Generation Swap

Eileen Chamberlin, originally from Illinois, has been living in Michigan since 1995. She and her husband have two daughters now successfully released into the world, plus three dogs and a cat still at home. Eileen is a clinical therapist mostly retired but still maintains a small private practice. She spends her free time reading, knitting, gardening, and in cordial competition with her husband doing daily word puzzles. Savannah Hammock is an Aquinas College student. She is the Outreach Coordinator for AQ Pride and a Trio SSS Peer Mentor.  Savannah is majoring in Sociology and is minoring in Women and Gender Studies. She is a member of the Class of 2027.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Jan Slotten retired in 2019 after a 37+-year career with Farmers (Foremost) Insurance Company, where she served as a project manager, copywriter, operations manager, and more. Jan earned her Masters in Management at Aquinas while working full time.  In retirement, Jan enjoys volunteering, taking OLLI classes, travel, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Sophia Lentine is a junior at Aquinas College and is expected to graduate in December. She is majoring in English writing with a minor in studio art and hopes to start a career in communications and marketing. On campus, Sophia works for the Writing Center as a consultant/communications specialist as well as a student leader and peer mentor for TRIO SSS. She is also the vice president of the Writer's Guild and the English Honor Society. Outside of college life, Sophia enjoys reading, going skiing, and spending time with the people she loves!As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Jenny Wood Shangraw graduated from Aquinas College in 1971 and then worked at the Grand Rapids Public Library, specializing in business, demographics, economics, and cultural history.  This knowledge led her to become the Business Information Cybrarian for West Michigan’s economic development organization.  Participating in Generation Swap allowed her to share current business and economic trends while learning about the ambitions, challenges, and daily college life of the Aquinas College students.Hannah Bowen is a mentor for Trio SSS program at Aquinas College. She is a junior majoring in environmental science and minoring in coaching. She is on the Aquinas softball team. In her free time Hannah likes to crochet.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Dan Measday is 76 years old and a 1970 graduate of Aquinas College. A native of New Jersey, he has lived in Michigan for over 50 years. Dan is a sports fan and follows baseball, football, ice hockey, and golf.Cristian Zacharias is a sophomore at Aquinas and is from Grant, MI. He is studying Business Administration & Sports Management. He enjoys playing soccer, Magic: The Gathering, writing poetry, and being a general nuisance to his supervisors. He isn’t exactly sure about his career plans but hopes it will involve the sports industry given his passion for soccer.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Cindy Ritter grew up in Detroit and has lived in Grand Rapids for 55 years. She began her career as a dental hygienist and later became an elementary school teacher after graduating from Aquinas.  She is now retired but stays busy with her five sons and 16 grandchildren, her church (St. Robert), as a Kent County CASA and refugee resettlement volunteer, and with scrapbooking, softball, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes.Abby Kozal is a senior at Aquinas College, graduating with a Bachelor’s in English with a Writing Emphasis and minoring in Studio Arts. She has been an active member of the Aquinas community as a Writing Center Consultant, TRIO SSS Peer Mentor, and Culture Editor for the student newspaper. Abby is also very involved with the Theatre Department.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Kate Schirmer grew up in Grand Rapids and later moved to rural Newaygo County. She raised two boys and worked as a swim teacher before returning to school as a non-traditional aged student to get a teaching degree. For 20 years she taught 4h grade in Fremont Michigan.  Katie is now retired and is a 15-year cancer survivor.Jessy Gomez is a new Aquinas College graduate. She majored in Spanish and is now exploring options for life after college.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Tom Miller is a Michigan native. He’s lived much of his life in the Grand Rapids area, as well as having spent several formative years in Kalamazoo and Pennsylvania. He retired a few years ago from a career as a lawyer. Since then, he’s been a regular Osher Lifelong Learning Institute student, community volunteer, traveler (with his spouse), struggling golfer, and – most fun of all – “Grandpa.”Carson LePage is a junior at Aquinas College studying Theatre and minoring in Communication. He hopes to one day work on Broadway and to break into the film industry.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Steve Murray was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent his entire life in West Michigan. In retirement he enjoys hanging with his dog, watching grandkids’ sporting events, taking Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes, and plugging into various volunteer opportunities whenever possible.Olivia White is a sophomore at Aquinas College majoring in Elementary Education. She is hoping to teach upper elementary students.  Olivia is involved in various activities on campus such as Student Activities and Orientation, Education Club, Dance Team, and more.As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Penny Murray's 72-year life journey is founded on faith. She is blessed with 3 children and 9 grandchildren, satisfied in 44 years of nursing, and partnered today with Steve in the joy of life-long learning. Aquinas has provided classes for a degree-seeking adult student, and OLLI has been an amazing growth opportunity in retirement for her. Jessica Kean is a junior at Aquinas College pursuing a BSc in Health Sciences. She is from Brighton Michigan, where she has four of the coolest dogs in the world. She is looking forward to participating in the Mohler-Thompson Research Program this summer on campus! As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Marty Arnold taught writing at Aquinas College, was a journalist, editor, and a non-profit administrator. Since retiring she has published two novels and is re-wilding her yard. Emma Pearson is an Aquinas College sophomore majoring in biochemistry. She loves spending time with kids and animals and is interested in pursuing pediatric medicine. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Diane Friar was a CPA and worked with a local firm for 37 years, where she became a partner. She worked for many years in litigation support and business valuation, work she greatly enjoyed. She retired in 2014 and has been attending Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes since then. An alumna of Aquinas College, she has two grown children and two grandchildren. Ashley Snyder is a junior at Aquinas College. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She also plays for the Aquinas softball team. Her plans for the future have undergone recent revisions. She no longer wants to pursue a career in genetic counseling, but instead has discovered an interest in careers in the field of therapy. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Gary Eberle is a professor of English emeritus at Aquinas College. He is the author of eight books of fiction and nonfiction, a two-time recipient of the Teacher of the Year award, and in 2019 was inducted into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame. Aidan Raffaele is a senior at Aquinas College from Cadillac, MI, studying political science. He enjoys playing golf. After graduation, he plans on attending law school, and hopes to pursue a career in environmental protection through law and policy. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Steve Murray was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area, and spent his entire life in West Michigan. In retirement he enjoys hanging with the dog, watching grandkids’ sporting events, taking OLLI classes, and plugging into various volunteer opportunities whenever possible. MacKenzie Morris is a junior at Aquinas College majoring in Biology with hopes of getting into veterinary school. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her pets, family, and friends, and playing board games. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Cindy Ritter grew up in Detroit and became a dental hygienist at University of Detroit Dental School.  She has lived and worked in the Grand Rapids area for 55 years and during this time began her second career as an elementary school teacher after graduating from Aquinas.  She in now retired, but stays busy with her 5 sons’ families (including 16 grandchildren), with her church (St. Robert), as a Kent County CASA and refugee resettlement volunteer, and with scrapbooking, softball, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes. Jenna Daschke is an Aquinas College junior from Novi, Michigan majoring in Political Science and International Studies. She enjoys being an active member of the Aquinas community as both a Student Ambassador and Women’s Basketball player.   As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Dan Measday is a native of New Jersey and a 1970 graduate of Aquinas College.  He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022.  He is retired after a career in a variety of jobs, including 30 years in sales positions. Noah Reilly is a Grand Rapids native. He came to Aquinas College in 2021 and is studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minoring in Data Analytics. He is passionate about the environment and the life sciences and loves to spend time outdoors and with his family. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Rick Armbruster has had a nontraditional career path that has allowed him to focus on family and community. Currently, he is the President & Founder of Upcycle Bikes, providing bikes to community members in need of an affordable and accessible transportation option. Suzanne Callahan is an Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at Aquinas College. Her background is in leadership, strategy, marketing, sales, fund development and volunteer recruitment in West Michigan.  As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth. 

Douglas Kindschi is in his 47th year at Grand Valley State University, where he is the founding director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. He previously served as dean for 28 years, mainly as Dean of Science. He did graduate work in mathematics, philosophy, and theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School and the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he received his Ph.D. Rev. Kyle Kooyers is the Associate Director for the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University. He is responsible for coordinating community-based interfaith engagement, dialogue and relationship-building activities. Originally from Southwestern Pennsylvania, Kyle has spent the past decade exploring asset-based community development and organizational capacity building in various contexts. Kyle received his M.Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary and is ordained within the Presbyterian Church (USA). As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Martha Porter is a Grand Rapids native and mom to two adult daughters.  She retired in 2017 after a 40-year career with Amway Corporation. She is a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church and currently serves on the vestry. Samee Teachworth graduated from St. Patrick School in Portland, Michigan, and came to Aquinas where she is studying Business Administration and Communication with a concentration in Human Resources. She is a passionate volleyball player and is active in Student Senate. She is proud to say that she comes from an agricultural background. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Mike Burton is from the Detroit area and was adopted as a baby 75 years ago.  He served in the military and was in combat in Vietnam.  His career included time as a social worker, probation officer, and guardian ad litem. He and his wife have one son, Brian, who lives in Albuquerque, NM, with his wife. Ryan Gillings is a student at Aquinas College. He loves baseball and is excited to graduate and begin his career in the near future. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.

Frank Schuller is an alumnus of Aquinas College, having completed the Master of Management program in 2012.  He has served in people leadership for nearly forty years with three career restarts. Most of his experience is sales team leadership.  Currently he serves as general manager with Grand Rapids Iron & Metal, a commercial and industrial scrap material recycler. Frank’s 35-year marriage to Amy includes three adult children, all living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Calvin Willson is an Aquinas College sophomore studying business and communications. He enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing basketball in his spare time. As part of an Aquinas College class on preparing for life after college, students were paired with mentors from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) across the street from the College. The course capstone project was a Generation Swap podcast interview exploring how generational differences can be a source of strength and growth.