Involving students in research with older adults at a university in transition has its unique challenges. The goal of this paper is to discuss some of the rewards and lessons learned in undertaking a research program involving undergraduates at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UC-CS). UC-CS is a regional university in transition from a model of life-long learning to a more traditional research university. Most students work at least 20 hours per week, and many work full-time during the course of their studies. UC-CS has a particular strength in aging with a community-based CU aging center, and a core faculty committed to the population. Both the author and students benefited from an Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for the study of aging. The author benefited from the energy and productivity of the students, whereas the students benefited from having a personal relationship with a mentor and additional writing experiences.