Generations at Widener

When Mason Pflug chose Widener, he didn’t expect his grandfather to do the same. 

But, now the grandfather-grandson duo are on campus – embracing all the university offers for every generation. Pflug, 18, is a freshman nursing major, while his grandfather, Steve Vasquez, 71, is a member of Widener’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). 

“I think it is awesome to have him on campus,” Pflug said. “I’m so glad the university offers this program.” 

Pflug’s path to Widener’s School of Nursing began long ago. He was born with a cleft lip/palate and underwent multiple surgeries to correct the defect. 

It was during yet another jaw surgery almost two years ago that he realized the importance of nurses in the healthcare system. 

“They are definitely the backbone of medicine,” Pflug said. “The nurses gave me a sense of comfort so I wanted to give back and help people, especially children.” 

When Pflug was applying to colleges, he fell in love with Widener’s strong nursing program and close-knit community, which was a short distance from his home in Media, Pennsylvania. 

He thought his grandfather would also love Widener. So, as a Christmas gift a year ago, he surprised Vasquez with an OLLI membership. 

“When Mason handed me the package, I thought ‘great, he is going to Widener,’” Vasquez said. “But, then his mother said ‘no, that is for you.” 

OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults over 50 seeking intellectual development, cultural stimulation and social interaction. A wide array of OLLI classes are taught each semester on Widener’s Main Campus in Chester and other satellite locations. 

Vasquez of Middletown Township enrolled last spring and now enjoys classes ranging from “The American Vice-Presidency” to “The Art of Public Speaking” to “Fairy Tales – Yesterday and Today.” 

“There are all different offerings, things you wouldn’t think you would be interested in, but I give it a try and I’m happy with it every single time,” Vasquez said. “I really enjoy it.” 

Vasquez’s favorite part of OLLI – “There is no homework and no tests.” 

While Pflug envies his grandfather’s lack of homework, he also loves the campus and his courses. He was one of 17 freshman to start their undergraduate careers with a trip to Costa Rica in August for a freshman seminar on Sustainability and Cultural Competence, and he now lives in a Living Learning Community for nursing. 

While he and his grandfather rarely see each other on campus (their class schedules usually overlap), the two are proud of everything they are accomplishing at Widener. 

“He’s just the best grandkid you could ever want to have,” Vasquez said. “We’re so proud of him.” 

Pflug echoes his grandfather – “I’m so proud of him too.”