PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A University of Maine at Presque Isle program that serves local residents over 50 and believes in “learning for life” is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Seniors Achieving Greater Education [SAGE] has worked for the last decade to bring short courses in arts, sciences and specialty areas to the region’s senior community. SAGE is one of 16 senior colleges in the Maine Senior College Network, and the only one north of Orono. “To me, the great thing about SAGE is being with people your own age and the fact that there’s no pressure with these courses,” Dan Ladner, SAGE advisory board member, said. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere and it’s a lot of fun.”
To mark the 10th anniversary, SAGE officials are offering more than a dozen courses and learning excursions – on topics ranging from beginning Latin and poetry to Chinese history and the golden age of movie musicals. Classes range in length from four to six weeks and will be offered between Sept. 18 and Nov. 6. Individual classes meet once a week for approximately two hours.
In addition to the course offerings, SAGE officials will kick off their 10th fall term with a luncheon at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13 in the Campus Center. Officials say it is no mistake that the program has reached its’ 10-year milestone.
“I think this program has lasted because we have offered courses that appeal to people,” Nancy Roe, SAGE advisory board member, said. “We’re always, always seeking to find courses that people want to take and, by doing so, we’re attracting people to the university campus that maybe would not normally go there.”
One of the beauties of SAGE, Roe explained, is that there are no entrance requirements, grades or tests, and no college background is needed. Another benefit is that course facilitators are local people who have a deep love and knowledge of the subject they are presenting.
Yet another bonus is the cost that participants pay for the education and interaction they get. Membership in SAGE is $15 per semester or $30 for the year. There are additional fees for field trips and lab courses. Full or partial scholarships to take part in the program are available through a simple, friendly and confidential process.
To make a reservation for the Sept. 13 kick-off lunch – cost is $5 – contact Mary Lawrence at 768-9502.
For more information or to register for a class, call Lawrence or visit the university’s Web site at www.umpi.maine.edu/info/csp/pro/sage.htm.
