Agnes Beale’s education is a self-perpetuating experience.

Beale earned her college degree in 1996 — later than most. But 17 years later, the Brunswick resident who retired to Maine in 2001 continues to educate herself at Midcoast Senior College.

Beale recently accepted the Wheeler-Thompson Founder’s Award, given to an individual who has supported the spirit and work of the Bath-based school.

“I am so very humbled to now be included along with the prior recipients of he Wheeler-Thompson Founder’s Award — the late Bill Brown, Jack Henderson and Dennis Unger,” Beale said. “I am certainly in good company.”

Beale recalled the school’s founders — Jack Thompson and Nancy Wheeler — attended Senior College years ago in Portland, before the Bath campus was established.

“The Wheeler-Foundation Award is special to me,” Beale said, because the two people for whom it is named, Nancy Wheeler and Jack Thompson, are two people I know from my first days at Midcoast Senior College. And they are two people I consider friends.”

Beale has taken courses at the college and volunteered there for 11 years. She has served on the public relations committee and the board of trustees, and turns in many hours in the office, working on the registration program.

There are no degrees, tests or credits, and Midcoast Senior College is run 100 percent by volunteers.

“She’s been a huge support of Midcoast Senior College almost since its inception,” said Priscilla McKeith, chairwoman of the college’s public relations committee. “Almost half of our students come here by word of mouth.”

“I think Senior College is unique,” Beale said. “It is simply for the experience of learning. You’re in with a group of people who are interested in that topic, and will share.”

The cost for an eight-week course, including books and handouts, is $55. The enrollment is 360 — much larger than in the college’s early days. Courses are held in various locations, including Thornton Oaks and Patten Free Library.

Mark Smith, president of the college executive board, noted this is its first year of nonprofit status.

Smith recognized the college’s oldest student, 100-yearold Stuart Gillespie Sr., who stood to a hearty applause. Stuart Gillespie Jr. is on the board of trustees.

Smith also thanked Now You’re Cooking of Bath and Sunnybrook Village of Brunswick for sponsoring the luncheon.

The college is headquartered on Park Street in Bath.

lgrard@timesrecord.com

Midcoast Senior College

First established in Portland by Rabbi Harry Sky, Midcoast Senior College has offered non-credit academic courses and other educational events for people 55 and older since 2000.