Brian Despins

Student

Brian Despins is the definition of someone who has a mission to continue learning, which Bay College has been able to help him with.  Born and raised in Iron Mountain, Brian was active throughout his formative years in sports ranging from baseball and basketball to skiing and golf. 

Following high school, Brian took classes from NMU locally before going to MTU for a year, followed by completing a Laborers Training Program in 1976.  From 1977 to 1981 he honorably served in the United States Air Force, where he also continued taking college courses.  Upon his return to Iron Mountain, he began working at the VA Medical Center until his retirement in 2013.  While there, he worked in the mailroom, food service, patient financial service, and primary care. 

Throughout this time, he continued to take classes locally through NMU before transferring to Bay College to complete his Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting/Computer Applications.  Receiving a degree and entering retirement have not stopped Brian from continuing to learn and take classes through Bay.  Beginning in the winter 2019 semester, he began auditing classes with the first class being Digital Photography.  Since then, he has taken advantage of the opportunities at the West Campus and has taken such classes as Drawing I, Psychology, Astronomy, Intro to Visual Structures, Cultural Diversity, and most recently, Women and Gender Studies. 

When asked what led him to begin auditing classes at Bay, he stated, “I just felt there was more to learn about a variety of classes offered at Bay and auditing was the best viable option.”  What has he taken away from auditing classes that keeps him coming back for more?  “That I’m never too old to learn something new. Besides I am usually the oldest person in class and being around younger students makes me feel younger.”

To clarify if you are not familiar, auditing a class allows a student to attend a course without working towards a grade.  One more point to make note of is that Delta and Dickinson County citizens aged 60 and over are exempt from tuition, however, fees and books must be paid for. 

We asked Brian what he would say to a community member that is thinking about auditing a course through Bay College and he offered this, “It’s a perfect opportunity to keep learning. As you know, you’re never too old to learn something new. As far as tips or suggestions all I can say is there more to life after retirement that meets the eye. Bay College West is providing a perfect opportunity by auditing classes. Carpe Diem.”

Outside of the classroom, Brian has been keeping busy!  In the past year, Brian has had the opportunity to serve on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and he has also gone skydiving!  What else does he have on his list?  Well, he is looking into bungee jumping or a hot-air balloon ride coming up.  He also went to his first AAA baseball game recently and would like to go to Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Little Caesars Arena all on the same weekend. 

Lastly, we asked if there is a lesson we can all take from him in general: “Life is too short. Make each day count as if were your last.”