At a college where long-term loyalty to a group is nothing special, professor emerita of physical education Betty Beese and her water aerobics gang evoke admiration for their dedication to the cause.

	Albion resident Alberta Weatherford (left) gets a helping hand from Dorothy Shelters.  Despite no longer having sight, Weatherford continues to participate in the exercise class.

“We have a couple days off at Christmas, but otherwise, we’re in the pool,” laughs Beese, who retired from the College faculty 19 years ago. Beese has spent two afternoons a week for the past 15 years teaching a water exercise class in the College’s Dean Aquatic Center. The group, which generally numbers around 15, includes retired faculty and staff, College alumni and community members, who come for the exercise – and the socializing.

“We exercise our mouths, too,” says Albion resident Dorothy Shelters, who has been a member of the group for several years. “I had back surgery, and I still walk a lot, but this water class is very worthwhile. It makes me feel better.”

Beese, who retired from the physical education faculty in 1985, founded the water exercise class in 1989 and continues to lead the twice-weekly sessions.

Beese, who herself uses a wheelchair when not in the pool, notes that several participants wear leg braces or have artificial hips; one has a pacemaker and another long-term member became blind but is still in the group. Many participants were referred to her group by their doctors.

“They can exercise as easily as they want, or as hard as they want,” says Beese, who plans exercise routines that encourage strength as well as flexibility. “It’s a lot of fun.”