Purchase College Freshman Get a Special Welcome from Broadview Senior Living Community

PURCHASE, NY — September, 2026 - Seniors from Broadview at Purchase College, a senior living community on the campus of Purchase College, were eager to connect with incoming freshmen at the school as part of an intergenerational learning program that benefits young and old.

On a drizzly afternoon outside the Starbucks on the Purchase College Campus at the start of school, Broadview residents mingled with students, explaining the connection between the senior living community and the college campus.

Christopher Martin, a journalism student, and Andrew Wachsmuth, who is studying studio composition for film scoring, were among dozens of freshman students gathered for the Block Party, a mini festival celebrating the first week back to school.

Broadview residents Jamie Rosenfeld, David Kellogg, Ann Fox and Norma Litman were busy manning a table, passing out information on Broadview while chatting with students. They were there to promote intergenerational relationships that residents have been cultivating since the senior living community opened on campus in 2023.

According to Martin, they are doing a pretty good job.

“Yes, I’ve heard about this at orientation and through word of mouth,’’ he said. “Of course, I would like to learn more because the opportunity to talk to people who are older than me and have more experience in the world, that would be wonderful.’’

That was music to Rosenfeld’s ears.

A physician specializing in pediatrics, Rosenfeld belongs to a mentoring group working with premed students. As chairperson of Broadview’s Intergenerational Activities and Civic Engagement Committee, she and the committee have been working diligently to raise awareness about Broadview and the benefits to students.

This is the first year the group has given a presentation at freshman orientation. This burst of enthusiasm is in part due to Purchase College’s new President Dr. Michael Steiper, who stopped by the Broadview table to chat. Dr. Steiper said the college was excited about the relationship with Broadview and was working on ways to extend it.

Intergenerational learning is at the core of Broadview’s philosophy. The idea is to break down age barriers by offering opportunities for its residents to engage with younger people and continue learning. An increasing number of retirement communities are being located on or near university and college campuses.

According to the National Institute on Aging, connecting with other people through social activities and community programs can keep your brain active and help you feel less isolated and more engaged with the world around you.

David Kellogg, a retired journalist who is editor of Broadview’s newsletter, said the relationship was mutually beneficial.

“I spoke with a bunch of freshmen who attended the orientation,’’ he said. “Their eyes lit up when they heard about this group of accomplished people who are willing to help them. It’s something they might not ordinarily get during their college experience.’’