When Betty Carbary retired at age 65, she knew she wanted to stay active, engaged, and curious. Around that same time, she spotted an article in the local newspaper about a new program at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center: the College for Older Adults (COA).
“I had just graduated from work,” Betty laughs, “and I wanted something to do. I think I was in either the first or second class.”
That decision, made more than 25 years ago, has blossomed into a lifelong commitment. Now, at 91 years old, Betty still looks forward to each semester with the COA.
From her earliest days in the program, Betty embraced the opportunity to explore new subjects. At one point, she attended classes three full days a week, taking as many as nine courses each session. “I’ve always enjoyed it so much,” she says. “And I like to learn. You never want to give up on learning.”
One of her favorite experiences was the wildflower class, taught by Dr. Charles Owens. “We went everywhere,” Betty recalls, listing places like Tumbling Creek, Jacobs Creek, and Weirs Dam among their field trip destinations. The class not only deepened her appreciation of the natural world but also gave her lasting memories and friendships. “That was just wonderful,” she says.
Other classes introduced her to new skills and hobbies, from learning to identify edible mushrooms to studying bridge when she turned 80, and, more recently, exploring Mahjong at age 90. “Every 10 years, I decide to learn something new,” she says with a smile.
The College for Older Adults has given Betty more than knowledge; it’s given her a community. “I used to know half the class,” she recalls. “We’d fill the executive auditorium up.” Over the years, she’s built friendships with fellow students and stayed connected with instructors like Dr. Owens, who still calls her each year to invite her to his fraternity’s soup luncheon.
Even as the program has grown and evolved under different directors, Betty has remained committed. “It’s always been good,” she says. “There have always been a lot of people here. I’ve just always enjoyed it.”
Betty has even helped preserve the program’s history. For the 10-year anniversary of the COA, she organized a presentation filled with class materials and memories she had saved over the years.
Now, as she reflects on more than two decades of learning, she encourages others to join. “I tell people all the time—when you retire, come out to the College for Older Adults. You’ll like it.”
For Betty, the program can be summed up in just a few words: “It’s a great social and educational program.”
And as she looks forward to her next drawing class, her passion for learning is as strong as ever. “I’ve always just gone and done,” she says. “You never want to give up on learning.”
