TUESDAY, 3:30 to 4:30 P.M. | MILL RACE CENTER, MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM 3
Presenter: Patricia Dowling
Patricia Dowling is Director of the Erie County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a national service program that matches the skills and interests of people age 55 and older with challenging volunteer opportunities to meet community needs.
In addition to managing 800 RSVP volunteers at 90 nonprofit organizations, she coordinates the University Express program which offers free academic classes at senior centers throughout the County.
Pat started this unique lifelong learning program 8 years ago, and has helped it grow from 2 classes at 2 senior centers, to over 80 topics each Spring and Fall semester at 8 senior centers, reaching thousands of older adults eager to learn, question and discuss! Pat has ensured sustainability through the addition of program sponsors.
Pat has an MS in Human Development (Adult Development and Aging) from the Pennsylvania State University and over 30 years of experience in aging services and volunteer management.
University Express is a highly successful and cost-effective lifelong learning program which brings college level academic classes with volunteer instructors to older adults in the comfortable setting of their own senior centers; learn how the program works, including selection of topics and instructors, scheduling classes, getting out publicity, evaluating results, and working toward sustainability.
