FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2017, 9:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402-872-2429
Peru, Nebraska- Peru State's Dr. Gina Bittner and Dr. Frank Lynott received a grant from the Nemaha
County Development Foundation Fund this week. The grant will sponsor a new semester-long
College 101 on-campus engagement experience for freshmen majoring in education.
The College 101 course helps students define the role of higher education in their
personal and professional lives. New Peru State students join a learning community
within their academic discipline to better develop the skills necessary for college-level
work.
Bittner, an associate professor of education, writes, “Dr. Lynott and I were invited
to speak at the Nemaha County Development Foundation’s monthly meeting in Auburn this
June. We shared our vision for improving retention through the first-year experience
and developing a stronger relationship students with Nemaha County.”
“With matching funds from other sources, the foundation’s financial support will help
to make this kick-off event a success. Following our presentation, we completed the
grant application and received a grant award for $600 to make this meaningful collaboration
possible.”
Sharon Hessler, a foundation advisory board member, said, “The Foundation Fund was
very enthusiastic about connecting with the College, and the opportunity to help with
a grant for College 101 was the perfect start.
Sharon Hessler (center) presents a check and certificate to Dr. Gina Bittner (right) and Dr. Frank Lynott (left).
Dr. Frank Lynott, assistant professor in the School of Education, writes, “This event
will be an opportunity for freshmen to get to know faculty and staff - as well as
develop camaraderie with peers in like majors."
"The event will kick off with a meal, team building events and will include a t-shirt
to show the School of Education’s appreciation of their dedication to scholastic and
career endeavors as well as making Peru State College a part of their lives.”
For more information about the new School of Education's College 101 program, contact
Dr. Gina Bittner at gbittner@peru.edu or Dr. Frank Lynott at flynott@peru.edu.
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Ashley Peiman contributed to this release.