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| Susan Schricker |
Indiana University hosted its Third Annual School of Continuing Studies (SCS) Statehouse Visit on February 26, 2008.
Continuing Studies representatives from around the state provided exhibits and materials demonstrating how the university-wide school and its campus units advance Indiana’s workforce through the General Studies degree completion program, custom and contract training, and professional and workforce development programs.
Numerous senators and representatives paid tribute to the key role continuing education plays in preventing a Hoosier “brain drain.” Legislators in attendance included State Representatives Peggy Welch, Matt Pierce, and Eric Allen Koch, as well as State Senator Brent Steele.
A lunchtime award ceremony honored several individuals involved with the School of Continuing Studies. Award recipients included Assistant Minority Floor Leader Vi Simpson; Dr. William Bruening, IPFW Professor of Philosophy; Terrence Gilhooly, a continuing studies alumnus from the IU Northwest campus; and Mary Grove and Kathleen Lally, both former directors of IUPUI and Ivy Tech coordinated programs.
Speaking to the noontime audience, IU South Bend continuing studies alumna Susan Schricker provided an inspiring first-hand account of her return to college to finally earn her degree nearly 30 years after she originally started college. “My experience on the Indiana University South Bend campus was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Schricker. “I received counseling from advisors who cared, took an interest, and were qualified to recognize what would work best for me. I never felt out of place, and think the General Studies Degree is a remarkable program for people like me, or even me 25 years ago.”
SCS dean Daniel Callison wrapped up the presentations by outlining some of his primary initiatives for the School. These initiatives include
- A return to the School of Continuing Studies original mission, which is to be Indiana’s primary educational resource in attracting and assisting adult learners who want to complete a degree and update professional credentials.
- To expand and continue communication and cooperation with Ivy Tech campuses across the state in an effort to dramatically increase four-year degree completion rates.
- To expand the emphasis of Indiana University High School to serve adults who want to finish their high school diploma.
- To increase campus collaboration in workforce development and other state economic initiatives to train the workforce and retain talent for the state.
Learn more about the adult education opportunities available from the School of Continuing Studies and its campus units by visiting scs.indiana.edu or by calling 800.334.1011.
Pictures of IU School of Continuing Studies Third Annual Statehouse Visit.
