Generation Swap

Penny Murray's 72-year life journey is founded on faith. She is blessed with 3 children and 9 grandchildren, satisfied in 44 years of nursing, and partnered today with Steve in the joy of life-long learning. Aquinas has provided classes for a degree-seeking adult student, and OLLI has been an amazing growth opportunity in retirement for her. Jessica Kean is a junior at Aquinas College pursuing a BSc in Health Sciences. She is from Brighton Michigan, where she has four of the coolest dogs in the world. She is looking forward to participating in the Mohler-Thompson Research Program this summer on campus! As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Marty Arnold taught writing at Aquinas College, was a journalist, editor, and a non-profit administrator. Since retiring she has published two novels and is re-wilding her yard. Emma Pearson is an Aquinas College sophomore majoring in biochemistry. She loves spending time with kids and animals and is interested in pursuing pediatric medicine. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Diane Friar was a CPA and worked with a local firm for 37 years, where she became a partner. She worked for many years in litigation support and business valuation, work she greatly enjoyed. She retired in 2014 and has been attending Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes since then. An alumna of Aquinas College, she has two grown children and two grandchildren. Ashley Snyder is a junior at Aquinas College. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She also plays for the Aquinas softball team. Her plans for the future have undergone recent revisions. She no longer wants to pursue a career in genetic counseling, but instead has discovered an interest in careers in the field of therapy. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Gary Eberle is a professor of English emeritus at Aquinas College. He is the author of eight books of fiction and nonfiction, a two-time recipient of the Teacher of the Year award, and in 2019 was inducted into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame. Aidan Raffaele is a senior at Aquinas College from Cadillac, MI, studying political science. He enjoys playing golf. After graduation, he plans on attending law school, and hopes to pursue a career in environmental protection through law and policy. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Steve Murray was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area, and spent his entire life in West Michigan. In retirement he enjoys hanging with the dog, watching grandkids' sporting events, taking OLLI classes, and plugging into various volunteer opportunities whenever possible. MacKenzie Morris is a junior at Aquinas College majoring in Biology with hopes of getting into veterinary school. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her pets, family, and friends, and playing board games. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Cindy Ritter grew up in Detroit and became a dental hygienist at University of Detroit Dental School.  She has lived and worked in the Grand Rapids area for 55 years and during this time began her second career as an elementary school teacher after graduating from Aquinas.  She in now retired, but stays busy with her 5 sons' families (including 16 grandchildren), with her church (St. Robert), as a Kent County CASA and refugee resettlement volunteer, and with scrapbooking, softball, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes. Jenna Daschke is an Aquinas College junior from Novi, Michigan majoring in Political Science and International Studies. She enjoys being an active member of the Aquinas community as both a Student Ambassador and Women's Basketball player.   As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Dan Measday is a native of New Jersey and a 1970 graduate of Aquinas College.  He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022.  He is retired after a career in a variety of jobs, including 30 years in sales positions. Noah Reilly is a Grand Rapids native. He came to Aquinas College in 2021 and is studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minoring in Data Analytics. He is passionate about the environment and the life sciences and loves to spend time outdoors and with his family. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Rick Armbruster has had a nontraditional career path that has allowed him to focus on family and community. Currently, he is the President & Founder of Upcycle Bikes, providing bikes to community members in need of an affordable and accessible transportation option. Suzanne Callahan is an Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at Aquinas College. Her background is in leadership, strategy, marketing, sales, fund development and volunteer recruitment in West Michigan.  As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Douglas Kindschi is in his 47th year at Grand Valley State University, where he is the founding director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. He previously served as dean for 28 years, mainly as Dean of Science. He did graduate work in mathematics, philosophy, and theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School and the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he received his Ph.D. Rev. Kyle Kooyers is the Associate Director for the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University. He is responsible for coordinating community-based interfaith engagement, dialogue and relationship-building activities. Originally from Southwestern Pennsylvania, Kyle has spent the past decade exploring asset-based community development and organizational capacity building in various contexts. Kyle received his M.Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary and is ordained within the Presbyterian Church (USA). As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Martha Porter is a Grand Rapids native and mom to two adult daughters. She retired in 2017 after a 40-year career with Amway Corporation. She is a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church and currently serves on the vestry. Samee Teachworth graduated from St. Patrick School in Portland, Michigan, and came to Aquinas where she is studying Business Administration and Communication with a concentration in Human Resources. She is a passionate volleyball player and is active in Student Senate. She is proud to say that she comes from an agricultural background. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Mike Burton is from the Detroit area and was adopted as a baby 75 years ago. He served in the military and was in combat in Vietnam. His career included time as a social worker, probation officer, and guardian ad litem. He and his wife have one son, Brian, who lives in Albuquerque, NM, with his wife. Ryan Gillings is a student at Aquinas College. He loves baseball and is excited to graduate and begin his career in the near future. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Frank Schuller is an alumnus of Aquinas College, having completed the Master of Management program in 2012. He has served in people leadership for nearly forty years with three career restarts. Most of his experience is sales team leadership. Currently he serves as general manager with Grand Rapids Iron & Metal, a commercial and industrial scrap material recycler. Frank's 35-year marriage to Amy includes three adult children, all living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Calvin Willson is an Aquinas College sophomore studying business and communications. He enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing basketball in his spare time. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Gary Eberle is a professor of English emeritus at Aquinas College. He is the author of eight books of fiction and nonfiction, a two-time recipient of Teacher of the Year award, and in 2019 was inducted into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame. Liam O'Brien is a fifth-year student at Aquinas College, majoring in Political Science, and minoring in Marketing and Communications. He is committed to acquiring a better understanding of the world, and to making a positive impact on it. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Dave Kampfschulte is a retired teacher who currently teaches at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College as well as serving as Director of Amazing Circles Workshops. Olivia Sebright is a sophomore at Aquinas College, dual majoring in Business and Communications. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and meeting new people. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Rebecca Harvey is a strategist, architect, and communicator focused on Cybersecurity. With her passion for organizational digital transformation, she's helped global Fortune 500 companies deliver a security foundation based on modern Cybersecurity principles and practices. In addition to co-founding the Women's Security Alliance, WomSA.org, which is a non-profit organization designed to equip and empower women to succeed in the field, she has worked for various software and services organizations in this space. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends outdoors, travel, walking her dog Rosie, and writing. Listen to Rebecca talk about her career journey in cybersecurity, the importance of mentorship, and how women can break into non-traditional career fields. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Dr. Ian Borton, Communications Professor at Aquinas College, has embedded the Generation Swap project into his Interpersonal Communications class for students interested in intergenerational relationships. Listen to him discuss his thoughts on the benefits of the Swapmate relationships, the ‘gamification' of his syllabus, his recent travels in Greece, and a Dungeons and Dragons summer camp he created. Dr. Borton has decades of experience as a conflict mediator, working for the Transforming Conflicted Communities Project, The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, Kent County small claims courts, and other venues. His most recent book is “Creating Restorative Justice” (Lexington Press). His research has also been published in Conflict Resolution Quarterly, The International Journal of Conflict Management, and Negotiation and Conflict Management Research. In recent years his research focus has moved from interpersonal conflict to games and gamification. He currently runs the blog “Dungeon Theory” in which he writes about the connections between social scientific theories and D&D. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Dave Kampfschulte has had a varied career in education, teaching in public schools and as an instructor for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College. He is the Director of Amazing Circles Workshops. As an avid pickleball player, beating the younger players makes his day! Diana Rockstad is currently a junior at Aquinas College studying Psychology, with a concentration in counseling and development and a minor in Communication. She aspires to become a psychologist and a researcher to facilitate the amelioration of individuals' mental and physical health. In her free time, Diana enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks, and drawing. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Ann Zoellner is a retired educator who has redesigned her life. She volunteers her time within the Grand Rapids community, including at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College, Artists Creating Together (ACT], Ronald McDonald House of West Michigan, and Grand Rapids Art Museum. She loves to travel and is always seeking a new adventure. One of her greatest adventures has been mentoring Aquinas students. Hannah Morey is an Aquinas College student double majoring in Communication and Theatre for Social Change. She greatly enjoys the art of human connection. In her free time, she likes volunteering for the Salvation Army, exploring new opportunities, and getting out of her comfort zone. She is a self-described dreamer, wanderer, and an explorer aided by her endless curiosity. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Syd Baxter is a retired entrepreneur and small business owner. He is passionate about his grandchildren, high school crew, and being an all-around cheerleader and sounding board for young people. Katie Schneider-Thomas is a junior at Aquinas College studying Communication and Theatre with a minor in German. She is also an avid hiker and enjoys traveling and going to concerts when she isn't studying.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Paul Farr is a retired gastroenterologist who practiced at Saint Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids and who loves continued learning at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College. He enjoys golf, travel, and mentoring young people at both Aquinas College and at Grand Valley State University. Eliza Brown will be a senior next fall at Aquinas College majoring in Developmental Psychology with a Communication minor. She works part-time with Campus Ministry and at the Advantage Center, but a majority of her time is on the basketball team. She enjoys playing the sport and loves a good iced vanilla latte!

Francine Paolini recently retired from Aquinas College where she worked in the library. For many years she was part of a women's vocal group and performed Motown and other music. She enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her family. Katherine Steel is a recent graduate of Aquinas College, where she worked in radio and podcasting, including working on a podcast project with radio personality Kevin Matthews. She completed a marketing internship at the Highland Group, and is looking forward to starting her career. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Sue Miller taught Latin and English in Grand Rapids area high schools. She loves to travel and has led school groups in Italy and other European countries. She enjoys yoga, walking, and watching films. This is her second time serving as a class mentor. Kaleese Jeffries is a student at Aquinas College and a member of the Aquinas women's basketball team. She also coaches middle school basketball and loves working with young athletes. Basketball is her passion, and she is considering how she can make it a part of her career path after college.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Dave Kampfschulte is a presenter and facilitator at Amazing Circles Workshops. Formerly a teacher in the public school system, he loves working with people of all ages. He has also been a hospice volunteer for many years. Dave has a B.A. from Michigan State University and a M.Ed from Grand Valley State University and is a 2 time mentor in the program. Grace Ballein is a junior at Aquinas College and is studying psychology. She is exploring how her part-time work in childcare during college may be part of her full-time career plans. She has been on the Cheer Team at Aquinas. Grace loves to sing and has been a member of several choirs throughout high school and college.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Susan Kohloff works part-time at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute after a long career with the Michigan Department of Corrections. She is passionate about animals and is involved with Paws with a Cause, and cares for three of her own dogs. She is also a gardener and finds that she is busier in retirement than when she was working full-time. Nicole Estrada is a junior at Aquinas College and is double majoring in Communications and Sociology with a focus on Health and Human Services. After college, she hopes to work at a non-profit and plans to get a Master's in Public Administration. She is interested in travel and working in a larger city someday.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Ann Zoellner worked as a speech pathologist, special education teacher and consultant. She has a Master's degree from Michigan State University and a Special Education Supervisor certification from Grand Valley State University. She is an art museum docent and travels frequently overseas. Isabel Shaw is a recent graduate of Aquinas College with a major in Communications. She has been working part-time as a barista and has also worked in the Aquinas College Advantage Center. She is looking forward to starting her career.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Larry Titley worked as an attorney for many years at Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt, and Howlett LLP. He has served on many boards including The Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He received his BA and JD from the University of Michigan. This is his second time serving as a class mentor. Hunter Benzing is a recent graduate of Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He took the winding road to higher education, working as a welder and fabricator for several years before attending college. He is passionate about helping others and plans to pursue a career in counseling.

It's time for our annual series of a collection of voices. Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which an Aquinas College Student and Osher Life Long Institute mentor speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. Paul Farr is a retired gastroenterologist who practiced for many years in Grand Rapids. He is an avid traveler and serves on the board of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He received his BA from Harvard University and his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Jeileny Tenorio is a recent graduate from Aquinas College. With a passion for people and numbers, she majored in both business administration and mathematics. She was an active member of the Aquinas community, serving as a student ambassador and a resident assistant. She also studied abroad at St. Mary's University Twickenham in England.

Cindy Brown is the Vice President for Talent Initiatives at The Right Place. Rachel Gray is the Executive Director at Hello West Michigan.

This episodes features two guests from the Cook Leadership Academy. Gleaves Whitney is the Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the former Director of Grand Valley State University's Hauenstein Center where he worked with many college students in the Cook Leadership Academy. Fresta Tori Jan is a Cook Leadership Academy participant, and is studying Political Science and Pre-Law at Calvin College. Freshta grew up in Afghanistan.

Support of one another leads to strong connections. Dondreá Brown is the director of the Center of Opportunities, Resources, and Excellence at Aquinas College. He is also the founder of 1428 Financial Wellness and the executive director of Young Money Finances, organizations that focus on empowering children and adults to take control of their money. Demetrius Miller is a senior at Aquinas College where he's studying clinical exercise science. He's also a member of the Men's track and soccer teams.

One job interview leads to a Lifelong Friendship Sheila Pantlind is the Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College. Clare Shubert is Director of Engagement and Programming at the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.

Generation Swap has branched off of Your True North, listen to some of our best clips from here.

Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which students of an Aquinas College and Osher Life Long Institute mentors speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. This is part two of a two-part episode.

Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which students of an Aquinas College and Osher Life Long Institute mentors speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. This is part one of a two-part episode.

Get to learn more about this friendship that has spawned nearly a decade thanks to Higher Education.

Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which students of an Aquinas College and Osher Life Long Institute mentors speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. This is part two of a two-part episode.

Listen to this edition of Generation Swap, in which students of an Aquinas College and Osher Life Long Institute mentors speak on their experiences of getting to know one another and the different views they have of their world. This is part one of a two-part episode.

Generation Swap has branched off of Your True North, listen to some of our best clips from here.

Higher Ed Life: Mentoring and Friendship Across Generations: LeaAnn Tibbe and Sean O'Melia by Generation Swap