At Stevens Square at Baxter Woods, a "55+ Active Lifestyle Community" means more than just staying physically active—it’s about keeping the mind engaged too! Residents here enjoy being part of a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment with easy access to two renowned universities, both offering a variety of educational opportunities, community engagement, and enriching experiences.
Nestled between the University of New England (UNE) and the University of Southern Maine (USM), Stevens Square at Baxter Woods is ideally positioned for those seeking to keep their minds sharp and their curiosity alive. Let’s take a closer look at what these two nearby universities offer to enrich the lives of our residents.
University of New England (UNE) — A World of Opportunities Right Across the Street
Directly across the street from Stevens Square at Baxter Woods lies the University of New England’s Portland campus. UNE is more than just a place of higher learning; it is a hub for intellectual and cultural enrichment for the whole community, including residents of Stevens Square.
The Center for Global Humanities: UNE regularly hosts thought-provoking speakers, film screenings, and discussions that span global topics and humanities disciplines. Whether you are passionate about history, philosophy, or cultural studies, this center offers opportunities to engage with international thought leaders and scholars. You can explore upcoming programs here.
The Maine Women’s Writers Collection: UNE is home to a unique archive dedicated to women’s writing, and it’s open to the public for research, conferences, workshops, and thematic programming. For those interested in literature, history, or gender studies, this is a treasure trove of resources and learning. Find out more about their offerings here.
The Center for Excellence in Aging and Health: This center invites adults aged 55 and older to join students, faculty, and staff in collaborative research and service efforts focused on aging and health. It’s an incredible opportunity to engage in shared scholarship and service that benefits both participants and the wider community. Learn more here.
University of Southern Maine (USM) — A Gateway to Lifelong Learning and Creativity
Just down the road, the University of Southern Maine offers another wealth of opportunities for those at Stevens Square who wish to continue their education and explore new interests. USM is home to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), a well-regarded program that has become a key part of Maine’s educational landscape for those aged 50 and older.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI): USM’s OLLI provides a vast range of courses, lectures, and activities specifically designed for mature learners. With no tests or grades, OLLI invites participants to learn purely for the joy of it, embracing the value of experience and intellectual curiosity. The Spring 2025 course catalogue offers an exciting lineup of topics, including:
A Visit with Jane Austen
Hawking’s Final Theory: The Biofriendly Universe & Quantum Cosmology
Return of the Misfit Poets
A History of Western Movies, Part 5 (the 1990s)
Outdoor Preparedness & Safety
OLLI also offers engaging social activities, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences that foster a sense of community. You can explore the full range of courses and opportunities here.
The New Performance Center: USM is currently in the process of building the Crewe Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performance venue set to open in Fall 2025. This new Performance Hall will feature world-class acoustics and a flexible layout, making it the perfect venue for vocal and instrumental ensembles, light opera, dance performances, and much more. This means that in just a short distance from Stevens Square at Baxter Woods, residents will have access to some of the state’s best live performances. For more details, check out the construction progress here.
The Learning Never Ends
While these offerings from UNE and USM are just the highlights, they represent only a small portion of the educational and cultural opportunities available to residents at Stevens Square at Baxter Woods. Both universities host visiting scholars, student-driven projects, public lectures, and community events throughout the year, ensuring that the spirit of learning is always alive.
For those who are eager to keep their minds active and engaged, Stevens Square at Baxter Woods is more than just a place to live—it’s a thriving community that connects residents with some of the best learning resources in Maine. Whether you're attending a lecture at UNE, taking a class at OLLI, or enjoying a performance at USM, you’ll always find something to spark your curiosity and challenge your intellect.
At Stevens Square at Baxter Woods, we truly believe that an active lifestyle includes an active mind. Come join us and explore all the incredible opportunities for lifelong learning that surround our community. The world is waiting to be discovered—one class, one lecture, and one performance at a time.
For more information about Stevens Square at Baxter Woods, please contact Ed and Kelley.
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