Collaborative Partnership with
Rollins college promotes
Interactive intellectual
experiences

The Mayflower’s commitment to brain fitness and lifelong learning has “graduated” to a whole new level, thanks to a partnership with Rollins College. The on-campus enrichment series features hands-on learning experiences in small-group sessions with no more than 12 participants. Classes – which cover a range of subjects including art, theater, writing, history and environmental sciences – are taught by Rollins faculty and staff.

The Mayflower’s commitment to brain fitness and lifelong learning has “graduated” to a whole new level, thanks to a partnership with Rollins College. The on-campus enrichment series features hands-on learning experiences in small-group sessions with no more than 12 participants. Classes – which cover a range of subjects including art, theater, writing, history and environmental sciences – are taught by Rollins faculty
and staff.

The Rollins/Mayflower partnership differs from other retirement community/ university affiliations because of its focus on immersion in the subject matter, interactivity and a small teacher-to-student ratio. “Our residents don’t just sit in a classroom listening to a lecture; they are sculpting, or participating in improv on stage at the Annie Russell Theatre or learning to play a musical instrument,” says Jana Ricci, director of marketing for The Mayflower. “This is truly an inclusive partnership that engages older adults in learning.”

Located less than three miles from Rollins, The Mayflower provides transportation for residents to and from classes. Although the courses are non-credit, participants benefit from the mental stimulation of intergenerational learning, which has been proven to enhance brain fitness.

The lifelong learning program complements a long, connected history between the two entities. In addition to sharing common ancestry (both were founded by the First Congregational Church of Winter Park), Rollins has been providing speakers and programs (including students’ collaborative works) to The Mayflower for years.