EXCEL program awarded Whitley Foundation grant
FOR RELEASE: Monday, December 12, 2005
Huntington, Ind. "Huntington University's EXCEL program for adults has been awarded a Whitley County Community Foundation grant. The $5,068 award will allow seven Whitley County residents to complete their first year in the EXCEL program without out-of-pocket expense. The grant will cover the difference between tuition cost and maximum loan amounts. Recipients must attend the program at the University's newest satellite location at 220 Frontage Road, Columbia City, Ind.
The funds will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis to individuals who need financial assistance to help them complete their first year in the program. The grant will go into effect for students starting the EXCEL program in February.
Recipients must complete the FAFSA form and all required paperwork for obtaining loans. The grant will be disbursed based on financial need and demonstrated ability to achieve the goal of completing the associate degree. A board comprised of Huntington's director of financial aid Sharon Woods, assistant director of financial services Shelia Hacker, a representative from the EXCEL office, and a Whitley County adjunct faculty member will determine who receives the funds.
Dr. Steve Holtrop, associate dean for graduate and adult studies at Huntington, accepted Whitley County Community Foundation grant at the Eagle's Nest in Columbia City at a ceremony held Monday, December 12, 2005.
"The community has been very supportive of our coming to Columbia City, and this is just another welcome endorsement which will enable us to provide Whitley County residents an opportunity to improve their live," said Perry Collins, director of the EXCEL program.
EXCEL is Huntington University's accelerated degree program for adults. The EXCEL Program offers both an associate's degree and bachelor's degree in organizational management. EXCEL also provides the Gateway Program through which adults can take continuing education classes for personal enrichment or toward the completion of a college degree. EXCEL offers classes in Huntington, Columbia City, and Fort Wayne, Ind. For more information, call (260) 359-4162 or log on to www.huntington.edu/excel.
The Whitley County Community Foundation awards grants to charitable endeavors that will make a positive impact on the people of Whitley County. Ideas that offer creative, long-term solutions to local needs are considered for grant awards. Categories for consideration include arts & culture, civic affairs, community development, education, health, recreation, and welfare. For more information about the organization, visit www.whitleycountycommunityfoundation.org.
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and in 2004 was named one of the 50 best Christian places to work by Christianity Today magazine.
