Lifelong Learning

Two couples, both alumni of Denison University, and one with a relative at Kendal at Oberlin made the initial introductions between Kendal and Denison.  Granville, located 26 miles northeast of Columbus, is the Home of Denison University.  Thereafter, Denison and Kendal at Granville have supported each other and each has reaped the benefits of a dynamic and synergistic relationship.  Early in KAG development, Denison University President and staff publicly supported Kendal at Granville to the local community and to the alumni through the alumni magazine.  The University not only provided seed money for the project, but also provided the land through a land lease arrangement.

 Denison was not only supportive of the establishment of Kendal at Granville (KAG), which opened in the spring of 2005, but has continued to be actively involved with the community.  Members of Denison administration and Denison alumni sit on the Board of KAG.  Denison assisted KAG's marketing efforts through publishing articles about the retirement community's progress in its alumni magazine, inviting KAG representatives to have displays at Alumni meetings and allowing mailing of the KAG newsletter to alumni from appropriate class years.

Kendal residents take advantage of the many cultural, intellectual and sporting events that Denison brings to the Granville community.  Denison professors have lectured on a variety of topics at Kendal, and Kendal residents audit courses through Denison’s Community Scholar program.  Denison has begun an orientation program to familiarize new Kendal at Granville residents to the campus and opportunities available to them at the University.  Residents have participated as subjects in research projects for students from Denison University, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio and Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

The Ohio State University-Newark and Central Ohio Technical College campuses are in nearby Newark.  The Kendal at Granville relationship with these campuses allows Kendal to be a practicum site for students in health related courses of study.  These campuses also serve as an important recruitment resource for KAG.  Tuition reimbursement is currently available for KAG employees.

Working together, Kendal at Granville staff and residents and Denison University office of alumni relations have organized and offered campus tours and an orientation program for new Kendal at Granville residents.  This program was so successful it is also being offered by the Central Ohio Technical College.  Using questions developed by KAG residents, the University developed a Frequently Asked Questions Response leaflet to help residents learn ways to become involved in the campus community and access the many opportunities available to them through Denison.