MCKEESPORT, Pa. — What does it mean to age in today’s society? This question was on the minds of all Penn State Greater Allegheny faculty and staff as they attended the fourth annual All Campus Day, an event that goes beyond a simple employee reunion. Part of the "Our Campus, Our Culture, Our Community" professional development series, this year’s All Campus Day introduced "Growing Older," a new common intellectual experience (CIE) that challenges the campus community to think deeply about aging and how it impacts the Pittsburgh area, where more than 20% of residents are age 65 or older. 

CIEs typically comprise related events or other co-curricular activities. The "Growing Older" CIE — developed in collaboration with Laura Cruz, research professor in the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence and the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) — encourages students, faculty and staff to engage in hands-on experiences, service-learning projects and community partnerships. By integrating aging-related topics into academic disciplines such as biobehavioral health, social work, business and psychology, the CIE aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of aging.

Megan L. Nagel, regional chancellor of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, Penn State Greater Allegheny and Penn State New Kensington, played a key role in choosing the All-Campus Day theme and emphasized its importance.

“We chose the theme of ‘Growing Older’ because aging is a universal experience that touches every one of us, yet it’s often misunderstood or overlooked in society,” Nagel said. “With our population in Allegheny County and across the nation aging rapidly, it’s vital that we begin to address not only the challenges but also the opportunities that come with aging. It’s an issue that affects us all, and one that we must engage with thoughtfully and critically.”

Nagel also said she believes that this CIE has the potential to reshape perceptions on campus, spark meaningful and intergenerational conversations, and challenge common misconceptions about aging, especially among the younger generation of students on campus.

“Our goal is to create a campus-wide conversation where aging is viewed not through a lens of fear, but of respect, empathy and potential,” she said

AAA is Allegheny County’s public office responsible for providing coordinated, participant-centered services to the county’s residents, primarily those 60 years of age and older, to help them remain as independent as possible. It provides services, regardless of income, as mandated and required by state and federal agencies and laws. The collaboration with AAA will provide access to valuable resources, enhancing both educational and community outreach efforts, ensuring that the campus focus on aging aligns with broader goals for community engagement and student development.

“Institutions of higher learning should be preparing students for more than just the academic aspects of life,” said Shannah Gilliam, director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Aging Services and administrator of the AAA. “Understanding is a first step to increasing empathy and reducing biases. With the CIE initiative, learning will flow in many directions, among students, faculty, and the community. My hope is that when students complete a few years of the CIE, they will be kinder and more patient with mature adults, because they understand and respect their contributions to the communities that we live in.”

Looking ahead, Gilliam expressed her excitement about the evolving partnership.

“I am really looking forward to being a part of the CIE," she said. "There are lots of opportunities, only limited by our imaginations. I can’t wait to put on my painting clothes and help to bring the mural project to life.”

The Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging Senior Line at 412-350-5460 is available for anyone over 60 years old who needs information on services. 

Beyond launching the CIE, the campus community received updates on Greater Allegheny’s role in a regional vision, details on fall enrollment and other University initiatives. The campus also celebrated milestones of faculty and staff service, highlighting years of dedication ranging from five years to a special 25-year recognition for Professor of Biology John Peles, who received a chair for his service.