The Village at Penn State

The Village at Penn State: A Case Study for University Affiliated Retirement Communities

By: Colleen O’Malley

Campus living is not only for young teens anymore. There is a growing number in retirees residing to university-linked retirement communities because they offer a sense of home, easy living, access to classes, and university facilities, and health services. Penn State is one example out of the 23 universities directly linked to a retirement community.

In 1995, alumni expressed to Dr. Graham Spanier, President of Penn State University, an interest in returning to the university because they understood the area had multiple opportunities in education and culture which created a vibrant environment. It was clear that the alumni are attracted to a small town atmosphere and the stimulation of university life.

Bringing back the alumni for retirement not only allows for endless opportunities for the retirees but for the universities. Creating a connection between retired alumni and the university allows for the reservoir of knowledge the retirees possess be shared among the community. Dr. Spanier envisioned residents would contribute to the university with volunteer hours, mentoring students and teaching lectures. Additionally, nurturing and strengthening the relationship between the alumni and the university allows for potential opportunity to enhance alumni giving.

Retired alumni also reap many benefits from the connection to the university. At Penn State these benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Attend classes free on a space-s available basis.
• Enjoy priority access to Penn State football and basketball tickets.
• Receive advance opportunity to attend events in the Bryce Jordan Center and the Center for Performing Arts.
• Take part in University cultural and educational seminars.
• Take lessons in golf, swimming, tennis and more from college athletes.
• Contribute to campus life as a mentor, project assistant, or many other ways.
• Use University tennis courts and Natatorium.
• Golf on the Penn State courses at reduced rates.
• Scoop up Penn State Creamery ice cream at the on-site Village Creamery.
• Simply enjoy the stimulating University atmosphere.

Overall, university-linked retirement communities create multiple benefits for both retirees and universities. Dr. Spanier’s vision was to create a vehicle through which aging alumni and the Penn State University community could engage one another in a mutually beneficial relationship and discover synergies.  Today, Dr. Spanier’s vision is a reality. The Village at Penn State took eight years to develop and is now located on University-owned land within eyesight of the campus. The Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) totals approximately 240 units of independent living apartments, cottages, assisted living units and skilled nursing units at full build-out.

http://www.villageatpennstate.org/index.html