UC brings home three awards from regional conference

University College of Syracuse University won three awards from the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) at the Mid-Atlantic Region Conference held in Princeton, N.J.

The UPCEA serves as a resource to those in the professional and continuing education field and provides members with strategies to respond to the growing population of adults and nontraditional students seeking continuous learning opportunities.

The University College Master Academic Plan (MAP) advisory model program won in the development category for credit or noncredit programs. The model offers part-time, nontraditional students the opportunity to experience life coaching combined with academic advising. Emileen Butler and Mary Pagan, academic advisers and certified life coaches, accepted the award on behalf of University College.

The Industrial Certification and Training Program (ICT) won in the category of institutional/business partnerships. The ICT was a collaborative effort of Westcott Community Center, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and University College. Of the 454 individuals enrolled, 142 completed work-readiness classes, 170 received a nationally recognized Work Readiness Certificate, 155 completed job training and 85 obtained full-time employment.

Senior Associate Dean Geraldine de Berly was awarded the outstanding leadership/distinguished service award for her work with the English Language Institute Program at University College. UC dean Bea González nominated de Berly for the award. “Dr. de Berly’s commitment to provide access and opportunity to international students is paralleled by her drive and determination to enrich their experience in the U.S. and to provide them with strong aptitude for the English language,” says González. “Her administration of the program encompasses a wide range of hands-on involvement, which helps our students feel at home and appreciably increases their achievement rate.”

González said that it is an honor to be recognized by our peers for the work that UC does on behalf of its nontraditional students. “In the true spirit of Scholarship in Action, University College is committed to forging imaginative and reciprocal partnerships with our many constituents, both locally and globally,” says González.