The surveys were conducted by individual schools among older
alumni across the country and other selected 55+ residents mostly within the
home states of the academic institutions. The surveys are in association with
Campus Continuum LLC based in Newton, Mass., which is in various planning stages
with the three colleges as well as with Saint Francis University in Loretto,
PA.
Survey results across the three institutions were remarkably
consistent. People who are very interested in residing at a Campus Continuum
community of life-long learners bring considerable diversity to the academic
community in terms of their education, income and wealth. They are generally
around 55 – 70 years old and frequently live more than 100 miles from
the university. Both alumni and non-alumni express enthusiasm
Campus Continuum is developing a network of communities across
the country. The firm identifies appropriate academic host institutions, conducts
market assessments, finds and supervises qualified real estate development partners,
markets the residences, and plans and implements the lifestyle program.
Among the most interested prospects, the campus amenities most
preferred are access to courses and seminars, access to the university’s
fitness facilities, theater events and library. Volunteer opportunities, both
on and off campus are also highly valued.
Those who find the idea appealing are a gregarious lot. They
want their community to include a “great room” for socializing and
lectures, a fitness center (to supplement the university’s facility),
a café/bistro, and a bed & breakfast for their guests. And they value
having a Dean of Programs who coordinates interaction between the residents
and the community and arranges group travel events.
Pete Fugleberg, an Oshkosh alum from Brookfield WI, says he
and his wife will retire in 2 ½ years. He’d like to audit courses
and take seminars and volunteer. He’ll be selling a big house and is eager
to see floor plans. Christine Stern lives 15 miles from Oshkosh in Hartland,
WI. She’s an Oshkosh alumna, working on her Master’s and teaching
at UW-Oshkosh now. She teaches English as a Second language and would volunteer
to tutor young people.
Gerard Badler, Campus Continuum’s managing director, says
many Boomers are finding a sense of place that bypasses more conventional retreats
such as beaches or golf courses: “They’re looking for a retirement
-- or semiretirement -- lifestyle different from that experienced by their parents.
They're looking for stimulating intellectual, social and volunteer opportunities."
In Campus Continuum’s vision, residents will have access
to the programs and facilities of the university, as well as seminars and other
programs they organize themselves. Depending on their interests and backgrounds,
some might become part-time lecturers, advise student clubs and organizations,
act as tutors, mentors, or career advisors, and be an enthusiastic audience
for music, theater and sports.
Badler notes these public policy points: The concept attracts
a diverse group in terms of income, home value, age, and prior affiliation with
the school. It capitalizes on the unique assets the University offers so it’s
not competing directly with other residential developments. The people who want
to live on campus want to do so because of the lifestyle offering that affiliation
with the academic institution provides. For the host school, it offers new revenue
sources. And the surrounding community gains a pool of experienced volunteers,
as well as additional property taxes.
Tim Rikkers, VP, Corporate Services at Akcess Group, the developer
for Campus Continuum at UW Oshkosh, is planning on constructing a multi-story
building with about 100 condominium units on the banks of the Fox River on land
adjacent to the University. “Our collaboration with Campus Continuum is
part of our downtown revitalization program that will include a new hotel, office
building and vibrant retail group,” said Rikkers.
Campus Continuum has recently put out an RFP for a developer
for their project at Juniata College. That community will include about 120
residences, built in phases—mostly clustered town homes and some single
family homes.
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Campus Continuum LLC, based in Newton, Mass., organizes residential 55+ Active
Adult Communities for life-long learners on or near college campuses. The firm
plans to develop a network of communities across the country, enabling each
member of the system to learn from the experiences of the others. Campus Continuum’s
roles include identifying appropriate academic host institutions for their projects,
conducting market assessments, finding and supervising qualified real estate
development partners, planning and implementing the lifestyle program and marketing
the residences (both initial sales and re-sales). For more information see www.campuscontinuum.com.
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