June 19, 2016
Baycrest, a global leader in aging and brain health innovations, hosted the annual Baycrest Learning Academy graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 28, 2016.
Baycrest, in partnership with Programs for 50+ at The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University, launched the Baycrest Learning Academy program in 2012. This ongoing program is aimed at providing enhanced learning opportunities for older adults. Courses are taught on the Baycrest campus and offered to seniors 60 years of age or older.
The Baycrest Learning Academy provides older adult learners with opportunities to expand knowledge and challenge the mind, engage in discussion with their peers, and learn from experts in the fields of brain health and aging. This year’s classes ran from April to June, 2016.
Seventy graduates, ranging in age from 60 to 95 received diplomas, heard from a valedictorian, and received greetings from Fred Anger, Acting Executive Director, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, and from Dr. David Conn, Vice President Education, Baycrest, among others.
“The Baycrest Learning Academy, in partnership with Ryerson University’s Chang School of Continuing Education, is one of the most popular programs at Baycrest. It brings together a variety of older adult learners who are interested in challenging themselves, and who have an appetite for intellectual pursuits,” says Aviva Altchuler, Manager of Baycrest’s Culture and Arts Department. “The most requested classes are typically music and arts-based – subjects that resonate with our clients, and trigger personal past memories. Each class culminates in the sharing of life stories. The academy is an example of the positive health outcomes attributed to lifelong learning. ”
The graduation ceremony took place in Baycrest’s Winter Garden atrium from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
“The Chang School’s Programs for 50+ is pleased to partner with Baycrest in delivering an innovative learning model,” says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean of The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. “Supporting access to education and lifelong learning is part of The Chang School’s mission and the Baycrest Learning Academy reflects our commitment to meet societal needs.”
For media inquiries:
Jonathan MacIndoe
Baycrest
416-785-2500 ext. 6579
jmacindoe@baycrest.org
Marilou Cruz
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
Ryerson University
416.979.5000, ext. 4670
m1cruz@ryerson.ca