Proud To Be A Ranger (Longer version of article published in Kenosha News in 2009)
 
I've lived in Kenosha, off and on, since 1991.  Gradually it became more "on" than "off" and for the last several years it is totally "on."  My wife gets upset when I refer to her beloved hometown as Chicago's finest North Shore suburb.  Believe me, I mean no disrespect.  After all, the North Shore is a beautiful place with stately mansions housing some of America's wealthiest and most influential citizens.  Regardless, I am very content living in the "City For All Seasons."  For anyone who is retired, but doesn't really want to be, this is the place to live.  The enviable advantage of  conveniently lying between two major cultural centers is a given.  Concerts, church festivals, sports events, museums, and lake activities are here in abundance.  I happen to love the trolley rides for a quarter.  Friendly people and great Italian food are equally appreciated. 
 
Four months ago I made a startling, life changing discovery just a five minute ride from our cottage.  I have always been aware of the existence of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.  For instance, I knew that the Northwestern University football team held summer camp there and that the foreign film program was an entertainment bargain.  What I just learned, though, was that a state resident over 60 years old could audit up to two courses per semester-- tuition free.  No credits, but, at my age, who cares.  I got 120 of  those  over 50 years ago in Madison.  Now, it is solely for the fun of learning.  Computer Science 105 and World History 126, taught by Tim Knautz and Nat Godley, respectively, are awesome.  (See, I am even picking up the lingo)   "Thanks, gentlemen for letting me feel like part of the class and for not making me take exams or turn in assignments."  Talk about your "having it both ways."
 
Besides attending classes twice a week, I am enjoying an endless parade of activities and entertainment, such as: great music and theater, exciting athletic events, discussion groups, lectures and exhibits,
all provided in a state-of the-art environment.  I am, now a member of PASA (Parkside Adult Student Alliance).  I am the most 'adult' person there by decades.  I overheard my wife telling one of her friends that I had joined a fraternity.  I did, ultimately, correct her.  When I told her I was considering spending Spring Break in Key West with my fellow students she said I should stay there.  I have a Ranger ID card with my picture on it, a parking permit and a student e-mail address.  Someone even suggested I run for a Student Government office, which would be a bit of a stretch.  Yesterday, I bought a Parkside cap for 15 bucks from the bookstore.  This bustling  enterprise has collected quite a little of my discretionary funds because, while the courses are free, the text books and supplies, emphatically, are not. 
 
I meet several new people every day, many from  distant lands with diverse cultures. I was even invited to join the International Club--I guess being a native Chicagoan qualifies me. Did I happen to mention that Parkside is absolutely the friendliest place I have ever been in my life?  People actually smile at me in passing.  Everyone is helpful and friendly, whether they be faculty, administration, service, or, best of all, students.  Ah! the students.  Like many of my peers I was becoming deeply concerned about our country's future being placed in the hands of pampered, selfish, thoughtless, rude and, yes, poorly educated young people.  Now, after observing and conversing with UW-P students on a daily basis, I have to say, without reservation, I am not only confident about our future... I am truly excited about it.
 
Just one regret, though--I could have started all this fifteen years ago.
 
Terry Tynan