EXCEL program celebrates new Wabash site
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, September 4, 2007
(from left to right) Andy Eads, incoming chair of the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce and student in the EXCEL program majoring in business administration; Celia Briggs, Wabash City Schools superintendent; Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University; Robert E. Vanlandingham, Wabash City mayor and Huntington University alumnus; Kimberly Pinkerton, president of the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce; Col. (ret.) Perry Collins, director of the EXCEL program; Pravina Patel, chamber ambassador; Dr. Norris Friesen, dean and vice president of the university; and Dr. Steve Holtrop, associate dean of graduate and adult studies Huntington, Ind.-The Huntington University EXCEL Program for Adults celebrated the lease of its new facility in Wabash, Ind., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The ceremony was held at the new location, 1101 Colerain St, Wabash.
"We are very excited to offer classes this new location in Wabash," said Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of the university. "Huntington University has had a very long and mutually beneficial relationship with the people of Wabash County. Many of our students, alumni and trustees have come from this community."
Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University
The two-classroom space, housed in the L.H. Carpenter Center, is leased from Wabash City Schools. Robert E. Vanlandingham, Wabash City mayor and Huntington University alumnus; Celia Briggs, Wabash City Schools superintendent; Kimberly Pinkerton, president of the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of the university; Dr. Steven Holtrop, associate dean for graduate and adult studies; and Dowden were on hand for the ceremony.
"Without Ford Meter Box Company and Huntington University, I don't think I'd be where I am today," said Vanlandingham, a 1971 Huntington graduate. "We are fortunate to have you here. I am fortunate not only to be associated with Wabash City Schools but also Huntington University."
Robert E. Vanlandingham, Wabash City mayor and Huntington University alumnus
"This has been a real dream of mine - to have a place where you can further your lives and your careers," said Briggs, addressing the crowd. "Welcome, Huntington University!"
The Huntington University EXCEL program, offering classes and degrees geared specifically toward working adults, also serves students in Huntington and Columbia City.
The first class in Wabash, comprised of 14 students, began immediately following the ceremony.
"We believe our program in Wabash will provide strategic economic advantages to the entire county," Dowden said. "Wabash is growing. Several new industries came to the community last year, creating 130 new jobs. With new development underway, and additional business ventures and industries considering Wabash, there is a significant need for higher education for working adults."
Celia Briggs, Wabash City Schools superintendent
For more information on the Huntington University EXCEL program, contact the EXCEL office at (260) 359-4162 or (800) 600-4888, or visit www.huntington.edu/EXCEL.
