Y&S University bridges the generation gap

NEW ULM -- Who says that people 50 or 60 years apart in age don't have anything in common? Thanks to a District 88 program, "Youth & Senior (Y&S) University," senior citizens and school students are finding they much to appreciate about each other.

The Y&S University is a simple program. Three times a year, senior citizens are invited to one of New Ulm's schools where students show them what they are doing. Sometimes student musical groups perform. Sometimes students in the Family and Consumer Science Class prepare and serve ethnic foods, hors d'oeuvres and salads. Sometimes the Mock Trial Team, or the One-Act Play group performs.

The evenings always include a social time, when students and seniors can get together and talk about what they're doing in school.

A fourth session of Y&S takes place at the Senior Citizens Center, where the seniors host the students they have come to know through the year.

Deb Batzlaff, one of the volunteer coordinators for the Y&S University, says the program helps seniors and youth form a bond, gives them a history and a relationship that can carry on beyond the walls of the school.

Students walking down the street who meet a senior citizen may sometimes look away, or the senior may move aside as they approach. But when they know each other from Y&S University, they may stop and say hi, and talk. Some, said Batzlaff, even meet for coffee and a chat.

Seniors love the program and the chance to meet students, said Batzlaff. The students love it as well, with the support and appreciation the senior citizens provide.

Both groups get to know the other beyond the stereotypes they may have for each other, and discover the commonalities they share.

The program began last year, the idea of Jill Lorentz, the District 88 communications director. The program was supported by local businesses last year, who supplied food and supplies. This year 3M is sponsoring the program.

The Y&S University is limited to 50 participants each session, and registrations can be made by calling Dian Fasse at the Senior Citizens Center, 354-3212.

The next session of Y&S University will be held in April, on a date not yet determined. Program dates are published in The Journal, the City Weaver, and Focus 88. The program is open to all seniors in the area, and all buildings are handicapped accessible.