After decades of driving to work at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Dr. Richard Cooper saw a new sign about a mile from his office. It announced the opening of Surrey Senior Services, just across the street from his workplace. Not being familiar with the organization, he decided to stop in one day during his lunchtime – a 2 ½ minute walk – to get the inside scoop on Surrey.
Richard, Harcum’s Disability Services Director, is all about education. He earned a PhD in Education from the University of Pittsburgh back in the 1970s and joined Harcum several years later as the assistant dean of education. He had always found fulfillment in teaching students who learn differently, both on the college level and with his clients in his private practice as a learning specialist for those with learning and attention difficulties. As a result of his research, he originated a plethora of tools for assessment and new techniques for students of all ages. In tandem with his passion for helping others, he became an internationally known speaker who could elaborate on over 60 related subjects. Before the pandemic, he presented his insights in 43 states (multiple times) and 8 countries.
No sooner had he introduced himself to Surrey’s very own Mary – and shared with her his lifelong love of learning, teaching and speaking on these very topics – that he offered to speak to Bryn Mawr Surrey members about learning differences and identifying one’s own learning style.
His first presentation was met with great interest and engagement. Some in attendance could relate through their own learning journeys and/or on behalf of their children or grandchildren, while others were eager to acquire the knowledge. The discussion went so well that Part 2 of this topic has also been scheduled.
When Richard takes a break from his work, he is focused on his relatively new, unique, 3-wheeled vehicle, with just over 600 others like it in the country. After a $100 deposit and a four-year wait for it to be built, he is quite pleased with his vehicle. “It matches my style, now as an older person who spends more time traveling locally than longer distances; it can drive up to 75 mph; it looks like a helicopter without propellors; it is an efficient tool that will cost me less as I get older; and I can just plug it into the house – into the socket.” Perhaps a look-see of his new vehicle for Surrey members will soon be in the works.
Richard has three sons, the youngest of whom lives with him, one who is a chef at a nearby golf club, and the eldest, a cardiologist in Indiana.
Taking such pleasure in morning coffee at Surrey before his workday starts has been a delightful surprise. “I stop in for that about 9 a.m….and also to mingle with the people I’ve met and become friends with,” said Richard.
He appreciates that “part of Surrey’s mission is making sure that we older folks are interacting, as one of the main things that keeps people healthy is social contact. Surrey is great for individuals who want that. Without it, I wouldn’t be participating as much.”