Thriving older college students

GRAND CHUTE - Being the older, wiser student in class has its advantages.

"You come in here it makes you feel 20 years younger, I mean you feel rejuvenated," explained Don Van Lankvelt, a 61-year-old laid off worker seeking a new opportunity at Fox Valley Technical College.

But being twice or three times the age of most of the other students also offers drawbacks.

So for the growing number of laid off workers heading back to school at Fox Valley Technical College, OWL was formed: Older, Wiser, Learners.

"I think its been really good for everybody, and we try to inspire other people to direct them where they need to go," said Kathy LeClair who came up with the OWL idea after enrolling this past January and finding herself overwhelmed and alone.

"I felt kind of lost and out of sorts," she said.

But the group, she now heads up to help other OWLS, meets once a month to offer support and encourage school and community involvement.

Fox Valley Technical College has always had some older students, but nothing like the school has now. In the past year, 1,100 older, displaced workers have joined the student body.

"This is unprecedented in terms of the numbers of non-traditional adult students," said Student Life director Vicky Barke. She says the OWL students offer a new dimension to learning not only for them but for the younger students. Everyone learning from each other. Some offering life skills, others help with today's technology.

"It was interesting you come here and learn more and more and you enjoy it," said Van Lankvelt.

Proving with a little support you're never too old to fit in and thrive.