Program 60 Couple Connects with History Class

This isn’t Robin and Denise Clark's first time in a college classroom, but after nearly 46 years, it’s their first time sitting together.

Through Ohio State’s Program 60, the couple finally got the opportunity they’d been waiting for since 1971. Program 60 allows Ohio residents ages 60 and older to audit Ohio State courses for free on a space-available basis.

“We didn’t get to attend Ohio State together the first time around,” said Denise Clark, ‘74. “He left in June of ‘71, and I started in September of ‘71. So now, through Program 60, we get the opportunity to be in class together at the university that we love.” 

The Clarks are currently taking their first course through Program 60: The Contemporary U.S. Since 1963, a history course taught by Associate Professor Bartow J. Elmore. To the delight of their classmates, Robin and Denise are active participants, sharing personal reflections of events that transpired in their youth.

“Even though we were both alive through all these years, we have looked through a different lens and have learned so many connections we’d never made before,” Denise said.

The two hope to continue taking courses together through Program 60, wanting to explore a variety of classes that were not required for their majors. They are perhaps the most eager to enroll in the History of Rock and Roll, a course that two of their sons — also Ohio State alumni — enjoyed during their own undergraduate years.  

For Robin and Denise, participating in Program 60 allows them the chance to reconnect on their old stomping grounds and share first-hand accounts of the historical events discussed in class.

Learn more about how to participate in Program 60 at program60.osu.edu.