Stern is an assistant professor with the School of Education’s Department of Educational Policy Studies.

In the magazine article, Stern speaks about how he supports auditors and seniors returning to the classroom, and sees them as assets to classroom culture.

“Providing space for auditors who are over 60 is an important embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea — that the university’s influence should extend far beyond campus and the classroom… It’s important that we open our classrooms to members of that community who are seeking new learning experiences,” Stern tells Brava.

He adds: “Through their presence, they send the message that learning is a lifelong pursuit. While we gain experience as we get older, neither age nor experience guarantee that we have all of the answers.”

Read the full Brava article here.