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Thanks to technological and medical advances the average lifespan continues to grow longer. These achievements create endless possibilities for the second half of our lives, but they also compel us to give serious thought to how we can make the most of this expanded time.

By rededicating yourself to learning, you can make the years ahead healthier and happier. Research has shown that, for older adults, engaging in mentally stimulating activities and maintaining strong social ties can help to slow cognitive decline, lower stress levels, and prevent depression.

Spotlight Programs

Cohort Program

Envision What Comes Next

Discover a meaningful next chapter through thoughtful reflections on your life and career.

Crafting Your Next Chapter

Navigating Your Next Chapter

You may have a wide range of goals for the second half of your life.

Many of the students at Graham School set out to pursue an encore chapter of purpose in which they serve as corporate or nonprofit board member or become involved in addressing a societal issue through policy, philanthropy, or nonprofit involvement. Others are more focused on keeping their minds active through retirement by deeply examining fundamental issues and timeless texts. All are interested in lively conversations with peers who share their passion for lifelong learning.

As we age, forming meaningful connections with others can become challenging. The Graham School’s classrooms are a place where many students start and nurture relationships that positively shape the second half of their lives. These friendships can provide you with fresh perspectives and energy as you strive to build a legacy of valuable contributions.

Instructors

David Archer

Professor in the Department of the Geophysical Sciences

Alida Bouris

Associate Professor, School of Social Service Administration

David Brooks

Columnist, New York Times, and Senior Advisor, UChicago Leadership & Society Initiative

Harry Davis

MyLife Studio Guide, Booth School of Business Professor Emeritus, and the honoree of the Harry L. Davis Center for Leadership

Sascha Ebeling

Associate Professor in South Asian Languages and Civilizations, Comparative Literature, and The College

Marco Garrido

Associate Professor of Sociology, Division of the Social Sciences

Robert H. Gertner

Joel F. Gemunder Professor of Strategy and Finance, Booth School of Business

Edward W. Kolb

Arthur Holly Compton Distinguished Service Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Mark Miller

Associate Professor and Director of Graduates Studies in the English Department

Eugene Raikhel

Associate Professor, Department of Comparative Human Development

Michael Rossi

Associate Professor of the History of Medicine, Chair, Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science, and the College

Lawrence Rothfield

Associate Professor of the Department of English, Comparative Literature, the University of Chicago

Atiya Singh

Director of the McKeon Center at the University of Chicago

Anne Snyder

Editor-in-Chief, Comment, and Senior Advisor, UChicago Leadership & Society Initiative

Amy Dru Stanley

Associate Professor in the Department of History and the Law School

Michael S. Turner

Bruce V. and Diana M. Rauner Distinguished Service Professor, Departments of Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College

William Veeder

Professor Emeritus in the Department of English Language and Literature and the College

Kenneth Warren

Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor of English and Literature

David Wray

Associate Professor in Comparative Literature, Classics, and The College

Laurie Zoloth

Margaret E. Burton Professor of Religion and Ethics; also in the College; The Program in Jewish Studies; and the MacLean Center for Biomedical Ethics at the Pritzker School of Medicine
David Brooks, AB’83

We are in a moment where we’re really inventing a new stage of life. You are stepping back from your main career, but because of improvements in health, you still have 20 or more years of energetic life ahead. And so, it’s worth it to take some time and think, ‘What am I going to do with this time?’

David Brooks, AB’83 Columnist, The New York Times & Senior Advisor, UChicago Leadership & Society Initiative

In a world that is challenged by really hard problems, the place where knowledge is created is also a special place for partnership between the University and society. I think the leaders who are looking for this new stage in their life couldn’t find a more wonderful place to do it.

Paul Alivisatos, AB’81 President of the University of Chicago

I find it just a fascinating and exciting way to really engage with people my own age as we bring life experience to understand some of the texts and the material that we’re covering in the classes.

Fred Beuttler, PhD’95, CER’19 (Basic Program) Graham School Instructor & Former Deputy Historian of the US House of Representatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Graham School’s midlife and longevity offerings.

What types of offerings does Graham have for those entering midlife?

At Graham, we offer a number of different types of opportunities for people to explore what these new chapters look like. For some, they are looking to create positive social impact and reflecting on their legacy. For others, they are looking for opportunities for deep inquiry, meaningful conversations, and relationships with others that share their passion for life and investigating deeper meanings.

What is the advantage to taking part in these courses at this point in my life?

It can become challenging as we age to form friendships, to start new, deep meaningful relationships. Graham’s classrooms are a place where many find these relationships forming and find new meaning for the next phase of their life.

Is financial support available?

We are committed to reducing financial barriers for students to take part in our programs. Please contact us if you would like to be considered for scholarship support. 

How large are the classes?

We are committed to keeping the classroom experience intimate to allow for meaningful engagement between students and instructors. As a result, we do cap the enrollment of each of our cohorts. 

How can I best prepare for class?

Complete any assignments and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion.

UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?

Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors encourage all students to participate, regardless of their educational background, creating an inclusive learning environment with a collegial atmosphere.

Are these offerings online or in person?

The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago. 

What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format? 

Students come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.

Do I have to complete an application?

No application is required for Basic Program courses or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for offerings such as the Leadership & Society Initiative and Crafting Your Next Chapter.

Midlife & Longevity News

Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.

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