VILLANOVA, Pa. (WPVI) -- Members of the Baby Boomer generation are learning that they may need to learn more.
With the recession and advances in technology, a bachelor's degree is not always enough anymore.
Villanova University is just one of the schools in our area with a continuing Ed program.
The university caters to older adults with a variety of motives and interests. Some need to embark on a second career. Others just have a desire to learn.
The school has been offering adult education classes for nearly a century.
"Even in the 1920s we had classes down at Hallahan High School," said Dr. Robert Stokes, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Part Time and Continuing Studies.
Students can earn bachelor's degrees in the arts, science and business, and there are 9-credit certificate programs in a variety of disciplines.
"I have reinvented myself on a couple of occasions," said human resources student Terry Stettner. "Right now, I'm studying for my HR certification."
Classes are offered during the week and on weekends, day and night, both on campus and online.
"We have an online program," said Stokes. "All of a sudden this one voice stood up and introduced himself and said, 'Good morning. It's 4 o'clock in the morning in Afghanistan, and I'm up early with my cup of coffee ready to learn about project management.'"
Those who are simply curious can take courses in everything from history and art to computer technology and languages.
"It makes me feel young again," said Stettner. "I wasn't sure about my first experience going back to school in 30 years. But it's very rewarding."
"And I found that, you know, I still had it. I could do it," Stettner added, laughing.
"I'm seeing my dream come true," said Levi Gunter, who is studying information science. "I'm really excited, you know, to get done. And you know the career that'll be awaiting, and this will be my best accomplishment in life."