Students and older adults filled the room at the East Lansing Public Library on March 31, 2026, for the Generations Connect Spring Fling. The event, coordinated by Michigan State University students as part of the MSU AgeAlive Generations Connect program, brought together people of different ages for a night of crafts, food and conversation.
The Spring Fling is one of the largest events each semester for Generations Connect, a program that pairs college students with older adults in the community. The goal is simple: build friendships across generations and learn from each other.
MSU senior Emily Mason, the student president of Generations Connect, said the event is all about community. Mason is finishing up her degree in human development and family studies with a concentration in interdisciplinary studies and a pre-law focus.
“We always try to create a space where people can just spend time together,” Mason said. “There’s food, crafts and games, but really it’s about connecting.”
This year’s event included butterfly-themed crafts (inspired by MSU IMPART Alliance’s A Caregiver’s Butterfly Garden project celebrating direct care workers), a shared banner where participants added their names and years in the program, and a food drive for the MSU Food Bank. Attendees were encouraged to bring nonperishable items, especially snacks or treats that are not usually donated.
Mason said each event is a little different, but the mission stays the same.
“We’ve done rock painting, bingo, book swaps — we like to switch it up,” she said. “But people always say they wish there were more events like this.”
Among those attending was MSU second-year student Victoria Bucher, a public policy student, who joined the program in fall 2025. Bucher is part of a “double pair,” meaning she works closely with both Elizabeth Marazita, a community member enrolled in the program, and her 93-year-old mother, Eleanor.
Because Eleanor needs extra support, the trio spends time together as a group rather than one-on-one.
“We just do everything together,” Bucher said. “It works best for us.”
For Bucher, the experience has been eye-opening.
“My favorite part is how much I’ve learned from them,” she said. “It’s a connection I wouldn’t normally have in college.”
She said the program has shown her that people from different generations still have a lot in common.
“There’s something you can learn from everybody,” Bucher said. “No matter how different you think they are.”
Elizabeth Marazita has been part of Generations Connect for about three years. She first joined with her mother and has continued participating because of the relationships they’ve built.
“We’ve had wonderful students,” Marazita said. “Victoria is just great to be with.”
Over time, those relationships have turned into close friendships. Marazita described the bond with their student partners as more than just part of a program.
“It’s like a close friendship,” she said.
The group has shared a variety of experiences together, from attending events to watching basketball games. One of their favorite memories was going to a game, where they bonded over cheering for the same team.
“It’s that shared sense of excitement,” Bucher said. “We all enjoy it together.”
Marazita said the program goes both ways — students learn from older adults, but older adults also benefit from the connection.
“They bring so much,” she said. “They help with technology, they share what they’re doing in school, and it’s exciting to see.”
The Spring Fling reflected that idea, with conversations happening at every table. Some people worked on crafts, while others caught up over food or shared stories.
Events like this are supported by MSU AgeAlive, an initiative focused on advancing research, education and community engagement to improve the lives of individuals across the aging continuum. The program helps create opportunities for meaningful interaction between MSU faculty, staff, alumni, and students with the community.
With strong turnout and positive feedback, organizers hope to continue growing the program and hosting more events like the Spring Fling in the future.
For many participants, Generations Connect is more than just a program — it’s a chance to build relationships that might not happen otherwise, and a deeper understanding of the value of connection across generations that they will carry with them long after graduation.
“It’s not something you usually get in college,” Bucher said. “But it’s really special.”