‘Unique’ partnership between Miami and the Knolls extends until 2029
Affiliation agreement first signed in 2005 as one of the first of its kind in the country
•
Published
Timothy McGowan, president of Maple Knolls Communities, left, and Miami University President Gregory Crawford recently signed an extension of the affiliation agreement between the Knolls of Oxford and Miami University.
‘Unique’ partnership between Miami and the Knolls extends until 2029
•
Published
For nearly 20 years, Miami University and the Knolls of Oxford have partnered for a mutually beneficial relationship – one that will extend into the foreseeable future, too.
The university and the Knolls recently re-signed an affiliation agreement that continues their connection into 2029. From sporting events to volunteer hours for Miami students, Glee Club concerts on site, and more, there are many shared opportunities for the two entities.
“We deeply value our partnership with the Knolls of Oxford,” University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford said of the vibrant continuing care community that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services. “From our longstanding collaborative efforts with Scripps to the fitness activities we share during our exercise boot camps, we cherish every moment.”
“We enjoy our regular visits to the Knolls and the various activities we participate in together,” added Miami President Gregory Crawford. “I vividly remember the enriching discussions, especially the engagement with Wil Haygood around his book ‘Colorization.’ They always welcome us with open arms, and we absolutely love our collaboration — it truly is the perfect partnership.”
Cheryl Hampton, sales and marketing director at the Knolls, said the initial agreement signed in 2005 was one of the first of its kind in the country.
“It allows for an intergenerational component, which is a huge part of the culture at the Knolls that sets us apart from basic continuing care communities,” Hampton said. “Our residents love continued education and learning, whether it’s faculty or students presenting. It keeps our folks active and also breaks down some stereotypes. It is very beneficial for both of us.”
Katherine Abbott, executive director of Scripps Gerontology Center, estimated about 20 Scripps graduate students work with the Knolls in some capacity each semester. Past projects have included developing a proof of concept for Preferences for Activity and Leisure (PAL) Cards, which communicated important preferences for community residents. The PAL Card project went on to win a statewide award.
Having a shared vision, goals, and values has been important in sustaining the relationship.
“Their insights, experiences, and feedback allow us to develop tools, resources, and products that are going to be meaningful,” Abbott said. “That’s where we have the greatest impact with our work.
“They are always so willing to partner with us. Likewise, we are always willing to say ‘yes’ as well. It’s a foundation of trust and respect that we highly value.”
Miami’s Men’s Glee Club regularly holds concerts at the Knolls, along with other activities with residents. Recently, the Knolls sponsored commissioned pieces focused on intergenerational relationships and memory loss with Miami’s composers-in-residence, Katerina Gimon of Vancouver and Faith Zimmer from Springfield, Missouri.
Both pieces were performed last month during concerts held at the Lee and Rosemary Fisher Innovation College@Elm and Hall Auditorium, respectively. Gimon’s work was based on a new poem, “I Will,” told from the viewpoint of a young woman whose mother was slipping away due to dementia. Zimmer performed “How Great Thou Art,” a popular hymn selected from a survey given to Knolls residents.
“It was a very powerful experience that deepened the relationship between the Knolls and the Glee Club,” said Jeremy Jones, the Fisher-Holoviak Endowed Professor of Music and the director of the Glee Club. “As our students reflected back on the process the following week, they were so grateful because of the relevancy of the topics we were dealing with.
“I’m just so happy and pleased that our students and the residents can engage and learn from one another. Our students learn from them, and the residents at the Knolls learn what our students are able to offer the community. It’s very inspiring and heartwarming to see.”
Hampton noted that 65-70% of Knolls residents are connected to Miami, whether as alumni or former faculty or staff members.
“They always want to come back to the quintessential college experience – the cobblestone streets and to be on campus,” Hampton said. “It’s a peaceful place to retire, and because of that, we are very, very devoted to the Miami relationship.”
The university and the Knolls recently re-signed an affiliation agreement that continues their connection into 2029. From sporting events to volunteer hours for Miami students, Glee Club concerts on site, and more, there are many shared opportunities for the two entities.
“We deeply value our partnership with the Knolls of Oxford,” University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford said of the vibrant continuing care community that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services. “From our longstanding collaborative efforts with Scripps to the fitness activities we share during our exercise boot camps, we cherish every moment.”
“We enjoy our regular visits to the Knolls and the various activities we participate in together,” added Miami President Gregory Crawford. “I vividly remember the enriching discussions, especially the engagement with Wil Haygood around his book ‘Colorization.’ They always welcome us with open arms, and we absolutely love our collaboration — it truly is the perfect partnership.”
Cheryl Hampton, sales and marketing director at the Knolls, said the initial agreement signed in 2005 was one of the first of its kind in the country.
“It allows for an intergenerational component, which is a huge part of the culture at the Knolls that sets us apart from basic continuing care communities,” Hampton said. “Our residents love continued education and learning, whether it’s faculty or students presenting. It keeps our folks active and also breaks down some stereotypes. It is very beneficial for both of us.”
Katherine Abbott, executive director of Scripps Gerontology Center, estimated about 20 Scripps graduate students work with the Knolls in some capacity each semester. Past projects have included developing a proof of concept for Preferences for Activity and Leisure (PAL) Cards, which communicated important preferences for community residents. The PAL Card project went on to win a statewide award.
Having a shared vision, goals, and values has been important in sustaining the relationship.
“Their insights, experiences, and feedback allow us to develop tools, resources, and products that are going to be meaningful,” Abbott said. “That’s where we have the greatest impact with our work.
“They are always so willing to partner with us. Likewise, we are always willing to say ‘yes’ as well. It’s a foundation of trust and respect that we highly value.”
Miami’s Men’s Glee Club regularly holds concerts at the Knolls, along with other activities with residents. Recently, the Knolls sponsored commissioned pieces focused on intergenerational relationships and memory loss with Miami’s composers-in-residence, Katerina Gimon of Vancouver and Faith Zimmer from Springfield, Missouri.
Both pieces were performed last month during concerts held at the Lee and Rosemary Fisher Innovation College@Elm and Hall Auditorium, respectively. Gimon’s work was based on a new poem, “I Will,” told from the viewpoint of a young woman whose mother was slipping away due to dementia. Zimmer performed “How Great Thou Art,” a popular hymn selected from a survey given to Knolls residents.
“It was a very powerful experience that deepened the relationship between the Knolls and the Glee Club,” said Jeremy Jones, the Fisher-Holoviak Endowed Professor of Music and the director of the Glee Club. “As our students reflected back on the process the following week, they were so grateful because of the relevancy of the topics we were dealing with.
“I’m just so happy and pleased that our students and the residents can engage and learn from one another. Our students learn from them, and the residents at the Knolls learn what our students are able to offer the community. It’s very inspiring and heartwarming to see.”
Hampton noted that 65-70% of Knolls residents are connected to Miami, whether as alumni or former faculty or staff members.
“They always want to come back to the quintessential college experience – the cobblestone streets and to be on campus,” Hampton said. “It’s a peaceful place to retire, and because of that, we are very, very devoted to the Miami relationship.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. For more Miami University news, visit the Miami News site.
