Breannah Warner
Staff Writer
While 99-year-old North Campus student, David Lipsit, could spend his retirement years engaging in other activities, he uses his precious time to learn new things and pursue higher education at Broward College. Despite his age, this is Lipsit’s first formal post-secondary education.
He first started taking classes at Broward College in 2023, when he was 98. He has completed two semesters there, during which he studied National Government last semester while this semester he is enrolled in Introduction to International Relations class taught by Dr. Mirsad Kriještorac.
When asked why he decided to enroll in college, he explained, “As you grow older you realize you are missing some answers, and if you’re missing something like that, where can you fill that void? Of course, at an educational institution and that is why I am now here at Broward College.”
Lipsit is a retired veteran who has lived through significant historical events that have shaped the world and our country. He has lived through WWII during which he served in the US military, he lived during the Cold War, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the fall of the Soviet Union, the globalization of the economy and many other important events throughout much of the 20th-century. He worked as an art dealer in up-state New York in his younger years, before eventually moving down to South Florida.
Even after 99 years of living, Lipsit still has an unquenched thirst for knowledge and learning about the world in which we live. Learning is a lifelong process that ought to be embraced and actively pursued, and while ninety-nine reasons for pursuing knowledge can be listed, here are some that Lipsit discussed that stand apart:
“Active pursuit of knowledge shapes the way you interact with others and the world around you; it encourages open mindedness, promotes personal growth and development, and contributes to academic achievements. Additionally, it sharpens your adaptability skills, fosters critical thinking skills, cultivates creativity and innovation, allows you to contribute to society and most importantly, it leads to self-fulfillment,” Lipsit said.
Even after a certain age, the brain does not stop learning. Rather, it continues to develop and function, regardless of age. Hence, it is critical to remain intellectually stimulated. There is a plethora of knowledge in the world, waiting to be discovered by you. So, if you think you are too old to be at Broward College, just remember Lipsit and re-think your position.
Lipsit is an amazing individual with a very pleasant attitude, wide perspective, and a lot of enthusiasm. He finds joy in making others happy, which is why he often brings fruits and snacks for his class. While he may be in school to learn, he certainly teaches us all that we are never too old or too late to educate ourselves.
