SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- It will be several months before we have an accurate count of how many senior citizens headed back to college this fall. Thousands, perhaps a million or more, are making preparations for the 2008-2009 academic year.

As a college teacher, I was involved in a degree-completion program at Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio. Dr. John Conley was the innovative and dynamic president. I recall that a class in public speaking had one traditional student. They ranged in age from 25-70 years. Some had a year or two of classes at an earlier age and were anxious to complete their degree. Others had been very successful in business and industry, but still lacked a few semesters to finish. They wanted to complete what they started years earlier.

This past school year I met one of the most talented public school teachers I have ever known. Marsha had children and grandchildren before she finished her teaching degree. She is now ready to pursue a master’s degree and additional certification. She is competent, creative, concerned and caring. She is the kind of teacher parents hope their children will have.

A highly successful professional, in his late seventies, was asked, “What would you do if you had all the money you would ever need?” His immediate reply was, “I’d go back to school and see what else I could learn.”

Some past 50 are returning to school to prepare for advancement in their profession or job. Others are wanting to get into something else, but will need a degree or an advanced degree to accomplish that purpose.

Millions of senior citizens have a thirst for learning. They like the adventure of learning new things and exploring the world by way of books and discussion. Books become warm, comforting and interesting friends for them.

Colleges and universities are becoming more older-age friendly. Some have extra dormitory and apartment space that can be rented to these new senior citizen students. They also offer discounted tuition rates. Some classes may be monitored without cost.

Colleges recognize the potential wrapped up in these seniors. They can share successful experiences and knowledge with students and faculty. Doctors, lawyers, clergymen, teachers, administrators, authors, missionaries, health care providers, coaches, mechanics, carpenters, musicians and other seniors who have not lost all their productive ability and skills just because they have passed 55, 65, 75, 85 or 95. Some are better than ever. They may add stability and security to the campus.

These seniors may also fall in love with a caring and thoughtful college and decide to generously include the school in the final disposition of their earthly wealth. They can be good mentors for young students and baby sitters for married students with children. They can also serve in positions for the school that would be difficult to use student help and not of sufficient hours to need a full time employee.

My friends, Les and Grace, are excellent examples. He is a former college professor, dean and president. Grace is one of the finest dining hall hostesses I have ever met. Others can handle the cash register, be greeters when students and visitors enter campus buildings. If I were a college president, I would have the recruiters looking for senior citizens for my campus.

Remember this, nobody can be better fans for the various sports teams, musical programs, dramatic productions and special campus functions than older citizens can. They are willing and anxious to be back on the campus again. It can add years to their lives and a powerful new kind of life to the campus community. I have mentioned a number of advantages for both the senior citizens and the college that would welcome them. Count those advantages and check with the colleges in your area. Some may be anxious to hear from you.

An ancient proverb sounds like it was meant for senior citizens who are back at the university. It says, “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you” (Proverbs 9:11).

If I were a senior citizen and lived in the southeast, I would check with Warner Southern College (800-949-7248). If in the Midwest I’d call Anderson University (765-649-9071) and Mid-American Christian University (405-691-3800). If in the northwest, I would check with Warner Pacific College, (503-517-1000). There are hundreds of other schools, both private and public, that may have just the program for you. If you are 65, more or less, it may be time to enroll again.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.