Photo by Jim Muchlinski Paul Johnson (foreground) and Vince LaPorte, both from Marshall, received information at Wednesday’s SMSU GOLD College kickoff.

MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University’s GOLD College kicked off in style with a two-hour Wednesday afternoon event.

Participants met instructors, saw a video of a music collaboration that included SMSU music professor Dan Rieppel about putting poetry by author Bill Holm to music, and had the chance to register for classes. More than 50 people were in attendance.

During the registration process prior to the program, both newcomers and longstanding participants said they look forward to the learning opportunities available at GOLD College.

“I want to keep going with lifelong learning,” said Paul Johnson of Marshall, a first time participant. “I’m sure I’ll learn things in the classes that I wouldn’t be exposed to through reading on my own.”

Bob Jahn of Marshall, a regular participant, said GOLD College brings back memories of his days as an SMSU college student.

“I started coming to GOLD College because I’m alumni and I knew some of the professors,” Jahn said. “It gave me more than I expected. I absolutely love it.”

Dave Taylor of Marshall has been to every GOLD College term since the program was started 24 years ago. It began shortly after his retirement in 1999.

He said he keeps coming back because of a combination of interesting classes and the opportunity to meet other senior citizens who like to learn.

“It always has great classes,” he said. “The people are also an important part of it. I enjoy meeting instructors and fellow students.”

Dave’s wife, Diane, said GOLD College is well worth the price. Participants can take up to four classes for a base price of $110, and can take additional classes for $10 each.

“We’ve made many friends through GOLD College,” Diane said. “It’s a good way to learn and to socialize. People who are retired need opportunities to be around others their age.”

Steve Frederickson of Marshall will teach a class on the U.S. Constitution after attending GOLD College as a student. He retired in Marshall after a career as a social studies teacher and then a school administrator.

He said he’ll try to make his class interactive, with plenty of opportunities for students to share knowledge and information.

“A class like mine should have interactive discussion,” Frederickson said. “I enjoy seeing the level of knowledge that students bring to the classes. That’s what GOLD College is all about.”

SMSU Director of Alumni Relastions and Outreach Angela Lee said in her welcome address that SMSU staff continually look for ways to expand GOLD College and to make it a visible part of campus life.

“It’s great to have this type of program,” Lee said. “We want to do more than just sustain it. We want it to grow and we’d like to offer more classes.”

Lee said the main ingredient for success is the people who take the time to attend and who at times serve as ambassadors to other potential students.”

“We greatly appreciate their support,” she said. “GOLD College wouldn’t succeed if they didn’t take an interest. They often tell friends about it. We want them to continue to spread the word.”