CKnowledgeontinuan and Understanding Passing from Generation to Generationce Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Vol. 25 Nos. 1 & 2
Generations Serving Generations
The Interdependence of Generations Report The Interdependence of Generations Report Generations Serving Generations Promoting the Civic Engagement of Older Adults
enerations Serving Generations was founded in 2008 in cooperation with the National Governors Association Center on Best Practices. IllinoisG was one of 14 states selected to participate in the project that was designed to improve the health and lives of older Americans and increase their involvement in service, learning, and work. The core team has championed the civic engagement of older adults as a way to boost leadership in communities and tap the great resource of older Illinoisans.
Generations Serving Generations embraces all generations, each with its unique history, view of authority, use of technology, and specific historical events that shaped their lives. Though we are all different, whether Gen X, Gen Y, Boomers or the Oldest Generation, we need one another. We are interdependent.
Interdependence of Generations: A Resolution from the Illinois Senate
Resolved: It is in the interest of the citizens of this State to develop Illinois’ growing retiree popula- tion as a resource for mobilizing citizens of all ages and addressing community needs across generations. Core Team for Generations Serving Generations Top photo from the the Summit on Aging and Education, September 20, 2010. Senate Resolution 115 L to R: Ted Gibbs, executive director, Serve Illinois Commission, Representing Governor Pat Quinn; Jo Anderson, Senior Advisor, U.S. Dept. of Education, representing Secretary Arne Duncan; Marilyn Hennessy, trustee, Retirement Research Foundation; Robert Mees, representing the Illinois Community College Council of Presidents and president, John A. Logan College; NGA project director: Jane Angelis, director, Intergenerational Initiative, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; NGA Team Leader Charles D. Johnson, director, Illinois Department on Aging; Peggy Luce, vice president, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Joyce Gallagher, director, Chicago Division on Aging; Michael O’Donnell, executive director, East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging and liaison, Illinois Association of AAA; and John Hosteny, Illinois director, Corporation for National and Community Service
Lower Photos: - Other members of the Policy Academy: L to R: John Sirek, director, Citizenship, McCormick Foundation; Bernarda Wong, president, Chinese American Service League; David Fields, board member, Illinois State Board of Education; Edward Maloney, chair, Senate Higher Education Committee; and Bob Gallo, state director, AARP Contents Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Vol. 25 Nos. 1 & 2
This issue of Continuance traces the efforts of Illinoisans to fulfill the Senate Resolu- tion on the Interdependence of Generations.
Generations Serving Generations i
The Beginnings 2
Partnerships and Building Consensus 3
Historic Meeting Connects Higher Education and Aging 3 Education Initiatives for the Future 4 Lifelong Learning Coalition 5
Celebrating the Year of the Engaged Older Adult 6
Governor Pat Quinn Proclaims 2010 as the Year of the Engaged Older Adult 6 Interdependence of Generations Resolution Passed 6 Summit on Aging and Education 7 Local Discussions Find Solutions through Collaboration 8 Coming Events 9
Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness 10
Spoon River College 10 John A. Logan Community College 20 College of Lake County 11 Southeastern Illinois College 21 Prairie State College 12 Shawnee Community College 22 Dupage Regional Office of Education 13 Southwestern Illinois College 23 Danville Area College 14 Harold Washington College 24 John Wood Community College 15 East St. Louis Community College Center 25 Black Hawk Community College 16 Kaskaskia College 26 Illinois Central College 17 Harper College 27 Heartland Community College 18 South Suburban College 28 Morton College 19 Highland Community College 29
Participants in the Local Discussions & Summit on Aging and Education 30
Acknowledgements 33
v Founded in 1987 with funding from the Illinois Board of Higher Education v
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ Generations Serving Generations The Beginnings
Building Consensus and Understanding other Generations
There are many humorous moments when generations share their perceptions on social customs, like dating, the use of technology, or view of authority. The six generations of Americans Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno share ideas at are very different, and yet they the podium of the Illinois Senate chamber. find many similarities. When older and younger generations compare n May 11, 2009 Senate President John Cullerton and Leader Christine historical events in their lives and Radogno sponsored a Gathering in the Senate to promote the Civic share stories about childhood OEngagement of Older Adults. Over 200 participants representing four memories, a new awareness is generations discussed the changing image of retirement and how Illinois- born. When generations come to ans of all generations envision a state where the talents of older genera- the table to take on the same goals, tions aren’t left on the sidelines. The participants set two goals: First to the talents are complementary, the celebrate the contributions of older adults, and second, to expand the civic enthusiasm is contagious, and the engagement of all Illinoisans. It was after the May 11 meeting that one of outcomes are sensational. the participants said, “this project has legs.”
From Senate President John J. From Senate Republican Leader Six Generations of Cullerton: Christine Radogno Americans “The foundation of our democracy “If we are to address the great is civic dialogue. The future for our challenges in Illinois in a Oldest Generation: Born before 1922 meaningful way, it will take the democracy is generations joining Veterans: Born 1922-1945 cooperation of all our citizens. Our together to solve community Boomers: Born 1946-1964 older generations have so much problems. We are all challenged to Generation X: Born 1965-1980 to offer. Partnerships with the foster creative thinking and new Generation Y: Born 1981-2000 youth of today and bringing all the approaches during these difficult Generation Z: Born 2000 - present generations together, is key to our times: convening local citizens success in Illinois. is the beginning of greater civic involvement for all ages.
Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Partnerships and Building Consensus
Historic Meeting Connects Higher The Maturing of Illinois: Getting Commu- Education’s Public Agenda and nities on Track for an Aging Population Aging’s Maturing of Illinois The number of persons 60 years of age and older in the state of Illinois is expected to increase from 2 million today to over 3.6 million by the year 2030. By 2030, one in every five Illinoisans will be 60 or older. To respond to this challenge, the thirteen Area Agencies on Aging in partnership with the Illinois Department on Aging are pursuing a statewide initiative to promote livable communities.
A livable community addresses six areas: housing, transportation, accessibility, health and support services, opportunities for work, volunteering, and learning, and encourages participation in civic, cultural, social and recreational activities. Within L to R: George W. Reid, executive director, Illinois Board of Higher Education and Charles Johnson, director, Illinois Department on each of these six areas, a livable community strives to Aging discuss how their agencies can work together. maximize people’s independence, assure safety and security, promote inclusiveness, and provide choice. harles Johnson, director, Illinois Department on CAging and George W. Reid, executive director of The Illinois Public Agenda for College and the Illinois Board of Higher Education met on February Career Success 18, 2011 to discuss issues related to education and aging that will have an impact on all Illinoisans. They agreed The Illinois Public Agenda for College and Career that their agencies must work together to address the Success is a plan for strengthening the education great economic challenges throughout Illinois. system. Four of the action steps include the following: First, attention will highlight increasing readiness for Director Johnson said “Older adults are a resource: college. Readiness begins with early education and they are capable of giving back to communities and continues throughout the transitions from one level to have great talents to share with students.” Dr. Reid the next, often called the pipeline. Second, the Agenda discussed the Public Agenda and welcomed the talents will focus on college completion and will challenge of older adults who can contribute to Illinois becoming the educational system in Illinois to help students the state with the highest graduation rate. succeed. Third, the agenda will garner support for performance funding that will add incentives “Higher Education is for a lifetime and the Public for student success. Last, the Agenda will provide Agenda is the future of Illinois,” said Reid. “The information about the education system in Illinois Agenda will present opportunities for people to take and a P-20 (preschool through college) longitudinal new roles that will increase graduation rates and data system, that is vital for sound policy making strengthen our educational system.” and accountability. The global goals for the Public Agenda are to increase educational attainment, ensure Johnson described the Maturing of Illinois, which will college affordability, address workforce needs and help communities prepare for an increase of 70% of enhance economic growth. For additional information, those 60 and older over the next twenty years. www.1illinois.org
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ Partnerships and Building Consensus Education Initiatives for the Future
Illinois Delegation to Illinois Board of Higher Education Education for Our Future: Attend Complete College external relations and State Liaison First Report for the America Event to Complete College America. Illinois P-20 Council
Comments from members of omplete College America has the Complete College America invited Illinois to bring a state regarding older generations: Cteam to the Spring, 2011 Comple- tion Academy to discuss and de- sign specific actions — legislative “As one generation graduates, another retires. The experiences or administrative, statewide or gained through a life of work campus specific—focused on strat- or community service are a Miguel del Valle egies to reach the college comple- natural resource to the incoming Chairman, P-20 Council tion goal of 60% of Illinoisans (ages generation that can not be he P-20 Council Report in- 24-64) with a postsecondary degree measured and must not go cludes ten recommendations or credential of value by 2025. untapped.” forT improvement at all levels of Illi- Jeff Mays, President nois education, from birth through Complete College America will Illinois Business Roundtable adulthood, to create a seamless provide customized technical assis- system of quality education and tance in the areas of performance “By connecting generations, we support. The P-20 Council recom- funding, remediation reform, re- create partnerships that allow us mends that state agencies, educa- ducing time-to-degree, and chang- to learn and grow. Education is tional institutions, and community ing structures to meet the needs of transformational, and by bringing partners work together. today’s students. people of all ages together to share www2.illinois.gov/p20council/ their expertise and talents, we can The delegation includes Lt. Gov. effect positive and lasting change Sheila Simon; Sen. Ed Maloney, in our communities.” Chair, Senate Higher Education Rita Cheng, Chancellor Congratulations to Mike Committee; Rep. Bob Pritchard, Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale Baumgartner, the new Vice Education Caucus co-chair and President of Finance and Special Minority Spokesperson on House “When senior volunteers apply Projects for Complete College Higher Education Committee their wisdom and energy to such America. Baumgartner was the Education; Chancellor Rita Cheng, projects as reducing the school executive deputy of planning Southern Illinois University Car- drop-out rates and improving and budgeting for the Illinois bondale; President Jerry Weber, wellness, our whole community Board of Higher Education and College of Lake County; Jeff Mays, benefits.” Jerry Weber, President a member of the Advisory Team President of Illinois Business College of Lake County, Grayslake for Generations Serving Genera- Roundtable; George W. Reid, Il- tions. linois Board of Higher Education “Retirees are valuable resources Best wishes! executive director; Andy Davis, for P-20 education because they Illinois Student Assistance Com- have experienced transitions mission executive director; Elaine throughout their lives and Complete College America (CCA): understand perseverance.” www.completecollege.org/ Johnson, Illinois Community Col- Senator Ed. Maloney, Chair lege Board vice-president for aca- Illinois Alliance page for CCA: Senate Higher Education Com. www.completecollege.org/docs/Illinois.pdf demic affairs, and Candace Mueller,
Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Partnerships and Building Consensus Lifelong Learning Coalition
t the turn of the 20th century, approximately 4 percent of the United States population was over age sixty-five. Today, that percentage has climbed to 13 percent, and by 2030 is projected to be 20 percent. Clearly, the number ofA older students will increase dramatically. How will we prepare? The Lifelong Learning Coalition has an answer.
Lifelong is a coalition of community colleges and universities that provide learning opportunities for those 50+. The group was founded in 1989 by the Illinois Community College Board and formalized in 1992 through funding from the Retirement Research Foundation. Carol Davis, chair of the Coalition says, “The Lifelong Coalition seeks to actively address the challenges and initiatives outlined in The Maturing of Illinois Report in the areas of lifelong education, civic engagement, work, economic development, and recreation.”
Officers and Sponsors for 2011-2013: L to R Top: Chair: Carol Davis, Spoon River College, Canton; Vice-Chair, Douglas Brauer, Richland, Community College, Decatur, Former Chair: Anita Revelle, Illinois State University, Normal; At Large-South: Julia Schroeder, Vice President for Academic Affairs, John A. Logan College; Cheryl Brunsmann, Director Outreach, SIU Edwardsville; At Large Central: Jon Neidy, Associate Director, Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute, Bradley University, Peoria; Bottom L to R: At Large-Central: Janna Overstreet, director of Continuing Education, Eastern Illinois University; At Large-North: Tammy Lewis, Director Institute of Lifelong Learning, Rock Valley College, Rockford; At Large Chicago Suburbs: Julie DeLong, director Prairie State College, Chicago Heights; At Large-Chicago: John Hader, Interim Vice President, Academic Affairs, Harold Washington College. Sponsors: Jennifer Foster, Director Adult Education, Illinois Community College Board and Jane Angelis, director, Intergenerational Initiative, SIU School of Law.
Members of the Lifelong Learning Coalition Prairie State College Benedictine University Kaskaskia College Rend Lake College Black Hawk College Illinois Central College Richland Community College Bradley University Illinois State University Rock Valley College Chicago State University John A. Logan College Roosevelt University City Colleges of Chicago Joliet Junior College Carl Sandburg College College of Lake County Kaskaskia College Sauk Valley Community College College of DuPage Kankakee Community College Shawnee Community College Danville Area College Kishwaukee College Southeastern Illinois College DePaul University Lakeland Community College Southwestern Illinois College Elgin Community College Lewis and Clark College Southern Illinois University Carbondale Eastern Illinois University Lincoln Land Community College Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Frontier Community College McHenry County College Spoon River College Governors State University Moraine Valley Community College Triton College Harold Washington College National Louis University University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Harper College Northern Illinois University Waubonsee Community College Heartland Community College Northwestern University John Wood Community College Highland Community College Oakton Community College Western Illinois University Illinois Valley Community College Parkland College Wright Community College
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ The Interdependence of Generations Report
Celebrating the Year of the Engaged Older Adult
1. Gov. Pat Quinn Proclaims 2010 as the Year of 2. Interdependence of the Engaged Older Adult Generations Resolution Passed 102 Counties Participated in the Celebration of the Civic Engagement of Older Adults
n December 2009, Governor Pat Quinn launched a a year-long campaignI that encouraged older adults to engage in community activities. Generations Serving Generations and the Year of the Engaged Older Adult was a call to On April 22, 2010, the Illinois Sen- action for individuals and families ate unanimously passed the Inter- to enrich community life. The dependence of Generations Task announcement was made during Force, sponsored by Senator Ed the opening session of the annual Maloney. Governor’s Conference on Aging, held on December 10 in Chicago. The purpose is to “study and make recommendations regarding the cre- “This program will expand our ative ways that education (schools, efforts to strengthen communities community colleges, and universi- across Illinois,” said Governor ties) and aging (retiree organiza- Quinn. “The initiative will help tions, organizations that serve older increase the number of seniors who adults, and older adults themselves) participate in volunteer activities in can work together to address the Illinois, allowing them to contribute challenges of education, tap the re- their talents and expertise to benefit sources of older adults and students their communities.” to benefit communities, and promote healthy lifestyles for all ages.” Counties throughout Illinois felt the spirit of Generations Serving Gen- Further, the “Task Force on the erations. Older adults participated Interdependence of Generations will in programs and projects related to engage Illinois citizens in hearings health, education, caregiving, com- regarding the ways that generations munity building, economic devel- can work together as participants, opment and more. Clearly there is planners, and organizers of systems a vast resource in the older genera- that can mobilize talents across 102 Illinois Counties tion just waiting to be tapped. generations.”
Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 The Interdependence of Generations Report 3. Summit on Aging and Education Summit Leaders
The purpose is to study and make recommendations regarding the cre- Aging • Charles Johnson, Illinois ative ways that education (schools, community colleges, and universities) Department on Aging and aging (retiree organizations, organizations that serve older adults, • Michael O’Donnell, Illinois and older adults themselves) can work together to address the challenges of educa- Association of AAA tion, tap the resources of older adults and students to benefit communities, and pro- • Joyce Gallagher, Chicago mote healthy lifestyles for all ages. Division on Aging
Business n September 20,2010, leaders from aging and education joined with • Peggy Luce, Chicagoland 120 Illinoisans of all ages in the first Illinois Summit on Aging and Chamber of Commerce Education.O The dialogue centered around service, lifelong learning and wellness and sparked a model of communication and connections be- Community Colleges tween generations and the organizations that serve them. • Geoff Obrzut, Illinois Community College Board • Robert Mees, Council of Community College Presidents
Elementary and Secondary Education • Christopher Koch, State Superintendent • Jason Leahy, Illinois Principals Association • Dave Fields, Board Member, Illinois State Board of Education • Debra Strauss, Illinois PTA In preparation for the First Illinois Summit on Aging and Education, Christopher Koch, Illinois Superintendent of Education (left) and Charles Johnson, director of the Illinois Department Higher Education on Aging (right) host a planning meeting. Center- L to R: John Hosteny, Illinois director of the • Senator Ed Malony, Senate Corporation for National and Community Service and Ted Gibbs, CEO, of the Serve Illinois Higher Education Committee Commission, representing Governor Pat Quinn Intergenerational Rather than compete for resources, leaders from aging, education and ser- • Jane Angelis, SIU School of Law vice talked about how they could join forces in addressing common goals. P-20 Education Peggy Luce, Vice President, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the • Jo Anderson, U.S. Dept. of Summit chair said, “This is extraordinary to have the leaders of education Education and aging working together for the benefit of all ages.” Charles Johnson, • Julie Smith, Governor’s Senior director of the Illinois Department on Aging, called the Summit, “Historic Advisor on Education – with the potential for developing many cross-generational partnerships.” State Superintendent Christopher A. Koch called the summit a “bridge across Service generations to support student achievement and lifelong healthy habits.” • Ted Gibbs, Serve Illinois Commission • John Hosteny, Corporation for Participants shared their ideas on addressing the challenges of dropouts, National Service wellness and lifelong learning in the morning sessions. In the afternoon • Mike Mangan, Learn and Serve they brought action into the mix, by discussing the many ways that service • Kathy Engelken, Illinois Campus makes an impact, such as involving dropouts in service experiences, shar- Compact ing technology skills, and organizing health campaigns for elders.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ The Interdependence of Generations Report
4. Local Discussions Find Solutions through Collaboration Increasing Graduation Rates and Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Read the Stories and Ideas from the Local Discussions on WHEREAS, Two factors will have a significant impact on the Illinois Aging and Eduation economy and predict future prosperity, the first is the cost of health care, particularly for older Illinoisans, the second is the educational Spoon River College, Canton 10 level of the working population; a statewide effort to connect aging. College of Lake County, Grayslake 11 and education has implications for benefits to every community and for policy throughout the State; schools have resources and facilities to help with promo- Prairie State College Chicago Heights 12 tion; and older adults have great potential to help dropouts and students who are our future workforce. Dupage Regional Office of Education Lombard 13
Danville Area Community College 14 n November and December 2010, 20 Local Discussions were hosted by community college presidents and education leaders. They gathered John Wood Community College goodI ideas and best practices from students, retirees and an assortment of Quincy 15 people who are committed to increasing graduation rates and wellness. Black Hawk College This budding grassroots movement brought focus to the unique problems Quad Cities Metro, Moline 16 caused by school dropouts and health concerns. Illinois Central College, Peoria 17
Heartland Community College Normal 18
Morton College, Cicero 19
John A. Logan College, Carterville 20
Southeastern Illinois College Harrisburg 21
Shawnee Community College Ullin 22
Southwestern Illinois College Belleville 23
Harold Washington College Chicago 24
East St. Louis Community College The Southwestern Illinois College Local Discussion in Belleville featured local Center 25 leaders of education, aging and service in a comprehensive discussion about increasing graduation rates and promoting healthy lifestyles. Kaskaskia College, Centralia 26
Harper College, Palatine 27
South Suburban College South Holland 28
Highland Community College Freeport 29
Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 The Interdependence of Generations Report
The Task Force on the Interdependence of Generations will engage Illinois citizens in hearings regarding the ways that generations can work together as participants, planners, and organizers of systems that can mobilize talents across generations.
n fulfillment of the Senate Resolution, community college presidents and education leaders invited individuals representing retirees, educationI at all levels, service programs, and communities to begin a dialogue on how they could share resources and mobilize the resources of all generations. In a time of economic pull back, the citizens of Illinois raised their voices in 20 communities saying, “We can do a better job of working together, sharing resources among generations, and tapping the skills and talents of all Illinoisans.” Read the stories in the following 20 pages--they are gems.
Many of the Local Discussions reported on their efforts to work together, their partnerships and how they could strengthen them. Others discovered that they had potential for developing new partnerships around some aspect of increasing graduation rates and wellness. The economic climate is ideal for giving organizations a greater incentive to collaborate and identify ways that service can empower education and older Americans. One of the goals of the Summit was to develop stronger ties between aging, education and service and this was one of the great successes of the Local Discussions.
Coming Events
April 1 - November 1, 2011: Aging is an Asset for Illinois Preliminary Sponsors: Generations Serving Generations and Gerontology Programs in Illinois • Purpose: Identify the ways that those 50+ contribute to communities and set action steps on engaging older adults in learning, service and work. Location: Discussions and events will be held throughout Illinois.
Sept. 26, 2011: Second Summit on Aging, Education & Service and Celebration of Intergenerational Programs • Connecting Higher Education’s Public Agenda with Aging’s The Maturing of Illinois Report • Exploring how service promotes student success • Sharing evidence-based practices that connect generations • Convening a P-20 Forum on Intergenerational Service • Preliminary Sponsors: Generations Serving Generations and the three Education Boards - In Normal, Illinois
For information, www.solit.siu.edu/GenServeGen
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Spoon River College
Retirees and “at-risk” students start book club to stimu- late reading for all ages.
sharing, and playing together. disaster relief exercises. Carol There is no doubt that the retirees Davis noted, “In his retirement, have great respect for the students Phil is keeping all of us a little safer President Robert E. Ritschel and value their talents. The students and a little wiser. Another project say that they have a new set of caring involves Seniors at VIT High School adults in their lives. who may enroll in an elective November 12 - Canton Community Service class for credit. Carol Davis, Vice President of The Retirees Leading model pro- This class provides many benefits. Community Outreach poses a new tradition in retirement Students receive instruction and that is organized by community then actively participate in a Success Story colleges and universities. Retirees community service project. The common response from attend class to learn about how students connect to members of A students often considered their community or city works, the community, learn the values at-risk.is “We are considered select projects in cooperation with associated with service, and problems.” The Retirees Leading schools and the community, and receive credit toward graduation Academy, a model for involving then enlist others to participate. In requirements. Members of the older adults, put that theory to rest other words, “just ask.” community have the opportunity when they partnered with students to work with the high school youth at Fulton-Schuyler Regional Office Retirees Leading, also known as the and collaborate on community- of Education’s Alternative High Spoon River Model started in 2005 betterment projects. School. Sally Pletz, a retired travel with funding by the Retirement agent, and Barb Luthy, a retired Research Foundation now has 70 Ideas and Action teacher, jumped at the opportunity graduates leading community Positive discussion resulted in to work with youth at the alternative projects and 300 participating in several recommendations: school. those projects. The program started • Link service to educational with seven retirees who agreed to incentives – graduation credit is They started a book club with the try something new even though it given; state or local scholarships or students, which included several required a seven-week commitment awards available. sessions of reading and discussing of one morning each week. They • Link to community – creation of a an important piece of literature. learned about themselves, about network of volunteer/community The book club emerged out of other generations, and about their service opportunities that educators the Retirees Big Read community community. Upon graduation, can use to “plug” students into program and immediately became these seven participants became appropriate or relevant projects. popular with the students. As a the core of the Spoon River College • Link to seniors – where result, they expanded the club Retirees Leading Academy. One appropriate establish a one-on- to include a novel each fall and graduate in particular is now one connection between an older spring. The students also helped making a significant impact in our adult and a high school student to institute a Games Day so they could community. Phil Fleming was collaborate on a project OR match teach video games to the retirees. selected as the Emergency Services a student with an older adult In turn the retirees shared some Disaster Agency Director for the who would be the recipient of a of their favorite board games. The City of Canton and now leads community service project. (One students and the retirees spend a staff of volunteers in training, suggestion was to create a protected quality time discussing, reading, weather-spotting/reporting, and website like Match.com.)
10 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness College of Lake County
Service-learning experiences support leadership and academic success
November 20 - Grayslake Laura Rovang, Director, Discovery: The local discussion at the College A Program for Adult Learners with of Lake County brought together a Young Attitude participants from service organiza- President Jerry Weber tions, K-12 educational institutions, “Deeply connected to the Success Story the community college, retiree communities we serve, community ow are responsible citizens groups and community programs. colleges have a history of bringing created and instilled with a It was a lively discussion as pro- people together to develop creative senseH of civic responsibility and grams and responsibilities were solutions to local problems. We volunteerism? The North Shore shared. Those attending were are excited to lend our expertise in School District 112 has been doing amazed at the number of programs working with community groups, that for the last nine years by utiliz- addressing retention and wellness educators and employers to the ing “Project Citizen,” a free national issues already in place. Generations Serving Generations program from the Center for Civic project. When senior volunteers Education. The program is prob- Ideas and Action apply their wisdom and energy to lem-based and focuses on a public • Consider a larger forum for more such projects as reducing the school policy issue students identify as organizations to meet in a similar drop-out rates and improving one to explore and solve. Adult exercise (perhaps a half-day focus- wellness, our whole community community volunteers with exper- ing on retention and volunteerism) benefits. “ tise in the identified area participate • Identify Best Practices in and out with students to help them think of Illinois. What is working? Not through the problem and possible working? Who is doing it? How for mobile job centers, pool funding solutions. The concluding exercise is it being assessed? Is it appropri- and resources, develop coalitions be- is a simulated legislative hearing ate and achievable? Suggestions for tween senior centers, libraries, AARP, with older adults serving as men- programs to research as providers Extension service, and park districts) tors and judges. The goal of the or models include Center for Civic program is to engage students in Education (“Project Citizen” and • Explore ways to reduce obstacles becoming active volunteers serving “We, the People” programs); Volun- to volunteerism such as cost of their community. teer Center of Northeast Suburban background checks, lack of fund- Chicago (training program and ing, territorial attitudes, union im- Cheryl Levi, Service Learning Li- volunteer network); and Learn and posed restrictions and other politi- aison for NSSD112, says that she Serve America grants for school cal obstacles. frequently hears from parents whose districts (funding for school–based • Identify assessment tools to eval- children are involved in volunteer Service Learning projects) uate programs for appropriateness service projects. This intergen- • Request an assessment from the and effectiveness erational program pairs 50+ adult Regional Superintendent’s Office • Communicate what we have tutors and mentors with school chil- of Lake County needs, including learned to our organizations dren Grades 4-12 and produces an number of dropouts, their location, • Publicize websites for volunteer environment of enthusiastic learning ages and grades. information and opportunities, and an opportunity for both groups • Develop community collaboration such as United Way’s list of social to apply knowledge and social skills (e.g. open schools as sites for pro- services already developed and to achieve an outcome of informed grams, grants through local librar- available. Communicate needs and empowered future leaders. ies, convert dormant bookmobiles to the public (e.g. newspaper community page).
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 11 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness
Prairie State College
Black males discuss the importance of education with a retired mentor.
and are working toward the goal of have been a part of this event.” graduation. President Eric Radtke Another program that helps The Kids Who Care Program is a promote graduate rates is the Adult “I was pleased we could report on youth volunteer service program Education Program, which serves a a broad range of programs we are that includes students K through diverse population of adult learners already doing on campus and also college, families and community who are both high school and non- for the overwhelming support from groups. A grocery shopping service high school graduates to teach basic the community. I feel we are poised helps senior citizens and those who skills needed to function effectively to move forward with many of are disabled. They also make treats the great ideas generated from the as a family member, employee, and for meals on wheels recipients, discussions. Prairie State College citizen. This is an intergenerational and participants in monthly game does, and will continue to, play an program where mature adults aged active role in offering programs for nights at senior residences. 55+ work with students ages 25 – 32. the older adult.” A program called Positive Behavior Ideas and Action Interventions and Support features The following recommendations November 10 - Chicago Heights “Be Bucks.” On every Friday, each for simple doable objectives for Julie DeLong, Coordinator of classroom allows the students with ongoing action were identified: Continuing Professional Education Be Bucks to take five minutes and 1. Strengthening connections walk to the Be Buck Store, housed through the development of a Success Stories in the building. The items in the combined and categorized resource ugene Dumas, a retired Chicago store include pencils, calculators, book which includes resources Public Schools Principal, told toy watches, flash lights and more. available within the community aE story about having lunch with The students earn Be Bucks for for those in education, services and a group of male college students. volunteering. They talk about school, sports, and actions, such as leadership. Many 2. Encourage high school students a variety of topics, and Dumas of the minor behavioral issues have to be engaged in both educational asks them probing questions subsided because the students want and extra- curricular /co-curricular related to their personal goals and to earn the Be Bucks. expectations for the future. These activities all four years of high discussions encourage the students Discussion school to be better prepared for to think about the advantages Upon the conclusion of the panel college. of a college education in light of presentation, attendees broke 3. Within current volunteer greater employment opportunities. into three sub-groups consisting programs, offer opportunities for “Young people today do not often of education, senior services and volunteers to upgrade their basic receive encouragement to succeed civic engagement. The result of computer literacy skills through in college,” said Dumas, and the discussion was that there are training. he fulfills that need during the numerous individual organizations 4. Work with outside agencies such informal lunch-time chats. As a that offer programs that address as Professional Women’s Network to result, Mr. Dumas has seen students dropouts and promote healthy offer mentoring programs to young seek him out to inform him that students to provide first-hand they are attending class regularly lifestyles for all ages. One of the participants said, “I’m honored to experience with career choices.
12 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness DuPage Regional Office of Education
Older mentor helps student to change from a troubled youth to one leading a coat drive for his community.
November 15 - Lombard health programs and healthier food Olga Rammer, Director, choices should be available to all Administrative Services students. Dr. Darlene Ruscitti, DuPage Success Stories The DuPage County Health De- Regional Superintendent of Retiree from FBI finds fulfilment partment FORWARD Initiative Schools. and helps a student find his way (Fighting Obesity Reaching Healthy “As our population ages, we will Weight Among Residents of Du- need to tap into their knowledge retired FBI agent became a Page) will move ahead in design- and strengths as well as support A mentor for a young student ing a program in consultation with their health and well-being. who was placed in the Safe Schools these students that will connect Mobilizing all generations to program for possession of a weap- seniors with our school youth on address critical economic and on. This very serious-minded ex- proper nutrition and exercise. One health issues in new ways can FBI agent connected well with the student, when asked why she had only have a positive impact on our student, who was very troubled, given up an entire evening to par- society and our nation.” and on the verge of failure. With ticipate in the Generations Serving involvement of the mentor, the stu- Generations Summit and continue dent began to improve his grades to be involved, replied that it was tions and invitations to high school and he began to ask his teachers her responsibility to make her com- plays and music events. what he could do to assist in school munity a better place to live and • High school students can provide activities. Soon he was involved work. ongoing support to area citizens in service when he formed a coat through yard upkeep, assistance on drive at Christmas. When asked Ideas and Action garbage days, assorted other out- what brought about the change, the • High school and middle school side activities. student said that he had received students can host Technology work- • Seniors can become involved in a birthday card from his mentor, shops for area seniors. formal mentorship programs with and he realized that someone cared • Living oral histories can be cap- schools, “Adopt a Grandparent” about him, and that he did indeed tured by students of seniors from programs, or other collaborative matter. multi-generations, capturing first- events to assist struggling students hand stories for future study. with homework, job coaching, read- Discussion • Retired seniors can become work- ing, or simply providing support. Five students were participants in out partners with younger stu- • Intergenerational cooking classes our summit. They all added con- dents, proving support and encour- can be hosted at schools, providing siderable information and perspec- agement while both obtain health for the opportunity to transfer reci- tives about high school dropouts benefits. pes through generations, and for and healthy lifestyles. The students • High school athletic facilities can students to share new cooking tech- talked about their roles as Student be opened to area residents during niques and nutritional information. ambassadors; organizing school times of low-use. • Seniors can volunteer to serve clubs and participating as technol- • High school service clubs can plan as ongoing academic support for ogy experts working with seniors. special events, such as Senior Citizen schools, working in resource cen- They all felt that the cardiovascular Proms, holiday meals, special recep- ters and classrooms.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 13 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness
Danville Area Community College
Information is a challenge: There are many resources but people don’t know about them.
successfully completing 22 credits. a number of arts media: music, cre- He has since moved to Alaska to ative writing, poetry, theatre, visual President Alice Marie Jacobs be with family. He has enrolled in arts, video, and sculpture. These art college for the spring 2011 semester. projects will be showcased at year’s “From the discussions, it is evident end at an Arts & Health Festival. that many positive strategies are The College Express program has The third phase includes a county- taking place in our community to a goal to increase the graduation wide tour of the students’ works. address the drop-out rate as well rate by 25 students annually. This is Sites include schools, businesses as to promote healthy lifestyles. often a better option for a student and community events. Our challenge as a College will who gets pregnant, struggles in the be to continue to facilitate what is school setting, doesn’t fit in with Teaching kids at an early age the occurring so that the quality of life their peers, or feels inferior. The importance of volunteering may di- in our community improves.” College Express program allows rectly impact how much they serve high school students to obtain voca- the community in their future. This tional credit. would also help the community re- alize its needs. December 2 - Danville Laura Hensgen, Coordinator, Com- Healthy Lifetyles Ideas and Action munity Education Provena United Samaritans Center After attending the local discussion in Danville uses the arts to com- there was talk about how much Ver- Success Story municate healthy lifestyle choices milion County has to offer and how hawn, a local high school among youth through the I Sing the little people know about what goes student, was about to give up Body Electric program. The mission on. In an attempt to make people onS school when he heard about is to provide a supportive frame- aware there was talk about creating DACC’s Middle College program. work where youth in Vermilion a webpage listing all the opportuni- He didn’t have much drive and County may investigate and com- ties available to volunteers. was just going through the daily municate healthy lifestyle choices motions of his life. Shawn often to each other and to the community • Suggestions that include the fact said that he was just not fit for through the arts. This program that seniors will often volunteer the high school setting, and he includes three phrases. The first when asked or if they are aware of often thought of dropping out. phase, which began in 2008, sur- the opportunities. At the beginning of his senior veyed area students asking them to year Shawn opted for the Middle select the top five health risks that • Attempts to educate the public College program. He was able they face. The results were: alcohol may include: newspaper articles, to enroll in college level courses (mainly drinking and driving), sex- church groups, classroom setting, which allowed him to obtain high ual behavior, body image, drug use, and social media. school and college credit. Shawn and depression and suicide. thrived in a more mature setting. • Other ideas included starting a According to his counselor, Shawn In the second phase, high program in the elementary schools needed very little supervision. school youth who choose to par- that focus on volunteering. He was responsible and by the ticipate are given mini-grants to time he graduated in December develop healthy lifestyle messages 2010 he was more confident and using the arts. The projects can use
14 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness
John Wood Community College
Success is often measured in small steps says a STEM mentor.
November 23 - Quincy small steps for his students will Carla Gosney, Director, Retired and result in large opportunities in the Senior Volunteer Program future. President Thomas Klincar
“John Wood Community College Success Stories Approximately 30 Adams County is honored to be an enabler in my, a third-grade student RSVP volunteers are actively helping students succeed. At John had help in reading and involved in the Child-Family A Wood Community College, we are other subjects from her mentor, Mentor Program at the Quincy one team, bringing together many Dr. Michael Anderson, a retired Public Schools. These volunteers resources to increase our student physician. He worked with Amy work with one or two students for college graduation rates and from the time she was in third an hour each week to assist with improve the quality of life within grade through high school. As school work and to be a mentor to the communities we serve.” a result, Amy completed high the students. The RSVP Volunteers school and also graduated from often remark that they receive more John Wood Community College than they give. The involvement analyze program data, educate the and is now completing college at with students is win/win, community about the obesity issue, a four-year institution. Knowing volunteers stay active and students and use data to generate and align the importance of the mentoring improve their reading and math. program to her success, Amy community resources with effective program strategies. This is done in herself became a mentor for a grade The United Way of Adams County order to decrease childhood obesity school student. gives special funding consideration in Adams County by 25% by the to programs that emphasize year 2020 (from 41% in 2009 to 31%). As a retired manager and computer education, health and income When these strategies are combined expert, Ken Heinze knows because of the problems associated and supported by community the importance of math in the with them. The U of I Extension members, Adams County will see workplace. Ken has been tutoring and United Way have partnered to a reduction in obesity rates and individual students since 2003 at tackle obesity in Quincy. Since May obesity-related costs. John Wood Community College’s 2009, the ABC Health Leadership Adult Ed and Literacy program. Delegation has become the Ideas and Action This year he felt he could be more source for community data about • Work with the Kroc Center to effective in a classroom setting, health status and collaborative promote tutoring and promoting working with several students efforts to improve obesity rates healthy lifestyles. at a time. He began planning in Adams County. ABC and its • Continue connecting retirees lessons, exercises, and homework Health Leadership Delegation are and students who need additional to encourage and motivate the committed to making a positive support to remain in school or students to complete their GED. impact on the health status of return to school. This has been a learning experience individuals in Adams County, • As a result of links established at for Ken as well as the students. He specifically concerning overweight the local discussion, the Education has discovered that success is often and obesity. Utilizing the active Department of John Wood will measured in small steps. Through health leadership delegation have additional placement sites for his continued encouragement, these structure, ABC will: collect and student interns.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 15 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Black Hawk College
An important part of our future depends on mutual un- derstanding between generations
Club was available, applied and in Rock Island, college students was selected. Balancing classes, have provided needed eyeware President Gene Gardner work and family commitments has to elementary students who were been a challenge but the skills he struggling in classes, and tutored acquired at the Club, the mentoring at-risk students. “It has long been said that with age he received is evidence that comes wisdom. I hear this notion persistence does bring results. An intergenerational program expressed in a variety of ways by targeting Family Literacy has students in the halls and lounges at Discussions paired 250 learners with 100+ tutors Black Hawk College. Conversely, President Gene Gardner greeted the to encourage reading and learning young people often develop their participants in the Local Discussion skills. A special focus of their own life views as a result of their and started with a tribute to older program is parenting skills. experiences, particularly from and younger generations. the various electronic gadgetry Challenges that they have grown up with. One of the programs cited was the • Recruiting/retaining volunteers Consequently, communication Boys & Girls Clubs that provides to overcome the snowbird between the generations becomes after school services for 250-300 phenomenon and seniors returning a value adding experience to both students, ages 6 – 18, at 3 locations. to workforce. the young and the not so young. From the Homework Power Hour • Overcoming the “Not in my An important part of our future to Money Matters and discussions backyard” perception that students depends on mutual understanding on leadership and character, they at-risk are a challenge for everyone. between the generations.” have collected evidence that their • Recognizing impact of social students do persevere. media as a tool and threat • Meeting the overwhelming need Another program is Achieve United with limited resources December 2 - Moline Way and their career exploration Charlet Key, Coordinator, Special program at the high school level. Ideas and Action Events One student, who participated, • Explore collaborative ventures was frequently truant. She found • Explore service learning/civic Success Stories her career in allied health and soon engagement as a potential way to young man at the Moline improved her attendance, raised handle the volunteer recruitment center was encouraged to her GPA, and enrolled in dual challenge. The college students can participateA in the homework enrollment courses at the high include their service experiences assistance program. Little by school/community college. Now on their applications for graduate little his grades improved, and she is a full-time honors student school. Another possibility might he developed more confidence in at Black Hawk College. When she be a local employer who offered his abilities. He began to interact found a career that was interesting, paid time away for workers to be with staff and made suggestions it made a big difference in her life. tutors. When an employee had for additional activities. With help She plans to pursue a BA and MS in achieved a set number of hours, from teachers and mentors, the her field of study. they would receive some sort of young man completed high school, recognition – perhaps a coupon enrolled at the community college, Through the Service Learning for a movie, dinner, tickets to a and when a staff position at the network with Augustana College sporting event or concert, etc.
16 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Illinois Central College
The key to healthy lifestyles and increasing graduation rates is connecting people and resources.
November 16 - Peoria organizations, and a host of retired Rita Ali, Executive Director, health professionals. The key, they Diversity concluded is effectively connecting President John Erwin these resources to benefit the “The community college is well-po- Healthy Lifestyles mutual needs and interests of our sitioned to address the intergenera- ou can purchase a cheeseburger youth and older adult populations. tional needs of an aging population. for 99 cents but you have to pay By opening up the dialogue about the moreY than $2 for a salad, said Dr. Ideas for improving healthy needs and expectations of our vari- Andy Choiu, a local vascular surgeon lifestyles: ous students and communities, we and graduate of Peoria Public • Establish a Pre-Med Club for have assisted in raising the awareness Schools, said that the price of the middle and high school students for fulfilling this critical mission.” cheeseburger was driven down due desiring to go into medical to consumer demand for this product professions. Provide medical Provide parental education that which, when eaten in excess, can be courses at the schools and include helps parents understand how damaging to your heart and health. hands-on activities and practical education and nutrition go hand-in- As a society, he stressed, we must training through volunteering at hand. Parents can also be educated demand healthy foods. If the masses a local hospital. Involve retired and empowered on how to redirect of people begin to do so, the price of professionals and medical students. their children when they’re just healthy items will be driven down playing games or texting when they and we’ll be better off health-wise Participants felt strongly that there could be studying. and money-wise. are many retired professionals and lay people who reside in this area • Cultural Renaissance Discussion participants registered who could assist the educational Cultural attitudes among our to participate in a group discussion process. These resources should youth must be shifted so that they on either Healthy Lifestyles be connected in creative ways to understand that education leads to (two groups) or Education inspire and develop talent among freedom and opportunity; here again, (three groups). Each group our youth. a cultural renaissance is needed and discussed their selected topic for Youth need people they can talk seniors can help to assist this. approximately 45 minutes before to about the things they dislike • Involving Alumni and Other reporting their findings and about school and things going on Volunteers: The college has an recommendations to the full body in their lives –– someone objective. extensive pool of alumni that can be of participants. Three groups presented this same tapped as ambassadors or volunteers recommendation. for assisting education and health Healthy Lifestyles: Participants related goals and objectives. were in agreement that this Ideas and Action • The coordination of volunteer community has many health related • Provide Time to Talk and Listen efforts (recruitment, orientation, resources including three major Establish a speaker’s bureau, assignment, management, etc.), hospitals, a public medical school, resource group, or Generation however, requires some degree a public health department, several Forum composed of numerous of resource allocation (financial institutions of higher education retired professionals and lay people / human). We continue to seek which provide education in health that can be called on to talk to youth. opportunities to fund these careers, other health service • Parents Are Part of the Solution initiatives.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 17 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Heartland Community College
McLean County coalition for health brings positive results across genertions.
Some of the suggestions being schools highlighted an opportunity considered by the McLean County for the college to provide support Wellness Coalition to improve the for this initiative by training and President Allen Goben county’s health include: certifying the volunteers to serve • Expanding the number of farmers within the schools. “What we’re competing against is not the next person, school, markets and community gardens The group also supported exploring city, county, or even country. Our • Providing safer access to innovative ways to connect common competitor is the colossal Constitution Trail by working with generations by having the youth waste of time, money, and energy the cities to improve sidewalks (possibly high school students) that characterizes our society today. • Collaborating with restaurants to teach others about technology. We will meet this challenge by make healthier menu choices clear collaborating effectively and by • Encouraging employees to spend Some older adults are not familiar leveraging the diverse power of their breaks being physically active with how to use a computer, or if multiple generations.” • Working with employers and they are, their knowledge is very schools to have healthier choices in limited. This group wondered if vending machines and cafeterias young adults could volunteer at December 2 - Normal • Encouraging supermarkets senior centers, independent/assisted Kim Barman, Dean of Community to make candy less accessible living facilities, etc to educate & Corporate Education and fruits and vegetables more these seniors on how to utilize accessible technology. The group felt it would Success Stories • Working with insurance be a valuable experience for the he McLean County Wellness companies and employers so that youth and also provide education TCoalition started with a few disease prevention work gets more and companionship to the seniors, people who were concerned widespread insurance coverage. but recognizes that screening and about the growing rate of obesity Connecting community and training would be necessary for the and other health issues. Soon campus leaders has been a great students who volunteer. other organizations realized they accomplishment toward building a had similar goals and joined the collaborative strategic plan. coalition. They discussed how they Ideas and Action could increase communication, • Create awareness around the facilitate collaboration and Discussion issues of obesity, physical activity, explored funding opportunities. At the event, participants choose nutrition, and chronic disease. Working together, the coalition to attend one of three breakout • Share data on placement was successful in obtaining a sessions, one of which focused on results and moving initial college grant called ACHIEVE (Action utilizing volunteers in the high placement tests to the junior year Communities for Health, schools. Attendees were interested • Increase career assessments and Innovation & Environmental in utilizing all available volunteers life mapping activities and coun- Change). The coalition is discussing from parents to older adults. Needs seling between high schools and community assets and identifying identified included greeters for Heartland Community College. areas of need to improve the events, parking lot supervisors, • Explore the possibility of community’s health. hallway monitors and tutors. technology training for older adults Representatives from the high by high school students.
18 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011
Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Morton College
Continuing education brings continued mental vitality.
November 10 - Cicero Morton College is participating in Derek Shouba the Achieving the Dream initia- Dean of Arts and Sciences tive which targets at-risk student President Leslie A. Navarro populations in order to improve Success Stories retention and reduce the number “Although we want our students faculty member shared a story of college dropouts. Under the to be successful in the classroom, of a man who took his first auspices of this national initiative, it’s not enough to put all of our speechA class in his 70s. Later, the Morton College is strengthening its emphasis in any one area. All of older student returned to thank the developmental math curriculum, the elements of student success, faculty member for changing his improving its new student orienta- including health and wellness, life. After the speech class he had tion process, and offering a new should be fostered. Success in gone to a talent agency, then earned course on college study skills. one aspect of life—intellectual or a role in a television commercial, emotional—is interrelated with and eventually used the money to Linking Health and Academic accomplishment in the others. The fund a trip around the world. This Success more balance students achieve, is a clear example of the positive The College Study Skills course the more likely they can become reciprocal links between age and includes a critical module on the well-rounded, well-adjusted, and education! According to one panel- relationship between health and successful over the long run.” ist, research shows a link between student success. In general, Morton continuing education and continu- College is committed to improving ing mental vitality. the first-year experience of all of health and wellness organizations, its students, with special emphasis district schools, governmental enti- The moderator of the discussion, given to students who test into one ties, and senior citizen service orga- retiree Dr. Phyllis Walden, described or more developmental courses. nizations. how she had decided to teach a neighbor child how to cook her fa- At this stage, Morton College is Ideas and Action vorite meal, chicken soup. The child focusing on fostering an internal had never known how to cook her intergenerational dialogue related • Strengthen the College Study favorite meal until this point. As to wellness and retention. Partici- Skills course to include wellness a result, Dr. Walden, with the sup- pants include the following areas: content port of the child’s mother, regularly Athletics, Fitness Center, Student teaches the child new recipes and Development, Deans’ Offices, Of- • Expand Wellness Committee ac- the general principles of healthy eat- fice of the President, Institutional tivities ing. The panel thought this example Research, Health Programs (e.g., demonstrates the health-related Massage Therapy, Nursing, Physi- • Advertise the College’s nutri- wisdom that retirees can often bring cal Therapy Assistant), Adult Edu- tion courses as well as the Fitness to younger folks, and the general cation and Community Outreach, Center’s services to internal and emotional support they can provide and the Jedlicka Performing Arts external constituencies. to young people as they make their Center. Over time, the College way through school. intends to reach out to a variety of community participants, including
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 19 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness John A. Logan College
Retired teachers help guide students in College Readiness Program
hours a week with each student. on is significant for populations Her activities as an Education throughout the state. The question Guide included helping students now is how we make it work.” President Robert L. Mees organize their work and their time, helping them determine Parternships for Health “With the current state of the their learning style, assisting Carbondale Community High economy in Illinois and throughout them to determine their specific School is a school health center our country, generations working needs and then setting goals to located on campus and provides together could be one of keys in meet those needs, reviewing convenient affordable, high-quality our road to recovery. We have with them for tests and helping medical, dental and social services over 2 million people in Illinois them to practice presentations. to students and their immediate over the age of 60 that could be a Administrators of the College and family members. The goal of the tremendous resource in making Career Readiness program praise facility is to improve physical and this happen. However, it has Pike for her empathy, creativity, mental health and prevent disease. to be a coordinated effort with and commitment. The Guides Some benefits expected of school our school districts, community have been key to the success of the health services include reduced ab- colleges, universities and aging program because of the one-on-one sences and lost school time, promo- organizations throughout our state relationships. tion of healthy lifestyles, compre- in planning and implementing hensive and coordinated delivery a program to promote healthy Another program at Herrin of services (medical, dental, mental lifestyles, volunteerism, part-time High School endorses mandatory health and health education). Part- employment for seniors, lifelong tutoring for high school students ners include: the Carbondale com- learning and better completion rates for our students we serve.” who are failing two or more munity Shawnee Health Service, courses. Students must attend a Carbondale School District No 95 & tutoring session for one hour after 165, Jackson County Health Depart- November 22 - Carterville school each day until they raise at ment, Southern Illinois Regional Julia Schroeder, Vice President for least one course grade to passing. Social Services, Southern Illinois Academic Affairs High school administrators meet Healthcare Community Benefits each semester to identify at-risk Department. Success Story students, that is, students failing he importance of Boomers multiple courses. School Ideas and Action to the future of education in administrators meet with these • Resource Fairs to provide IllinoisT comes home in the College students on a weekly basis to education for parents on what and Career Readiness program. A identify root problems and they can do to help their student retired teacher, Judie Pike, became an encourage the students to succeed. succeed. Education Guide to help students in • Introduce an Adopt-A-Student their transition from high school to Discussion program at the College Information college. She said, “The students often Lt. Governor Shelia Simon Fair. This program would recruit are naïve and scared and threatened applauded the participants for their volunteers for the Career Guide by the new environment in a college commitment to service and for program that is currently operated setting. With help, they grow and their good ideas to help increase through the Educational Program- develop skills so they can succeed.” graduation rates and healthy ming office. Pike spent an average of four lifestyles. “What you are working
20 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Southeastern Illinois College
Communication challenges for all generations: Being aware of resources and services!
November 16 - Harrisburg August 31, 2010, and has already Dr. Dana Keating involved many departments. The Vice President for Academic Affairs student enrolled in the fall GED President Jonah Rice program. With the assistance of the “Philosopher George Santayana A Communication Challenge instructors and the pilot program of cautioned us to remember our here are numerous programs introducing a Math tutor into the past lest we repeat mistakes from and services available to senior classroom, the student completed T it. I believe it is vital that we learn citizens in the region to address his GED by October 2010. He from previous generations and their needs. One challenge is to said “Honestly, if it were not for treat them as valuable resources of make sure that those who need the the special classes I would not knowledge and tradition in order services are aware of them, and have passed the GED exam.” He to make progressive change for our can access them. One problem is continued, “If you’re willing to put society and culture. the frustration of communicating in the effort, obtaining your GED is For those who do drop out of high with the appropriate person when definitely worth it!” trying to access a service. Many school, the College provides many avenues of support through GED institutions, agencies and offices Once obtaining his GED the student programs, the Student Success have automated telephone systems immediately signed up for 18 credit Center, and tutoring programs to that can become frustrating for hours for the Spring 2011 semester. assist them to overcome barriers senior adults. Many simply don’t college courses. He has overcome and move them to the next level of have the knowledge, skill and many of life’s obstacles, but in the post-secondary education.” ability to work through some of face of adversity, he ignored the these systems to get to the right negatives and always focused on person, or a person at all. Some the positive. The student readily goal of keeping them in high agencies require that a person touts the success of the GED school throughout and after their divulge a great deal of private, program as well as the valuable pregnancy. The College provides personal information in order to assistance he received from the a number of dual credit career and receive services. Senior adults are college in general. He is a highly technical education programs that fearful of providing this information motivated individual and is eager provide “hands-on” programs for given the threat of identity theft. to help others. Since he obtained his students, which are tuition free. GED, he has volunteered to speak Without knowledgeable family to others about his experience. Ideas and Action members to assist, many may • Stronger Coalition: Further not be making good decisions, Local Discussion expansion of the interagency which could affect their access The region served by Southeastern council to ensure that it is inclusive to or quality of health care and Illinois College is addressing the • Marketing Campaign: The ex- other services. Therefore, while problem of high school dropouts ploration of a possible cooperative many services may be available, by programs generally provided by educational marketing campaign the group felt there are barriers to the public schools and the College. and/or comprehensive marketing accessing these services to those The public schools provide the piece to better educate target popu- who probably need them the most. traditional supportive programs, lations about available services including two alternative schools. • Volunteer Program: High school Success Story At least one high school has a volunteer programs could be initi- This student’s story started at special program/support group ated, and SIC’s volunteer program Southeastern Illinois College on for pregnant students with the could be further expanded.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 21 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Shawnee Community College
Successful students return as guest speakers to share their experiences and tell about the importance of learn-
offers a comprehensive GED Ideas and Action program at the main campus and • Build partnerships with other President Larry Peterson centers located throughout the five- agencies (Department of Aging, county area. There are currently D.H.S. offices, local civic groups) November 12 - Anna 12 GED classes offered for the fall to help the college continue to Jean Boyd, Dean of Instructional 2010 semester. Headcount for address generational gaps and Services an academic year averages 280 build a foundation for continuing students. communication between the young and older adults. Success Story Students who succeed often return ontraditional students to their classes and share their • Parenting Classes have had success tutoring experiences. One 42-year-old non- As a result of information received alternativeN students. For example, traditional student completed the at the local discussion on aging and when they met for the first time, the GED program and then enrolled education, the Adult Education students felt at ease and were very in a bridge to healthcare class, Program will offer parenting classes open and honest with their tutors. completed this program for a for ages 15 years of age and up to The students told them how easy it career readiness certificate and cover issues and concerns such as: was to deceive parents today. They CPR certification. The student communication between parents said if their parent asked how they received the GED scholarship and children, how to help children were doing in school all you had to attend Shawnee Community with homework, healthy lifestyle to say was “good” because they College for the fall of 2010 and issues, and college and career would never take the time to check. is a current student in an Allied readiness opportunities. They talked about how they wished Health Program. This student has • Offer more flexible hours for use their parents would give them more gone back to other GED classes of the fitness center for extension attention and discipline and maybe as a motivational speaker to centers and on-campus. they would be more successful today. encourage students of all ages to • Encourage a mix of traditional The senior citizens talked about stay in school and get their high and non-traditional students in the strict discipline from their days school diploma or GED. classes. This would help build and how they would not tolerate relationships across generational the behaviors today. Shawnee A partnership with high school and gaps. One way to encourage older Community College offers an community college administrative persons to enroll in these classes alternative high school program and staff and counselors can bring new is to introduce them to the idea of afterschool program which meets momentum to decrease the drop auditing the courses (since some the needs of a growing population out rate. A variety of resources stated they don’t need the credit of at-risk students for credit recovery can help make an impact, such as but enjoy learning). for high school completion. This remedial classes in the high school, • Build a network of retired program graduated 79 high school involving students in the Talent teachers and administrators from completers in the spring of 2010. Search Program (grades 6 – 12), within their district to serve as offering after school programs for classroom guest speakers or serve For students who choose to drop academic enrichment, and summer as volunteer mentors or tutors. out of high school, the college school programs for credit recovery.
22 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Southwestern Illinois College
It is important to connect the networks and learn how each network could assist in meeting community needs.
December 2 - Belleville There was consensus that it is im- Valerie Thaxton, Vice President, portant to connect networks and to Student, Campus & Community learn how each network could assist President Georgia Costello Services in meeting community needs. “We all need someone in our lives who expects a lot of us, holds us Success Story: A Volunteer Who We must get better at establishing accountable, teaches the moral Makes a Difference baseline information and at effective- values, and instills integrity and rs. G., age 75 and a Foster ly evaluating program/service im- courage to carry on. Older adults Grandparent volunteers at the pact in order to garner more resourc- and students give each other this SIUEM Bluffview Head Start Center in es by writing competitive grants. support.” Caseyville, IL. The Center prepares Good grants require good data. children for school through reading, writing, language development, and Participants agreed that relation- teaching social and emotional skills. ships are key to addressing dropout Ideas and Action: Many of the children come from mi- issues, older adult service issues and Current connections between aging, grant families. Volunteering for four networking/referrals among agen- education and service are good, but years, Mrs. G. has a gift for assisting cies. Tutoring, truancy initiatives, could be strengthened by determin- children identified as having social 4H clubs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, ing barriers to service and by more and emotional difficulties. scouting programs, RSVP, Foster collaborative efforts. Grandparents and AmeriCorps and 1) There was consensus that bar- When asked how volunteering many other entities have programs riers to volunteering need to be touches her life, Mrs. G replied, where engaged volunteers have reviewed; many volunteers who “Each morning. I wake up knowing been successful at establishing rela- might significantly impact the lives that I am making a difference in the tionships with students (and their of others are deterred by barriers. lives of so many young people. Be- families) and providing support. 2) Participants agreed that we ing a Foster Grandparent volunteer Many of these programs are inter- must continue to collaborate and to has helped me remain physically generational and depend on adults focus on aspects of programs that active and has given me an outlet to and retirees to serve as volunteers. foster relationships with people continue focusing on others.” and entities. As a region, we must Participants agreed that the “rela- determine our collective needs in The Local Discussion was invigorat- tionship” was just as important to these targeted areas and bring the ing and informative as evidenced by the volunteer and that such vol- partners together who can address the fact that many of the participants unteer opportunities enhanced the these needs. have expressed a desire to recon- quality of volunteers’ lives. 3) The legislature creates an oppor- vene to further discuss partnership tunity to communicate its needs at opportunities that have a win-win The Regional Offices of Education the local level by making targeted potential with partners focusing on have programs which address drop- funds available; targeted funds a common goal. The participants outs and the schools have support would be welcomed. stressed the importance of relation- programs. SWIC has a High School 4) Without adding another layer of ships with service providers – “you Academy summer remediation pro- bureaucracy, there is a benefit to es- can’t refer people to opportunities gram and the YMCA provides tutor- tablishing a mechanism to connect you don’t know about.” ing to help kids stay in school. the various service networks in the region.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 23 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness
Harold Washington College
When students need a sounding board for job seeking and higher-ed decision-making, older adults can help.
young instructor as well. Seniors Ideas and Action in these intergenerational classes • Examples of ways to incorporate President John H. Metoyer appeared engaged with their nutrition and healthy life styles younger instructors. For example, included offering canning and food “The local discussion provided an the students in the computer preserving classes in the public opportunity to listen as individuals course wanted their instructors to schools and/or via local cable TV described what was happening elaborate on the value of computer stations. in their local communities and speed and consumer software. how working together can Students in the electronics class • School building or community spark new momentum through requested guidance in areas such as resources could be utilized intergenerational civic engagement Facebook and on-line consumerism. during the summer months. to increase graduation rates and Intergenerational communication promote healthy lifestyles.” Both instructors reported that the and learning would occur. level of student engagement was Additionally, instruction on high. Most important, both students canning and preserving skills could November 19 - Chicago and instructors gained insight from incorporate some basic science and Anna Blum, Dean, Continuing these intergenerational information green living skills. Education and Special Programs sharing classes.Instructors requested more assignments with Seniors. For We also explored the possibility Success Stories their part, older learners requested of public schools partnering with he City Colleges of Chicago permission to keep in touch with grocery chains along these same partner with the Division on their instructors. lines. AgingT to offer Life Long Learner programs. The colleges offer Discussions Next we focused on the courses to those 60+ at various During the Local Discussion, we intergenerational component as it senior centers in the City of focused on nutrition and healthy relates to creating better pathways Chicago without cost. Some of the life styles as common factors and opportunities for students. classes offered include Introduction affecting learning abilities. Bridging • Creating initiatives for older to Electronics, Computer Basics, the gap between cultural and adults in the various communities/ Basic and Advanced Digital economic abilities to chose healthy neighborhoods mentor students in Photography, Working with Clay. life styles as well as nutritional such areas as job seeking, or higher options led us to a spirited education decision making. A story about intergenerational discussion on the possibilities of • Creating nurturing and communication developed during urban agriculture, canning, knitting supportive relationships between the Fall 2010 semester when Harold and oral histories students still in public schools Washington College assigned or students looking to enter the a 27-year-old instructor to the In closing, the value of service learn- workforce. Introduction to Electronics class. ing and community involvement • The Silver Lining Foundation Thiry-five students of all ages was discussed. Attendees from com- offered to devote a segment on their attended. The instructor held munity based organizations were cable television show to showcase an M.S. degree in Gerontology. encouraged to contact the service some of the ideas we discussed. The computer basics class with learning coordinator at Harold 17 students was assigned to a Washington College.
24 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness
East St. Louis Community College Center
It takes a village to raise a child: the sad reality is that it takes a village to allow a child to fall through the cracks.
November 8 - East St. Louis seasons and throughout the year as well…throughout the entire Success Stories community. haron Ward and her nephew Overall, our discussion was Director Anita Brandon delivered food boxes to Senior informative and offered promise S “Through the years, it took some Citizens throughout the community. of great things to come. The group level of collaborative inactivity for At her local church, they gather noted several intergenerational us to reach the devastating drop- with other youth to sort, package thrusts in the East St. Louis out rates that we see in our public and deliver food to seniors in the community which have not school systems across this great community. Annually, College been identified as such. For state and country. Hence, it will Students come home for the example, several organizations necessarily take a greater level of holidays, volunteer on Thanksgiving in our community are addressing intentional collaborative activity and Christmas to serve people hot dropouts and promoting healthy within this and other villages Holiday meals. These experiences lifestyles for all ages through throughout the state and country to give the youth an opportunity to mentoring programs. Other undo a great damage. I am hopeful appreciate the blessings of unity groups, like churches and other that this and other discussion and giving. When they work to faith-based organizations have groups can make a difference in prepare the baskets of food, they hosted children’s programs the lives of youth, older adults and depend upon each other to complete and services for years utilizing everyone else who reside in the a project successfully. the volunteer services of senior East St. Louis area. Inasmuch as citizens, (after school activities with the old adage, ‘It takes a village to However, the project isn’t complete Foster Grandparents, Real Men/ raise a child’ is true, the sad reality until they can see the smiles on the Women Read, tutoring, volunteer remains that, It takes a village to faces of people who have lived and classroom aids, and more) We allow a child to fall through the loved in the churches and in the noted that the connections between cracks.” community where the youth now aging, education and service have live and love in. The greatest joy been overlooked, and the benefits for the youth is in realizing that they have been minimized, although learning from and volunteering were responsible for the smiles that intergenerational community services to others. they see on the faces of folks who relationships seem to be quite 5) Promote story telling” and oral used to make them smile: former prevalent in this area. Sunday school teachers, retired history local seniors can share the teachers, retired local businessmen rich history of the proud and strong and women, grandparents, aunts Ideas and Action people of East St. Louis. and uncles, neighbors and friends. 1) Target existing intergenerational 6) Engage older adults in African These retired individuals also initiatives which already function dance projects with the youth on become the teachers in their after well in this area. the ESL Higher Education Campus; school tutoring program. This 2) Identify other initiatives which Hosting intergenerational poetry picture is juxtaposed against the may work for this community. and spoken word events with popular picture of delinquent youth 3) Pool resources of the various teens/college students and older bringing harm to seniors. This initiatives to maximize effectiveness. adults. is the type of activity that should 4) Engage as many youth as possible 7) Invite local seniors to ESLCCC to be replicated during the holiday in activities which emphasize. have tea and talks with young men and women about challenges in life.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 25 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Kaskaskia College
The Core Values Team visits elementary and secondary schools to talk about higher education, graduating from high school and staying in school.
President James Underwood Super Heroes mentoring program Reading Link program that has provided long term one-on-one provides free tutoring for the adult “We believe through a partnership guidance and support to over 15 education programs at the college. of the colleges, public agencies, students. Kaskaskia College will be These programs include adult basic the schools, and the business and participating in this program with education, GED, and English as a industry sector, much can be and several faculty and staff members Second Language. will be accomplished.” volunteering as a result of the Local Discussion. Leaders from the Core Values Team December 2 - Centralia visit elementary and secondary Kelli Henegar, Dean of Arts & Several groups discussed the need schools, and share their insights Science for an early reading intervention The Team briefs younger students program for students at the on higher education opportunities, Success Stories elementary level. Equally vital graduating from high school, and very Tuesday, Wednesday, and to the success of a student, is the staying in school. Thursday, a group of business support at home. Building stronger andE community leaders come to relationships with the student’s Ideas and Action Centralia Junior High School to eat family was highlighted as a key • Early intervention programs for lunch with their designated mentee. area of concern. Providing stronger students who are at risk of early Each child receives individual connections to the family provides drop-out. attention from the same mentor the schools the opportunity • Consistency in credit values in week after week, and positive to support the family and the Illinois secondary education school relationships are developed. When student in the learning process. systems will make it easier for stu- an adult takes time out of their day The participants recommended dents who transfer to a different to sit and talk with a child, it sends that educational programs be high school. a strong message to the child about established for the parents that • Expansion of health fairs at high how much others care about their help parents with raising both schools and community venues success. Over the last two years, elementary and secondary age • Nutritional education and teachers have noticed an increase in students. Possible program topics awareness for high school students student’s self-esteem and academic discussed included: importance of and the elderly. achievement of those students reading at a young level, proper • A program to encourage participating. nutrition, proper dental hygiene, growing your own healthy foods community resources, drugs, teen or a neighborhood program that Another program at the Centralia pregnancy, saving for college, and supports a community garden and Junior High School features a part- preparing for college. creation of small businesses by nership with the Centralia Southern students. Illinois Networking Association to The Ambassdors Program recruits • Stronger sex education programs provide a mentoring program for retirees to assist at cultural events at the high school/junior high level. junior high age students who are held on campus. The Ambassadors • A summer program to help having academic or social difficul- also volunteer their services students catch up academically ties. Over the last two years, the through the Kaskaskia College with their class.
26 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness
Harper College
There was consensus about the energy that civically en- gaged older adults can bring to schools.
November 16 - Palatine grams for middle school students. Mark Mrozinski, Dean of President Kenneth Ender Continuing Education Discussion naturally transitioned “In order for the next generation to intergenerational collaborations, to earn a middle class wage, a Success Story and more specifically, how senior post-secondary education will he Community Consolidated serving organizations are currently be required. Thus, we must do District 15, serving the Palatine engaging older adults with today’s area,T features a program called Senior youth. Everyone noted the energy everything in our power to prepare Exchange. Over the years, retirees and impact that civically engaged students for credentials beyond like Joe Arrigo, who visits classrooms older adults can bring to the high school. Older adults, through with his creative science called From primary and secondary education civic engagement and service, can Peanut Butter to Diamonds. An or- environment. Several examples were fill a vital role in helping students ganic chemist, Arrigo is a walking cited that demonstrated this impact. prepare for, and succeed in post- advertisement for science. He spent secondary education.” 27 challenging years in industrial Finally, obstacles and future goals research, then launched his second were discussed. Participants agreed confluence of vision, which joins career lecturing, writing, and teach- that lack of coordination between the College with primary and ing real-world chemistry. Now he organizations did not allow for secondary educators, and the is in his third career, describing the the leveraging of resources, and untapped resource that older adults impact of chemistry to young people in many cases, partnerships were play in the educational process. and helping them learn about science reinventing the wheel when a as a possible career. readily available model might save Ideas and Action much time in planning. Participants • Conduct an inventory of all Discussion also noted the lack of resources the volunteer programs and President Kenneth Ender, presi- needed to fulfill legal and regulatory partnerships among schools and dent of Harper College, invited 17 issues when bringing older adults senior serving organizations in education and aging professionals into the educational process. Harper College’s district. to Harper’s campus to discuss the • Shift focus from dropout rates to issues of health, civic engagement, Participants agreed that a college readiness. College readiness and high school dropout rates. representative group of educators may resonate more strongly with The participants shared vignettes of and senior serving organizations local educators. recent successes in the areas of stu- should be established for the • Review dropout and college dent achievement and intergenera- purposes of collaboration and readiness data for high school tional programming. For example, coordination of services and districts within Harper’s community. one district related increases in programs. New intergenerational • Explore resource sharing math scores as a result of a multi- programs might be spawned that among schools and senior serving generational family learning pro- would benefit both youth and organizations, specifically with gram. Through this initiative, the older adults. The local community regard to intergenerational district has increased family part- college is the obvious hub for this programming. nerships and connections between discussion. As Harper College • Explore grants to provide resources families and the school. The next recently launched an aggressive to schools and senior-serving area of focus for that district will be strategic plan focused on organizations for assisting with the literacy efforts and mentoring pro- student success, there is a certain development of volunteer programs.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 27 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness South Suburban College
Part of the disconnect between generations is the knowledge and understanding
beginning the older students are shocked at the values, or lack Some of the strengths of our President George Dammer of them, in the 18 - 19- year-old discussions were the number and students.” Bein said “Something variety of experts in the room, both “Working with older adults and magical happens during those 16 from South Suburban College and youth are two high priorities weeks. Since it is a communication outside agencies and organizations. at South Suburban College and class, there is a lot of dialog The conversations had a very connecting the two groups is during the course of the semester. positive tone; the guests were pleased to be included and willing especially rewarding.” Gradually understanding is developed between the students, and eager to come back again for a old and young. “I’m not sure how follow-up meeting. November 30 - South Holland it happens, but it is very powerful.” Becky Adave, Dean, Extension Just being in this intergenerational Ideas and Action Services group has helped the students •The services that are available appreciate the differences between are unknown; there needs to be Success Story generations. a liaison between the service hornton Township has the organizations. Is that a role ZAP Senior Lawn Care, which Aunt Martha’s Teen REACH the community college should providesT low-cost basic lawn provides a comprehensive, family play? Also, a resource book was maintenance for senior residents centered, prevention program suggested. residing in single family homes aimed at youth, ages 11-13, who are •Coordination of volunteers is need- who need assistance with routine in need of improved educational ed, which would include funding lawn tasks. They hire students performance. Other services for such a position or group. from High School Districts 205 include tutoring, recreation, • Part of the disconnect between and 215, who are recommended mentoring, substance-abuse generations is knowledge and by the school counselor and/or prevention, life skills education and understanding; there needs to be principal based on their academic parental activities. Aunt Martha’s teaching each generation about the and attendance merits. It is a great has a number of group homes. others. Baby boomers, Generation experience for both the seniors Each group home hosts an evening X, Generation Y or Millennial and and the students. It has changed that different organizations bring now Generation Z. perspectives for both groups—the donated gifts. The children are the • Increasing parental involvement seniors have learned that the hosts and hostesses. They read was widely discussed in each group students are not all thugs and poetry that they have written and as well as partnering with groups the students have learned that talk about what’s going on with to provide mentoring for both seniors are not all mean. In some them. students and parents. cases, relationships have been built outside the program, where High School District 205 is creating South Suburban College was asked students are doing other chores for a freshman academy in one of their by the attendees to host a follow-up the seniors. buildings to better address the meeting in a few months, bringing challenges that incoming freshman back the same attendees but also Sandy Bein, SSC faculty, told about face and better prepare them for adding the same of number of her 16-week intergenerational high school with a comprehensive students to the group. We will communication class. “In the support system. schedule that for February or March.
28 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and Wellness Highland Community College
In many cases volunteers were thrilled to be asked--not only to volunteer but to participate in social activities.
November 6 - Freeport of fulfillment that comes from working in the school district. The Success Story appreciation of the children is a President Joe Kanosky wo retired executives host an reward. Volunteers do not always after school tutoring program think of themselves as volunteering “Intergenerational connections are inT their small community, with rather they consider themselves to important to young and old. The the blessing of the school. While be working in the community. Most participants get as much if not more they know that this cannot be volunteers learn about opportunities than they give in self-worth and replicated in all communities, they through their network of friends being able to continue to contribute have seen positive results with the and they are often recruited to help. in a meaningful way. This element students and with the people who of feeling valued and still being participate. In many cases they When asked how organizations can able to contribute was expressed reported that the volunteers were encourage others to volunteer, the as a critical component of both thrilled to be asked. They stressed participants suggested Volunteer mental and physical well being and the need to ask people, not just Match, an Internet program that focusing on a healthy lifestyle. The to volunteer, but to join in social provides broad opportunities retired generation has so much to activities as that social connection across the country. Also service offer and they are just as hungry is what they believe is the key to clubs and their networks can help for the contact with younger living a healthy lifestyle. This is publicize volunteer opportunities. generations and their peers.” especially important in small rural Since transportation may be a communities. problem, creative solutions are key to connecting the volunteer with Discussion the service opportunity. • Need to support more volunteer President Joe Kanosky opened the coordination and supervision; Forum by explaining the purpose Ideas and Action promote through local agencies and for the discussion and its focus on • People need to be invited and programs. inter-generational issues including take responsibility for staying education, retention of students and involved. • Career Focus, a college engaging older adults in service. • Need to give people a chore or publication, is for young people. One theme that emerged was that job to do to get them involved. They would like to see a lifelong there are opportunities everywhere • Governor should help build learning feature. but people may not be aware of awareness that seniors have an them, or they simply do not know important role to play. • Publicize information about how to get involved. Clearly asking • Need better communication volunteering through the senior is an important part of a successful to reach out to others and invite magazine/newspaper for volunteer experience. However, them to participate. A community volunteers, in churches, through once asked and encouraged, most calendar with inter-organizational older learner programs, and will choose to volunteer. communication would be helpful. through schools –– students taking • Organizations should get information to their parents or Discussion related to the volunteer together and share information and older neighbors. experiences of the retirees in the promote jointly. Forum included: sharing the sense
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 29 Participants in the Local Discussions
Danville Area Community College Services, HCC; Lance Thurman, Principal, Olympia High School; Mary Beth Trakinat, Vice President Nancy Bates, DACC Foundation; Angela Dabney, Crystal Darnell, Senior; Veterans Administration; of Continuing Education, HCC; Karen Valouche, Counselor, University High School; Reg Washington, Gladys Davis, Laura Lee Fellowship House; Chalmers Flint, Hoopeston Multi Agency; Louise Free, SF Promise Council, State Farm Insurance Companies; Pam Westerdahl, Director of Employment and DACC Reader’s Route; Diane Hampel, Danville District 118; Alice Marie Jacobs, President DACC; Workforce Services, HCC. Larry Jahn, Hoopeston School Board Jonathon Jett, Vermilion County Job Training Partnership;; Jan Kempe, Small Business Development Center and CASA; Alice Kirby, Project Success; Eryn William Rainey Harper College Lane, DACC Presidential Scholar; Veronica Martin, CRIS Healthy Aging Center; Amy Marchant, Mack Baxter, Schaumburg High School (Township High School District 211); Dr. Scott Cashman, CRIS Healthy Aging Center; Vickie Miller, DACC Board of Trustees; Jeanne Mulvaney, United Way; WRHC; Karen Daly, CCSD 21; Mike Field, Township High School District 214; Dr. Bonnie Henry, Harper Cindy Nicholas, DACC Recruitment and Retention; Kimberly Norton, Danville District 118; Janet College Annuitants Association; Shirley Garrison, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church; Sarah Hoban, Bar- Redenbaugh, DACC Math and Science Dean; Cheryl Reifsteck, Regional Office of Education; Bob rington Area Council on Aging; Rebecca Hume, Arlington Heights Senior Center; Diane Lancour, Pala- Rice, Danville Catholic Schools; Connie Schroeder, DACC Nursing; Dick Shockey, Lakeview College tine Township Senior Center ; Jeannette Magdaleno, Friendship Village; Fredia Martin (note taker), of Nursing; Sara Van De Walker, DACC Corporate and Community Education; LaToya Young, DACC WRHC; Mike McCann, Friendship Village; Dr. Mark Mrozinski (facilitator), WRHC; Joyce Palmquist, TRIO Program Barrington Area Council on Aging; Chris Petrik, Addolorata Village; Debra Strauss, Illinois PTA.
East St. Louis Community College Center Black Hawk College Sharon Ward, Mt. Zion Baptist Church member and economic development specialist; Billie Turner, U of Dean Bacon, Boys & Girls Club; Jeff Blackwell; BHC Family Literacy Program; Jenny Garner, I, E. St. Louis Action Research Project (ESLARP) (community liaison); Jessica Freiberger, Grad. Student, University of Illinois Extension; Virginia Jarrett, Rock Island Schools; Glenda Nicke, Associate Dean Washington Univ. Brown School of Social Work (community organizer); Sr. Beth Marie Ruder, Catholic of Extended Education Programs, BHC; Jayne O’Brien, Achieve Quad Cities, United Way; Cindy Urban Programs (recreation after school youth programs); Les Johnson, Southwestern Illinois College at Swanson, Mississippi Bend AEA / Iowa. ESLCCC, (Adult Education); Treasure Williams, Southwestern Illinois College at ESLCCC, (English Profes- sor); Anita Brandon, East St. Louis Community College Center (ESLCCC), Director. Highland Community College President Joe Kanosky, HCC President; Kelly Hillan, Senior Resource Center; Mike Shore, Retired and Illinois Central College Senior Volunteer Program; Liz Gerber, HCC; retirees, Virginia Rinehart, Lucille Alden, Phil LaBergen, Adam Alhassan, Community Participant; Sarah Alhassan, Community Participant; Rita Ali, Exec. Karen LaBergen, Deloris Wampfler, Shirley Parson, Don Culp, Jean Meinert, DuWayne Pople, C.J. Dir. Of Diversity, lCC; Deb Berardi, CDSMP Program Manager, Central IL Agency on Aging; Marcia Bold- Denekas, Bill Kibble, Jim Stem, Marg Schemerpfing, Kittye Senneff, Bill Senneff, Selena Beadle, en, Director, TRiO Upward Bound, ICC; Destini Bond,Upward Bound Student, ICC; Molly Bright,Retired Eileen Kuehe Teacher, Peoria Public Schools; Andy Chiou, Vascular Surgeon/Guest Speaker, Peoria Surgical Group; Cindy Clark, Asst. Principal Peoria High School; Cydney Condit, Instructor – Health Careers, ICC; Kelly Southeastern Illinois College Crawford-Jones, Assoc. Prof., Health Careers, ICC; Kerishena Deal, Upward Bound student, ICC; Tim De- Darlene Dearing, Community Education Secretary and senior citizen, SIC; Jane Flannigan, linski, Instruct. Improvement Off.-Primary, Peoria Public Schools; Ann Eads, Upward Bound Tutor, ICC; Part-time Dean of Community Education and retiree, SIC; Donna Hearn, Community Education Joyce Edwards, Special Projects Coordinator, Workforce Network; John Erwin, President, ICC; Karhmen Supervisor, SIC; June Jamison, Rides Mass Transit Coordinator, Rides Mass Transit; Dr. Dana Feurtado, Director TRiO SSS, ICC; Jeannie Gullett, Advisor, TriO SSS, ICC; Shellie Hardimon,Advisor/ Keating, Vice President for Academic Affairs, SIC; Barbara Keller, Nursing Faculty Member, SIC; Lu Transfer Liaison, ICC; Donna Huisenga, Assist. Prof., AIT, ICC; Marcell Hulbert, VISTA- Volunteer Maddox, Community Volunteer, Walker & Associates; Andrea McRoy, college student, SIC; Sylvia Coordinator, RSVP, Inc.; Revonda Johnson, Instruc. Improvement Off-Middle/HS,Peoria Public Schools; Moore, Nursing Faculty Member, SIC; Valeria Potter, Training Specialist, Mid-Five Employment and Christie Joiner, Upward Bound Student, ICC; Linvela Jones-Reeves Upward Bound Student, ICC; Training (WIA); Dr. Jonah Rice, President, SIC; Ed Rose, Retention Specialist, SIC. Ashley Kimme, Volunteer Coordinator, RSVP, Inc.; Tara Lindsay, Retention Coordinator, ICC; Manasseh Morris, Upward Bound Student, ICC; Javier Rivera, ICC Student/Guest Speaker, ICC; Joann Olson, Ac- Southwestern Illinois College countant, Central IL Agency on Aging; Erika Pam, Upward Bound student, ICC; Trustee James Polk, ICC Cheryl Brunsmann, SIUE; Theresa Collins, Senior Services Plus; Dr. Robert Daiber, Madison County Trustee; Marge Semmen, Representative PC; Esther Smith, Upward Bound student, ICC; Anh Strow, Regional Office of Education; Kelton Davis, Monroe/Randolph Regional Office of Education; Janice Prof.-Health Careers, ICC; Sierra Sturdivant, Upward Bound student, ICC; Tierra Sturdivant, Upward Dorris, Retired Educator; Dale Fiedler, Southern Illinois Healthcare Bound student, ICC; Salina Thomas, Upward Bound student, ICC; Kathryn Timmes, Retired Counselor, Foundation; Amanda Guinn, AmeriCorps; Sharon Hamilton, Programs and Services for Older Peoria Public Schools; Jill Wright, Prof./Dean of English, ICC. Persons; Kevin Hutchison, St. Clair County Health Department; Alice Jackson, St. Clair County Office on Aging; Felicia Jackson, Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital; Linda Crawl Jackson, University Heartland Community College of Illinois Extension; Dr. George Kohut, Belleville Township High School District 201; Dr. Debra Sarah Baker, Coordinator of Workforce Services, HCC; Kim Barman, Dean of Community and Corporate Moore, St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department; Joy Paeth, Area Agency on Aging; Education, HCC; Jill Blair, Dean of Adult Education, HCC; Candace Brownlee, Director of Student Jorge Perez, Southwest Illinois YMCA; Marlene Powell, Senior Volunteer; Vicki Rose, Programs Recruitment, HCC; Amita Chakravarty, Coordinator of Career/Technical Student Services, HCC; Lisa and Services for Older Persons; Susan Sarfaty, St. Clair County Regional Office of Education; Dr. Cole, Faculty Academic Support, HCC; Robert Dean, Superintendent, ISU Laboratory School; Sarah Valerie Thaxton, Southwestern Illinois College; Kathy Thimsen, SIUE; Anne Thomure, Memorial DielHunt, Dean of Social and Business Science, HCC; Jerry Farris, Superintendent, Flanagan Com- Hospital; Eugene Verdu, St. Clair County Office on Aging; Steve Wagoner, University of Illinois munity Unit #74; Tom Frazier, Director, Bloomington Area Career Center; Phyllis Glazier, Director, Extension;Marquita Wiley, Senior Adult Volunteer, YMCA. Regional Office of Education #43; Allen Goben, President, HCC; Tera Graves, Director, Livingston Area Career Center; Dan Hagberg, Dean of Math and Science, HCC; Garry Hendricks, SF Promise Council, Kaskaskia College State Farm Insurance Companies; Jeffrey Hill, Principal, University High School; Janet Hill-Getz, Jordan Allen, Leadership Student, KC; Lisa Atkins, Director of Adult Education and Literacy, KC; Executive Director of Marketing, HCC; Glen Hoffman, Director, Regional Office of Education #17; Brad Amanda Bathon, Leadership Student, KC; Susan Batchelor, Dean of Nursing, KC; Ann Childerson, Hutchinson, Superintendent, Olympia Community District #16; Gayle Johnson, Academic Advisor II, Leadership Student, KC; Dustin Foutch, Principal, Centralia Junior High School; Vanessa Frank, HCC; Rick Johnston, Superintendent, El Paso-Gridley Unit #11; Kim Kelley, Director of Testing Services, Leadership Student, KC; Keri Garrett, Regional Superintendent of Schools, Clinton, Marion, and HCC; Jon Kilgore, Principal, Pontiac Township High School; Bethany Kriegsman, Dean of Humanities Washington Counties; Tiffany Geppert, Leadership Student, KC; Megan Green, Leadership Student, and Fine Arts, HCC; Jeff Krumwiede, Guidance Counselor, Central Catholic; Mary Ann Manos, Super- KC; Anthony Hallam, Leadership Student, KC; Kellie Henegar, Dean of Arts and Sciences, KC; intendent, Hartsburg-Emden High School; Tom McCulley, Instructional Chair of English, HCC; Randall Thomas Henegar, Senior Minister, First Christian Church, Centralia; Benjamin Huston, Leadership Merker, Superintendent, Heyworth Community Unit #4; Steve Mintus, Assistant Principal, Normal Student, KC; Jared Jewell, Leadership Student, KC; Cathy Karrick, Director of Public Information, Community High School; Curt Nettles, Superintendent, Lexington Community Unit #7; Gary Niehaus, KC; Sylvia Mahle, Community Services Coordinator, Midland Area Agency on Aging – Fayette, Superintendent, McLean County Unit District #5; Cecilia Olivares, Director of Advisement, HCC; Colleen Effingham, Marion, Clay, and Jefferson Counties; Dustin Neff, Leadership Student, KC; Lauren Reynolds, Director of Alumni Relations, HCC; Allan Saaf, Vice President of Instruction, HCC; Teri Saxton, Netemeyer, Leadership Student, KC; Katie Price, Leadership Student, KC; Ava Rawlings, Dean of Ca- Dean of Health and Humanities, HCC; Bob Shaw, Dean of Technical Instruction, HCC; Padric Shinville, reer and Technical Education, KC; Cydney Richardson, Director of Community Education, KC; John Dean of Academic Support, HCC; Stacey Shrewsbury, Lead Flight Director, HCC; Curt Simonson, See, Leadership Student, KC; Scott Smith, Leadership Student, KC; James Underwood, President, Superintendent, Tri-Valley Community Unit #3; Rachelle Stivers, Director of Library and Information KC; Ashley Woodrome, Leadership Student, KC; Susie Wurth, Professor of Education, KC.
30 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 College of Lake County Diedre Bell, SCC Student; Bryce Easterly, SCC Student; Carolann Robinson, SCC Student; Viola James Benton, President, Lake County Retired Teachers Association; Pat Donald, Public Health Hankla, Retiree and SCC Fitness Center Member; Tranklin Keedy, Retiree and SCC Fitness Center Administrator, Lake County Health Department; Mike Downey, Retired Teacher, 50+ Advisory Member; LeRoy T. Bourgeois, Retiree and SCC Fitness Center Member; Paul Bohannon, Retiree and Committee; Yvette Ewing, Consultant, ATP Enterprises; Carolyn Guthman, Executive Director, Lake SCC Fitness Center Member; Jane Bohannon, Retiree and SCC Fitness Center Member. County Council for Seniors; Tammie Sue Johnson, Interim Director, Center for Personal Enrichment, CLC; Cheryl Levi, Service Learning Liaison, North Shore School District 112; Don Miner, Director, Prairie State College Highland Park Youth Services; Beverly Phelps, Retention Specialist, CLC; Rodolfo Ruiz-Velasco, Favian Apata, Administrative Assistant, Center for Multi-Cultural Communities; Adenuga Atewolo- Title V Grant Manager, CLC; Laura Rovang, Program Specialist, CLC; Mey Spencer, PASS Outreach gun, Vice-President, Academic Affairs, PSC; Genny Boesen, Executive Director, South Metro Higher Specialist, Lake County Regional Office of Education; Dr. Jerry Weber, President, CLC; Roycelee Ed. Consortium; Glen Borkowski, President, Dream Maker Bath and Kitchen; Mia Carter, Commu- Wood, Superintendent, Lake County Regional Office of Education. nity Relations, Matteson Police Department; Marypat Corbett, Chief Operating Officer, Shay Health Care Services; Julie DeLong, Coordinator, Continuing Professional Education, PSC; Glenda Dolliver, John A. Logan College Clerk/ Typist, PSC; Eugene Dumas, Executive Director, Center for Multicultural Communities; Becky Sheila Simon, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois; Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, Eberhart Admave, Dean, Extension Services, South Suburban College; Juan Ellis, Outreach Special- SIUC; Mark Collins, Superintendent, Herrin Unit District #4; Denise Crews, Associate Dean for ist, Upward Bound Excel Program, Governors State University; Elaine Essary, Director of Marketing, Educational Programming, JALC; Tim Daugherty, Vice President for Administration, JALC; Amy Paradise Park Assisted Living; Pam Ethridge, Coordinator, PE and Fitness, PSC; Mary Fazzini, Erickson, President of Connecting All Parents with Schools, Carbondale, IL; Scott Fitzgerald, Editor, Peer Jury Coordinator, Homewood Flossmoor Peer Jury Program; Sheryl Ford, Executive Senior The Southern Illinois; Toyin Fox, Director of Education Planning, JALC; Carletta Hanks, Public Rela- Director, Bloom Township; Marie Hansel, Dean, Health & Industrial Tech, PSC; Lee Helbert-Gordon, tions Coordinator; Rides Mass Transit, Mike Horn, Principal, Herrin Elementary School; Jeff Keener, Director, Student Success Center, PSC; Tom Hysell, Director, Career Preparation Network; Dora Assistant Principal, Murphysboro High School; Pat Kittinger, Project Coordinator, JALC; Perry Knop, Ivory, Coordinator, Literacy Education, PSC; Paula Levickas, Academic Advisor, Governors State Professor of Political Science, JALC; Lorrie Lefler, Conference Coordinator, Division of Continuing University; Helen Manley, Coordinator, Student Life, PSC; Kelly Mendez, Student, PSC; Deborah Education, SIU, Mandy Little, Student Trustee, JALC, Student; Angie Mausey, Student Services and Morgan-Nelson, Client Consultant, Horizon Investment Services; Margaret Narcisi, Senior Care Programs Department, CCHS; Patricia Mayberry, Retired parent Volunteer, Carbondale, Retiree; Advisor, The Narcisi Group; April Patterson, Board Member, Ford Heights School District 169; Debra Brad McCormick, Vice President for Business Services, JALC; Robert Mees, President, JALC; Jake Prendergast, Dean, Mathematics and Science, PSC; Eric Radtke, President, PSC; Kathryn Rayford, Rendleman, Board of Trustees member, JALC; Steve Robinson, Principal, Herrin Middle School; Associate Director, F.U.T.U.R.E. Foundation; Mary Reaves, Vice-President / Dean of Students, PSC; Terry Ryker, Principal, Herrin High School; Julia Schroeder, Vice President for Instruction, JALC; John Regas, Literacy Program Volunteer, PSC; Jacqueline Sanders, Reverse Mortgage Consultant, Deana Smith, Secretary to the Dean for Instruction, JALC; John Smith, Executive Director, Egyptian Met Life; Sandy Schramm, Volunteer Coordinator, Horizon Hospice; Susan Solberg, Dean, Liberal Area on Aging; Cindy Webb, Community Outreach Liaison, Man-Tra-Con. Arts, PSC; Kat Van Dusen, Independent Sales Director, Carmen Mary Kay Walker, Marketing, Water- ford Estates; Deb White, Division Leader, Primerica; Terri Winfree, Vice-President, Community and Morton College Economic Development, PSC; Susan Wolf, Director, Chicago Heights Business Council 7 Administrators, 3 Full-time Faculty, 2 Adjunct Faculty, 6 Staff, 1 Administrative Retiree, 17 Student / Community Members, Participants include the following areas: Athletics, Fitness South Suburban College Center, Student Development, Deans’ Offices, Office of the President, Institutional Research, Admave, Rebecca, Extension Services, South Suburban College; Babiarz, Allen, Business & Career Health Programs (e.g., Massage Therapy, Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant), Adult Education Institute, South Suburban College; Beasland, Matthew, Community Education South Suburban and Community Outreach, and the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. College; Burrows, Larry, Photography by Larry Burrows; Burrows, Nancy, Business & Career Institute, South Suburban College; Byrd, M.D., Jennifer, Aunt Martha’s Youth Services; Copenhaver, DuPage Regional Office of Education Cindy, Village of South Holland; DeYoung, Julie, Ingalls Memorial Hospital Kathy Blair, Executive Director, Giving DuPage; Joseph Cassidy, Community Education, College of Dwyer, Barb, Retired Educator; Ellis, Juan, Governors State University; Fortenberry, Evette, Com- DuPage; Val Dranias, President, Indian Prairie School District Union; Timothy Wierenga, Assistant munity Education, South Suburban College; Garcia, Carmen, Business & Career Institute, South Superintendent, Naperville CUSD 203; Karen Kolb-Flude, Community Catalyst, Mather LifeWays; Russ Suburban College; Goff, Don, Retired Businessman; Grandmaison, Robert, Retired Educator; Legg, Marineau, HURRAH Volunteer, Naperville CUSD 203; Dr. Robert Rammer, Assistant Superintendent, Kari Ann, Attorney; McCollough, Terry, Thornton Township Youth Committee; Needles, Dianne, Wheaton/Warrenville CUSD 200; Dr. Margo Sorrick, Assistant Superintendent, Wheaton/Warrenville Business & Career Institute, South Suburban College; Ponczak, Lydia, Oak Forest Community Tele- CUSD 200; Bette Lawrence-Water, President, African American Leadership Roundtable; Mary Keating, vision; Ramirez, Irene, Treasurer’s Office, South Suburban College ; Redler, Thomas, SCORE; Roache, Director, DuPage County Community Services; Mary Ellen Schaefer, DuPage County Community Ser- Marjorie, Nursing, South Suburban College; Rowland, Jane, Calumet City Public Library; Rutzky, vices; Joan Fefferman, Wheaton League of Women Voters; Candice King, Executive Director, DuPage Alene, Jewish Federation, South Suburban Office; Rzonca, Denise, Business & Career Institute, Federation on Human Services Reform; Diane Birkley, Board Member, Bloomingdale School District South Suburban College; Segvich, Ronald, Business & Career Institute, South Suburban College; 13; Maureen McHugh, Executive Director, DuPage Health Department; Karen Ayala, DuPage Health Sinde, Michael, Career Technical Education, Thornton Township High School Dist. 205; Smith, Rev. Department; Deniece Hopkins, Illinois Educators Association (IEA); Roger Hopkins, President, Choose Dr. JC, Bethlehm Temple Baptist Church; Smith, Willie, Bethlehm Temple Baptist Church; Stocker, DuPage; Carolyn Heiney, Board Member, AAUW - Wheaton/Glen Ellyn; James Caudill, Co-Director, Jane Ellen, Community Education, South Suburban College; Stoettner, Janice, Career Development Partners for Success; Gary Smit, Lincoln Center for Character Development; Pedro Valdez, Parent, System; Suchor, Courtney, South Suburban Family Shelter; Taylor, Dr. Darryl, Lincoln Elementary Glenbard School District 87; Sandra Pihos, State Representative, Illinois House of Representatives; Dr. School District 156; Tweeten, Doug, Retired; Zamudio, Alfredo, Business & Career Institute, South Darlene J. Ruscitti, Regional Superintendent, DuPage Regional Office of Education; John A. Glimco, Suburban College Assistant Regional Superintendent, DuPage Regional Office of Education; Dr. Lourdes Ferrer, Equity & Excellence Consultant, DuPage Regional Office of Education; Dr. Olga Rammer, Director of Administra- Harold Washington College tive Services, DuPage Regional Office of Education. John Hader, Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs (Interim),HWC; Joyce Gallagher, Executive Director, Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, Senior Services Area Agency on Aging; Spoon River College Dr.Sandy Goldberg, CEO, A Silver Lining Foundation, NBC Chicago; Tricia Luzadder, Office of Special Randy Greenwell, Vice President of Instruction & Student Services, SRC; Carol Blackfelner, retired edu- Education and Support, Chicago Public Schools; Allison Donnelly,Office of Special Education and Sup- cator; Jim Hartford, Canton City Alderman; Emily Schoenfelder, Spoon River Partnership for Economic port, Chicago Public Schools; Kristin Bivens, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Speech and Development/Canton Area Chamber of Commerce; Janet Hartford, retiree; Chad Murphy, Director Theater, HWC; Dr. Maria Malayter, CEO, Do What You Love Foundation; Mikki Brown, Project Explora- of Secondary Education Programs, SRC; Phil Murphy, retired principal and current WIU Professor of tion; Abby Smith, Encore Program Coordinator, HWC; Anna Blum, Dean, Continuing Education; Encore Education; John Marshall, Superintendent of VIT School District; Mary England, Executive Director, Program Director, HWC; Dr. Sammie Dortch,Chair, Applied Sciences Department, HWC. Fulton County Health Department; Paul Grigsby, Executive Director of Canton Family YMCA; Ken Mi- ars, Heartland Healthcare (Canton); Jeannie Arndt, Executive Director, YWCA Canton; Cheryl Hoffman, John Wood Community College Dean of Nursing, SRC; Carol Davis, Vice President of Community Outreach, SRC; Julie Seeley, SRC. Barbara Richmiller, Adams County RSVP Advisory Council; Ken Heinze, JWCC Literacy tutor (retired), Laura Hyde, University of Illinois Extension; Debbie McCluer, Salvation Army Volunteer Shawnee Community College Coordinator; Mike Price, Salvation Army Youth Minister; Sandy Thomas, JWCC Support Services; Dr. Larry Peterson, President; Jean Ellen Boyd, Dean of Instructional Services; James Darden, Carolyn Warren, Chair, JWCC Education Dept.; Patricia Sullivan-Viniard, Asst. Superintendent, Dean of Adult Education and Alternative Instruction; Beth Darden, Executive Admin. Assistant Quincy Public School; Kathy Brink, Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Monica Foster, JWCC Adult to President/Board; Mary Smith, SCC CNA Coordinator/Instructor; Victoria Hudson, SCC Student; Education Dept.; Cheryl Waterman, United Way of Adams County Director; Dr. Thomas Klincar, Jason Cook, SCC Student; Luis Gonzalez, SCC Student; Rosa Barringer, SCC Student; Kelly Beasley, President, JWCC; Dr. John Letts, Vice-President, JWCC; LilliAnn Dittmer, JWCC Upward Bound; SCC Student; Keeley Wright, SCC Student; Tricia Dawes, SCC Student; Carolyn Childs, SCC Student; Sarah Bonness, Adams County RSVP, JWCC; Carla Gosney, Adams County RSVP, JWCC.
http://www.iii.siuc.edu/ 31 The Interdependence of Generations Report
Participants in the Summit New Officers for the Serve Illinois Commission
Mary Ann Akerman, Rock Valley College LIR; Dana Alvarez, Heartland Community College; Karen Ament, Illinois State University; Jo Anderson, US Dept. of Education; Jane Angelis; SIUC; Amy Ballanger-Cole; Kim Barman, Heartland Community College; Debra Baron, Loyola University; Jennifer Beal, Spoon River College; Amye Bean, RSVP of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois; Amber Berman, AmeriCorps; Andi Berryman, Illinois Community College Board; Carol Blackfelner, Spoon River College; Loren Blackfelner, Spoon River College; Anna Blum, Harold Washington College; Julie Bobitt, East Central Iowa Area Agency on Aging; Tom Boward; Martha Bowman, IEA; Emily Cleer, Spoon River College; Douglas Brauer, Richland Community College; Cheryl Brunsmann, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Barb Byrne, RSVP of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois; Jill Heise, Chair Andrew Barbeau Scott, Cashman, Harper College; Carolyn Clay, Eastern Illinois University; Ray Cleer, Spoon River Vice-Chair, Chair College; Cydney Condit, Illinois Central College; Kathy Conley, Illinois State University; Janet Cook, State Universities Annuitants Association; Marcia Cook, Christian Village; Kelli Covey, Center for Civic Education; Jennifer Creasey, AARP; Vanna Cunnihgham, Carle Hospital; Carol On February 18, 2011, Jill Heise was elected chair of David, Spoon River College; Julie DeLong, Prairie State College; Dr. Uday Deoskar, Successful Ag- ing Center; Maryanne Daman, NEIL AAA; Kay Drew, Carle Hospital; Jennifer Feaman, Heartland the Serve Illinois Commission and Andrew Barbeau, Community College; David Fields, Illinois State Board of Education; Vice-chair. Heise is the executive director of SOAR Jamie Gahm, Illinois Valley Community College; Joyce Gallagher, City of Chicago Senior Services (Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, a AAA; Ted Gibbs, Serve Illinois Commission; Allen Goben, Heartland Community College; Doug group that works to preserve, promote and enhance Grier, Waubonsee Community College; Amanda Guinn, Advance Illinois; Megan Holland, Carle Hospital; Karen Hall, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund; Mabel Hayes, John A. Logan College; the quality of life in Streeterville, a Chicago neighbor- Malia Hennessy, Rock Valley College LIR; Marilyn Hennessy, Retirement Research Foundation; hood. Barbeau is the Managing Director of Illinois William C. Hine, Eastern Illinois University; Molly Hofer, University of Illinois Extension; Linda Horrell, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund; John Hosteny, Corporation For National Service; Institute of Technology’s Galvin Center for Electricity Innovation, a green technology research center and Nancy Jameson, West Central Illinois RSVP; Charles D. Johnson, Illinois Dept. on Aging; Renee Joiner, ChildServ; Tammie Johnson, College of Lake County; Kelly Crawford Jones, Illinois Central education initiative that is pursuing groundbreaking College; Judy Jozaitis, Lincoln Land Community College; Helen Katz, Heartland Community work in the generation, distribution and consumption College; Ray Keithley, OLLI at Bradley University; Ashley Kinne, Peoria & Tazwell RSVP; Mindy Kmetz, Successful Aging Center; Chris Koch, Illinois State Board of Education; Louis Kosiba, Illi- of energy nois Municipal Retirement Fund; Jason Leahy, Illinois Principals Association; Tammy Lewis, Rock Valley College; Pat Linn, Spoon River College; Peggy Luce, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; The Serve Illinois Commission is a 25-member, bi- Barb Majernik, Rock Valley College LIR; Tabitha Major, U of I Extension; Maria Malayter, Do What partisan board appointed by the Governor. Its mission You Love Foundation; Ed Maloney, State Senator; Russ Marineau, HURRAH; Thoko Mavuso, is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing Eastern Illinois University; Susie Morrison, Illinois State Board of Education; Michael Mangan Service Learning; P. Hammond McDavid,, Univerisity of Illinois at Springfield; Courtney McGill, traditional volunteer activities and supporting national Illinois State Board of Education; Robert L. Mees, John A. Logan College; Candi Miller, Spoon service programs. The Commission is accomplishing River College; Jon C. Neidy, Bradley University Cont. Education; Ryan Niehaus, Heartland Community College; Gil Nolde, OLLI at Bradley University; Carin Novak, Lester School - Downers this mission through the support of local community- Grove Dist.58; based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and Nnenna Obi, Eastern Illinois University ; Geoff Obrzut, Illinois Community College Board; the administration of Illinois’ AmeriCorps program. Michael O’Donnell, East Central IL Area Agency on Aging; Del Parra, Diamond Lake School Dist 76; Margaret Plaskas, Waubonsee Community College; Sally Pletz, Spoon River College; James K Polk, ICCTA; Anita Revelle, Illinois State University; Colleen Reynolds, Heartland Community The goals of the Commission include College; Paul Rosenberger ECIAAA; Ashley Riggins, Spoon River College; Michelle Riggio, Bradley University Cont. Education; Barbara Rizzo, Oakton Community College; Laura Rovang, • making communities stronger through well-managed College of Lake County; volunteer programs, • improving the ability of community-based organiza- Sandra Schramm, Horizon Hospice & Palliative Care; Julia Schroeder John A. Logan College; Barbara Schwartz, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren; Carolyn Shepherd, OLLI at Bradley tions to maximize their volunteer resources University; Jan Simon, Parkland College; Cassie Simons, Eastern Illinois University; Carly Smith, • increasing the number of individuals volunteering in ChildServ; Julie Smith, Office of the Governor; Kristine Stefani, Kishwaukee College; L. Colleen Steinberg, YWCA McLean County; Ann Strow, Illinois Central College; Dr. Arthur Sutton, Illinois their communities. Board of Higher Education; Joyce Sutton, OLLI at Bradley University; Da’Mon Vann, A Fit Second Half Fitness & Wellness; Matt Vanover, Illinois State Board of Education; Nancy Wajler, Harper College; Dave Weiman, Culture Change Coalition of Peoria; Alma Lee Wertman, Spoon River For more information: College; B.J. Willken, McLean Wellness Coalition; Ed Wojcicki, University of Illinois at Springfield; http://www2.illinois.gov/serve Dustin Yocum, Eastern Illinois University;
32 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Acknowledgements
Remembering Keith Sanders, Executive Director, Illinois Board of Higher Education from 1998 to 2002 and an inspirational leader at Southern Illinois University for more than five decades
Three cheers for those who put in place the ideas for sociation & Illinois PTA. Thank you to members of the this report and to those who participated in the “Year Advisory Team for the Illinois NGA Policy Academy of the Engaged Older Adult,” in the 20 local discus- on the Civic Engagement of Older Adults. sions, the Summit on Aging and Education, and the Gathering in the Illinois Senate. Thank you to SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng, SIU School of Law Dean Cynthia L. Fountaine, and AARP State A hearty thank you to 19 community college presidents Director Bob Gallo for supporting this publication. and one Regional Office of Education for giving all of Illinois a model of leadership that is greatly needed. Last, Marion Wright Edelman says our accomplish- They and their conveners had minimal lead time to pre- ments often come from “standing on the shoulders of pare for the Local Discussions and yet pulled together our forbears.” Thank you to those who helped build multigenerational groups who have given substantive the foundation for the accomplishments in 2010, in- suggestions on how we can increase graduation rates cluding Richard D. Wagner, Keith Sanders and Emil and promote healthy lifestyles. Thank you to the Illinois Jones Jr. On July 1, 1986, the Illinois Board of Higher Council of Community College Presidents for helping Education approved a Higher Education Coopera- develop the Local Discussions. tion Act grant with the idea of fostering a statewide intergenerational movement. Dick Wagner, CEO of Thank you to Governor Pat Quinn for launching the IBHE from 1980 to 1998 was a long-term champion for Year of the Engaged Older Adult, for his strong sup- intergenerational efforts and believed that all levels of port of service, and for the support of staff members education could benefit from the involvement of older Ted Gibbs, Julie Smith, and Jerry Stermer. adults. Keith Sanders, IBHE CEO from 1998 to 2002, another champion for generations, convened the first Thank you to Senate President John Cullerton and Mi- P-20 Intergenerational Service Forum and also institu- nority Leader Christine Radogno for joining hands in a tionalized the Intergenerational Initiative at SIUC. An- nonpartisan effort by sponsoring the May 11 Intergen- other champion and believer, who established the Sen- erational Gathering in the Senate and the Senate Forum ate Forum on Intergenerational Leadership, was Senate on Intergenerational Leadership. After that event, it was President Emil Jones, Jr.. He served as Senate President evident that this project had “legs.” from 2003 to 2009 and during that time strengthened the link between history and intergenerational activity. Thank you to Senator Edward Maloney and the Senate Higher Education Committee for ensuring unanimous passage of the Interdependence of Generations Reso- Continuance Magazine lution and to Senate staff Melissa Black, Kim Schultz, Fall 2010/Winter 2011 Vol. 25 1 & 2 Nancy Hill and Kathryn Underwood. Knowledge and Understanding Passing from Generation to Generation A hearty thank you to sponsors of the Summit and Local Discussions including the Illinois Council of EDITORIAL: Jane Angelis, Ph.D., Director, Community College Presidents, Illinois Community Intergenerational Initiative College Trustees Association, Corporation for National Katelyn Kooy, SIU Law Student and Community Service, Serve Illinois Commission, Alicia Ruiz , Director, Communications Illinois Campus Compact, Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Illinois Principals Association, Il- ADDRESS: Intergenerational Initiative linois Association of Regional Superintendents, Illinois SIU School of Law, Carbondale, Il 62901 Department on Aging, Illinois State Board of Educa- 618-453-8636, www.solit.siu.edu tion, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Board Continuance Magazine was founded in 1987 with funding from the of Higher Education, State Universities Annuitants As- Illinois Board of Higher Education