College life - after retirement Penn State offers people 60 and older a place in its classrooms. Some of the courses are tuition-free.

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, January, 2008 | by Bonnie L. Cook Inquirer Staff Writer

Maggie McDermott, a foreign service worker whose postings took her around the globe, always wanted a bachelor's degree. So when the Doylestown woman retired, she enrolled in Pennsylvania State University's program for students aged 60 and older, in Abington. "There was a little apprehension, just being older and suddenly being in a class with 18- and 19-year-olds," she said.

McDermott not only fit in. She excelled. On Dec. 20 during ceremonies at the Abington campus, she graduated with distinction, earning a bachelor's degree in the social sciences. She'll use it to seek part-time work in her field. "You must not let fear stop you," said McDermott, 68. "I didn't feel like the odd one out, at all." McDermott's decision to go back to school at a suburban campus relatively...