolling in first year as well, we had a good laugh about that,” she said. “It’s gonna be really nice to have him there.”

The combination of Gommerman’s return to education and her family connections highlights the evolving landscape of learning, where age differences can foster mutual growth. As Gommerman prepares to resume her studies, she offers a piece of advice to others who might be contemplating a similar path: “I would say, just go for it. If there’s something I want to do, I better get busy and start doing it.”

Dr. Raza Mirza, the course instructor, emphasizes the importance of breaking down age-related barriers in education. The Intergenerational Classroom, now in its third year, aims to create a learning environment that reflects the diversity of society. “If the classroom can be seen as a microcosm of society, then being intentional about bringing the current older adults and the future older adults together can help not only change perspectives but also shape the context of learning,” he stated.

As Gommerman prepares for the semester ahead, her story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limits. The excitement she feels about returning to the classroom resonates with many who share her passion for lifelong learning.