It's 1999

"My two daughters were in college. My stay-at-home-mom career had come to an end. The nest was empty so at the age of 57 I decided to find a job. A friend told me... Mimi, you need to become computer literate. I hate computers, I replied. I'll stick with my IBM Selectric. They stopped making them, she shot back. OK. Fortified with my husband's encouragement, I reluctantly enrolled in a computer class at Richland College."

A Great Learning Experience

"With the help of dedicated teachers, I went from being afraid of computers to loving them. I enrolled in every computer class I could take.

While I was becoming 'computer savvy', Richland College was starting their special Emeritus Program for seniors. Becky, God bless her, the Associate Dean of the Information Technology Institute for the Office Computer Technology & Business Support Department, asked me if I would teach one of her Emeritus computer courses."

Do What? Teach? Are You Crazy?

"I was sure surprised! Becky continued, Just teach what you have learned to love to people just like you. Remember how nervous you were when you first started? You will really be able to relate to them. You can help your fellow seniors have fun learning.

With much trepidation, I said yes and soon discovered that in my 60's I had found my niche in life. Thank you Lord. Thank you Becky. I love teaching my fellow seniors about the fun and enjoyment that can be found with a computer and on the internet if you just know where to look." - Mimi

Teacher of the Year

On August 26, 2005, at the age of 61, Mimi Witcher was recognized by her students and peers when she received the Richland College Excellence in Teaching Award in front of 750 of her fellow colleagues! Her award letter from the President of Richland College read in part:

"To be nominated for this annual recognition on campus with so many exemplary professors is in itself an honor. To be selected by the Excellence in Teaching Awards Committee from such a strong group of nominees is a double honor. All of us-your students and your colleagues-commend you for your mastery and practice of the art and craft of teaching."

College of the Year

The same year that Mimi was honored with her Award of Excellence for Teaching, Richland College was being honored as the first community college in the United States to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. It is the nation's highest presidential honor for quality and organizational excellence. As a result, Mimi became the Teacher of the Year at the College of the Year.

The Story Continues

About the same time Mimi received her award, one of her dearest 70+ year-old students asked if it would be possible to put some of her Lesson Plans on the Internet. His health was failing and he would not be able to attend any more of her classes. So, she decided, if some of my students can't come to me, I'll figure out a way to take the classes to them.

Let's Build a Campus

Upon receiving requests from people around the country and even around the globe, Mimi and Bill began to broaden their vision for how many students they could actually empower. "We got the idea of broadening the appeal by actually creating a 'school campus' on the Internet, featuring numerous departments directed by dedicated faculty members," Bill recalls.

Our Campus Has 3 Sections

Research has shown that Seniors are primarily interested in staying in touch with friends and family with email plus conducting searches for health information. Therefore, Computer School for Seniors is divided into three sections to better serve our students:

1. The Communications Department -- "Get Connected"
2. The Search Department - "Explore the World'
3. The Computer Department-"Learn more about your computer"

Encouragement

Each senior student is reminded to be patient and take their new learning experience one step at a time.

Sons, daughters, grandkids and caregivers are encouraged to enroll and help their parents, grandparents or friends get connected and become Computer Savvy Seniors.