Lifelong learning was celebrated at Bowdoin College with a luncheon and annual meeting for the non-profit Midcoast Senior College. MSC president Dr. Tony Belmont, a member of the Bowdoin College Class of 1960, presided over the meeting, which drew more than 220 people to Thorne Hall June 14, 2016.

In his welcoming remarks, Belmont gave kudos to Bernard Osher ’48, founder of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, who he called “the father of the senior college movement.”

“It’s an opportunity for seniors to partake in quality education and lifelong learning,” said Belmont of Midcoast Senior College’s offerings, adding that though social interaction is inherently part of the attraction, MSC’s programs are about academic rigor, not just courses to pass the time.

“We are a serious academic organization,” Belmont said. “We don’t teach basketweaving. We don’t give bridge lessons or teach square dancing. We have a quality faculty, one that Bowdoin would envy—because ours work for free!”

Midcoast Senior College is an all-volunteer organization, save for two part-time employees. Doug Bates ’66, Ron Golz ’56 and William Mason ’63 serve on its board of directors. Learn more about Midcoast Senior College.