MorningStar Senior Living introduces MorningStar University: Age Brilliantly
DENVER, CO (September 10, 2025) — MorningStar Senior Living, a developer, owner and operator of premier retirement communities, has launched MorningStar University: Age Brilliantly, a lifelong learning model inspiring people of all ages to stay curious and engaged in the world.
As university campuses across the U.S. kick off a new semester, MorningStar’s 3000+ residents are enrolling in coursework that taps the dimensions of whole-person wellness. MorningStar University (MSU) curriculum is designed for all ages and abilities, taught and attended by residents, team members, families and guests, tapping the wisdom that lives under our roof and beyond our walls.
Says Chad James, Chief Operating Officer, “At MorningStar we believe curiosity has no expiration date. It’s never too late to learn or try something new. MSU is anchored in the principles of successful aging: keeping active, living with purpose, staying connected, learning and growing. And the benefits are truly remarkable.”
Neuroscience reveals that our brains, like every other muscle in the body, must be stimulated and exercised daily to maintain health, strength and functionality. One of the best ways to keep the brain supple is to challenge it cognitively. In learning a new song, language or skill, new neural pathways form, preserving brain function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
Explains Moriah Bernhardt, VP of Life Enrichment, “Think of your brain as a complex set of highways where some paths might be slowed by congestion, potholes and roadwork. In exposing yourself to fresh ideas, skills and experiences, the brain expands and creates new pathways for continued flow and function.”
MSU: Age Brilliantly is a unique approach to active aging. In traditional programs within senior communities, people come in as experts to entertain and teach residents. More progressive models, however, understand the value of human capital within our communities. MSU leverages the talent and expertise within our communities, purposefully activating residents, team members, families, and community partners to enrich life under the MorningStar roof. When someone new joins us, we ask, “What is something you’ve always wanted to learn? What gifts do you want to contribute here?” Bernhardt continues, “Beyond offering the framework for a purposeful, brain healthy and active lifestyle, MSU helps build true, interconnected community.”
Robin Meehan, Life Enrichment Director, MorningStar of Arvada, adds, “Residents are excited about MSU classes and already looking forward to Spring graduation. In the tradition of universities everywhere, one resident even came up with our own MSU fight song!” At MorningStar of Billings, MSU fever is also evident. “It’s wonderful to see how much purpose this gives our residents,” shares Laura Smith, LED. “Some have already achieved 10 credits and we’re only halfway through the Fall semester.”
MSU offers students the chance to explore everything from language, music and art to finance and storytelling. Classes are formatted as lectures, clubs, excursions, discussions, workshops, and sensory and immersive experiences. These new areas of learning are featured in our semester catalogs and layered atop the recurring programs on our monthly lifestyle activity calendar. As in conventional university settings, residents can also choose self-study, completing a topical course by offering a short presentation or written summary to a MorningStar audience.
The Life Enrichment Director tracks participation with one credit issued per class. In markets where several MorningStar communities are located, residents are encouraged to attend classes hosted in a sister location. Graduation is earned at 20 credits. “Celebrating moments is what we do so well at MorningStar,” remarks Bernhardt, “not that graduation is an endpoint but rather a milestone on the journey of lifelong learning.”
About MORNINGSTAR SENIOR LIVING
An integrated developer, owner and operator of premier retirement communities, MorningStar’s portfolio encompasses 37 properties under operation or development representing 5,000+ units under management or in development in 11 states in the western half of the United States. Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, MorningStar is privileged to elevate life for those who taught the rest of us how to live. For more, visit MorningStarSeniorLiving.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lorna Lee, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
llee@mstarliving.com
720.505.9930
