Broadview Senior Living is the retirement community located on the campus of SUNY Purchase College that features a relationship with the college through which the seniors who live at Broadview can audit college courses and attend performances, lectures and other events on the campus. The relationship with SUNY Purchase was featured as a selling point when the 220 apartments and villas at Broadview were being marketed to prospective residents.
SUNY Purchase’s new President Michael Steiper, in a meeting with residents at Broadview, said that he hopes to grow the relationship between the college and the community.
The concept of a senior living community on the campus had been under discussion since 2003, but it wasn’t realized until 2011 when legislation was signed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowing Purchase College to offer for lease about 40 acres of land to create the community.
Broadview pays $2 million to the school each year. Of the total, 75% goes toward student scholarships and 25% is dedicated to supporting faculty. Residents pay $55 per semester to the college when they audit a class. If there are additional expenses such as books the residents purchase them on their own.
“Let me start by saying just how delighted I am, beyond delighted, excited, thrilled I am, by this partnership and to have you as this incredible resource, this thriving, vibrant community on the campus,’’ Steiper said.
Residents had some feedback for Steiper and emphasized the value of stronger connections with Purchase students, particularly freshmen, suggesting that community involvement could aid in student retention and adjustment to college life. There was interest in increasing faculty presence at Broadview, with plans initiated to organize a monthly “Faculty First” lunch to encourage ongoing dialogue. Some residents said they had difficulty finding their way around campus and called for better maps and signage.
Steiper discussed the college’s excellence in the sciences, citing examples of innovative faculty and student research. He said one of his goals would be to elevate awareness of Purchase College’s strengths beyond its renowned performing arts educational opportunities that have produced Broadway actors, film directors and Grammy Award winners.
Broadview Executive Director Ashley Wade said that when Broadview asks its new residents why they chose the community, the number one answer is the benefit of living on a college campus.
“We hold the relationship with the college and our physical location on campus near and dear to our hearts,” Wade said. “As we come close to celebrating our second anniversary, this community is coming into its own and really beginning to understand the capacity we have.’’
Broadview was co-developed by Senior Care Development LLC and LCS Development LLC and is operated by Life Care Services.
