Springfield College Joins Age-Friendly University Global Network

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In May 2025, Springfield College became an official member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN), a consortium that promotes intergenerational learning, career development for older adults, and inclusive educational opportunities. This achievement is a testament to the College’s hard work, collaboration, and the impactful initiatives we have championed to promote healthy aging.

The AFUGN serves as a collective platform for institutes of higher education committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments across the lifespan. Springfield College has demonstrated a commitment to this cause through its ongoing efforts to promote age-friendly policies, research, services, and initiatives. Springfield College President Mary-Beth A. Cooper noted the affiliation helps the College integrate positive aging into our academic mission, expand community engagement, and align with emerging demographic trends, while staying true to our Humanics philosophy.

The College applied for membership in AFUGN through the efforts of the year-long Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics project of Pamela S. Higgins, MS, MPH, CPH, professor of Health Sciences. With the assistance of the Affirmative Approaches to Aging Task Force, an interdisciplinary campus-wide group formed by Higgins for her 2024-25 project, the task force was pivotal in highlighting Springfield College's age-friendly programs as part of its application to join the AFUGN. Notable programs featured include the Community Mobility Clinic, Fitt Lab, Occupational Therapy Home Evaluation, Lifelong Learning Program, a collaboration with The Wellness Institute, and several new activities. 

One of the new activities, “Bridging Generations: Art in Common,” took place on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This innovative program brought together students from Springfield College and members of the wider Springfield community to collaborate on an art project that celebrated shared experiences and diverse perspectives. The Affirmative Approaches to Aging Task Force worked in partnership with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Health Science, and Art Therapy students to foster meaningful connections between generations through creative expression. The task force also sponsored, along with The Wellness Institute, three “Medicare 101” sessions for faculty and staff, as well as an intergenerational discussion focused on ageism at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing with residents and our students.                          

Springfield College is currently one of only four colleges/universities in Massachusetts that are members of AFUGN. Springfield College’s membership is for five years.

Through this membership, Springfield College endorses the 10 principles of the Age-Friendly University as defined by the Age-Friendly University Global Network at Dublin City University.