LEXINGTON, Va. May 2, 2026 — Col. Sara Whipple, professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Military Institute, recently accompanied cadets in her Developmental Psychology course to Kendal at Lexington, a retirement community, to interview older adults and complete a paper about the experience. This is the second year Whipple has collaborated with Kendal on the project.

Whipple explained, “The primary purpose of this project was to provide opportunities for these 12 cadets, all majoring in psychology, to put into practice what they have learned in class regarding qualitative research techniques, specifically interviews, while simultaneously applying theories of older adulthood.” Over the course of two lab periods, pairs of cadets interviewed Kendal residents using a set of questions addressing significant personal events and accomplishments, cultural changes, historical events, and problems around the world.

“The questions I prepared were intended to provide structure and standardization to the interviews. However, with the goal of having meaningful conversation and to get to know each other, both cadets and Kendal residents were free to ‘go off script’ and ask follow-up questions or curiosities of their own,” said Whipple.

Dianne Herrick, a Kendal board member and resident of 13 years, helped recruit the adult volunteers for the project. Herrick, like Whipple, strongly believes in the value of intergenerational communication and face-to-face dialogue. “Sitting down for a few hours chatting with cadets has been very popular among Kendal residents.  It was a good contemplative exercise for both seniors reflecting on their lives, and cadets looking forward to the start of their careers.”

Cameron Jones ’27 said it was an honor and privilege to speak to the Kendal residents.

“I found each conversation incredibly meaningful. I think this is something that all VMI cadets would enjoy and benefit from. I would like to go back to Kendal, even on my own, prior to graduation next spring. I felt the residents enjoyed our visits as much as we did.”

Olivia Hurd ’27 is thankful she was involved with the project.

“Getting the opportunity to dive deep into what has shaped a person’s life is something I will never forget. The residents were kind and caring, and were happy to talk with us about their lives. In addition to conversation, they also gave advice and perspectives on things I never thought about before.”

With all the positive feedback Whipple received from cadets and residents, she plans to continue the project during the next academic year.   

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE