FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay has been officially welcomed into the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU GN), joining a prestigious international coalition of higher education institutionscommitted to creating inclusive and supportive environments for learners of all ages.
The AFU GN, guided by its Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, recognizes institutions that demonstrate a sustained commitment to age inclusivity in teaching, research, and community engagement.
“This designation reflects our deep commitment to lifelong learning and inclusive excellence,” said Jessica Lambrecht, UW-Green Bay executive officer, Continuing Education and Workforce Training. “At UW-Green Bay, we believe education should be accessible and enriching at every stage of life, and we are committed to providing an education to all who want it. Being named an Age-Friendly University affirms our efforts to serve learners across the lifespan and to foster a campus culture that values aging as a dynamic and vital part of our community.”
UW-Green Bay’s Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Training is hosting the “Building an Age-Friendly Future: Together on Campus and in Community” free event on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Darrin Wasniewski, Senior Associate State Director – Community Outreach for AARP Wisconsin will be delivering a session on “Connected and Curious: The Keys to Mental Wellness in Later Life” at the event.
“Staying connected and curious isn’t just a mindset—it’s a strategy for lifelong wellness. By embracing learning, social engagement, and the Six Pillars of Brain Health, older adults can strengthen their minds, enrich their lives, and build resilience against isolation and cognitive decline,” said Wasniewski. “UW-Green Bay’s commitment to the Age-Friendly University Global Network reinforces the importance of inclusive, intergenerational learning and positions the community as a leader in promoting healthy aging through education, research, and civic engagement.”
UW-Green Bay exemplifies the AFU GN’s Ten Principles through its robust programming and initiatives, including:
- Lifelong Learning Opportunities: The university offers a wide range of continuing education and professional development programs tailored to adult learners, including certificate programs, workshops, and online courses.
- Intergenerational Engagement: Through partnerships with local organizations and community-based learning, UW-Green Bay promotes meaningful interaction between students and older adults.
- Inclusive Curriculum and Research: Faculty across disciplines engage in research that addresses aging-related topics, health equity, and social inclusion, contributing to a broader understanding of the aging experience.
- Supportive Campus Environment: UW-Green Bay’s commitment to accessibility, wellness, and student support services ensures that older learners feel welcomed and empowered.
“By becoming a recognized Age Friendly University, UW-Green Bay is sending a clear message that learning never ends! As we age, we have both the capacity for ongoing learning and the desire for it as we continue to contribute to our communities,” said Helen Sampson, public policy strategist, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Service. “The Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources is proud to partner with UW-Green Bay in supporting the full participation and inclusion of all people who love learning. Staying engaged and connected with our communities keeps us all healthier.”
The AFU GN serves as a collective platform for institutions dedicated to advancing age-friendly policies and practices. UW-Green Bay’s membership with AFU GN has been approved for a five-year cycle ending in December 2029. For more information about the Age-Friendly University Global Network and its Ten Principles, visit www.afugn.org.
About UW-Green BayThe University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 100,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
About Age-Friendly University Global Network
The Age-Friendly University Global Network is committed to promoting and supporting an inclusive approach to healthy and active aging. The Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University set a framework for higher education institutions to embrace age-friendly practices. Since commencing in 2012, over 110 universities across five continents have embraced the principles. Visit AFUGN.org to learn more.
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