CE@KSU News and Press

OLLI’s Freedom Writer

2012-01-27T16:37:00.000-05:00

Beth Hermes encourages students

to stretch their imagination

Beth Hermes has the rare ability to make you feel as if you can do anything. It probably has everything to do with the fact she is a confident woman herself, and that she has the heart of a writer. She is quick to preach “no fear” and encourage freedom of expression to her writing students.

“Everybody has a story. They just need to be given the opportunity to tell it,” she said. Beth is a new instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education, but is seasoned when it comes to teaching. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is excited to welcome Beth this February.

Beth has been a professional writer for newspapers and magazines since 1989. Her writing expertise has helped numerous corporate and individual clients to create compelling bios, Web copy, collateral materials and ad campaigns. She said the OLLI writing classes are not critiquing classes, but are designed to inspire and develop the talent of the students.

“These classes are very safe. There is no criticism. This is the place to get rid of criticism,” she said.

Beth said that most people come to her class worried what other people think and trying to live up to some unfounded expectation. “They come into the class writing what they think you want them to write,” she said. In the first class she goes about trying to undo the fears that have been piled on them over the years. “I want them to experience the joy of being a child again. The joy of writing what’s on the inside and not worrying about what somebody else thinks,” she said, adding, “I want them to have that little glow that kids have when they are excited about something.”

Getting everyone warmed up is accomplished through special activities, humor, writing prompts, discussions and sharing. Beth said she always encourages her students to read something they would not normally read and try writing something they would not normally write. “You have to stretch outside of what you know,” she said.

Classes include plenty of time for writing and talking about what things they can do outside the classroom to help them develop their writing skills. Observation skills rate high with Beth. She challenges students to look closer at the world around them, which ultimately provides endless inspiration for stories and characters. Stopping to look around at a stoplight or listening to conversations in a public place can get the creativity going.

OLLI is excited to welcome Beth as part of our team. She resides in Cherokee County with her husband, Craig, daughter, Abby, and son, Ben.

Memoir Writing will take place at KSU Center from February 1st through March 21st, eight consecutive Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $119. Space is limited so call now to reserve your spot!

To request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

A Brief History of the World’s Busiest Airport

2012-01-20T14:55:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wondered about the history of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? How did it become the world’s busiest airport? Why is it named Hartsfield-Jackson? These and many other questions will be answered in a course on the airport’s history, at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers an array of courses and activities for individuals 50 and over. This OLLI course will be taught by Dale Hartsfield of Acworth, who is a distant relative of former Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield for whom the airport is named. Dale is currently writing a book entitled What’s in a Name which is about the history of the airport and the five official names that the airport has been called since it opened in the mid 1920’s.

Dale was the spokesman for the Hartsfield family in 2003 when the city of Atlanta decided to change the name to Hartsfield-Jackson. People have told Dale that he failed in fighting City Hall. "On the contrary" Dale said, "if we had not fought, today it would be Jackson International. Other family members and I fought to honor our relative, William B. Hartsfield's name." The class will tell both sides of the historic 2003 name change.

The class will begin with the early 1920’s when the airport came into existence and continue up until the present day. It is a fascinating story of history and political controversy. Class begins January 30th at 10am and runs for 8 consecutive Mondays, cost is $99. Space is limited so register now!!

If you like local history or aviation history, you will really enjoy this course!

For more information about OLLI or to receive our quarterly Newsletter please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit us at ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

Explore Europe’s Grand Cathedrals

2012-01-17T06:51:00.000-05:00

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) strives to continually offer compelling and exciting new courses. The Architectural and Engineering Feats of Europe’s Grandest Cathedrals is one you won’t want to miss. Although the title may be a bit intimidating, the course itself will do nothing but wow you.

Howard Cohen will be leading this course and is very excited to be a new instructor here at OLLI. Howard grew up in NYC and graduated from San Francisco State College. He taught for 5 years at The American School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well as teaching Latin American History at San Francisco State.

Howard is now retired but has quite a vast knowledge in the music industry. For 25 years he owned and operated, with his wife, International Records at Peachtree Center in downtown Atlanta. He says “I was able to get in when the industry was booming and left just before it crashed.” International Records became a popular store for music from around the world which expanded his interest and knowledge of history.

During his extensive travels in Europe over many years, Howard was always fascinated with the great Gothic cathedrals. He enjoyed reading about the construction of these massive works of art. Before long, his interest expanded to include the historical context.

While taking courses at another OLLI, he was approached about leading and developing a class about the architectural wonders that enabled these behemoths to be built. He knew that a fascinating program should include the social, intellectual, scientific, economic, historical and religious aspects and was excited about beginning this course.

With the help of a visually stunning DVD series that afford an extensive 3-D tour of the great cathedrals, Howard is offering a class at OLLI that will introduce students to a magical world. Students will learn who built them, how and why they were built, how they were financed, and much much more.

Come join us at OLLI for a compelling exploration of Europe’s grand cathedrals – the history will fascinate you! Course begins Friday January 20th at 12:30pm and continues for 8 consecutive Friday sessions; cost is $99.

For more information about OLLI or to receive our quarterly Newsletter please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340.

‘You’re Gonna Love It!!’

2012-01-06T11:10:00.000-05:00

OLLI Instructor shares passion for yoga and Pilates

Just about the only criticism Emily Berreth gets from her students is that she loves everything about her work.

The Gentle Yoga and Pilates Basics instructor with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) gets a good ribbing by her students for her overuse of the phrases “I love this exercise!” and “You’re gonna love it!”.

Her infectious smile and can-do attitude is what makes her classes so special at KSU Center. Students walk taller physically and mentally after taking her classes. “I just want them to feel better,” she said.

Ms. Berreth came to the College of Continuing and Professional Education two years ago. She has received her YogaFit Certification and is certified in The Method Pilates by the Pilates Physical Mind Institute in New York.

The Gentle Yoga curriculum focuses more on utilizing the familiar postures to increase fitness, and not the spiritual side of the discipline. Pilates Basics focuses on routines that help build flexibility and long, lean muscles. Developing a strong core or center is essential to the exercises that ultimately improve a student’s coordination and balance.

She said that she was first exposed to Pilates when she was attending the University of Georgia in pursuit of a master’s degree in journalism. She has a bachelor’s degree in French from St. Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minn. She said that she started taking Pilates as a way to stay fit. “I found that I could do everything better,” she said.

Ms. Berreth found she loved it so much that she began taking classes three times a week. It was her mother who gave her a gift certificate to attend a workshop to learn how to teach it and the rest is history. In both of her classes, students can work around whatever physical limitations they may have. It is best to come to class wearing loose fitting clothing, shoes and socks are optional, and make sure to bring your yoga mat.

Aside from weight loss, she said that there are so many benefits to taking the classes. “Number one, you are going to sleep better. Number two, you are going to find muscles that you didn’t know you had and use them. And, number three, you are going to be able to do things better because of your core strength.”

When she is not teaching, she is a star Academic Associate with the Undergraduate Programs Advising Office at the Michael J. Coles College of Business on the main campus of Kennesaw State University.

Gentle Yoga is 10 Wednesday sessions, January 25th through March 28th. Class will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Pilates Basics is also 10 sessions on Mondays, January 23rd through March 26th. Class will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Each class costs $119, enroll in both classes and get $15 off each class for a $30 discount. Space is limited so call us today!

For more information or to request a copy of our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit www.ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

Graduation, Certificate Programs. December 2011.

2012-01-03T14:33:00.001-05:00

ksuconed's photostream on Flickr.

Graduation for Certificate programs at the College of Continuing and Professional Education, Kennesaw State University. December 2011.

Mystery Basket Night

2012-01-03T10:20:00.000-05:00

Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program
College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University put their Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program students to the test. Nine students participated in the Mystery Basket Night led by Instructor Chef Frazer Breckenridge of Alpharetta. Each was given a basket with a different protein, starch and vegetable, and was given an hour and a half hours to create, prepare, and plate the dish. On hand to sample their success included College administrators and staff.

Culinary students participating were Spencer Barnett of Cartersville, Brittney Byrd of Acworth, Jacob Doss of Waleska, Joan Hill of Atlanta, Primus Jones Jr. of Marietta, Margaret Karidza of Powder Springs, Molly Kennamer of Scottsboro, Ala., Charles “CJ” Mulhearn III of Dallas and Whitney Thomas of Douglasville.

These students are midway through their studies in the nine-month program. In addition to attending class at KSU Center every Wednesday, they perform apprenticeship hours in a variety of locations including Endive Catering, Elevation Chophouse, Park 75 at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, and Villa Cristina at Perimeter Summit. At the end of their studies they will have achieved 420 hours of instruction in these special locations working alongside Atlanta’s most talented chefs and their world class teams.

The class will graduate in June and the next class will begin Sept. 12, 2012. A free information session about the Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program will be Thursday, Jan. 12, from 7:15-8 p.m. at KSU Center as part of the winter Career Training Expo. For more information, visit culinaryksu.com or call 770-423-6765.

STUDENTS AND THEIR DISHES:

Spencer Barnett – Steak with Bordelaise Reduction, Mirepoix Risotto, Grilled Asparagus
Brittney Byrd – Garlic Infused Pork Chops, Sweet Potatoes with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze, Green Beans
Jacob Doss – Fried Shrimp, Polenta, Green Beans and Tomatoes Zested Salad, Remoulade
Joan Hill – Salmon with Red Pepper Coulis, Asparagus, Risotto
Primus Jones Jr. – Grilled Shrimp, Feta Cheese Grits, Sautéed Green Beans
Margaret Karidza – Steak with Caramelized Onions, Greek Mashed Potatoes, Honey and Lemon Brussels Sprouts
Molly Kennamer – Rosemary Grilled Chicken, Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Grits
Charles “CJ” Mulhearn III – Chicken Rouladen, Mushroom Cheesy Grits, Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Whitney Thomas – Herb-Crusted Pan Fried Chops, Baked Sweet Potatoes Wedges, Sautéed Sugar Snaps

2012-01-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

Michell Girage, OLLI Assistant
Director, invites you to come to
our Career Training Expo
January 12th!

A familiar proverb states, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.” The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University has planned a wide array of classes for you to enjoy this winter.

OLLI courses are specifically designed for students age 50 and over, and are conducted in a friendly environment where you are surrounded by your peers. Whether you are looking for the social aspects of bridge or mah jongg or wanting to finally get started with painting or an exercise regime, OLLI truly has something for everyone.

We invite you to join us for our Career Training Expo on Thursday, January 12th, from 6pm – 8:30pm at KSU Center. Come to our booth to learn more about our OLLI program and to meet some of our instructors. Tours of our OLLI Club Room and OLLI classrooms can be arranged for those who are new to our program. Every Expo attendee will receive a 5% discount on any class we offer.
Some of our upcoming winter courses include the following:
(for a full listing please request our quarterly catalog)

Purchasing a Computer	January 18	Lynne Mock
Qigong/Tai Chi for Seniors	January 18	Phil Robinson
Great Decisions	January 20	Jack Carew
Europe's Grandest Cathedrals	January 20	Howard Cohen
Pilates Basics	January 23	Emily Berreth
Pencil, Pen & Ink Drawing	January 24	Bill Singleton
Basics of eBay Selling	January 25	James Daniel
Digital Photography	January 25	Norm Paschal
Facebook Basics	January 25	Lynne Mock
Gentle Yoga	January 25	Emily Berreth
No Turning Back Now: The Civil War in 1862	January 25	Elsa Nystrom
Watercolor and the Masters	January 25	Betty Carr
A History of the World's Busiest Airport	January 30	Dale Hartsfield
Memoir Writing	February 1	Beth Hermes
How to Listen "Musically"	February 2	Barbara Hammond
Paganism: Past and Present	February 2	Vince Malatesta
Opera Appreciation	February 6	Donna Angel

We hope to see you in a class soon or at our Career Training Expo!

For more information or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit www.ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

New Careers For Every Age

2011-12-28T07:26:00.000-05:00

Career Training Expo set for Thursday, January 12, at KSU Center

Event to showcase certificate programs at College of Continuing and Professional Education.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is excited to participate in Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education’s Career Training Expo which will showcase its professional certificate programs from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, at KSU Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The College has more than 40 professional certificate programs with instruction offered through online classes and on site at KSU Center.

At the Expo, attend a general information session or attend individual sessions that highlight the College’s major programs. Individual sessions allow prospective students to ask questions of program managers, instructors and even former students about the certificate programs. In addition, special sessions on financial aid are held throughout the evening.

Attend the Expo, and you will receive a 5 percent discount coupon toward your next class. Also, students who enroll during the event will receive a special student gift pack. The discount can be used on most of our programs—including OLLI!

NEW this year is a free seminar, “Why Social Networking is Key to Your Career Success,” led by Miriam Salpeter, author of “Social Networking For Career Success.” She has been quoted in major media outlets across the country, and is a CNN “top 10 job tweeter” and U.S. News & World Report Career Blogger. She will lead three 30-minute sessions during the Expo. Space is limited and registration is required. In the seminar she will share why it is essential to use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook in your career or job search. Her book will be available for purchase throughout the evening for $15 and will include a free eGuide to Google+.

This seminar is especially important to those who are trying to get back into the work force. We encounter many OLLI students that need to go back to work unexpectedly and they are uncertain where to turn. This is an incredible opportunity for all and it is FREE. Space is limited and registration is required. Call our registration department at 770-423-6765 or visit ksuexpo.com to reserve your spot.

For more information about OLLI or to receive our quarterly Newsletter please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340.

Career Training Expo set for Thursday, January 12, at KSU Center

2011-12-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

Event to showcase certificate programs at College of Continuing and Professional Education

Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education will hold a Career Training Expo to showcase its professional certificate programs from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, at KSU Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The College has more than 40 professional certificate programs with instruction offered through online classes and on site at KSU Center.

At the Expo, attend a general information session or attend individual sessions that highlight the College’s major programs. Individual sessions allow prospective students to ask questions of program managers, instructors and even former students about the certificate programs. In addition, special sessions on financial aid are held throughout the evening.

A variety of areas will be highlighted at the Expo, including: Administrative Professional, Bookkeeper Professional, Certified Nursing Assistant, Culinary Apprenticeship, Human Resources, Languages, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Interpreter, Medical Office Assistant, Meeting & Event Management, MS Office, Paralegal, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy and EKG Technician, and Professional Development in Gerontology.

Attend the Expo, and you will receive a 5 percent discount coupon toward your next class. Also, students who enroll during the event will receive a special student gift pack.

NEW this year is a free seminar, “Why Social Networking is Key to Your Career Success,” led by Miriam Salpeter, author of “Social Networking For Career Success.” She has been quoted in major media outlets across the country, and is a CNN “top 10 job tweeter” and U.S. News & World Report Career Blogger. She will lead three 30-minute sessions during the Expo. Space is limited and registration is required. In the seminar she will share why it is essential to use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook in your career or job search. Her book will be available for purchase throughout the evening for $15 and will include a free eGuide to Google+.

For more information, call the registration department at 770-423-6765 or visit ksuexpo.com.

KSU Center is located at 3333 Busbee Drive in Kennesaw. Located conveniently between I-575 and I-75, the center is the site for the College’s in classroom coursework and is the site of many educational conferences and where companies choose to conduct advance training for their employees.

OLLI - A Cause To Give

2011-12-09T09:17:00.000-05:00

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University has many things to reflect back on and to be thankful for. The end of the year brings awareness that time is short if you want to catch up on any tax deductible donations to be included for the year 2011.

People choose to participate in the OLLI program for various reasons including finding new interests or hobbies and the potential to make new friends. “People over age 50 want to stay connected and vibrant,” according to OLLI Assistant Director, Michelle Girage. “OLLI provides opportunities to accomplish these goals.”

OLLI welcomes donations to our program to help support our operations and to provide scholarships for members who cannot afford to participate in classes. Without the support of our donors it would be difficult for us to keep our course fees low and to provide the caliber of courses that we currently offer.

Your tax deductible donations should be made payable to “KSU Foundation” and you should designate funds as “Restricted to OSHER” on the check memo line.

Mail your tax deductible donation to:

Sandra Cobb, Financial Manager

College of Continuing and Professional Education

1000 Chastain Road, MD 3301

Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591

There is still time to donate for 2011 and make a difference in someone’s life!

OLLI offers an impressive selection of educational and social opportunities for adults age 50 and older. With a purpose to promote lifelong learning and continued intellectual and personal growth for retirement-age individuals, OLLI has become the place for fun and interactive learning in a safe and encouraging environment. Curriculum draws from the interests, talents, and experiences of older adult learners. Academic courses are college level (without the homework, term papers, and tests), and cover everything from personal computers to fitness and visual arts. Social activities include various gatherings for dinner, laughter, and entertainment.

For more information or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please contact Michelle Girage at 770-499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

What Can Tai Chi Do For You?

2011-12-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

Tai Chi instructor shares history and love for an ancient Chinese martial art with OLLI students.

A TV report on the evening news in 1972 was a pivotal moment for Phil Robinson. The report shared that President Richard Nixon had signed a trade agreement with China and each evening the news program shed light on the nation’s people and culture.

One report about the martial arts, specifically Tai Chi, intrigued Mr. Robinson who was in total amazement when watching an old man throw a much younger man to the floor with relative ease.

“It appeared that there was no effort involved in what they were doing,” he said.

At 23 years old, Mr. Robinson was already a professional kick boxer and black belt in karate, but he wanted to get a grasp on what he saw that older man accomplish. He went about seeking a master teacher to instruct him in the ways of the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi.

Today, Mr. Robinson is a Master of Tai Chi Chuan, Yang style, and is an expert Qigong instructor. He shares his passion for Tai Chi with people of all ages.

He is excited to bring his knowledge to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education. He claims all you need to begin Tai Chi is the desire to learn, loose clothing, and flat shoes (or no shoes at all).

Mr. Robinson teaches two different Tai Chi courses. The first will be offered through the OLLI program - Qigong/ Tai Chi for Seniors. This class will begin January 18th and run for ten one-hour sessions at KSU Center. The class will focus on teaching Qigong breathing and relaxation techniques, and also improving balance, muscle strength and concentration.

The second course, Discover Traditional Tai Chi, will be through the Life & Leisure offerings for all continuing education students. It starts at the beginning and emphasizes many of the themes offered through the OLLI class, but focuses on Yang Tai Chi. Additional benefits of the class include ways to improve health, reduce stress and some easy self-defense techniques. This course begins January 24th and meets for nine consecutive Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at KSU Center.

“I like it when my students leave the class feeling a little stronger and little smarter from having come to the class,” he said, adding. “If they leave feeling aglow, then I’ve done my job.”

For more information or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

Give the Gift of Learning

2011-11-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

Have you made your list and checked it twice but still can’t figure out what gift to give that special someone on your list? You want it to be meaningful, lasting and interesting. You want to be sure it fits and you want to be sure it gets put to good use.

Don’t stress! If you are stumped for ideas, put the gift of learning under the tree with a gift certificate for a class at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. The gift of learning keeps giving enjoyment and satisfaction long after the holidays are over.

You have the option to choose any dollar amount or purchase a gift certificate for a specific class. Browse through our catalog or newsletter, then call Registration at 770-423-6765 to place your order. We will send the certificate in a gift envelope ready to present to anyone on your holiday shopping list!

“Often children will give their parents the gift of learning as a way to encourage them to stay active,” says Michelle Girage, OLLI Assistant Director. “In some cases, parent and child are both over age 50 and will take a class together.”

Perhaps you have a workout enthusiast in your family who would enjoy the gift of one of our fitness classes which are designed to help improve your health and have fun while doing it. Or maybe you want to give your loved one the opportunity to pursue a new interest or hobby like painting, drawing, or writing. Is someone you know getting a digital camera or a computer as a gift this year? OLLI has classes to help them de-mystify their new technology.

For a gift that actually fits, give the gift of learning this holiday season. Fill your loved ones’ stockings with exciting courses to kick off the new year!

For more information or to receive our quarterly Newsletter please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit www.ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

OLLI’s 10th Annual Donuts & Notes Open House

2011-11-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

“Music is a gift and one that will certainly get anyone in the Holiday

spirit,” says Michelle Girage, Assistant Director for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

To kick off the holidays, OLLI invites you to our annual Donuts and Notes Holiday Celebration. Featuring music, entertainment, and refreshments, the 10th annual celebration will be held on December 2nd at 10am.

“The Donuts and Notes Celebration contains such a wide variety of holiday entertainment. From elementary school-aged children to older adults, you are certain to find that holiday magic,” says Michelle.

The Big Shanty Elementary Eagle Chorus, consisting of 4th and 5th graders and directed by Mrs. Erika Brown, will be entertaining our guests this year as well as several local artists.

“Watching the children perform is the highlight of the event,” says Dick Harp, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. “They enjoy being there just as much as we do and it is always fun to watch their eyes light up when the donuts are passed out.”

This year’s celebration will also feature a display of artwork created by OLLI art students and OLLI instructors. The Celebration is FREE and open to the public. Morning refreshments consisting of coffee, juice and donuts will be served.

Start your holidays off at OLLI’s annual Donuts and Notes Holiday Celebration. Let us get you into the holiday spirit!

Lifetime Giver Recognized

2011-11-11T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education is fortunate to have generous support from the community. This program was built from the generosity of others and on November 10, 2011 one of those supporters was recognized.

Dr. Daniel Papp, President of Kennesaw State University and the Board of Trustees for the University honored Mr. Dick Harp with the Chairman’s Award for his outstanding service to the College of Continuing and Professional Education. Dick Harp has single handedly raised $4,200,000 dollars for the College. The majority of these gifts went to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to support a program for students 50 and older.

In addition to the financial support Mr. Harp secured for the University, he created community support by getting local businesses involved.

Dick Harp continues to devote his time unassumingly to support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and Kennesaw State University.

OLLI is proud to honor someone like Dick Harp. He has been the backbone of this program and continues to support OLLI in many ways. When you are truly passionate about something others catch that bug and want to give support - that is what Dick Harp has done. He has spread this passion to others and built this program into something that is quite astounding. Come see for yourself - call OLLI to request a tour or to request our quarterly Newsletter, you too just might catch the bug!

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

2011-11-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

Are you tired of paying for greeting cards and stationery that includes an impersonal message? Do you want to learn how to do this on your own? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University has the answer for you! Come join us as our talented OLLI instructor Lynne Mock teaches our popular course Getting Crafty With Your Computer.

Join us for this fun, hands-on OLLI computer class, and tap into your creative side. Use your computer for something other than surfing the Internet, sending e-mail, and playing games

Included are the following topics:

Learning how to use simple free software to create quick cards and stationery
Use your computer to personalize cards and stationery projects with your pictures
Create and print personalized items that express how you really feel
Use pictures, cute illustrations, borders, and backgrounds included in the software
Decorate and create all types of printable items including mailing labels and envelopes

Enjoy the computer and impress your friends and family with what you can do. Follow a step by step guide provided in the class to create simple projects. Use this opportunity to build your own special projects and never have to buy greeting cards, invitations, or thank you cards again.

This class will specialize in creating personalized holiday cards using picture files you create on the computer. Special tips are added on purchasing products for the projects you create after the class. Never send another generic card or invitation and save money at the same time!

Register now, space is limited! Cost is just $99 per person, next class is on Tuesday 11/15 from 9am - 3pm, just in time to get your holiday cards ready! All classes (unless noted otherwise) are located at KSU Center which offers plenty of parking in a convenient location.

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

2011-10-28T12:58:00.000-04:00

For people 50 and older, “any artistic endeavor is therapy,” says Ruth Murphy, Calligraphy - The Art of Beautiful Writing instructor at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. “Once you master a new art form or hobby, there is a great deal of satisfaction in that.”

Many students who enroll in Ruth’s calligraphy course start out just wanting to learn to ‘write pretty’ for personal greeting cards, wedding invitations and posters. But many of them complete the class with the realization that they have created beautiful works of art. “Calligraphy is rewarding in that you create something beautiful. I think we all yearn for beauty in our lives and if we create the beauty, how much better is that?” asks Ruth.

Calligraphy is derived from the Greek words ‘killi’ and ‘graphos’; meaning ‘beautiful’ and ‘writing’ respectively. Calligraphy started when monks copied the bible by hand because there were no printing presses. By the Renaissance era, the calligraphy form of italics was created and used more frequently.

In learning calligraphy, students will strive to express harmony and emotion through the forms of letters. Ruth’s calligraphy course focuses on uppercase and lowercase as well as basic italic lettering using the broad pen. “Students start off with double pencils and graduate to the wider wedge,” says Ruth. “Each person in the course ends up with his or her own individualized form of italic calligraphy.”

Ruth defines calligraphy as more of a creative art form than a typical writing technique. “It is a form of drawing focusing on the proper shapes in combination to make letters. It is different because you do not move your hand, you move your entire arm to create the shapes,” she says.

By the end of the first class, Ruth’s students are able to form correct calligraphy lettering and by the end of the second class, they are able to form complete calligraphy words. “Everyone who completes the course can create calligraphy,” says Ruth.

“Ruth’s patience in working with our students stems from her years in the public school system. She truly loves to teach and is ready for the challenges each new group of calligraphers might bring,” says Michelle Girage, Assistant Director of OLLI.

Find your new artistic endeavor and experience beauty through calligraphy! This course is great for beginners, students, teachers, draftsmen, and production technicians. The course fee of $59 includes all the materials you will need to create something beautiful. Next class begins November 7th at noon and runs for three consecutive Monday’s.

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

OLLI Scholar Program

2011-10-23T11:10:00.001-04:00

You may not have grown up during the computer age but it’s never too late to get started on your computer skills. Instructor Lynne Mock, of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University, will help you to overcome any fears you may have about getting started with the computer.

OLLI courses are designed for students age 50 and over, so you can join your peers and learn at your own pace in a friendly and comfortable environment. The OLLI computer lab is limited to12 students, making it easy to have access to the instructor for any questions.

Here are our upcoming computer courses:

Course	Date	Time
Introduction to PC’s	November 1-2	9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Internet and E-mail Savvy	November 3-4	9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Windows 7	February 20-21	9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Microsoft Word 2010	November 21-22	9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Easy Steps to Safeguard Your Computer	December 5	9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

You will become eligible for an “OLLI Scholar” certificate by completing all five courses listed. Each course is designed to build up your computer skills and your computer confidence. These are valuable tools and could even help those that may be in search of a new career path.

Don’t wait – you can learn to use the computer by taking these five easy steps!

For more information or to request a quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu

Friend Me On Facebook!

2011-10-14T10:08:00.000-04:00

Do you want a way to stay better connected with your friends and family or to be reconnected with old friends? Are your children and grandchildren communicating solely through their computer and phone? Have you heard of the phrases ‘Facebooking,’ ‘posting on someone’s wall,’ or ‘being tagged in a photo’? If yes, then Facebook is the place to be!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University would like to invite you to join us for a class to learn the proper way to ‘Facebook’. Whether we like it or not, Facebook is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of communication for all age groups.

Facebook is a social network that was first developed in 2004 with the purpose of keeping students at Harvard University connected with one another. After many requests from other colleges and universities to have this social network, it was expanded to various parts of the country and is now used in several other countries around the world. Now, over 600 million people world-wide are connected to this social network. In the United States, nearly 8% of people that are active users of Facebook are aged sixty-five and older!

“Regardless of what may be the hot social media portal of any given year, social networking has become a core part of our daily lives - and Facebook is currently leading the pack,” states Michelle Girage, Assistant Director for OLLI.

Because Facebook is so popular among all ages, it is a great way to stay connected to friends and family. OLLI’s course, Facebook Basics, includes information on how to safely set up a personalized profile, how to upload pictures for your friends and family to see, and how to stay current through messaging loved ones. Lynne Mock, OLLI instructor, will provide tips to keep intruders away and tips on what information you should always keep private. Facebook users are able to set privacy controls on their profile to limit what other users are able to view. All Facebook users should take advantage of this tool in order to keep their information safe and secure.

Course begins October 28th from 9am - 1pm and cost is minimal at $79.00. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

For more information or to request a Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

OLLI Fall Social - Spootacular Ball!

2011-10-10T08:45:00.001-04:00

Having a great time with friends is a core ingredient to the success of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

Three times a year, OLLI seeks to bring together all those people who have enjoyed being a part of the OLLI family and invite those who are 50 and older to see what the program has to offer. OLLI’s next event is the Spooktacular Ball Social on Monday October 24^th, at KSU Center.

“There is nothing like a fall social to put a little spice into our annual calendar,” said Michelle Girage, OLLI Assistant Director. Aside from the delicious feast, there will be live music provided by the Sock Hops who have been playing for OLLI for many years.

“This band always has everyone on their feet dancing before the night is over,” Michelle said. Past socials have drawn about 250 seasoned adults who are out for an evening of great food, dancing and a “whole lotta fun” with new and old friends.

“With so many programs going on throughout the year, the socials have turned into a homecoming style event which allows everyone to visit and catch up on the happenings of their lives, “ said Dick Harp, OLLI Director. “It’s a great mix of laughter, music, and fun!” OLLI socials have also become a great way to meet new friends and to get introduced to our program.

During this event, we collect tabs from cans for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House, a charity which assists families of ill children. We also collect food to help local food pantries. This is OLLI’s way of helping and giving back to the community.

The cost of the social is only $7 per person and includes dancing, catered dinner, and wonderful conversations. Doors open at 5:45 pm and dinner is served from 6 – 7 pm. Dancing continues until 9pm. We will have a prize for the best costume this year so come in your best Halloween garb!

Reservations are required and space is limited! Payment must be made at time of reservation in order to secure seating. Free parking is available. Call now to register! 770-423-6765

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

Watercolor with OLLI

2011-09-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Carr of Acworth starts most of her paintings the same way. She takes pictures and makes sketches and then thoughtfully puts them away as if to save inspiration for a rainy day.

“I have a lot of pictures that are future paintings,” she said.

This is exactly the scenario with the painting, “Cold Dawn on Gulf Boulevard,” most recently acknowledged as a finalist in the Landscape/Interior category as part of the 27^th annual competition for The Artist’s Magazine.

The inspiration for the painting was born several years ago while attending a convention in Clearwater Beach, FL, with her husband, Roger, a nuclear engineer. She said that they traditionally did not get the room with the view, but as serendipity would have it, the family would get a prime room and she would encounter great beauty from her balcony at dawn that first morning.

In 2003 she would begin work on the piece that is a full sheet of watercolor paper – 22 inches by 30 inches in size. This image would take several years to complete and would earn a variety of accolades including the prestigious magazine award.

Known as “Betty” to her family and friends, she is one of many talented instructors for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. A former homeschooling mom with a passion for painting, Carr takes her personal passion and brings it to our students who, in turn, inspire and challenger her.

Carr said art has always been a part of her world thanks to her mother who also was an art lover and artist. She has shared her love of painting with her five children and two grandchildren.

She began working for the College when artist and friend Kathy Forbes encouraged her to teach for OLLI in Beginning and Intermediate Watercolor classes. Teaching at the College was a great fit according to Carr.

Carr’s next OLLI course Watercolor and the Masters begins on October 5th and runs for 7 consecutive Wednesdays from 9:30am - 12:30pm. The cost is $119 per student.

Watercolor and the Masters will consist of studying 3 artists: Charles Demuth, Janet Walsh and Barbara Nechis. In the first class, students will look at several pieces by Demuth, then, after a short demonstration, each student will copy one of his pieces. In the next class, the students will create a painting in Demuth’s style, based on their own compositions. This pattern will be followed with the other two artists and end with a class in which the students will spend time finishing up any painting from a previous class, followed by a time of self review and class critiques of all works created during the seven weeks.

Studying other artists is a tried and traditional method for art enthusiasts to learn and allows for great potential for one’s advancement as an artist. This method consequentially stretches one out of his/her comfort zone and opens up new possibilities to all involved…AND it’s FUN! Come join us and see what your imagination can create.

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

'Tab Queen’ Legacy at OLLI

2011-09-26T11:39:00.001-04:00

For those of you who were lucky enough to have known Mary Helen Sewell, you already know what a special lady she was. This quintessential southern lady served as our inspiration to begin collecting tabs off of cans to benefit the Ronald McDonald House and she became known as the “Tab Queen.” She still has a very real presence here at KSU Center because of the work that continues in her name for children and their families helped by Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The Ronald McDonald House program provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. Ronald McDonald Houses collect pop tabs instead of entire aluminum cans because it's more hygienic to store tabs than cans, and collection and storage is easier. The program is an easy way for people of all ages to support the charity and know they are making a difference for families and children.

After the tabs are collected, they are taken to a local recycling center, where they are weighed to determine their value. The recycling center then sends a check for the total value to the local RMHC Chapter.

As the College of Continuing and Professional Education at KSU remembers this great lady lost to us last year, there is a new enthusiasm and dedication to increasing pop tab collections through a fantastic new display to encourage students and staff to keep up the effort. The display, composed of a little yellow house with a welcome mat, was created by KSU students Whitney Betts and Marisela Cisneros, both student assistants for the marketing team. The two created the miniature house in an effort to draw attention to the drive for pop tabs.

For several years now, members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) have been collecting tabs. They bring the tabs to our socials and the amount contributed has increased with each event. The new display seeks to reach a wider audience and is sure to put the spotlight on this demure, soft-spoken lady who deep down was a true steel magnolia.

Born in 1919, Mrs. Sewell was a native Atlantan who lived a life of service to her community. She and her husband, William “Bill,” had one daughter, Debbie Vaughan of Marietta, who today handles contracts for the College.

The Sewells were active members of First United Methodist Church in Atlanta on Peachtree Street until 1994 when Bill passed away. She then began attending Mt. Zion Methodist Church on Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta. There, she served in the United Methodist Women, worked in the church office, and, most importantly, earned her title of “Tab Queen.”

Mrs. Sewell had such an enthusiasm for the pop tab collection project that others joined in the effort. Her donations grew so large it that it earned her the title she would hold over the last 15 years of her life.

Because of our admiration of her and of the charity it supports, the project continues on at KSU Center. The ease of participation fits well with the active lifestyles and interests of our members.

We invite you to join us in helping the Ronald McDonald House charities by collecting tabs and bringing them to KSU Center, or better yet, bring them with you when you attend a class or social. It is so easy to do and will give you a good feeling being part of this effort.

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

History in the Making

2011-09-26T05:17:00.000-04:00

Explore the U.S. economy and the next decade with OLLI!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, also known as OLLI, will delve into the future of our economy, world politics, and economics this week at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. The three courses will include The Next Decade, The Economic Road Ahead, and Great Decisions. All three courses are certain to entertain and spark some interesting conversations.

Beginning this Friday, experienced businessmen and experts in the field will delve into these heavy subjects with students, ages 50 and older, through this special OLLI program.

Robert Varn and Scott Wilder, both of Lakeview Capital Corporation, will discuss The Economic Road Ahead from 10-11:30 a.m. beginning Friday, September 30th, at KSU Center. The class will run for eight consecutive weeks. This course discusses the economy of the United States how “we are currently traveling on a bumpy road while riding on the spare, and using an old road map,” according to facilitator Jack Carew. Discussions will include how to avoid breakdowns and how to arrive at our destinations confidently and intact. If this subject matter interests you, enroll today for this very timely class and join in on the discussion with your peers.

The Next Decade will be lead by Jack Carew, a retired international businessman and frequent instructor for continuing education programs throughout metro Atlanta. Dan McIntyre will accompany Carew. Carew is best known at OLLI for teaching Great Decisions courses during the winter term. The Next Decade will be from 12:30 -2 p.m. beginning Friday, September 30th at KSU Center. The class will run for eight consecutive weeks. The content will address the next 10 years as it applies to world politics and world economics. This class will boldly make predictions on what is to come thanks to the collected input of more than a dozen world experts. Some of the predictions are bullish: an ever-growing coordination of the United States and China in assuring economic growth for most of the world’s people. Some are bearish: the Arab unrest will experience a long cold winter before it feels the joy of spring.

Great Decisions will be discussed again beginning in October. This has proven to be an ever popular Course with OLLI students. Great Decisions is a current event series of eight lectures and discussions on foreign affairs. Each year, since 1918, the Foreign Policy Association of the United States chooses topics based on how they affect the American people. Although the same core topics will be used as the fall session, students will find that new views will be introduced as discussions move forward.

All three courses cost $149 per class, per person, and are held at KSU Center—space is limited!

For more information about OLLI or to request our quarterly Newsletter, please call
Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

Decorating for the Holidays

2011-09-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

By Jan Britt, professional interior decorator and instructor for the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

Decorating for the holidays can be fun and creative, and does not have to be expensive – if you know how to do it! It is the perfect time to do special crafts and decorate your home with family and friends.
The most common and popular colors that you will find to decorate your home during this Christmas season are red, burgundy and green. Even though red is traditional, there are a multitude of other Christmas colors to choose from. It is great if you are able to purchase Christmas decorations to match your everyday color palette.

Your Christmas garland will help you display the colors that are special to you during the holidays. In the upcoming “Decorating for the Holidays” class at KSU Center, we will be using artificial garland to decorate your home. Garland can be used on top of your mantel, down your staircase and around the door arches of your home. It will make a beautiful first impression when attached around the frame of your front door. Artificial garland placed on staircases or mantels should look full and beautiful.

If your garland isn’t already oversized to fit the size and scale of your home, then you need to transform it. To create a beautifully full garland in an inexpensive way, braid three or more garlands together loosely. Make sure you pull apart and pull open each little branch before you wrap one length of garland loosely around the other garland.

For your staircase, you will first need to know how much garland is required, and then where to attach it. Take a string, ribbon or rope and tape it to the staircase railing in the desired areas to make the drooping of the garland look even. Try to make the spacing consistent. Using string and tape will help you visually see where the garland will be placed. After you are happy with the placement areas on your railing, put little pieces of masking tape on those spots. Take the string down and measure the string. This measurement will tell you how long your garland needs to be. Connect one garland length to another by wiring it or by twisting its little branches or “arms” together. Now you have one long length of garland. It should be the same length of the string. If there is any excess garland, cut it off when you’re finished.

One way to attach your garland to the staircase rail or banister is to use fishing line or long twisty ties. You can even connect bread or garbage bag ties together to make a long connection of wire. Wrap the long twisty tie or fishing line around the garland at your marked or taped spots. Twist or tie it in place tight. Take some of the short little green branches from the top and bottom of the garland and cover over the twisty ties or fishing line to hide it. Remember to take the tape off of the staircase rail that marked the spot where your garland should be placed.

Now you may add accessories or ornaments. You can wire ribbon, ornaments, flowers, artificial fruit or special collectables into the garland. Try to be consistent in the placement of these items on your garland.

To learn more garland and decorating ideas, please join me on November 3rd and 10th for the “Decorating for the Holidays” class at KSU Center. In this class, you will learn how to design and create garland for your mantel or staircase. Other great lessons include how to attach your garland to the fireplace without using nails, how to make a Christmas centerpiece and so much more. To register, call 770-423-6765 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/leisure and click on Home Decorating. If you have questions feel free to e-mail me at jbritt@kennesaw.edu.

Fall - A Time for Change

2011-09-09T10:33:00.000-04:00

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Kennesaw State University is getting excited about our fall lineup. Our courses are offered through the College of Continuing and Professional Education at KSU Center and we have some new fall courses that are sure to spark some interest. Many of our standards will continue but we have sprinkled in some new history, religion, writing and even art courses.

Here at OLLI we strive to keep our members interested by offering courses that are both creative and interesting.

For those economists and historical buffs, come and enjoy our lecture series The Next Decade or The Economic Road Ahead. Both courses are facilitated by Jack Carew and examine a vast array of topics including taxation, monetary policies of the Federal Reserve and the transitions expected and debated over the next ten years. Great Decisions is another well received course which will be led by Dan McIntyre and is a follow-up to our course offered in January. Every year the Foreign Policy Association of the United States chooses topics to discuss based on the affect they will have on the American people. Dan will bring these topics about again to see what has changed throughout the year.

For the artists out there (or those striving to become an artist) we have something that is sure to spark interest. We are excited to welcome back Kathy Rennell Forbes, who will be teaching Painted Vacations in Watercolors and if that doesn’t excite you then try Watercolor and the Masters with Betty Carr. Painting can be an invigorating hobby to explore and helps to relax and calm the mind.

OLLI also continues to offer an array of exercise courses to keep your body on track. Carolyne Bailey continues to teach Flexibility and Stretching and Fitness For Life – her enthusiasm is sure to be catchy!

Qigong/Tai Chi for Seniors has rapidly become a favorite for those battling arthritis. Many physicians are recommending this type of course for seasoned adults. If those aren’t your cup of tea then Pilates Basics and Gentle Yoga are sure to engage you. Emily Berreth teaches both of these classes in the evenings and you are sure to walk away relaxed and energized, physically as well as mentally.

As you can see – OLLI has many new things on the horizon. Classes are open for registration and filling fast so don’t miss your opportunity! Some of the courses are listed below but feel free to call and request our quarterly Newsletter for a complete listing.

The Economic Road Ahead	9/30-11/18	Friday	10:00am-11:30am
The Next Decade	9/30-11/18	Friday	12:30pm-2:00pm
Painted Vacations in Water Media	10/3-12/12	Monday	9:30am-12:30pm
Flexibility and Stretching	10/3-12/12	Monday	11:30am-12:30pm
Pilates Basics	10/3-12/12	Monday	7:00pm-8:30pm
Fitness for Life	10/4-12/15	Tues AND/OR Thur	9:15am-10:45am
Great Decisions	10/4-11/22	Tuesday	10:00am-11:30am
Watercolor and the Masters	10/5-11/16	Wednesday	9:30am-12:30pm
Qigong/ Tai Chi for Seniors	10/5-12/7	Wednesday	10:00am-11:00am
Gentle Yoga	10/5-12/14	Wednesday	7:00pm-8:30pm

For more information or to register, please call Michelle Girage at (770) 499-3340 or visit www.ccpe.kennesaw.edu/OLLI.

New chef leads Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education

2011-08-26T14:54:00.000-04:00

By Carla Barnes

There is a new face at KSU Center. Chef instructor Frazer Breckenridge steps into the lead role of the Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University this fall.

The nine-month program begins September 14th and offers the European method of training the culinary student by placing them in a real-world environment of learning. Students will train in the commercial kitchen at KSU Center with Chef Breckenridge each week. Then, they train at apprenticeship locations at several of Atlanta’s finest culinary operations including Villa Christina, Park 75 at the Four Seasons Hotel, InterContinental Hotel, Bold American Catering and Endive Catering, where they gain invaluable experience with the head chefs and their staffs.

Breckenridge brings with him a passion for food and a rich heritage from his native Monroe, La., where he learned to cook from his mother, aunts and grandmother. With a passion for food he started working in restaurants beginning at the age of 18 doing everything from washing dishes to serving patrons.

“I knew I was good at making things taste good and that I have a good instinct in the kitchen,” he said.
Breckenridge said he finds deep satisfaction in making the “deep, rich, heavy gumbos and jambalayas” that Louisiana is famous for, especially for his close friends.

“My inspiration comes from a lot of places – my family and the guys I worked with in the restaurant business,” he said.
Lured with job opportunities to Atlanta in 2005, he holds a marketing degree from Louisiana Technical University. He said a job working in a restaurant helped support him while interviewing for jobs in marketing, but ultimately the restaurant job provided the epiphany needed to pursue a career in the culinary industry.

He entered Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, and studied alongside former College program Chef Instructor Greg Brooks. He not only went to school, but also worked full-time at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Atlanta; it enhanced his love for the business.

“I love the fast-paced and exciting atmosphere, working with friends, and being around great food,” he said.
Breckenridge said the component of the apprenticeship as part of his studies was invaluable. He said that at Roy’s Restaurant in Atlanta, he gained a variety of skills working with fish, sauces and pastry.

“The good thing about this program is that it offers real-world experience. Students get their foot in the door before they graduate. They get to spend time in the kitchen and get to know the chef. That is a definite plus before they graduate,” he said.

When Breckenridge is not teaching, he serves as a manager in the seafood department at Whole Foods Market in Sandy Springs. He and his wife, Amber, live in Alpharetta.

Through his role at Whole Foods, he has taught groups of 20-30 people cooking classes.

“I just enjoy teaching and mentoring people and helping them indulge their passion for cooking,” he said.

He said the curriculum taught in the KSU Center classroom will include: learning the different leadership roles in the kitchen – the chef, sous chef and chef saucier; knife skills; commonly used pots and pans; and utilizing the commercial kitchen equipment.

“Often students are intimidated by the equipment. The best way to overcome that is to do it. We will do a lot of cooking,” he said.

He said one of things his students can look forward to is a “mystery basket” challenge similar to the cooking shows on TV.

He said students will be presented with ingredients and then must use them from what is available in the KSU Center kitchen.

“The best way to learn is hands on,” he said.

Breckenridge’s outlook on the culinary industry is upbeat. He said students going through the College’s program are equipped to work in a variety of settings, not just restaurants. Opportunities are there for catering for both individuals and corporations. The demand for a private chef for a dinner party or for a celebrity client is growing in Atlanta. Also, large upscale cafeterias housed in office buildings of local employers are always looking for people who are skilled.

He said the trend he sees in the restaurant industry is that many of the chefs from former high-end eateries are reopening more affordable restaurants to accommodate the changes in the economy.

“Everybody always has a need to eat,” he said with a laugh.

For more information about the Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program call 770-423-6765 or visit culinaryksu.com.

Dorm rooms don't have to be expensive to decorate

2011-08-09T14:34:00.000-04:00

By Jan Britt, Interior Decorator and Instructor for the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

Your dorm room can be a special place for you and your roommates. Your décor, bedding and the supplies are a few of the comfort items you will want to bring from home as you start college. I have some creative ideas for you to help you decorate your dorm room.

The largest piece of furniture you have in your room is usually your bed. You will be wasting a lot of space if your bed is not elevated up higher than normal. You can purchase bed risers from Wal-Mart (or a mattress store) to help you make better use of the space under your bed. There are many storage units that will fit nicely under the elevated bed.

You have to think "out of the box" if the college or university does not allow you to paint the rooms or use nails to hang items on the wall. If you are not able to put nails into your walls I have a solution for you! Use 3M picture hanger command strips. You would be surprised to see what those little hangers can hold.

You can hang your jewelry pouch against the side wall of the inside of your closet or on the back of the closet door. You can take the light weight shelves that you place little pictures on and hang those on the wall with the little clear square 3M holders. You will need to install three little "teeth" to the back of the shelf. Insert a strong wire inside the "tooth hooks" to create a small circle large enough to go inside the "tooth" and still be just large enough to connect to the small 3M holders you just placed on the wall to hold up the shelf. It is a wise idea to remove the glass from the small pictures you are planning to place upon the shelf. You can put a plastic covering over the picture instead of glass to reduce the weight of the picture and still protect the photo. It is best not to hang these shelves above your bed.

You also can use the larger 3M hooks all by themselves for larger pictures you may want to hang. Read the directions and follow the weight suggestions for hanging.

Bedding is one of the important items that will help you create the comfort feeling you will need as you go away to school. You can either choose a "quiet" look to encourage calmness or a wild and creative comforter or bedspread to promote the fun and crazy atmosphere you are anticipating. When you are choosing bedding for your bed, you can have custom made bedding or a "Bed in the Bag." Whatever comforter or bedspread you choose, select bedding that is washable. You can modify the dust ruffle that you have chosen by sewing in pockets with Velcro or button closures to the dust ruffle. If your headboard does not have to be totally pushed up against the wall have a slipcover made to fit the headboard. In the back of the slipcover facing the wall sew pockets into it with Velcro or button closures. These pockets can be used for personal items.

I have many more creative ideas and storage techniques that are just perfect to help you move into a dorm room. Please contact me or attend one of my Interior Decorating classes and I will be happy to give you decorating tips to decorate your dorm room in a traditional or "out of the box" style for this special time in your life.

For more information, call registration at 770-423-6765 or e-mail Jan at jbritt@kennesaw.edu.

Get the look for less when it comes to window treatments

2011-06-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

By Jan Britt
Interior Designer and Instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

Do you have expensive taste in window treatments or curtains? There is nothing wrong with that! An interior decorator can help you choose your dream window treatments. It is so much fun to enjoy professionally-made window treatments that reflect your personal taste. Sometimes your budget does not allow you to be able to purchase your first choice in window treatments. Do not get discouraged or give up; there is always a way to make you happy. Many times the hardware or the brackets that accentuate the window treatment are the reason for the expensive price. If your "dream" window treatment is not in your budget, I can usually find a way to modify the plan for creating your window treatments to make them affordable for you.

There is a very popular Tuscan style of valance called the "Cuff Top." A great example of this valance is shown in the Window 1 photo.

In this photo you will see a variation of hardware used, or lack of it, to change the pricing of the valance without compromising the style. You can see that this Tuscan style of window treatment as it was originally intended to be fabricated and installed. The pricing for the finial or hardware starts at $10 to $75 dollars per finial. This window treatment has a dual focal point of the finials and the window treatment itself.

In the Window 2 photo, the Cuff Top valance is shown with much smaller finial hardware. The finial hardware you see is actually a drawer pull. That can be purchased at any hardware store. The window treatment appears to be more dominant and the hardware is only an accent to the window treatment, but it’s also functional.

Window 3 and Window 4 photos show the Cuff Top valance without any finial hardware.

This window treatment is attached and mounted on a 1’ x 4’ board. The Cuff Top has not been visually modified, yet, without the finials, it gives this window treatment a different look. This particular installation technique is the perfect solution for tight, dry wall areas above the window to the ceiling. Installing a window treatment on a board instead of installing individual finials substantially reduces the total price of the window treatment. (An installer will charge you a fee to install each finial.) No matter what your walls or windows look like, you can make this window treatment look great for you!

Join me for a variety of classes held at KSU Center. Classes include Intermediate Interior Decorating which begins August 25, Interior Decorating for the Homeowner which begins Sept. 13, and Decorating for the Holidays which begins November 3. Click or call for details 770-423-6765.

Certificates awarded to Professional Development in Gerontology Students

2011-06-07T16:07:00.000-04:00

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University recently held its Graduation Ceremony for students obtaining the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificates. The event held at KSU Center was sponsored by the CAREing Center and the College.

The luncheon celebration included remarks from course facilitator, Patsy Matthews. Tamara Grooms, Director of Finance/Personnel Administration at the College, presented certificates to 30 students.

Students who participated in the program advanced their professional education in the field of aging.

For more information about Certificates in Professional Development in Gerontology or Applied Management in Gerontology, please contact College’s registration department at 770-423-6765 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

2011-03-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

On Friday, March 18, the Languages Department held its second International Night for Language students at KSU Center, home to the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

The festive atmosphere included decorations, buttons and flags representing more than a dozen countries. Many attendees wore native costumes and brought native food dishes. Desserts included a cake made by ESL student Wanda Valdes and delicious items donated by Landmark Diner.

Students of TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language), Foreign Languages (French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Chinese), ESL (English as a Second Language) and their guests were joined by department instructors and school administrators. The program’s highlights included teacher recognition, and featured the achievements of those learning the English language in the College’s ESL program.

The evening included music provided by Dr. Binyau Zheng on the erhu, an instrument from China, and Jeremy Beaver, KSU music major on guitar. Also, ESL VI students were given a plaque in recognition of their completing the top-level course in the ESL program offered at the College. Students receiving recognition were: Sami Bousnina, Caroline Gil, Olena Helen Flink, Katharine Kiefel, Carlos Tomassoni, Estefani Zenfe, Maziar Gholizadeh, Ysabel Fernadez-Davila, Erika Suarez.

Special speakers included two former ESL students, Marie Petremann, originally from France, and Adriane S. Johnston, originally from Brazil. Both shared stories of their personal journey and what the classes at the College have meant to their life and careers.

ESL Advanced Composition Instructor Charlene Lathouse read a short story written by student Marcia Souza Oh to the audience. The festivities wrapped up with tabletop games and dancing to music provided by DJ Andy Pena.

Lyn Cohen, Languages Program Manager, said the event was even more successful this year with attendance three times the previous year’s crowd. She said the night was a great opportunity for the College community to show their support of the students who are so dedicated to learning new languages, understanding different cultures and exploring new opportunities.

"Our students come from every background imaginable from au pairs to architects. TESOL participants come to the College to become teachers of ESL students both here and abroad. Foreign Language students come to learn how to converse in the larger world with speakers of other languages. ESL students enroll because they realize the need to make a dedicated study of the English language and culture to be successful here. But, all who attend know the value of their language investment will be returned in the future," Ms. Cohen said.

Enhance Your Room’s Décor with your Flat Screen TV

2010-12-13T13:03:00.000-05:00

By Jan Britt, professional interior decorator and instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

You know that you can enhance your room’s décor with the use of everyday decorating items like artwork, area rugs, pillows and window treatments. But did you know that you could also enhance your room’s décor with your flat screen TV?

Many people mount their flat screen TV over the fireplace. But when you’re not watching it, all you see is a colorless, black screen. You lose the impact of color or the decorating style that normally would be there if you had used a framed picture above the fireplace.

I have a solution to your colorless, black screen TV problem: run your favorite pictures on your television screen. Create this look with the use of a SD (or memory) card out of your digital camera. A flash drive may also be used to display your pictures.

Most of the newer flat screen televisions allow you to insert your SD card or your flash drive and show your pictures easily. Another way to display pictures is to connect your TV to the Internet. Then, simply turn your TV screen into a monitor to display the pictures that match your decorating style and color palette.

The pictures will add the color you need for that wall and will help you complete your room. During the holidays, try images with winter or Christmas scenes displayed on your TV (instead of personal photos) to enhance a holiday mood.

You may program the images to be changed every 10 minutes to one hour. Please use caution, however, when displaying your pictures. Do not leave one picture displaying on the TV for longer than an hour or it may damage your TV. And, of course, don’t forget to turn the TV off before you go to bed or leave the house: there will be no sound to remind you to turn it off.

If you have questions about how to display your pictures on the TV, contact the store where you purchased your TV for more information. Or, contact the manufacturer to receive the proper instructions for your model. Most of the stores that sell flat screen TVs can walk you through how to display the pictures on your TV.

Your television may now be used for “quiet entertainment” to display your favorite pictures or provide a festive feeling within your home. Impress your friends and family with this technique over for the holidays.

Marietta interior decorator Jan Britt has been contributing her extensive knowledge of “how-to-make-a-house-a-home” for more than 10 years at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

To learn more decorating tips, enroll in Ms. Britt’s classes held at the KSU Center this February. Classes include HGTV – Home Design Software (three Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning February 5th) and Interior Decorating for the Homeowner (five Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., beginning February 10th.)

For more information, please call registration at (770) 423-6765.

Experience Greece!

2010-10-14T15:16:00.003-04:00

April 1 - 15, 2011

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University invites you to take part in a tour of Greece this spring!

VISIT ATHENS, THERMOPYLAE, KALAMBAKA, METEORA, ARCHOVA, DELPHI, OLYMPIA, MYCENAE, EPIDAUROS, TOLO, MYKONOS, AND SANTORINI.

Travelers will:

Explore Athens' famed Acropolis
Visit two Byzantine monasteries in Meteora and learn about the devout lifestyle of the monks
Explore the grandeur of Olympia which is the birthplace of the Olympic Games
Sample the finest wines in Greece during a winery tour on Santorini
Spend four leisurely nights immersed in the island splendor of Mykonos and Santorini
Attend a Greek cooking class and a Greek dance class

The Tour Package includes 14 nights in four star hotels, 13 breakfasts, and nine dinners.
Double Occupancy ~ $3,819 per person
Single Occupancy ~ $4419
Optional trip insurance is $200 per person.

For more information, contact Pam Cannon at (770) 423-6638

Still looking for work? Continue Your Education

2010-10-06T10:55:00.003-04:00

Still looking for work? It’s a common question these days. There was a time that the question would have been taboo, but now it is the subject of prayer concerns in Sunday School and everyday conversations when you hug the neck of a beloved relative or friend. Everyone is sharing their concerns, because quite frankly they are looking for the help to get back on track from any source they can find.

The typical routes are time consuming and frustrating – waiting in lines at career fairs, filling out online application forms, posting resumes and searching popular job sites on the Web. It’s hard to feel like you are being productive in your search when the phone and e-mail read “no messages.”

When you feel you have reached the place where you have done all you can do or you have that feeling your job is jeopardy – that is the time to consider continuing your education.

It is through a continuing education program that you will be able to get specific career training that can give you the edge you have been looking for in cutting a path to a rewarding career, not just a job.

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University is home to more than 40 certificate programs that cover a variety of career fields – culinary, healthcare, paralegal and Web Design.

These programs can be accomplished in months and you do not have to cut through the red tape of producing transcripts, waiting for University admission or taking the SAT or ACT.

All you need to do is look at your calendar and find the dates and the program that works for you. Night classes work for so many people who need to continue earning income, while making their transition into a new field. Online classes also are a great choice for those who can’t commit to actual classroom time.

I encourage you to invest in yourself and continue your education. It will pay dividends and help you bridge this gap in your life and help you to stand out from the crowd.

For more information about the College of Continuing and Professional Education, please call our registration department at (770) 423-6765.

International Night celebrates ESL students

2010-09-16T15:38:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, August 26th, the Languages Department held its first International Night for ESL (English Second Language) students at the KSU Center, home to the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

More than 40 students representing over a dozen countries brought friends and family, as well as cuisine prepared in the style of their native country. Five students were given the opportunity to share information about their personal journey and how they came to the College. Students making presentations represented Afghanistan, China, India, Iran and Senegal – sharing unique information about their country’s culture, clothing styles and history.

ESL instructors and guests got to experience the results of the hard work put into the classes by these students who presented the information in English.

Lyn Cohen, Languages Program Manager, said the event was born from the desire to bring together the ESL students in a social setting to network with each other and to celebrate their dedication to learning the English language.

“It is important to acknowledge that while they are living here and learning our language, we understand they still have a strong connection to the customs and history of their native cultures, connections that should remain alive. Incorporating the invitation to share a food from their country was also a bridge between cultures,” Cohen said.

Each attendee received a gift and a 5% coupon discount on their next class tuition. Additionally, textbooks were given to four lucky ticket holders.

The next International Night event is planned for early spring of 2011!

Interior Decorator, Instructor shares decorating tips and so much more at the KSU Center

2010-08-20T07:55:00.001-04:00

Jan Britt

Marietta interior decorator Jan Britt has been contributing her extensive knowledge of how to make a house a home for more than 10 years at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University.

To learn more decorating tips enroll in Ms. Britt’s classes held at the KSU Center this fall. Classes include HGTV – Home Design Software, Interior Decorating for the Homeowner, or Decorating for the Holidays.

For more information, call registration at (770) 423-6765.

Interior Decorating Tips

By Jan Britt, professional interior decorator and instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

What attitude or mood are you trying to design as you enhance your decorating style? Do you want a quiet romantic feeling or a festive feeling? The color you paint your walls and the accessories you choose will help you create the decorating style you are looking for.

Illusion decorating is creating a look in a room that will give you the feeling that your room has been transformed into something that it’s not. Also, it can help you create a mood to enhance your style.

Interior decorating and illusion decorating are a great team. Come take the Interior Decorating class at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University and learn why they are a great team!

Decorating has many elements to achieve success. Some of the important features you need to include are the proper furniture and placement, wall color, lighting, flooring, pictures and /or accessorizing, etc.

A color palette is a group of colors that are blended together to create a color scheme.

The “WOW” factor is important to see and feel when entering the room. It usually comes from pictures properly placed above furniture and window treatments or curtains that add color to complement the color palette and decorating style of your room and walls.

Some helpful hints in decorating your home:

The largest square footage within your room is your walls. The color on the wall is one factor that will help you create the mood that you’re trying to achieve in that room. When you move into a house never keep a color on the wall that your do not like or feel comfortable with. The paint color on your walls will affect your mood in a positive or negative way.

If the kitchen is open to the family room and you need the kitchen to appear larger paint both rooms the same color. This will give the illusion that the rooms are larger.

When you are hanging pictures and you find a chip in the wood use “Rub and Buff” found at Hobby Lobby to fix it. This product also updates the frame if it has a raised section on the frame like the feeling of Braille. Make sure you use this product properly.

If you have walls that are over 12 feet tall, you may have a difficult time finding art work to fit your vertical walls. Contacting an interior decorator is a wise choice, because we have access to retailers that specialize in oversized art work or pictures. You can choose a print or oil and then choose a frame to match your décor.

One inexpensive way to save money on pictures is to find or buy a poster and place the new poster or picture into the existing quality frame that you already have. Take the old picture out and replace it with the new poster. You might need to change the matting if the colors do not match the poster properly. Make sure the new poster has the same colors as the color palette within the room. The Web site www.allposters.com or eBay are good sources. You can also find nice frames at garage sales or resale shops.

When you are hanging art work or pictures on the wall, hang the pictures above the furniture or bed. This helps to complete the look of the furniture and pulls out the color palette and decorating style.

A good distance to hang the pictures above the couch is 10 to 15 inches above the couch or bed.

Do not hang a picture above the couch smaller than half of the width of the couch. The best visual appeal is to hang the pictures (art work, mirrors, etc.) a little smaller than the same width of the couch.

Take the leaf out of your dining room table to make your dining room appear larger.

Try to position your bed so that you are able to see the pillows sham first when you are entering into the bedroom. Sometimes you are not able to do this because the bed will not fit in that area properly.

KSU President Dr. Daniel Papp announces name change at Cobb First Monday Breakfast

2010-08-16T10:39:00.001-04:00

Chet Austin, Bob Prillaman,
President Dr. Dan Papp,
Dean Barbara Calhoun,
Dick Harp

On Monday, July 12th, Kennesaw State University President Dr. Daniel Papp made an important announcement to key business leaders at the Cobb First Monday Breakfast held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest.

Effective July 1st, the department formerly known as the Division of Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University has officially become the College of Continuing and Professional Education.

Papp said this major milestone in the history of the program is being made to reflect the tremendous growth and importance of the continuing education wing of the University over the past decade. More than ever, people are looking to enhance their skill set with new technology training, re-tool for a new career, achieve certification in their existing field, or gain skills to return to the workforce after being out of it for an extended period.

“KSU's Continuing Education operation has long been one of the best Continuing Education operations in the Southeast, if not the country, and changing its name to the College of Continuing and Professional Education recognizes this fact," Dr. Papp said.

The First Monday Breakfast was sponsored by the new College of Continuing and Professional Education and gave staff the opportunity to mingle with a crowd of 300 sharing information about a variety of programs offered at the KSU Center, home to the College.

Advisory Board Members: Mike Haberman, Earl Smith,
Tom Alexander, and Chet Austin.

The College has 41 certificate programs which prepare students of all ages for work in Web design, culinary arts (chef), paralegal, medical office assistant, technical writing, project management, human resource management, meeting and event planning, and more. Programs can take from three to 12 months to complete.

The announcement was a dream realized for Dean Barbara Calhoun, who was all smiles at the event. She and the College’s Advisory Board have worked more than five years to make it happen.

“As Kennesaw State University continues its global recognition and growth, we are very excited about our future as a College and thank the University for their support of this achievement,” she said.

Dean Calhoun explained that a college is a larger and more significant designation within a university than a department or division.

“The number of students we serve in our classrooms, offices and conference center at KSU Center now exceeds 22,000 per year, roughly the same number of students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in the University,” she said.

Advisory Board members: Chet Austin
and Jack Demarest

KSU Trustee and College Advisory Board Chairman Bob Prillaman points to the program’s impact on the community as its primary accomplishment. “This change clearly defines the success of Continuing Education in responding to what is needed in our community,” he said. “People can continue to expand their education throughout their lives because of the many valuable programs offered.”

Mr. Prillaman said the College of Continuing and Professional Education is an intricate part of the University which has a very large and positive economic impact on the community and beyond.

First class of Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship Certificate program graduates from College

2010-08-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

Cheers graduates!

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University is pleased to announce that the first class has gone through the Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship Certificate program. Members of the first class are Randi Burky, Christian Echeverry and Kathy Hurst.

Launched in the fall of 2009, the nine month program is designed for the aspiring culinary professional who has a passion for food and wants real-world experience. Students receive both hands-on training with Instructor and Chef Greg Brooks, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Graduate, in the classroom, and apprenticeship opportunities working with Endive Catering and with chefs in some of Atlanta’s finest restaurants. Participating restaurants included City Club of Buckhead, Villa Christina and Park 75 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta.

The course culminated with a special Chef’s Table event held May 25^th inviting each class participant to prepare special recipes for family, friends and College administrators.

Douglasville resident Kathy Hurst was the most excited about her achievement. She waited for several years for the College to start the Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship program. A hair stylist for 30 years, she said she was one of the first people to go through the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program in 2006 and it seemed natural she would pursue the culinary component. Her dream is to one day have a one stop shop for weddings offering everything from organic cuisine to beauty services.

She said the greatest challenge was standing literally 18 hours a day going from her job as a hair stylist to one of the participating restaurants as part of her apprenticeship.

“It has been an eye-opening experience, seeing how hard these people work and how they are really passionate,” she said. “They work so hard – they want it to be perfect.”

She said she particularly enjoyed working with the Four Seasons staff learning how to create delicious pastries, and even participating in serving a plated dinner for more than 300 people as part of a $40,000 wedding.

She said the intensity of the apprenticeship component was balanced with the nurturing time spent learning from Chef Brooks.

“Greg has been awesome. He made it so stress free,” she said. “I loved school night.”

For more information, call (770) 423-6765 or visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

EDUCATION UPGRADED

2010-07-14T08:54:00.000-04:00

By Kim Harmon Groves

Director of Marketing and Program Development
College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

Keeping up with the latest in technology and customer service is a priority for the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. The busy summer months were even busier than usual this year as the college completed numerous upgrades and improvements at KSU Center, where programs are housed.

The Center’s appearance was spruced up with attractive new carpeting installed throughout the building. Offices also enjoyed a facelift as new, modern office furniture was brought in to replace old furniture. KSU Center (map), used throughout the year for corporate training and outside educational events, sees approximately 36,000 guests at the facility each year, including groups from the main campus of Kennesaw State University and numerous private groups.

“It’s important that our facility offers the most professional and up-to-date training venue in the area,” College of Continuing and Professional Education Dean Barbara Calhoun said. “We constantly strive to meet every aspect of the conference and training needs of the community and the university.”
She added that those needs include large, technologically-equipped classrooms, public gathering areas, abundant free parking and quality catering.

Another upgrade that will enhance the public’s use of the College of Continuing and Professional Education’s program at KSU Center is the June renovation of the registration department, which serves the public six days each week. As fast as technology changes, students need to be trained on the most current software and computer applications. In order to stay ahead of the curve in technology training, the College of Continuing and Professional Education maintains state-of-the-art computer labs and technology-enhanced classrooms.

Over the past few months, two computer labs have been upgraded to house all new machines featuring Intel iCore hard drives with upwards of 8 Gigabites of RAM. Other labs have also been enhanced to run faster, more complex software and applications, according to Matthew Shaul, Technology Director for the College.

“We installed new projectors in most of our labs, and the new hard drives will improve the experience our students have running software in their classes,” he added.

Two large public training rooms that will seat over 100 students each are also undergoing technological upgrades to give outside groups using KSU Center access to the very latest in technology.

For information about renting classroom space for corporate training or about taking a course at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University, call 770-423-6765 or visit www.CCPE.kennesaw.edu.

Open House, Summer 2010

2010-06-26T09:01:00.003-04:00

Summer is a great time to step back and reevaluate before the start of the next school year. Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is just the place to find the right kind of training to breathe life into your existing career or find a whole new direction for your future.

Becoming a student adds spice to your life and the summer Open House from 6–8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 29th, at the KSU Center (map) is the perfect time to explore Continuing Education’s variety of course offerings. Whether you select a leisure class or plan to pursue one of the school’s well-respected certificate programs, now is the time to be a part of the excitement at KSU.

The Course catalog features more than 2,500 classes that make it evident that the KSU Center is a vibrant center of learning. It is also a fantastic resource for those students seeking online education because they need the flexibility. Certificate programs offered through Continuing Education include Paralegal, Project Management, Microsoft Office, Graphics and Animation, Database, Web Design, Human Resources Management, Technical Writing, Personal Trainer, Professional Development in Gerontology, Applied Management in Gerontology, Phlebotomy , EKG Technician, Medical Office Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Interpreter, Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship, Meeting & Event Planning and so much more.

The Paralegal program will turn 25 this year. This certificate program draws the best of the best from Atlanta’s legal community to teach students not only book knowledge, but to share hands-on, real-world experiences that will help them stay competitive in the current job market.

At the forefront of most jobs is the need to be technologically savvy. It is essential to have a skill set that includes mastery of basic computer software in most jobs today, and more and more the added skill of Web design is in demand. The Kennesaw Internet Professional (KIP) is great for those who wish to become competent in designing Web sites and learning all the nifty tricks of the trade to help make their site the one that stands out from the crowd.

Following the trends in the Healthcare industry is a full-time job and keeps program administrators on their toes. Through valuable relationships with major healthcare providers in the area, classes give students a real sense of what careers are available in the marketplace and provide countless opportunities to learn about everything from phlebotomy to working in a pharmacy.

An exciting addition to the school has been the launch of the Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship program. This unique program follows the European culinary apprenticeship model where students spend time in the classroom and also work under the direction of a variety of chefs at many of Atlanta’s top notch restaurants. Whether a student plans to start their own business or pursue earning rave reviews from “foodies,” this program provides not only personal satisfaction, but great training.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) continues to offer personal development, leisure classes, events and travel opportunities for people age 50 and older. Popular coursework includes everything from learning digital photography to the OLLI Scholar Computer Certificate, which takes a student’s basic knowledge and builds computer competency class by class.

Continuing Education is an authorized provider for the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), and is the premier site for teachers who need to earn Professional Learning Units (PLUs).

To register in advance for the Open House call (770) 423-6765 or visit www.ccpe.kennesaw.edu.

A Collector’s Collector

2010-04-29T11:29:00.001-04:00

By Carla Barnes

Thirty-five dollars and a slightly embellished hard luck story got Robert B. Williams a taste of what it is like to collect books when he was only a college freshman. His aunt had sent him the money and he was determined not to waste it.

“That was a lot of money back then,” Williams said of the 1960s. His purchase, a first edition of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer’s Comrade)” from 1884, was priced at $48 in a Nashville antiques and rare book shop, but the dealer took his offer for less.

“I didn’t know what it was worth,” he said, adding, “I liked Mark Twain and it was in beautiful shape.”

The investment turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life. He would not only continue to collect books, he would enroll at Cambridge in England for four years to study the history of books. His keen eye for rare and collectable books would be nurtured by hands-on experiences and through visiting major libraries over the years. This collector has a very personal connection to the books he comes across and the ones that sit on his own shelves at home.

“They are living to me. They have a place in my life,” he said.

And while books are his true love, his greatest passion is clearly sharing what he knows with other collectors and his students at Kennesaw State University. This is evident from his work as Senior Curator of the Bentley Rare Book Gallery and Assistant Vice President for Library Systems, Emeritus, along with his new project – “Identifying and Collecting Rare Books,” a new program in development through a partnership with Continuing Education.

The program will include sessions that will cover: The Materiality of the Book; Collecting Tools; Book Bindings; Illustrations; Manuscripts and Early Printed Books; and Maps and Music.

Students will expand their knowledge of online resources helpful in conducting searches and how to evaluate size, condition, binding, first editions, and much more. Many of the classes will take place at the Bentley Rare Book Gallery, which just happens to be where Williams’s 1884 copy of Mark Twain resides today.

At the Gallery, students will be able to view the Mark Twain book and have hands-on experiences with many other rare books and documents. In addition to Twain, the Gallery has more than 15,000 works in its possession including books by Charles Dickens, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway. Many of the books feature fore-edge paintings and highly decorative covers and spines.

“The best training is learning on the job,” he said. “I give them the best tools and let them apply it.”

About 40 years ago, Williams said that a piece of advice from a professor influenced him greatly in his life’s work.

“He said the most important thing you can do is influence a life intellectually,” he said. “I’d like to think that I have taught people to look at a book with new eyes.”

Williams has countless stories of students who have made a success of the knowledge he has passed to them. One purchased a 1944 movie book from a friends of a public library book sale for $.50 which was not only autographed by actors and actresses, but was worth more than $1,700.

Another success story was a student who was given a children’s book from the early 1900s by her grandmother that was worth $4,400.

“These two people are the best collectors now. That’s what makes me happy. People who hunt things,” he said.

Time has not curbed Williams’ love of hunting books. He said that he purchases approximately 300 books just from Amazon each year and his personal collection includes 2,500 books that have taken over the second floor of his home. “I have books behind books,” he said with a laugh.

Williams said he often signs his name with a ballpoint pen inside his books. He said that signing one’s name doesn’t hurt the value, but expresses a deep appreciation for the ownership of the book.

“To see that people over the centuries have signed it. That is like church bells to me ringing out the past. Those speak to me,” he said. “I write my name in all my books. I hope that someday someone who has one of my books will think enough of it to put their name in it too.”

Renowned Chinese calligrapher visits KSU Center

2010-04-14T16:09:00.000-04:00

By Carla Barnes

Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University was pleased to welcome renowned calligrapher Dr. Wang Yuechuan, Director of Calligraphy Institute, Peking University, to the KSU Center (map) on April 12th. Wang, a special guest of the Confucius Institute at KSU, gave a lecture and demonstration, “Chinese Calligraphy & Its Culture,” to a group of students from The Lovett School, and members of KSU’s faculty and staff. Dr. May Gao, Professor in Communication, interpreted the special video presentation and also the lecture by Dr. Wang. The highlight of the event was the live demonstration by Dr. Wang and his presentation of his work as a gift to the Confucius Institute which was received by Ken Jin, director of the Institute and the Center for International Training in Continuing Education. For more information about the Confucius Institute or the Center for International Training, call program Director Ken Jin at (770) 423-6048.

To see the coverage featured in the Marietta Daily Journal, visit the photo gallery at http://www.mdjonline.com/pages/mdj_photo.

Home design software class helps do-it-yourselfers save time, money

2010-03-29T14:55:00.001-04:00

From an AJC article about our new HGTV Home Design Software course:

If you’ve ever bought the sofa of your dreams only to discover that it overpowers the room — or worse yet, doesn’t fit the space — Kennesaw State University’s Continuing Education department has a course for you.

On three Saturdays (18 hours of total instruction) starting April 10, students can learn to use HGTV Home Design Software. Among other things, the course will teach you design changes to scale or to walk virtually through a room on your laptop before ever picking up a paint brush or buying a piece of furniture.

Read the rest here.

Human Resources certificate valuable career tool in 2010

2010-03-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

By Carla Barnes

The economic and cultural climate of today’s business world has both large and small businesses scrambling to keep up with all the changes in Human Resources regulations and laws.

Training and understanding intricate HR systems is more crucial than ever and the savvy professional can easily gain the knowledge and play a vital role within their organization or parlay it into an exciting new career.

Earning a certificate in HR Management not only can give an individual valuable skills, but a competitive edge in a tough job market.

Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University has been educating HR professionals since 1995. Students learn from instructors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and make it their business to stay current on all the changes that occur in the marketplace.

“I’ve recommended this class to five co-workers. The most valuable aspect of the course is the instructor’s experience,” said Daniel Christmas, former student.

Using the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System, students build a solid foundation covering the following topics: employment law in the workplace; effective recruitment and selection techniques; the basics of compensation and benefits; talent development; managing employee performance; and how to identify and recognize a potential legal situation in the workplace to prevent litigation, claims and suits.

“Hiring and having an outstanding HR manager as part of your business team is essential for those companies who want to take their work to the next level, said Pam Cannon, Continuing Education Program Manager.

Fundamentals of Human Resources Management is the entry-level class for those seeking a career in the HR career field, for the professional who has less than two years HR experience, people looking to update their HR knowledge, line managers with HR responsibilities and those employees who have been recently assigned HR duties without prior HR experience.

The Human Resources Management Certificate course is designed for HR professionals with a minimum of two year exempt level experience who are preparing to sit for their PHR/SPHR certifications. Continuing Education’s SPHR certified instructors teach the SHRM Learning Materials in preparation for the PHR/SPHR exams. The Human Resources Management Certificate also is appropriate for experienced HR professionals who want to broaden their education and increase their HR knowledge and marketability.

“This class brings perspective to what is required in a Human Resources Department,” said Michelle Daniel, former student.

To assess your HR knowledge and learn more about PHR/SPHR Certification Exams, go to www.hrci.org.

For more information about the course and a schedule, call (770) 423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/hr.

Human Resources Certificates are approved for VA Funding and WIA Funding. For more information and to inquire about financial aid, call (770) 423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/resources/financial-aid.html.

Continuing Education collects donations for Haiti

2010-03-01T08:41:00.002-05:00

On January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti. An outpouring of love and support immediately followed from people across the world. Organizations throughout Kennesaw State University were quick to begin efforts to aid the country and Continuing Education was no different.

The Department of English and Foreign Languages set up a donation site right outside registration at the KSU Center.

Continuing Education employees Nancy DeLisle-Brown, ESL and Spanish Instructor/Program Advisor, and Angela Kyriacou, ESL and Spanish Instructor/Program Advisor and Medical Interpretation Instructor, were the two staff members that served as the official organizers of the effort.

Building employees, students and visitors collected a variety of items filling two large boxes to overflowing. Items collected included monetary donations, baby and children’s clothes, baby formula, medical supplies, camping tents, purification tablets for water, clothes, linen and bed comforters, and shoes and sandals for both adults and children.

Items will picked up after March 1 by members of The Haitian Student Alliance at Kennesaw State University.

From left, Continuing Education’s Angela Kyriacou, ESL and Spanish Instructor/Program
Advisor and Medical Interpretation Instructor, and Nancy DeLisle-Brown, ESL and Spanish
Instructor/Program Advisor, were the two people who organized the effort to collect much
needed supplies for Haiti at the KSU Center.

Web Design Certificate essential to Towne Lake artist

2010-03-01T08:25:00.001-05:00

By Carla Barnes

Instructor and Acworth artist Ernest Varner describes one of his students as having the perfect balance between her left and right brain. That student is Evette Borchich of Towne Lake. The recently retired accountant not only can crunch numbers in the corporate jungle, but can pick up a paintbrush and take all who view her work to another world.

She has developed her love of painting over the past couple of years and it was through her art classes through Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University that she not only grew in talent, but realized that she better keep her technology skills sharp as well. This desire brought her to the Web Design Certificate program which she completed recently this past January.

Mrs. Borchich is no stranger to technology having worked with writing code in the early days of the internet while living in Michigan. Her business decision back then is similar today. Her completion of the certificate program comes from the desire to be able to keep pace with an ever-changing marketplace and create a Web site of her own.

“It is a fast-paced world. The competition out there is terrific,” she said.

As a way to share her point of view and her ever evolving body of work she wants a Web site that is current and constantly being updated without having to pay someone to do it for her.

Through the certificate programs she learned HTML which is the first step in creating and publishing Web sites. Other subject matter included page formatting, establishing hyperlinks, adding graphic images and introduction to tables. Software taught included Dreamweaver and Photoshop.

“It was great for just exposing me to what is available out there,” she said.

She especially encourages seniors to take classes, because their life experience combined with this new skill makes them extremely valuable to nonprofit organizations and small businesses.

“I don’t think people should think of themselves as age-restricted from this course. They could really help an organization with these skills,” she said.

The next opportunity to take Web Design classes will begin in April. For a full list of core classes related to the certificate and to get more information, visit Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University at www.kennesaw.edu/coned or call (770) 423-6765.

Party is more than just a social event

2010-02-25T14:25:00.001-05:00

Older adults, especially those who are retired, love to get out and do things, make new friends and in general, have a good time.

And the good times are always rolling with activities presented by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University.

Despite chilly temperatures last week, the annual Winter Social went off without a hitch and was a huge success. OLLI members and guests once again enjoyed dancing to the music of the Reflections Swing Band. Old friendships were renewed and new friendships were made over a catered dinner.

The special event would not have been possible without several partnerships with generous donors. These donors have been supporting OLLI for several years and have made it possible for organizers to host up to 275 guests at events.

WellStar Health System’s The Good Life Club was the first to become a major partner with OLLI. In addition, OLLI has since partnered with Atherton Place (another division of WellStar) and United Community Bank, Inc. “Without the support of all these donors, we would not enjoy the level of success with which we have been blessed. We are truly fortunate to have these partnerships,” said Dick Harp, OLLI director.

For Michelle Girage, assistant director for OLLI, the Winter Social was the first major event she has attended since joining the OLLI team.

“I will remember the stories and laughter for many years to come,” she said. “It was outstanding.”

She said that the energy and enthusiasm was contagious. One guest in particular showed her just how important OLLI is to the people involved and the community. A gentleman had been suffering from major health problems over recent months. His medical team was uncertain that he would survive his illness and had actually coordinated hospice care for him during the holidays. After more than two months fighting to restore his health, he pushed himself to make it to the OLLI social. Proving that being surrounded by good friends and a lot of laughter is good medicine.

Another guest was celebrating his milestone birthday at the event. This 90 year-old showed up a lot of his younger counterparts with dancing the night away with his lovely partner.

“The joy in their faces could be seen all the way in the back of the ballroom. They were completely wrapped up in the moment,” said Judy Grancher, part of the Continuing Education team.

KSU Futures Launch

2010-02-18T16:02:00.001-05:00

The new KSU Futures program will kick off Thursday, March 11 at KSU Center (map) as the Continuing Education division hosts high school seniors, their parents and educators for a Futures Open House from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The program is designed to offer non-college bound graduating seniors career training options within the university.

Thirty-six certificate training programs have been identified as possible courses for young adults looking for direct career training. The Paralegal, Kennesaw Internet Professional, Technical Writing, Meeting and Event Planning, Administrative Professional and Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship Certificate Program are all options for students through the Futures program. Other programs include Certified Nursing
Assistant, EKG Technician, Phlebotomy, Medical Office Assistant and Personal Trainer.

“We know that college is not a perfect fit for everyone, so we want to offer another route to career success,” said Kim Groves, director of marketing and program development for Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. She added, “Our programs make sense for someone who wants to train for several months, rather than several years, but they are still part of KSU.”

Certificate programs focus only on studies that directly relate to the training field, with no core classes required. In addition, students training through the Futures program do not have to submit SAT/ACT test scores or transcripts and are not required to go through the regular university admission process.

High school counselors and graduation coaches in the north metro Atlanta area and beyond will be sent KSU Futures catalogs outlining all training programs and other important information in March, and most classes begin in the fall.

Fast Food

2010-02-18T15:08:00.000-05:00

Greg Brooks of Union Hill didn't start his career in the food and restaurant industry.

But after years in the construction business, Brooks said he no could longer ignore his passion for cooking.

After completing the necessary training and working in the cut-throat restaurant business, Brooks now is sharing his culinary skills with Kennesaw State University students.

Read the entire Cherokee Tribune article about our Culinary Fast Track Certificate program here.

Calling All Poets!

2010-02-11T15:44:00.003-05:00

Poetry is defined as a writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound and rhythm. As poet T.S. Eliot once stated, “Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University has found that for many older adults writing poetry is not only a hobby, but also a passionate form of communication.

OLLI and the CAREing Center have partnered once again with KSU’s English department to present the Poetry of the Golden Generation Competition designed to encourage poets 50 years of age and older to submit their unpublished works. The first juried competition and celebration was held in 2004 and it has been repeated every other year since then. Each applicant may submit up to three unpublished poems for review. All entries must be postmarked by April 30, 2010.

Prizes will be presented for Best in Show as well as First and Second place prizes in unrhymed and rhymed poetry.

“This is a wonderful opportunity which allows our students to express their unique life experiences. I am always amazed at the talent hidden within our students,” said Michelle Girage, assistant director for Continuing Education.

The fifth Poetry of the Golden Generation celebration will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 25th, 2010, at the KSU Center. The celebration will include a full day of lectures and poetry-writing workshops led by KSU’s award-winning English faculty and other distinguished poets. In addition, prize winners chosen in the competition will have the opportunity to read their works.

The event is designed to enhance existing talents and interest in writing poetry and recognizing the creativity of individuals over 50.

To register go to www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd/OLLI or call (770) 423-6765.

HGTV software instructor to be guest on Radio Sandy Springs

2010-02-11T15:23:00.001-05:00

Interior decorator and instructor Jan Britt of Marietta is hitting the airwaves next week.

Mrs. Britt, instructor with Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University, will share information about her upcoming HGTV - Home Design Software course on Radio Sandy Springs.

She will be the featured guest of “Design Tips with Lee Anne” which will be aired from 3-4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18th, on Radio Sandy Springs. To listen, visit their Web site http://www.radiosandysprings.com.

Show host and designer Lee Anne Culpepper educates and entertains her listeners with weekly decorating tips and interviews with leaders from the design industry.

Ms. Culpepper will be talking to Mrs. Britt about illusion design and about what the HGTV computer program provides to help people with design decisions.

Mrs. Britt has been teaching design classes at Continuing Education for more than 10 years and working with clients for more than 25 years. Her projects have included everything from the 10,000-square-foot mansion to a couple’s second home. She also has made special guest appearances on HGTV sharing her ideas for no-sew window treatments.

This new class will be the first time her students will learn how to create their own3-D virtual tour in a space they have designed themselves. She said that the great value of a class like this is that it allows them to discover what they want their room to feel like and avoid making costly mistakes.

Class participants will learn how to create floor plans they can use for years, decorate and plan with confidence using colors, styles, size and placement, address important lighting issues and create a blue-print-style floor plan to give to contractors.

HGTV – Home Design Software
4/10-4/24 18 Hours, 3 Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Class fee: $399 (includes software)
KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw. Free parking.
Prerequisites: 1 year experience with Windows.
Instructor is Jan Britt. To register or for more information, call (770) 423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned.

Class fits the Bill -- From student to instructor

2010-02-09T08:43:00.000-05:00

At age 70, Bill Needs is a beginner. For more than 25 years he served as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, helping the disabled find work and working to get employers to understand the benefit of hiring people with impairments.

After retiring, Needs enrolled out of curiosity in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University’s “Pencil, Pen and Ink Drawing” course taught by Bill Singleton. “I never had felt any curiosity toward or interest in art, and indeed no desire to even go to an art museum,” Needs said, “[so], I was completely blown away when [I was] introduced to my [own] ability to draw!”

The drawing class with Singleton was the first art course Needs had taken since grade school. During the second session, his instructor urged him at least three times to reproduce his pencil art in ink. When Needs declined, Singleton finally gave his pen to Needs and insisted that he follow the suggestion.

Needs has not taken any more formal drawing classes, but continues to read and research drawing and has even begun visiting art museums. He has been turning out at least one to three pieces of art each month and a piece of his work was displayed recently in the Metro Montage juried art exhibition at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. Needs also entered works for the 7th Art of the Golden Generation exhibit presented by OLLI and the CAREing Center. He said this is “all thanks to Mr. Bill's (Singleton) gift of a simple pen to an old man who seemed to show potential as an artist.”

Needs has found so much satisfaction in producing art that people seem to enjoy he has decided to share this experience with others. These days, he gives instruction in his course, “Beyond Doodling,” for a couple of local community programs. Last November, Needs also was asked to sketch homes being featured in the Marietta Pilgrimage, A Christmas Tour of Homes. He says discovering the artist inside of him is “like discovering a new person in one that he has lived with for over 70 years.”

OLLI is pleased to announce that Needs will teach his class, “Beyond Doodling” starting April 8th.

To register go to www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd/OLLI or call (770) 423-6765.

NEW HGTV – Home Design Software class offered at Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University

2010-02-08T14:29:00.001-05:00

HGTV shows enjoy great popularity because there is nothing like taking a tour of your made over space on a laptop before the first sledge hammer has been lifted in the air.

Coming soon to Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is the HGTV – Home Design Software – a class sure to inspire homeowners to take chances and be creative – virtually speaking.

Interior decorator Jan Britt of Marietta will share her secrets to adding the wow factor to any room using the tried and true methods of design combined with the technology of the new HGTV Home Design & Remodeling software. Mrs. Britt has been teaching design classes at Continuing Education for more than 10 years and working with clients for more than 25 years. Her projects have included everything from the 10,000-square-foot mansion to a couple’s second home. She also has made special guest appearances on HGTV sharing her ideas for no-sew window treatments.

This new class will be the first time her students will learn how to create their own3-D virtual tour in a space they have designed themselves. She said that the great value of a class like this is that it allows them to discover what they want their room to feel like and avoid making costly mistakes.

Advanced Technology Assistant Director Melissa Vickery of Marietta said that teaching the software at the KSU Center was partly selfish. She and her husband were in the midst of a basement renovation and were looking for the right tools to proceed with their own project.

The more she investigated what’s available in the software market the more she realized that the HGTV program would make a great class.

“The class is perfect for people who want to add value to their existing home or for those who have purchased a distressed property in need of renovations,” Mrs. Vickery said.

Class participants will learn how to create floor plans they can use for years, decorate and plan with confidence using colors, styles, size and placement, address important lighting issues and create a blue-print-style floor plan to give to contractors.

Mrs. Britt said selecting the right color flow can add the illusion of 200-300 more square feet in a space.

“Paint is your best friend,” she said.

One of Mrs. Britt’s favorite tips to students includes the fabric scratch test.

“If you scratch your fingernail over the top of the fabric and a fiber moves. Run!” she said with laugh.

Mrs. Britt injects a lot of humor into her work and finds that decorating is fun and is satisfying because she helps people find comfort in their own homes. She said she loves to receive emails from former students eager to share pictures of their completed rooms – rooms that they now share more with their family and friends.

“I help them feel comfortable in their own home,” she said, “And that is really satisfying.”

HGTV – Home Design Software
4/10-4/24 18 Hours, 3 Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Class fee: $399 (includes software)
KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw. Free parking.
Prerequisites: 1 year experience with Windows.
Instructor is Jan Britt. To register or for more information, call (770) 423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned.

OLLI in the AJC

2010-02-04T11:04:00.001-05:00

Click here to read what the AJC has to say about Continuing Education and our OLLI program.

OLLI's Digital Photography class

2010-01-29T10:49:00.001-05:00

Wondering what to do with that new digital camera you received for Christmas? Intimidated by all the settings and options when you power it on? We have the solution for you at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. OLLI offers a digital photography introduction course for the photography novice.

From the mid 1990s, digital photography has overtaken film photography by leaps and bounds. “Since switching from film to digital, I have always been so fascinated with how much control you have in digital photography,” said Norm Paschal, OLLI’s Digital Photography instructor. “I haven’t shot a film picture in five years.” From easier picture storage to instant picture results on a small screen, “digital is where it is,” said Norm.

To keep up with this ever-changing technology, Norm suggests taking a class to learn the basic mechanics and functions of new cameras. “Digital photography is different from that of film in that you must practice new techniques and keep up with newly emerging programs and technology.”

Covering the basics of digital photography, participants in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Digital Photography – Introduction course will learn to recognize and use the camera to capture images, retrieve photos from the camera, upload them to the computer, manipulate size and quality, and output them to email and/or a printer.

This course, specifically designed for people 50 and older, also teaches participants how to overcome the fear and apprehension of new technology. “Many students entering the classroom have just received a digital camera for Christmas or for their birthday and are even scared to open up the box,” said Norm. But with Norm’s 30+ years of experience in photography and the course’s unique design for basic instruction, “students walk out of the classroom with a newly found excitement for technology and photography.”

“Norm's practical approach to teaching makes his class a fun learning experience,” said Assistant Director Michelle Girage. “He brings years of photography experience into the OLLI classroom.” OLLI’s next digital photography course begins on February 10th and runs for three Wednesdays from 1pm – 3pm. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

To register go to www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd/OLLI or call (770) 423-6765.

You are invited to OLLI’s Japanese Garden Winter Social

2010-01-29T08:13:00.000-05:00

Having a great time with friends is a core ingredient to the success of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (OLLI) of Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. Three times a year, OLLI seeks to bring together all those people who have enjoyed being a part of the OLLI family and invite those who are age 50 and older out to see what the program has to offer.

OLLI’s next event is the Japanese Garden Social on Monday, Feb. 15th at the KSU Center. “There is nothing like a winter social to put a little spice into our annual calendar. The Reflections Swing Band always conjures up great memories and is sure to banish any wintertime blues,” says Michelle Girage, OLLI Assistant Director.

She said past events have drawn about 250 out for an evening of great food, dancing and a “whole lotta fun” with new and old friends. “With so many programs going on throughout the year, the socials have turned into a homecoming style event which allows us to visit with everybody and catch up on the happenings in their lives,” Michelle said. “It’s a great mix of laughter, music and fun!”

The Japanese Garden Social on Monday, February 15th will be from 6-9 p.m. and feature an elegant and exotic décor reflective of the Japanese culture. Attire for the event can include your favorite casual outfit or you are welcome to break out your Kimono and Hakamu pants (for the gentlemen).

Lois Johnson, a frequent participant in OLLI socials, said that the event celebrates friendship, good times and good health. “OLLI provides such a welcoming environment, where everyone is having fun and all come in with positive attitudes. Meeting different people is what I enjoy most about the program. I get to experience that through socials.”

The cost is only $7 per person and includes dancing, catered dinner and wonderful conversation. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and dinner is served from 6-7p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (770) 423-6765 or you can register online at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd. Payment is required when reservations are made to secure seating. Free parking is available.

Become a Meeting & Event Planner

2010-01-27T12:45:00.002-05:00

Meeting and Event Planning

According to a US News & World Report on December 28, 2009:

“A Meeting Planner is one of the 50 best careers of 2010, and should have a strong growth over the next decade.”

Anticipate this future need for meeting planners and establish yourself by enrolling in the premier Meeting and Event Planning Certificate Program at Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. This certificate program will give you the knowledge to position yourself for the future with a new career or enhance your current job or validate skills you are already using in your personal or professional life. The next class starts March 13, 2010 and runs through May 13, 2010.

KSU Continuing Education will be holding an Information Session for our Meeting and Event Planning Certificate Program. The session will be on February 9, 2010; 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm.; KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Check-in at 7:15 p.m.

A presentation will be followed by a discussion period with some of our instructors. Continuing Education is offering this free session to the general public and to those who were registered for our previous open house sessions.

Register online for this information session at www.kennesaw.edu/coned/hospitality or call 770-423-6765. Course #103PHOS0109B.

Continuing Education is giving those who register and attend this session a 5% Early Bird Registration Discount off the course fee of $1299. (Discount expires after February 23, 2010.)

Register or get more info at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or by calling 770-423-6765.

Summer University 2010: A cool place for kids!

2010-01-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

By Michelle Girage, Assistant Director
Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University

It may be frosty outside, but things are heating up at the KSU Center. Summer University 2010 sponsored by Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University promises an innovative approach on how to occupy your child’s time during this upcoming summer.

Summer University takes what you stereotypically think of as summer camp to the next level. These camps engage, encourage and inspire children.

Courses include: Lego Robotics, Operation Science, Sensational Science, Extreme Science, Crime Lab Chemistry, Comic Book Art and Manga, Astronomy – Adventures in Space, Art and Nature, Inspiring Fluent Writers, Computer Game Design and much more.

Children in the first through third grades will enjoy Art and Nature as they explore different mediums including techniques in clay, painting, print-making and drawing. If your child loves creating art and learning about plants, flowers, fish and animals, they’ll love Art and Nature.

Third through fifth graders are sure to enjoy the Sensational Scientists class which explores careers in science. Children will explore the world around them through hands-on activities including making an edible sedimentary sandwich, a volcano and many other projects while learning about rocks and minerals, plants and animals.

Comic Book Art and Manga is sure to appeal to children in the fourth through 12th grades. Using the popular Japanese Comic Manga as inspiration, students will create their own characters. Combined with basic story telling techniques and perspectives, they will create their own four-page comic book with cover.

Another winner is the LEGO Robotics class which promises an exciting challenged-based robotics program simulating competitive robots. The students will work in small groups to design, build and program a robot to solve several different challenges.

Sessions begin June 1 and run through July 16. The summer camp is open to rising first graders through high school seniors. All campers receive a commemorative T-shirt.

New to the program this year will be an Extended Care Camp that will be available until 6 p.m. Campers will be provided with a snack and several choices of activities to extend the fun of their camp day.

Camps will take place at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw. The center is not located on the main campus. For a complete list of courses and fees, visit our Web site at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd. Call (770) 423-6765 for more information or email us at summeru@kennesaw.edu.

Build Effective HR Skills

2009-10-01T14:03:00.000-04:00

Confused about the ever-changing human resources regulations and laws? Training and understanding of effective human resources administration is more crucial than ever before due to the economic and cultural climate of today's business environment. The Continuing Education at KSU Fundamentals of Human Resources Management course provides you with the building blocks of effective HR management.

With an overview of the profession's fundamental functions and competencies, you will be ready for whatever human resources challenges you face, whether as an HR professional, a specialist working in a corporate environment, or a small business owner managing employees every day. This is an excellent course for those exploring HR as a career field; professionals recently assigned new HR duties without prior human resources experience; and managers who want more current HR knowledge.

In this 12-hour course, you can obtain valuable knowledge to help avoid potential liability for your company, to know about employee confidentiality and ethics issues, and to legally hire, evaluate, and manage employees.

Get educated in HR. Course begins October 7th. For information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or call 770-423-6765.

Invest in Your Future

2009-09-30T11:16:00.001-04:00

Now is the time to invest in your career and prepare to move forward. As companies look for an economic rebound, you want to be poised as a leader. The Successful Supervisor Certificate program at Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University will enrich and enhance your own personal supervision style.

Current and prospective supervisors will discover how to refine their supervisory skills through class discussion, role play and assessment. Learn from an instructor experienced in planning, developing and implementing programs that improve organizational effectiveness.

This certificate will distinguish you from the crowd by adding a valuable management credential to your current skill set and resume.

You still have time to enroll for the class beginning October 9, which meets four Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register online at www.kennesaw.edu/coned/management or by calling 770-423-6765.

Get the Skills Managers Want

2009-09-29T13:15:00.002-04:00

What do project management, Access database administration and technical writing have in common? Skills managers want!

Those with project management training give managers faith that they will bring projects in on time and on budget. Those with Access database skills can wrestle the data and turn it in to reports management needs in order to make good decisions. Those with technical writing skills can not only create professional documents and manuals, they can write proposals that make technical information easy for management to read.

Project Management Certificate - PMP Exam Prep

The PMP™ credential is the globally recognized and respected Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI™). Why take Continuing Education at KSU’s certificate program?

Instructor Pete Schestopol has 25 years experience as an international project manager with IBM
Course includes books, flashcards and an online bank of test questions, that can be tailored to address weak areas, to study even after you leave us
Gain confidence: PMI™ requires only 35 hours of prep (see http://www.pmi.org/) for the exam - and this program is 60 hours
When: October 6 - December 5 (10 Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 6pm - 9pm)
Cost: $2,995

Technical Writing Certificate - Basic

Technical writers effectively communicate technical information and are relied upon by management for professional success. As a current or aspiring technical writer, enhance your technical writing skills now in our comprehensive Technical Writing Certificate programs.

Winner of 10 awards from the Society for Technical Communication (www.stc.org)
Hands-on, project-oriented using Adobe FrameMaker software and more!
Basic starts January 23 and runs 11 Saturdays through June
Learn more about this great program

How will you make yourself valuable to management? We can help! Check out these certificate programs and more offered by Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University.

Move Up with an Administrative Professional Certificate

2009-09-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

As an administrative professional, you will become part of a dynamic office staff and begin a career that will lead you down a rewarding professional path. Proper training is essential to current administrative professionals and those who wish to enter the field. The Administrative Professional Certificate program offered by Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University will prepare you for new job opportunities and promotions.

You will be proficient at office communications and protocol, meeting, event and corporate travel planning, managing online records, web conferencing and using essential office software programs. Upon completion, you will be ready to take the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) exam.

Turn up the heat on your career by enrolling in the next class, which begins Sept. 14. The class meets at KSU Center on Monday nights through Dec. 7. It’s not too late to get started on a brighter future.

For information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or call 770-423-6765.

Healthcare Jobs Poised to Grow

2009-08-31T08:15:00.001-04:00

Train for a great career now

One of the seven emerging job markets poised for growth, as reported this month by CNN.com, the healthcare industry is a stable place to work, even in the current economy. While most jobs in healthcare require lengthy, specialized training, certificate programs can be completed in just a few months.

A full slate of programs offered by Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is designed to train students for a variety of healthcare jobs. A certificate program, like those offered by Continuing Education at its KSU Center location, can be the pathway to a great career in this expanding industry.

The Medical Office Assistant Certificate is another high-demand program offered at Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. It is perfect for anyone from stay-at-home moms hoping to re-enter the workforce to young people looking to begin a stable and meaningful career in the healthcare field. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ offices. Beginning Sept. 14 at KSU Center, the Medical Office Assistant Certificate program takes only 13 weeks to complete and costs $1399.

Medical interpreters are more essential than ever in today’s healthcare facilities, and proper training can get students up to speed on the protcol and ethics involved in the job. Taking only 8 weeks to complete, the Medical Interpreter Certificate program at Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is the perfect way to enter this interesting career. October classes are open for enrollment now.

Doctors and nurses rely on professionals with different skills in order to diagnose and treat their patients. EKG technicians are an important part of that process in many cases. The EKG Technician Certificate program, which begins in October, is the way to train for this specialty career. The program lasts 8 weeks is taught by physicians and registered nurses.

For those with some experience in a medical office, training in medical billing and coding can be the way to advance. Whether in an institutional setting or in a physician’s office, a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate will expand your knowledge of the tools and practices for billing, reimbursement, insurance follow-up and collections. Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) exam. The next course begins Sept. 14 and takes 11 weeks to complete.

Register now for these and other courses by calling 770-423-6765 or register online at www.kennesaw.edu/coned/healthcare.

Ride the Fast-Track to Hospitality

2009-08-27T12:11:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the hospitality industry is expected to grow 18 percent by 2012, adding more than 1.6 million new jobs?

From restaurant service to tourism to social and corporate event planning, the hospitality industry offers many different career tracks for any type of person. Competition for job opportunities in the hospitality industry, however, has become fierce and without proper education and training, it will be harder to get your foot in the door. Qualified and trained employees will soon be a sought-after commodity. "A career in hospitality is definitely fast-paced and certified trained students will advance quickly. It's an industry that is known for promoting within and for having a large number of young managers," says Todd Shinholster, instructor for the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program.

Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University offers certificate programs and training that can help you jump on the fast-track to a rewarding career in hospitality.

If organization, planning and detail are your strong suit, the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program prepares students for a rewarding career in social and corporate event planning. "If you are the type of person that thrives on project management and you love to see an idea become reality, event planning is your career," says Todd. "The benefits of a career in event planning include great pay, travel, opportunity to attend the events you create and the opportunity to work with high-level executives and celebrities."

Meeting and event planning students are required to complete 63 hours of coursework in topics ranging from planning, negotiating contracts, budgeting, site selection, staffing, marketing and promotion, managing resources, and evaluating events.

Those who are keen on business and communication skills, may be more interested in a multitude of career options in hospitality management. The Hospitality Leadership and Management Certificate program teaches students how to apply techniques of outstanding leadership, develop an understanding of high-performance teams and recognize the need for diversity and cultural change. "Many hotels and restaurants fill first-level manager positions by promoting staff from within, particularly those with good communication skills, tact, loyalty, reliability, good work ethics, integrity and the ability to endure hard work and long hours," says Julie Crews, director. "These will be the employees promoted to leadership or management positions."

In the Hospitality Leadership and Management program, students are required to complete 39 hours in course topics including quality service, communication skills, strategic career planning, and power and empowerment. Upon successful completion, graduates obtain their Hospitality Leadership and Management certificate from Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University, as well as a certificate from the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

So, jump on the fast-track to a rewarding career in hospitality! Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University offers the training you need to get you started! For more information, please call 770-423-6765 or go to www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

Become a Healthcare Professional

2009-08-26T11:03:00.000-04:00

Turn your calling into your career. Get your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate from Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. If you care about people, have exceptional communication skills and enjoy making a difference in the lives of others, this growing profession may be the perfect fit for you.

In our comprehensive 120-hour curriculum spanning 14 weeks, you will get both classroom and clinical training. Classroom and lab practice are enhanced with 30 hours of clinical training in premier nursing, assisted living and independent living properties in Georgia. Upon completion, you will be prepared to sit for the Georgia State certification exam and begin work in a hospital, medical office or nursing home.

Enroll now for our upcoming class, which starts Sept. 9.

Other courses begin soon in a variety of healthcare certificate programs including Medical Office Assistant (MOA) and Medical Billing and Coding Specialist. Become part of one of the fastest growing and most stable job markets in the nation.

For more information about these and other healthcare certificate programs, visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/healthcare

Time for Your Technology Training

2009-08-20T13:15:00.000-04:00

We are very excited about our latest Kennesaw Internet Professional (KIP) - Web Design Certificate graduates! Need a designer? Take a look at the portfolios from our most recent class and past favorites. Then you can contact them directly!

View the graduate portfolios at http://www.ksukip.com/portfolio.html.

Is the time right for you to pursue a high-tech career in web design?

There is no better time to enter this high-demand technology field than now, and professional training is the first step. The Kennesaw Internet Professional (KIP) - Web Design Certificate from Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is one of the most respected and thorough technology training programs in the Atlanta area.

You will become proficient at a wide variety of Internet applications and tools as you prepare for your next promotion or new career opportunity. After completing this intense, nine-month certificate, you will enter the marketplace with professional portfolios, marketing packages and credentials for success.

Your KIP education will include:

Graphic Design
Dreamweaver
HTML & CSS
Illustrator
JavaScript
Flash
Photoshop
Professional Standards
Sound Editing
Proposal Writing & Contracts

The next course starts Oct. 13 (save $300 if you register before Oct. 6). Please join us for the free, but mandatory, orientation on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Want to know more about the award-winning KIP program? Contact Melissa Vickery at 770-499-3304. Visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or call 770-423-6765 to enroll.

Stir Up a New Career in Culinary Arts

2009-08-18T09:43:00.002-04:00

If you have a passion for food, a career in the culinary arts might be the thing for you. The restaurant and hospitality industry is growing, and businesses need chefs, caterers and other professionals to keep up. Now, you can get the training you need in a fast-track program that offers real life experience in respected Atlanta establishments through rotating apprenticeships.

The Culinary Fast Track Apprenticeship Certificate program offered by Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is a new, innovative option for anyone considering culinary training. In less than 10 months, you will learn basic knife skills, techniques of dry heat and moist heat cooking methods and how to create stocks, soups and sauces, as well as plating and presentation. Then, bring your skills to life working as an apprentice in kitchens at establishments like the Intercontinental Hotel-Buckhead, Park 75 Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel-Atlanta, Endive Catering and Villa Cristina special event facility among others.

With a perfect combination of classroom instruction, given by our Le Cordon Bleu trained chef instructor, and hands-on experience in great dining establishments, you will be poised to begin your career as a culinary professional. Courses begin Oct. 6 in the kitchen classroom at KSU Center.

Enroll today at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or call 770-423-6765 for details.

Healthcare: Is it Really Recession-Proof?

2009-08-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

By: Sarah Johnson

As many industries fight to keep employees and companies afloat, healthcare continues to prove that is not only surviving, but thriving even during this hard-hitting economic downturn. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “From now through 2016, healthcare is expected to generate $3 million new wage and salary jobs, more than any other industry.” This significant growth is attributed to the United States’ aging population, the increase in life expectancy, and technological advances in the field of healthcare. Additionally, the Obama administration has outlined plans to thoroughly revise three central areas of the industry: coverage, cost, and quality of care. This could mean even greater growth for the sector.

For those who are willing to obtain the appropriate level of training and certification, positions are available in a range of career tracks. Plus, with nearly a dozen hospitals and hundreds of care facilities in the metro-Atlanta area, there are bound to be job openings that do not involve a significant commute. "We currently have 300 positions available throughout our System and are always seeking talented individuals to join our team," said David Anderson, Executive Vice President- Human Resources/OL/CCO for WellStar Health System. "As the recipients of the Working Mother Magazine 100 Best Organizations Award and a designated AARP National Employer Team, WellStar continues to be recognized as an ‘Employer of Choice’ in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area."

Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University has helped hundreds of students start exciting careers in healthcare or move their careers ahead by completing more advanced programs in their chosen career track. Courses are offered in both classroom and online formats to fit even the busiest of schedules.

“Our selection of programs offers the diversity to appeal to all types of personalities and skills,” said Barbara Calhoun, Dean of Continuing Education. “Individuals who enjoy interaction with people can choose a career as a nursing assistant, EKG technician, phlebotomy technician, or a pharmacy technician. For those more comfortable in administrative roles -- working primarily behind the scenes -- career alternatives like medical office assistant, billing, or coding are excellent choices.”

Regardless of your previous education or experience, Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University can help you navigate through this economic downturn by aiding in your healthcare aspirations.

Healthcare Certificate Programs

Online Healthcare Certificate Programs

Who Needs HR Training?

2009-08-13T09:35:00.002-04:00

Human resources regulations and laws are changing in substantial ways due to the economic and cultural climate of today’s business world. Training and understanding of intricate HR systems is more crucial than ever before for large and small companies, and you can play an integral role. The answer is the Human Resources Management Certificate from Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University.

You will be ready for whatever human resources challenges you face, whether as an HR manager, a specialist working in a corporate environment or as a small business owner managing employees every day. If you want to further your career with up-to-date, relevant, specialized skills, this respected program, offered since 1995, will put you first in line for promotions and new career opportunities. At the same time, if you have a business management background or hold an M.B.A. and want to move up in management, you can prove you have the education to avoid potential liability for your company, to know about employee confidentiality and ethics issues and to effectively hire, manage and terminate employees.

With our multi-track certificate program, you can pick the one that fits best for you. Professionals in general business and management roles will earn the Continuing Education at Kennesaw State Human Resources Management Certificate upon completion, a selling point on anyone’s resume in tough job markets. Human resources specialists with at least two years exempt-level experience in HR will also earn the Kennesaw State certificate and will gain valuable preparation for the national PHR/SPHR certification exams. Prepare for the exams now because eligibility requirements for the national exams are set to change in 2011.

Set yourself apart from the crowd. Get an HR certificate now. Classes begin in September. Call 770-423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd to get details on the next class.

OLLI Video Premieres

2009-08-11T10:12:00.001-04:00

Catch the premiere of the new Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) youtube video.

Watch as instructor Lynne Mock explains the OLLI program to both newcomers and those already involved in our OLLI courses. Lynne Mock has been an instructor with Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University for over 10 years and teaches all of our OLLI computer courses.

Learn about upcoming courses, events and the benefits of participating in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute through Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University.

Registration Open for Fall Courses

2009-08-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

Registration opens today for classes beginning in October, November and December!

From professional and career development to life enrichment and leisure classes -- in the classroom or online -- there's something for everyone at Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. We're the solution for your professional and personal success!

For more information and to register, call 770-423-6765 or visit us online at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

Advance Your Career in Hospitality

2009-08-05T09:28:00.000-04:00

Whether you are looking for additional credentials to enhance an existing career in the hospitality industry or you want to expand your leadership training to secure promotions, Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University’s renowned professional training is the perfect fit for you.

Now is the time to lead. Our Hospitality Leadership & Management Certificate program will give you the advantage you need to get a step ahead in your career. You will develop hands-on skills to build high-performance teams, empower employees, manage organizational change and resolve conflicts in this highly-competitive industry. You can reach your career goals in hospitality management right now. The Hospitality Leadership & Management Certificate begins Sept. 3, and the entire certificate program takes only 13 weeks to complete.

Need an edge in planning meetings, conferences and other events? Our 9-week Meeting & Event Planning Certificate, beginning Sept. 12, can give you what you need to be effective. You will develop your knowledge and skills in planning, contract negotiation, budgeting, site selection, staffing, marketing and evaluating events.

As one of the premier professional training programs in Georgia, Continuing Education at KSU will give you the tools to climb the ladder in your hospitality industry career. Position yourself as a leader. Register by calling 770-423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

Continuing Education Open House Featured on FOX5 News

2009-08-04T14:08:00.004-04:00

Fox 5 Atlanta News visited Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University's July 30 Open House and featured our event in their newscast. For the online story and video clip, please visit their website.

Paralegal Courses Begin in August, September, and October

2009-07-23T09:26:00.001-04:00

Embark on a career in the paralegal field, one of the fastest growing professions in the nation. You will be ready to work in law offices, banks, government agencies, corporations, and real estate firms after completing our 12-course program. Courses are six weeks each, and you will complete the program in 12-15 months taking two courses at a time. Enjoy the respect that comes with a Kennesaw State University Paralegal Certificate backed by our prestigious 25-year history in paralegal studies.

These courses can be taken individually or as part of our Paralegal Certificate program:

August
- Legal Research & Writing II
September
- Family Law
- Civil Litigation I
- Estate Planning & Probate
October

Criminal Law
Introduction to the Law
Civil Litigation II
Real Estate Law
Westlaw

Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University's Paralegal Certificate program adheres to the highest professional curriculum and offers flexible scheduling. Start any time during the year. You will learn how to conduct research, facilitate interviews, prepare documents and perform investigations.

Register today and let KSU's Continuing Education help you excel in this high-demand profession. For more information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/paralegal or call 770-423-6765. You can also attend the upcoming information session at our July 30 Open House to meet the instructors and learn more about the program.

Navigating the New Job Market

2009-07-21T10:12:00.000-04:00

Join us at our Open House and participate in a seminar to learn about exciting new avenues for job hunting.

What’s the difference between the “Monster” job recruiting sites and more local, specialized sites?
How do you clean up your Internet image and even enhance it for employers looking to hire?

This free seminar will target these and other topics ranging from cyber etiquette (when to e-mail and when to call) to reading economic forecasts and data to know when to move. Two sessions will be offered.

Join us to share your experiences and learn some new tricks.

Join Us for Our July 30 Open House

2009-07-14T10:54:00.000-04:00

Don't miss our upcoming Open House on July 30th. Get a sneak peek into the 2,500 courses and 40 certificate programs offered through Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. Whether you're interested in enhancing your professional skills or exploring your creative side, we have courses to help you get on the right track. Come and meet our faculty and staff, tour our facility, and attend information sessions for specific courses. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Thursday, July 30th from 6:00p.m. to 8:30p.m.
Where: KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Details: The event is free of charge and open to the public

During the event, we will also be offering a special free seminar, “Navigating New Job Markets,” which will focus on new job hunting techniques and the rules of cyber etiquette.

Receive a 5% discount on any upcoming class, certificate or training when you register for and attend our Open House. (Good for 30 days on classes up to $9,500.)

For more information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/openhouse or call 770-423-6765.

New website launches today!

2009-07-10T08:30:00.001-04:00

Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University is proud to introduce our newly redesigned website. We've got some great new features including:

advanced search engine options so that you can locate courses that meet your specific needs
access to more information such as instructor bios which will give you a truer sense of what to expect in each course
a fresh look with more user-friendly navigation
links to our social networks on facebook, myspace, flickr, and the CE blog
a customizable login that allows you to access your unofficial transcript and current schedule of courses

We look forward to providing you with a new and improved www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd!

Five Tips to Consider Before Sending Your Next Résumé

2009-07-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

by Sarah Johnson

Have you sent your résumé to a number of companies and not received a single follow up call? You’re not alone. With more and more people looking for employment, the number of résumés submitted for each job posting has increased, making it tougher to get your foot in the door. In the past, a single job posting typically attracted between 100 and 1000 résumés; however, in today’s competitive market, those numbers are even greater. If your résumé isn’t taking you where you need to go, consider these five easy tips to improve your résumé:

Show, don’t tell Show potential employers that the words in your résumé are not just empty promises. Sell your skills by crafting phrases that illustrate your accomplishments rather than simple job duties. Statements like “collaborated with clients to increase sales by 15%” or “created comprehensive marketing plan for new product rollout” help to bring depth and credibility to your résumé.
Know your target audience Each time you submit a résumé make sure its message matches the overall goals and objectives of that particular business or industry. The “one size fits all résumé” just won’t do. Prove to hiring managers that you have taken the time to research their organization and have crafted your résumé with their goals in mind. Use specific industry jargon or key words from the job posting to make sure your résumé gets noticed.
Organization is key First impressions are key. If you want potential employers to believe that you are organized and detail-oriented, make sure that your résumé reflects those very qualities. Since résumés are generally read in 30 seconds or less, make sure that your font choice and use of bullets, bold text, and italics are used sparingly and consistently. Typical résumés range in length from 1-2 pages so that they can be scanned quickly.
Proofread, proofread, proofread It will be hard to sell yourself as detail-oriented if you have typos and formatting errors throughout your résumé. Take the time to read each and every word, searching for both grammar and spelling errors. Keep in mind that spell-check and grammar-check functions don’t always locate commonly misused words. Eliminate this problem by emailing your résumé to a few of your friends and asking them to proofread for you.
Downplay gaps in employment history Gaps in your employment history aren’t necessarily a negative thing. Maybe you’ve been out of work to stay home with small children or to finish up a degree. You will want to make sure that these gaps in employment are transparent to the potential employer. Rather than listing your skills in chronological order, consider organizing your résumé so that it highlights particular qualifications such as education, proficiencies, skills, professional organizations, etc.

Bonus Tip! The truth about cover letters

Don’t snub your chance of securing an interview by submitting a cover letter that is less than par. Remember that your cover letter is just as important, if not more important than your résumé. Use your cover letter to introduce yourself as a serious candidate for the job, and then provide a snapshot of your qualifications. Finally, proofread, proofread, proofread! A cover letter riddled with errors is sure to land in the hiring manager’s recycling bin.

Your online identity

Hiring managers have been known to search popular websites like MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more about job candidates. While you’re on the job hunt it's best to think twice before posting photos and information to the Internet that you don't want potential employers perusing. Before sending your next resume, try entering your name into your favorite search engine and see what pops up. If you can find information about yourself online, so can potential employers!

Maximize Your Management Potential in 2009

2009-07-07T10:15:00.003-04:00

Make your summer count with a course that will advance your career. Whether you need a resume booster like the Project Management Certificate - PMP Exam Prep or training to become a “Successful Supervisor,” you can start right away.

Our Project Management Certificate - PMP Exam Prep course will expand your existing skills through this 10-week program beginning on July 14. You will gain a clear understanding of the nine areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge^®. In addition, you will get all essential books, self-assessments and an online bank of test questions, which are included in the course fee. Discover the difference Project Management Professional certification can make in your career!

Also beginning in July, Continuing Education at KSU’s Successful Supervisor Certificate is certain to enhance your job prospects. If you are a current or future supervisor, this course will give you an advantage in reaching your career goals. You will learn to tackle a variety of management responsibilities through class discussion, role play and assessment. The class begins July 21, so register now!

To learn more about these great courses and other popular programs or to register, call 770-423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

Virtual University ... Imagine the Possibilities

2009-06-25T14:07:00.001-04:00

Imagine waking up one Saturday morning and going to class with sleep wrinkles, bed-head, fashionably modeling your bright turquoise pajamas. Sound ridiculous? Not when you are one of the thousands of students who are taking advantage of online learning!

The convenience of online learning and virtual classrooms is giving people of all ages the flexibility to learn at their own pace and the option to take classes that fit into their busy schedules. That means, training whenever they want, wherever they want and wearing whatever they want!

All online courses are accessible 24/7, but depending on the class, some start on specific dates while others start anytime. “For instance, the online Medical Transcription Certificate courses can be started at any time and you can work at your own pace. However, the online project management courses begin once a month and run for six weeks,” says program manager Kathy Sanders. All courses have defined periods of time in which they must be completed.

Most courses have an instructor available who can answer questions, provide guidance or give feedback. For some classes, interaction with other students takes place through threaded discussions.

As a busy wife and mother of two children under the age of four, Michele Grise, elementary school computer teacher, benefits tremendously from the flexibility that the online programs provide. “Initially, I was really under pressure to get enough PLU credits (teaching credits) in order to be recertified in time. Time gets away from us and I had let too much time pass before I started getting the PLUs I needed. I was really stressed out about it. All I needed to get recertified were five credits, but I had to get them all in one semester! Continuing Education came through and I was able to get six PLUs over the course of about two months. The coursework was so manageable that I didn’t feel stressed anymore,” said Michele.

Not only are the courses flexible and convenient, they are also fun! “My instructors each had a marvelous sense of humor and that made reading and doing each lesson a lot of fun! I looked forward to every lesson,” said Michele.

Whether you are constantly on the go taking children to after-school activities or working long hours at the office, online learning makes juggling school, work and home duties much easier. “I decided to take classes online because I could fit them into my work schedule without taking a whole day out of the office,” said Sandra Cobb, former online Excel Intermediate and Advanced student. “The classes I took were on a schedule where two lessons were released each week, allowing two weeks to complete each lesson. This gave me the flexibility to fit the lessons into my schedule where it worked for me.”

Whether you are interested in furthering your education or starting a new career, Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University can help make it more convenient. With more than 150 online courses offered each month and 20 online certificate programs in areas like healthcare, web design, project management, and creative writing, the possibilities are endless.

“Now that I have discovered the ease of using Continuing Education’s online courses, I take one every year because I enjoy the classes and because they help me get the PLUs I need to keep my certification current,” said Michele.

Furthering Your Career Through Education?

2009-06-23T09:37:00.003-04:00

Looking to further your career through education? If so, chances are you will be required to take a placement test such as the SAT, GMAT, GACE, GRE, or LSAT. Continuing Education at KSU offers both classroom and online test preparation courses that can help you reach your desired score and eliminate test anxiety!

In our courses, you will:

Gain essential background knowledge and prerequisite skills so that you can confidently tackle test questions
Sharpen your critical thinking skills to effectively and efficiently choose correct answers
Complete practice problems to reduce your test anxiety

Whether you are taking college entrance exams or applying to law school, Continuing Education can help you prepare for your next academic achievement! Classroom sessions start in July and August and online sessions begin monthly.

For more information or to register, call 770-423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned.

Fall Means 'Back to School' for Adults Too!

2009-06-18T10:04:00.001-04:00

Your kids do not have to be the only ones going back to school this fall! With more than 2,500 courses and 40 certificate programs, Continuing Education at KSU has something for everyone. Whatever your passion, whether you are interested in learning a new skill or awakening your creative genius, we are here to make your transition back to the classroom a smooth one!

Interested in learning more? Attend our upcoming Open House on Thursday, July 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. During the event, we will be offering a special seminar called “Navigating New Job Markets,” which will focus on new job hunting techniques and the rules of cyber etiquette. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Receive a 5% discount on any upcoming class, certificate or training when you register for and attend our Open House. (Good for 30 days on classes up to $9,500.)

For more information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/openhouse or call 770-423-6765.

Life after high school is calling ... Let Continuing Education at KSU be your answer!

2009-06-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

Not ready or interested in a four-year degree program? No problem! You can still come to KSU to prepare for an exciting career in healthcare, event and meeting planning, personal trainer, paralegal, and many others. Enroll now and get plugged in to life in the real world.

No SAT scores
No transcripts
No lengthy applications
University admission is not required

Learn more about our certificate programs! Make plans now to attend an information session at our upcoming Open House.

What: Open House and Information Session When: Thursday, July 30th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where: KSU Center (3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144) Register: http://www.kennesaw.edu/coned/openhouse or call 770-423-6765

Don’t wait! Start your career today in one of Continuing Education’s 40 diverse certificate programs!

Sharpen Your Technical Writing Skills

2009-06-09T10:30:00.002-04:00

Enhance your technical writing skills now by enrolling in Atlanta’s comprehensive Technical Writing Certificate through Continuing Education at KSU! Current and aspiring technical writers will learn effective writing skills, techniques and strategies to successfully communicate technical information to their target audience. This highly-acclaimed program has received ten awards from the Society for Technical Communication (http://www.stc.org/).

Starting this July:

Technical Writing Certificate - Advanced Increase your knowledge in the advanced level course where you’ll acquire proficiency in proposal writing, RoboHelp, Flare, desktop editing, vector graphic editing software as well as assembly, operations and technical manuals.

Course prerequisite: Basic Level Certificate or one year of technical writing experience plus successful completion of the Proficiency Test-Out. For more information on the Basic Level Course or the Proficiency Test-Out, visit our website www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

July 11 - December 5
11 Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Meets every other Saturday
Instructor: Brian Fleming, President HelpWrite, Inc.

To register, call 770-423-6765 or visit www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

Americans Turning to Continuing Education Classes in Tough Times

2009-06-03T13:45:00.002-04:00

by SarahJohnson

KENNESAW, Ga. (June, 2009) – Americans are turning to continuing education and lifelong learning classes to combat the tough economic times, according to surveys of programs around the country by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a national association in lifelong learning. Work-related learning and second income occupations are among the most popular courses.

Whether professional or leisure learning, Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University offers more than 2,500 courses annually to help students gain the skills needed to stay competitive in an economic climate that is constantly changing. “We are seeing our highest enrollments in our paralegal, healthcare, technology and online courses,” said Barbara S. Calhoun, Dean of Continuing Education at KSU. “Our students’ specific learning outcomes have shifted to match the demands of the workforce. Students are interested in honing in on skills that will help them compete in the tough marketplace as well as gain new skills that will be important long after the recession ends.”

To address these changing needs, Continuing Education will hold an open house on Thursday, July 30th from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the KSU Center (3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144) to highlight many of the courses and certificates starting in late summer and early fall. The event will also feature a free seminar titled “Navigating New Job Markets” where attendees who are interested in re-tooling can learn about new job hunting techniques and the rules of cyber etiquette.

According to seminar speaker Kim Groves, “Job searching has changed, and some of the people out there are experiencing for the first time the shift toward more technological tools for submitting resumes and online networking; we will focus on helping seminar participants confidently navigate these new approaches.”

Later in the summer, a course titled “How to Conduct a Successful Job Search” will also be offered. The two-night, six-hour workshop will be held on August 26th and 27th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will teach attendees how to craft well-written resumes and cover letters that illustrate their career strengths and professional development skills.

Continuing Education at KSU offers non-credit professional development and life enrichment classes for people of all ages, and does not require university admission to attend. Serving nearly 23,000 students annually, this is one of the largest continuing education programs in the country.

ESL Courses: Help Employees Connect with Your Workplace!

2009-06-02T10:15:00.001-04:00

Do you have employees whose native language is not English? Continuing Education at KSU offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that can help your employees connect with your workplace as well as the world around them. Our courses focus on teaching grammar, spoken language and written American English in a classroom setting with other non-native speakers. All courses are designed for adults whose native language is not English.

Courses include:

ESL - Literacy Level
ESL - Level I through VI
ESL - Advanced Conversation
ESL - Composition

Registrants will attend a free orientation session where their proficiency level will be matched with the appropriate course level. Orientation and placement sessions are mandatory for first-time students.

Learn more by visiting our website at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or calling 770-423-6765.

Interested in bringing specific ESL training to your workplace? Contact our Languages Department at 770-499-3269.

Redefining Retirement

2009-05-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

In America, who we are is defined by what we do. With almost a quarter of the U.S population being over 54 years of age, the number of people entering the early stages of retirement will account for one-fifth of the population by 2030. And as those baby boomers start re-thinking what it means to enter the later stages of life, they also want to remain active and energetic - even more than ever before.

After retirement, many seniors are trying to adjust to a post-work life and are searching for a new identity. When a retiree replaces a 50-60 hour work week with outside interests, investments, volunteer work, time with grandkids or a new career opportunity, the transition becomes a personal journey. People are going back to school in their 50's, starting new businesses in their 60's and marrying in their 90's. Retirement has become a major milestone.

The students at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) are redefining what it means to be 'retired' and have created a whole new outlook on, what many people call 'the best years of your life.'

"All my time is now spare time and so I try to do all the things I love to do," says David Hylton, a long time devotee of continuing education. "I like to be in the know, I like to learn new things. I find the OLLI classes to be rewarding and fulfilling and most of all, I enjoy the people that I meet."

Another OLLI regular, Lois Johnson, views retirement in an entirely different light. She suffers from cerebral palsy, which is a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. "My disability has not stopped me from doing what I love." Lois became interested in OLLI because of its connection with the university as well as the convenience and the variety of programs offered. "OLLI had everything we were looking for. It provides such a welcoming environment, where everyone is having fun!"

OLLI helps to address the life-changing events in an older adult’s life by offering more than 200 yearly classes on topics including computer, language, writing and literature, fitness and leisure, in addition to field trips, special events, and clubroom activities for members. To find out how you can become involved, please call 770-423-6765 or go to www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd.

The Road to Opportunity

2009-05-19T14:02:00.003-04:00

Let’s face it ... the employment market is a whole lot weaker than it was a year ago. It takes some job hunters more than a year to find that lucrative career only to be disappointed by economic downturn in the end. Rest assured, there are several hot careers that are in high demand and continue to rapidly grow. As the old saying goes, ‘in crisis, there is always opportunity.’

For example, healthcare is one of the biggest job pools in the U.S today. Americans are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, and this, in turn, is creating a brighter future for many Americans seeking full-time, secured employment. By 2012, the health industry will substantiate for one in every 12 jobs in the state!

The need for healthcare professionals is so great, in fact, that many healthcare careers offer lucrative entry level salaries, do not require 4-year degrees and offer quick advancement opportunities and training benefits. Most healthcare training programs can be completed in less than one year, making it an attractive option for those seeking to enter the workforce quickly or change careers without undergoing extensive re-training.

Medical assistants, trained professionals who assist physicians with basic medical care, can earn a starting salary of up to $27,000 a year. And as insurance companies and healthcare agencies require more highly detailed records of services provided to patients, the need for medical billing and coding professionals has also increased. A trained, experienced medical biller or coder can start out making more than $39,000 a year - that is more than some make after receiving a bachelor’s degree!

Even trained pharmacy technicians are benefitting from the healthcare career boom. Working closely with pharmacists to deliver accurately identified and properly dosed medications to patients, pharmacy technicians can earn a starting salary of up to $27,000 with opportunities for increased pay. As they achieve seniority, technicians gain increased control over their hours as well, making it one of the most flexible jobs.

It’s not just the healthcare industry that is dominating the workforce! The hospitality industry is expected to grow 18 percent by 2012, adding more than 1.6 million new jobs. There are a variety of careers available that require a small amount of training that you could sink your teeth into!

With benefits, including bonuses, social security, retirement, disability, healthcare, pension, and paid time off, event planners have one of the most lucrative careers in the hospitality industry, making up to $63,000 per year.

While the healthcare and hospitality industries are hotter than ever, the IT industry has seen intense growth. Even with the downfall of the dot com bust in 2000, the IT industry is still making a come-back, projecting even larger increases over the next 10 years! Wages in the IT industry are growing substantially as well. Because the field has grown so quickly, many IT areas are suffering from a shortage of veteran technical workers and as a result, recent graduates have found it easier to find a job upon completion of their IT certification.

Average salaries show that web designers can be both creative and well-paid, earning as much as the high $60,000s per year. Technical writers, who make complex ideas simple to understand by producing professional print and online 'how to' documents, can earn up to $30,000 at entry level, but can earn as much as the high $80,000s with more experience. Even a web programmer can start out at $37,400 with the right training!

From healthcare to hospitality to technology, there is a booming career field waiting for you and Continuing Education can help lead you on the road to opportunity! For more information on programs, please visit our website at www.kennesaw.edu/ConEd or give us a call at 770-423-6765.

**Salary and career information can be found on salary.com

It's Not Your Father's Classroom

2009-05-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

School for most of our parents and grandparents meant a teacher in front of a class consisting of rows of students seated at desks. These students displayed varying degrees of enthusiasm, ranging from the constant hand-raisers (pick me, pick me!) to the note takers and note passers to the totally bored. In today's higher education, 'school' offers many more options to choose from that are better suited to our personal learning styles.

How you learn is very individualized. The environment that facilitates learning is different for each student. Many people enjoy classrooms where there are others around them to stimulate new ideas and approaches. Some people thrive in a quiet setting where they can focus and concentrate. Still others need an environment where they can set and control the pace. From primary and higher education to professional development, all levels of students learn most effectively in an environment that keeps them connected and engaged.

For the student who prefers being around others in a traditional classroom setting, Continuing Education offers a variety of courses taught in a standard lecture format. Many of these classes also encourage student interaction so the shard experiences of the class members enhance the learning experience. The wide variety of backgrounds and experience of participating students often leads to a much broader understanding of the subjects than the teacher alone could provide. Some programs even offer externships, providing students with the opportunity for hands-on, practical training in actual business settings.

But for those of us constrained by time and location, the convenience and flexibility of online training provides the perfect alternative. Taking classes at home or work eliminates the necessity of dealing with traffic, parking, or babysitters. Online training can fit into almost any schedule, but it requires discipline and focus. "A successful online learner is generally self-motivated, can work independently, and is able to manage their time effectively," according to Kathy Sanders, online program manager.

New options for combining learning environments are also evolving. "Because classroom space is limited, hybrid courses which are part online and part classroom are the wave of the future," says Melissa Vickery, technology program manager. "For quite some time, universities have had students meet in the classroom, work online, and then meet again as the course ends. This really aids in a 'sense of community' in the online component."

What's on the horizon? Watch for the incorporation of more podcasting into the educational realm. "A podcast is a great way to add supplemental information about a subject or cover special topics," says Shannon Crupi, Continuing Education's webmaster. "It can be recorded as audio only or combined audio & video and viewed on a wireless device like an iPod or on your computer."

The 'school' of the new millennium is sure not like the old days! To be effective, learning must be responsive to the ever-evolving styles of students, regardless of age.