Generation Swap Aquinas College

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.