DENTON (UNT), Texas – Retired financial aid director Mary Rupert never misses an opportunity to illustrate the importance of education to her grandchildren, which is why she jumped at the opportunity to participate in the University of North Texas’ inaugural Grandparents University.   

UNT will offer Grandparents University, a multi-generational summer learning experience, for the first time June 25 and 26 (Thursday and Friday). The program, which is designed for children ages 7 to 12, allows grandparents and their grandchildren to get a taste of the college experience.  

Grandparents and their grandchildren will earn a Grandparents University degree by majoring in two of 10 subject areas. The 10 majors are art, music, generational research, astronomy, environmental technologies, graphic design, emergency administration, Spanish, criminal justice and merchandising.  Courses will be taught by UNT faculty and staff. Participants also will have the option of staying overnight in a UNT dorm during the program. 

Rupert, a Denton resident, and her 7 year-old granddaughter, Claire, of Flower Mound, will major in art and music during the two-day program. Rupert sees Grandparents University as a way to get Claire interested in higher education at a young age. 

“It’s important as a grandparent to encourage your grandchildren to go to college without pushing too hard,” said Rupert.  “Grandparents University will be a great way to expose Claire to a top university in a fun, low-pressure way.  I hope that this experience will get her excited about the future.” 

Rupert has a lengthy connection to UNT, dating back to 1933 when her father graduated from, what was then, North Texas State Teachers College.  Her daughter, Claire’s mother, graduated from UNT in 1994. 

“Claire knows that her mother graduated from UNT, and she asks about the campus when we drive by, so this will be a great opportunity for her to experience the university firsthand,” said Rupert. 

UNT’s Center for Achievement and Lifelong Learning, which is sponsoring the program, expects 150 participants for the first offering of Grandparents University.  

More information about the camp is available at http://www.unt.edu/call/call_grandparents.html.  Registration is still open.  Those interested in registering should contact Mary Boydston at 940-369-7293 or mary.boydston@unt.edu.