Golden Mavs: It’s never too late to be a Maverick
A new group of learners is taking classes at The University of Texas at Arlington through Golden Mavs, a membership-based program for adults 55 and older. Launched in September by UTA’s Extension and Extended Campus (EEC), the program welcomed its first participants this fall.
The program offers courses on a wide range of topics, from history and technology to cooking and gardening, while giving students opportunities to connect with others and become more involved with the University.
“We set out to create classes the 55-plus community could take to expand their learning and also build community,” said Brandie Green, executive director of EEC. “We’ve been engaging our participants in so many ways, and it’s worked so well for this group.”
Ruma Sakura is among the first Golden Mavs students. She has enrolled in more than seven courses, including “Aging with Style,” “Mental Wellness and Resilience,” “CPR for Seniors” and “AI for Everyday Life.”
“I’m passionate about learning about several contemporary and interesting topics,” Sakura said. “For example, in my nutrition class, the instructor has covered the advantages and disadvantages of food types we need to pay attention to.”
Golden Mavs memberships are available each fall and spring semester, with three monthlong sessions per semester and approximately 15 courses offered during each session. Classes are offered in person or online and taught by volunteers, including UTA faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.
Nathan Cowley, a UTA history master’s student who also works at the EEC, is among the Golden Mavs volunteer instructors.
“The students participating in Golden Mavs are all truly amazing people who have a lifelong desire to learn and grow, and it makes for a really great classroom environment,” Cowley said. “As with any of the history classes I teach, I always hope that my students leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around them.”
Shane Huff, director of continuing education, said the program’s first semester has been a success, with students and instructors already offering ideas for improvement as Golden Mavs looks to grow.
“The attendees are so excited. They want to help promote the program, and they’re giving us ideas to make it better—it’s all been a very positive experience,” Huff said. “I know they’re happy to be here and be included in the Maverick family.”
Registration for the spring semester opens in November, with classes beginning in January. For more information about Golden Mavs, visit the program’s website at https://web-ded.uta.edu/wconnect/SubGroup.awp?Group=GMV.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.