LITERACY & HIGHER LEARNING

JULY 8, 2014 – Freeport Lions Club Meeting.

LITERACY & EDUCATION - The evening program speakers discussed how student educational opportunities and scholastic facilities have evolved over 50 years at Highland Community College. 

Lions heard guest speakers, Kim Rampenthal, Highland Community College Foundation, and Tim Hood, Vice President of Academic Services at HCC, talk about new facilities and new student programs.

  “Partnering” with universities and area high schools for student advancement is now a sought after concept that, at one time, was not so popular among educators and university staff. Top students nowadays have the opportunity to take college-level courses at the community college while at the same time attending high school. When that student graduates from high school, it is quite possible for them to enter a given college at a sophomore level. HCC also offers older or non-traditional students an education in business and industry areas that can enhance their jobs or job opportunities or help them with a specific hobby like genealogy.

Many of these opportunities and top-notch learning facilities are made available possible with matching grants and generous donations. The Highland Community College’s mission appears to closely parallel the Lions International vision statement to be a “leader in community and humanitarian service.” Thank you to our immediate past president, Paul Rampenthal, for arranging this informative program for the evening.

For another look at how important literacy and education is, take a look at this Internet link: http://www.eyeopening.info/2014/07/08/children-from-around-the-world-that-daily-risk-their-lives-just-so-they-can-get-an-education

 AWARDS - Lion Duane Smith was honored with a 100% Attendance Pin for the 2013-2014 year from club secretary Joe Serafini. Lion Duane still prepares, prints and mails our club newsletter, “Lion Talk”, to all active and inactive members, many of whom to not have computer access. Thank you, Lion Duane. Keep up the good work!

Lion Joe Serafini (left) congratulates Lion Duane Smith for his continued 100% attendance.

DONATION RECEIVED - A thank you card with a $90 check was received from former Freeport resident Lillian Osran who celebrates her 90^th birthday on July 14 and now lives in Evanston IL. Congratulations, Lillian, and THANK YOU!

Several other thank you cards and letters were received, notably from Leader Dogs for the Blind, and others thanking our club for helping their causes.