Grandparent University brings together generations at OSU

His experience this time around was much different. Miler, of Stillwater, was rooming with his wife and their 11-year-old grandson during Grandparent University — a three-day summer camp for children and grandparents hosted by the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association.

A record 360 people from 21 states signed up to participate in this year's camp. The first of two sessions took place this week. A second session is scheduled for June 23-25.

Children and their grandparents who enroll in the program choose a major, attend classes taught by Oklahoma State faculty, live in student housing and participate in other college experiences. Activities include a tailgate party, designing a city, creating and editing a video and learning how to sew stitches for an injured animal.

At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate during a mock graduation ceremony.

Grandparent University has grown significantly since it started with four majors and 80 participants in 2003.

The program recently won two awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, including the Circle of Excellence Award, said Chase Carter, director of communications for the alumni association.