Verna Clancy has always been drawn to art. She had even wanted to study the subject at university but never had the opportunity.

However, thanks to a collaboration between Queen’s School of Rehabilitation Therapy and Sienna Senior Living, Ms. Clancy was able to experience for herself what it’s like to study at the university.

Arriving at Etherington Hall at 9:30 am, Ms. Clancy first attended a lecture by Dr. Una D’Elia (Art History) ‘The Renaissance in Italy: The Rebirth of Classical Antiquity,’ part of an introductory course on Art in the West.  Continuing the experience, she had lunch at The Grad Club and completed her day with a guided tour of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.

It was an unforgettable day, Ms. Clancy says, and was capped off with a personalized certificate of recognition from the School of Rehabilitation Therapy to commemorate her visit to campus.

“I think everybody should have (such an experience) at least once in their lifetime. I’ve learned so much today. Everybody’s been so kind and welcoming and I really appreciate everything everyone has done for me,” says Ms. Clancy, still excited by what she had learned in the art history lecture. “I didn’t realize what it covers. I didn’t realize it covers politics, wars and every topic going. It’s not just about studying an artist. It’s also the time, the culture.”

Ms. Clancy says she was able to connect  with the lecture on a personal level as she has traveled to Italy and viewed some of the paintings in person.

Through its signature Dreams Program, Sienna Senior Living, which operates three retirement homes and a long-term care facility in Kingston, aims to fulfill the life-long dreams of its residents.

In Ms. Clancy’s case Queen’s was also able to make her dream come true.

“While developing the School of Rehabilitation Therapy's new suite of graduate programs in Aging and Health, we had the opportunity to meet several program managers from Sienna,” says Erika Beresford-Kroeger, Strategic Initiatives Specialist, School of Rehabilitation Therapy. “When I was later contacted by Royale Place in Kingston, we were thrilled to help in any way we could. It was inspiring to experience the excitement from everyone across campus, particularly those in Art History and the Agnes, who helped the school make Verna’s dream come true.”