OMU Brings Adults Aged 55–75 Back to Campus through Lifelong Learning University

Thirty participants will begin a two-semester program on October 13, combining personal development, healthy living, digital skills, culture, arts, nature, and intergenerational activities with OMU students.

The Lifelong Learning University (YBÜ), established by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) in cooperation with Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, has officially opened with a ceremony, bringing adults aged 55–75 into university campus life.

The program will welcome 30 students in its first term, with classes scheduled to begin on October 13, 2026.

The opening ceremony, held in the garden of the Lifelong Learning University, was attended by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Necmi Çamaş, OMU Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, and Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, YBÜ Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Senem Gürkan, faculty deans, vocational school directors, academics, and members of the public.

Inspired by the increasingly widespread University of the Third Age model, YBÜ was developed through OMU’s academic expertise and institutional capacity as an educational program designed to support continued learning, social engagement, personal development, and active participation later in life.

Rector Aydın: “There Is No Age Limit to Learning and Development”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın highlighted the significance of the Lifelong Learning University.

“Our Lifelong Learning University is a social responsibility project carried out by the Lifelong Learning Working Group within our Education and Teaching Coordination Office in cooperation with Samsun Metropolitan Municipality,” Rector Aydın said.

“Inspired by the University of the Third Age approach, we have created an educational program unique to Samsun and OMU by bringing together our University’s academic knowledge, institutional strength, and commitment to contributing to society.”

Aydın noted that the program had originally been planned for 25 participants, but strong interest led the University to increase the capacity to 30.

“Our first group will consist of 23 women and 7 men, with an average age of 63,” she said.

“We Aim to Strengthen Intergenerational Dialogue”

Providing information about the program, Rector Aydın said the first term will begin on October 13.

“A two-semester educational program awaits our participants, consisting of modules on personal development, social life and new skills; healthy living and sports; digital competencies; and culture, arts and nature,” she said.

“We also aim to strengthen intergenerational dialogue through activities that will bring OMU students and YBÜ students together.”

Aydın thanked the project team, who contributed voluntarily, as well as the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality team, for their cooperation throughout the initiative's development.

Necmi Çamaş: “Your Education and Experience Always Stay with You”

Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Necmi Çamaş described the Lifelong Learning University as an important initiative for Samsun.

“I completed my master’s degree after the age of 50,” Çamaş said. “At that time, I heard a sentence that I have never forgotten: One day, everyone and everything in life may leave you, but two things never will, your education and your experience. They always remain with you.”

Çamaş emphasized that the project demonstrates how education and experience can continue to grow throughout every stage of life.

He thanked those who contributed to the initiative and expressed his hope that the program would benefit Samsun, Türkiye, and OMU.

Coordinator Gürkan: “Learning Has No Age, and Curiosity Never Retires”

YBÜ Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Senem Gürkan said the Lifelong Learning University was designed as an adult education project for people aged 55–75.

“Drawing on the University of the Third Age model, we designed a new and innovative approach tailored specifically to our University,” Gürkan said.

“Our aim is to support people in continuing to learn, socialize, create, and develop themselves later in life.”

She emphasized that one of the program’s central objectives is to strengthen intergenerational solidarity and interaction between OMU students and YBÜ participants.

“We believe that bringing different generations together will strengthen not only the transfer of knowledge and experience, but also mutual understanding and the ability to create together,” Gürkan said.

“Learning has no age, and curiosity never retires.”

She thanked the University administration, academics, and Samsun Metropolitan Municipality team for their contributions to the project.

30 Students to Begin Classes in the First Term

The first cohort of the Lifelong Learning University will consist of 30 students—23 women and 7 men—with an average age of 63.

Classes will begin on October 13, 2026, covering four main areas:

• Personal development, social life, and new skills
• Healthy living and sports
• Digital competencies
• Culture, arts, and nature

The program will run over two semesters and will also include joint activities designed to bring OMU students and YBÜ participants together and strengthen intergenerational interaction.

Following completion of the second semester, a graduation ceremony will be held for participants.