The University of West Georgia has announced a new three-year agreement with The Birches on Maple, a 55+ living community developed in partnership with Tanner Health. This collaboration aims to provide residents with enriching cultural experiences, educational programming, and new avenues for engaging with the university.

Designed to encourage lifelong learning and creativity, the partnership features an annual calendar of activities for Birches residents. This complements the community's existing program of engaging outings and experiences, curated by its onsite Lifestyle Director and Activities Director. It also builds on Tanner’s Get Healthy, Live Well program, which offers various classes and resources connecting healthy habits with personal well-being.

A highlight of the partnership is a curated annual international trip focused on the arts and culture of a specific region. These thoughtfully planned trips are designed to be fun, educational, safe, and all-inclusive. The first journey will take travelers to Italy to explore Italian history, art, and culture through immersive experiences. Brandy Barker, UWG’s chief creative officer and assistant vice president for placemaking, noted that travel is a powerful way to spark curiosity, build community, and deepen understanding of the world, emphasizing the uniqueness of connecting global experiences with UWG’s academic strengths.

In addition to international travel, the collaboration brings UWG's expertise directly to The Birches. Each year, UWG will host six creative workshops and six lectures on-site. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including memoir-writing, the history of Southern language, gardening, painting, and archeology, and will be led by UWG faculty, staff, and experts. Wayne Senfeld, executive vice president at Tanner Health, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its benefits for residents' overall well-being through mental and physical activity, creativity, social interaction, education, and fun.

The relationship extends beyond The Birches community, with residents being hosted on campus throughout the year. This includes events overlooking RA-LIN Field in University Stadium during home UWG football games, reserved seating at home men’s and women’s basketball games, and opportunities to attend campus lectures and holiday events. Furthermore, two new public art pieces, developed in collaboration with UWG, will be installed at The Birches each year, adding to the community's aesthetic and inspiration.

Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health, underscored the importance of the relationship between Tanner and the University of West Georgia. He stated that their collaborative efforts consistently support the local community, and this partnership at The Birches is no exception. Howard believes it will enrich residents' lives during this next phase and contribute to a stronger, healthier community for all.

As UWG continues to expand its commitment to placemaking and community engagement, partnerships like this one with The Birches on Maple exemplify how higher education can enhance the quality of life for people of all ages. Dr. Ashwani Monga, UWG’s interim president, shared that the core of this partnership lies in the belief that experiences inspire discovery and connection. By integrating the university’s academic offerings and experiential learning activities into the daily lives of The Birches residents, opportunities for lifelong learning are being created for members of the Carrollton community.