New beginnings for adult students

Published on Oct 28, 2014 10:37am

On The Record

Encore means to bring back, and for many attendees of the inaugural Encore Career Open House, it was the first time they had been on a college campus in years.

The Sept. 4 open house was a success, drawing many members of the community to Washtenaw Community College’s campus. It was designed to appeal to adults who are considering new career options or need additional skills or credentials in their current careers.

A wide array of WCC’s academic departments and support services were represented at the event. Welcome packets were given to each attendee describing the breadth of opportunities at the college.

“We understand life often weaves a path that takes twists and turns and that new beginnings present themselves at times when you least expect them to arrive on your doorstep,” Dr. Rose Bellanca, president of WCC, said. “We all need new beginnings because they represent opportunities to renew our passions, garner new insight and expand our knowledge.”

Another reason for the open house was the recognition that much has changed in the global economy, and many people have lost jobs or find they need additional skills to hold their current jobs.

“We pride ourselves at WCC as being forward-thinking with our curriculum, and our faculty and staff have spent a great deal of time partnering with the Southeast Michigan business community,” Dr. Bellanca said. “We want the community to know that our certificate and degree programs reflect the current needs of the job market– all at an affordable price.”