What began as a shared meal has grown into a meaningful partnership that is bringing generations together through conversation, learning, and community engagement.
This fall, that partnership takes center stage at Homecoming. Known for its traditions, Buckeye pride, and sense of community, Homecoming provides a natural setting for students and older adults to connect in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
The collaboration also aligns closely with AAA5's mission of enhancing the independence, dignity, and quality of life of older adults. By creating opportunities for meaningful social engagement, connection, and belonging, the partnership helps strengthen relationships, reduce isolation, and encourage older adults to remain active participants in community life. The events create space for meaningful intergenerational connections, allowing seniors and students to engage with one another, share experiences, and build relationships that enrich both groups.
Today, the partnership has expanded beyond meals to include a variety of programs and events designed to foster meaningful intergenerational relationships. At its heart is a simple but powerful idea: when people of different generations come together, everyone benefits. The Homecoming tailgate reflects that vision by creating a "two-way street" between campus and community. Seniors have opportunities to remain socially active and engaged with campus life, while students gain insights and perspectives that can only come from interacting with those whose life experiences differ from their own.
Students play a central role in making those connections possible. Throughout the tailgate, they will share lunch with participants, facilitate conversations, organize raffles, and lead lawn games, helping create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and engaging. In the process, students develop valuable skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement while gaining experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom.
Through these interactions, students learn to build relationships across generations, listen to diverse perspectives, and appreciate the knowledge and experiences older adults bring to a community. The experience fosters empathy, strengthens interpersonal skills, and reinforces the importance of active citizenship and community involvement. For students pursuing careers in healthcare, education, social work, communications, business, public service, and many other fields, the partnership provides hands-on experience in relationship building and community engagement that will serve them throughout their professional lives.
The collaboration also aligns closely with AAA5's mission of enhancing the independence, dignity, and quality of life of older adults. By creating opportunities for meaningful social engagement and lifelong learning, the partnership helps strengthen connections and reduce isolation while encouraging older adults to remain active participants in community life.
"What makes this partnership special is that both groups benefit," remarked David Miller, Mansfield Campus Director of Student Engagement. "Seniors enjoy connecting with our students and being part of campus life, while students gain valuable experiences, perspectives, and relationships that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom. The Homecoming tailgate is a celebration of Buckeye spirit, but it is also a reminder that our community is strongest when generations come together and interact in a positive, fun environment."
Beyond the Homecoming celebration, the partnership continues through programs such as Friendsgiving and other community-centered events throughout the year. Together, Ohio State Mansfield and AAA5 are demonstrating how a university can serve as a gathering place where people of all ages learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and strengthen the communities they call home.
"We are incredibly grateful to The Ohio State University for bringing this partnership opportunity to our agency and the seniors we serve," said Trae Turner, Chief of Planning & Development at AAA5. "These moments of social engagement, connection, and belonging add tremendous value to the lives of our seniors and remind us of the positive impact that happens when generations come together."