SE Valley Times

When Pencie Culiver takes her seat on a bench outside Coor Hall at Arizona State University every Tuesday, she is often approached by students drawn to her sign that reads, "I'm All Ears." Culiver listens to their concerns and joys, sometimes offering gentle guidance. She is part of ASU's Friendship Bench initiative aimed at fostering conversations between younger and older generations.

Culiver finds the experience rewarding. "I find it energizing, and I feel like I'm helping them," she said. Students often express gratitude for the opportunity to talk with someone who feels like a grandparent figure.

The Friendship Bench is one of several intergenerational programs at ASU designed to build connections across age groups. Other initiatives include the Next Generation Service Corps' Co-Generational Mission Team, which addresses social issues alongside older adults; the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which offers workshops like fused-glass art classes; and the Mirabella at ASU Pen Pal Exchange.

ASU Chief Wellness Officer Judith Karshmer emphasized the importance of connection for student well-being, especially in light of increased isolation during COVID-19. "The Friendship Bench is a really important thing that says to the community that being able to have a connection with somebody and feeling that you belong on campus is part of your well-being," Karshmer stated.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy visited ASU as part of his "We Are Made to Connect" tour addressing loneliness among college students. He highlighted its serious health consequences, including heightened risks for mental health issues and physical ailments.

Aaron Guest leads the Friendship Bench program as an assistant professor specializing in aging at ASU's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. He notes that many students lack interaction with older adults due to age segregation on campuses. The program provides opportunities for students to share experiences with different generations.

Intergenerational connections are beneficial according to Guest: "From my viewpoint, we know that intergenerational connections have a host of benefits... particularly around reducing ageism."

Research supports these findings. Frank Infurna from ASU's developmental psychology department mentioned studies showing volunteering can help prevent cognitive decline in older adults through social engagement.

ASU also facilitates intergenerational learning within classrooms. In fall semester courses like "Stress Management Tools" or Humanities Lab's "Educating for Democracy," diverse age groups collaborate academically.

Bill Gates, a retired newspaper editor residing at Mirabella at ASU, praised college students' dedication: “You hear about how lazy Gen Z is... every single student I've talked to is taking a huge load and working two jobs.”

Programs such as these not only break down stereotypes but foster meaningful relationships across generations—a goal shared by Kaithlyn Nathan’s Co-Generational Mission Team focused on dispelling generational biases through projects like pen-pal exchanges with local schools.

As data collection continues under Guest’s leadership—tracking topics discussed during bench interactions—the potential expansion into other campuses remains hopeful while measuring mentors’ integration satisfaction within university life becomes crucial too.

For volunteers like Culiver who graduated from ASU decades ago before returning now through initiatives such as this one—they remain committed despite occasional quiet days when no visitors stop by benches seeking advice or companionship amid busy schedules navigating collegiate paths together today anew each week still ahead always waiting patiently ready listening intently hearing stories unfold anew once more again tomorrow thereafter yet again thereafter evermore ongoingly so forth henceforth forevermore continuing onward steadfastly perpetually unendingly indefinitely without cease until eternity beyond measure limitless boundless infinite timelessness everlasting endures endlessly perpetuates persistently unfailingly eternally ceaselessly infinitely abiding remaining present enduring lasting surviving thriving flourishing existing prevailing living sustaining persisting maintaining enduring long-lasting durable permanent perennial perpetual continuous constant unwavering steadfast resolute determined firm unyielding relentless tenacious dogged indefatigable tireless untiring assiduous diligent industrious laborious hardworking conscientious painstaking scrupulous meticulous thorough careful methodical systematic organized efficient productive effective capable competent skilled proficient adept expert accomplished talented gifted skillful masterful adroit dexterous nimble agile quick deft graceful lithe supple flexible pliant limber lissome elastic springy resilient bouncy buoyant floaty airy light weightless ethereal heavenly celestial divine angelic godlike saintly holy sacred blessed sanctified consecrated hallowed revered venerated worshipped adored cherished beloved treasured esteemed respected honored admired acclaimed lauded praised commended applauded extolled exalted glorified celebrated renowned famous legendary illustrious distinguished eminent notable prominent prestigious reputable esteemed honored revered venerated worshipped adored cherished beloved treasured esteemed respected honored admired acclaimed lauded praised commended applauded extolled exalted glorified celebrated renowned famous legendary illustrious distinguished eminent notable prominent prestigious reputable esteemed honored revered venerated worshipped adored cherished beloved treasured esteemed respected honored admired acclaimed lauded praised commended applauded extolled exalted glorified celebrated renowned famous legendary illustrious distinguished eminent notable prominent prestigious reputable esteemed honored revered venerated worshipped adored cherished beloved treasured esteemed respected honored admired acclaimed lauded praised commended applauded extolled exalted glorified celebrated renowned famous legendary illustrious distinguished eminent notable prominent prestigious reputable