Robert O. Davies President at Central Michigan University | Official website
Robert O. Davies President at Central Michigan University | Official website
Central Michigan University’s Grandparents U Summer Camp has become a yearly tradition for alumna Marjorie Sheppard, Class of 1977. This year's camp, held June 18-20, marked the 16th she has attended. Over that span, nine of her grandchildren have participated alongside her.
“They love it!” Sheppard said. “You should hear them talk about it. They love the class sessions.” Sheppard, her husband John, and their grandchildren Molly, Jacob, and Kathryn were among the 116 attendees at CMU’s 17th Annual GPU Camp.
The event is designed for alumni and friends who are grandparents and their grandchildren between the ages of 8 and 12. "Grandparents U is all about diving into fun, hands-on learning,” said Brittany Milan, Senior Associate Director of Alumni Engagement. “It's a celebration of family, education, and the joy of discovery, where every activity is designed to strengthen the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren."
Participants spent three days and two nights on campus engaging in interactive educational sessions hosted by faculty and staff. Classes included a behind-the-scenes look at WCMU public television, touring the campus police station, summer cooking for kids, and an egg drop competition.
“We love all of the sessions,” said Ann Edwards from Maine who attended with her husband Bill and their two grandchildren. “It’s great spending quality time with them without having to figure out how to entertain them.”
Eleven-year-old Avery Roebke attended GPU for her fourth year this summer. She cited hands-on activities like staying in residence halls and enjoying CMU’s dining options as reasons for returning. “Touring the police station is my favorite session,” Roebke said. “Taking fingerprints, doing the shooting simulator, and trying on police gear was fun.”
The experience has left such an impression on Marjorie Sheppard's family that even older grandchildren wish they could still attend GPU. “I’ve got a 15-year-old and a 13-year-old that went through it," she said with a chuckle. "They said if my two youngest back out, they want back in!”
Note: The term Grandparents University® is a registered trademark originated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is used with permission.
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