Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
21
Jul 11

Zuckerberg invited to come back to Harvard after dropping out for Facebook endeavor

The key to balance life and work can sometimes be very tricky, causing some individuals to give up other commitments in an effort to better channel their energy. Although Mark Zuckerberg may be noted as one of the richest men in the world, he actually never finished college. In an attempt to put all of his energy into Facebook, Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard in 2004.

Now, according to the Business Standard, school officials are suggesting that if the famed social networking genius wanted to return to his roots and finish his degree, he could have the opportunity to do so.

Drew Faust, the president of the esteemed university, recently spoke to Facebook's staff and interns, many of whom are Harvard alumni, and noted that Zuckerberg is still considered to be on leave.

"When I talked to Mark in January he said he still has his Harvard email, so he is still on leave," Faust joked, the news provider reports.

Additionally, BostInnovation reports that the school's president went on to compare Facebook to Harvard, noting both organizations' tendencies to encourage the spread of information.

"In a sense, Harvard and Facebook both serve as filters of information," she said. "You filter information through social graphs. We try to teach people to be interpreters and critical evaluators of information, to identify how to use information."

Interestingly, Zuckerberg may be one of the few individuals that is living a balanced lifestyle without having to worry about going away to school. While education is an important aspect to society, Zuckerberg may have found a purpose that does not require a degree.

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
15
Jul 11

Could new college dean show students how to balance life?

It can be difficult to balance lifestyles, particularly for students enrolled in a complex program that takes up a lot of time and energy. This is particularly true for people who are involved in some form of medical school, even though they frequently are striving toward helping others, which could help calm them of their anxieties. It is important that medical schools provide instructors who are skilled in the area, hopefully providing a sense of stability for any student who may feel a sense of pressure.

One school trying to meet this need is the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), which recently announced that it will hire a well-respected individual in the medical field to be the dean for its new school of optometry, according to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Prior to this new position, Walls was the president of the Southern California College of Optometry. He has also worked as the dean of optometry at Pacific University in Oregon and for Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

School officials noted the importance of appointing someone with such an esteemed background, as he could be a good leader for the first class of the program.

"As we continue to expand into more health sciences, we are thrilled to have a world-renowned optometry expert leading this effort," said MCPHS President Charles F. Monahan in a prepared statement. "The United States is a rapidly aging country with only 21 accredited optometry schools, and there is a real opportunity here to help fill the increased demand for eye care."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who are interested in the field of optometry need at least seven years of schooling, which is why maintaining a life balance is important.

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
8
Jul 11

UMassOnline sees rapid growth in people seeking personal development

As more people are looking for a better chance at finding a job, there are a growing number of individuals who are going back to school in an effort to sharpen their skills. However, as some prospective students do not have the kinds of schedules that afford them to attend traditional full-time programs, many are turning to online schools as a way to establish personal growth.

UMassOnline noted that there was a 12 percent increase in the number of students enrolled in the program during the fiscal year of 2011 in comparison to 2010. This was the 10th consecutive year since the online institution opened that it has experienced double-digit enrollment growth.

"We saw many new and very significant online program developments by the campuses, further enlarging and enriching the university’s position as a leading provider of distance education opportunities," said Ken Udas, the school's chief executive officer. "Further, in conjunction with the Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell campuses, we secured a major new partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) academy for the provision of online education Master's degrees to the NEA's 3.2 million members."

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
28
Jun 11

WPI announces new opportunities for personal growth in the utilities field

As many people are looking for personal development in their industry, it is important that today's schools increase their offerings in order to meet the needs of individuals of all different specialties.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recently announced that it partnered with the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) in an effort to increase its offerings in the utilities industry.

WPI will now be offering two online degrees – a master's of engineering in power systems and a master's of science in power systems management. These programs will suit students who are looking to go into either side of leadership within the utilities field.

School officials said because there has been an influx in sustainable issues, it is more important that people are trained within the utilities sector.

"WPI is proud to offer differentiated, world-class programs that educate engineers in both their pursuit of a rewarding career, and sounder engineering solutions," said Stephen P. Flavin, vice president of academic and corporate development at WPI. "The WPI and EPCE partnership is a powerful example of an alliance that supports furthering an industry, as well as the professional development of the individual. It’s an exciting venture."

Related items

Lifelong Learning — 1 Comment
24
Jun 11

School celebrates 102nd year of personal growth

As the economy continues to struggle, more people are choosing to go back to graduate programs in order to achieve personal growth. Not only could this help them develop skills that may be used in the working world, but students may also have the opportunity to establish career connections while they complete their coursework and internships.

New England College of Business and Finance (NECB) announced that it recently celebrated its 102nd commencement at the John Hancock Hall in Boston, Massachusetts. In all, there were approximately 163 graduates who received either an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree.

To commemorate the special occasion, former U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Roderick Paige, was on hand to give the commencement address to all of the students. Because he was there to speak to the students, he was given the college's first honorary doctorate of commerce.

During his speech, he told the students to "Embrace opportunities as they are presented – you just don't know if they will ever come around again."

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
14
Jun 11

O’Brien discusses self healing and failure

When people suddenly face a tremendous letdown, they often need to focus on self healing in order to get back to where they once were. Conan O'Brien was all over the headlines last year, when he was suddenly let go from his position as the host of The Tonight Show.

Now, O'Brien recently spoke with graduating students from Dartmouth College and took the time to talk about the benefits of failure. According to the Christian Science Monitor, O'Brien may have had some food for thought for the graduating seniors who were concerned about what their futures hold.

"There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized," O'Brien said during his address. "Whether you fear it or not, true disappointment will come but with disappointment comes clarity, conviction and true originality."

The Washington Post reports that the comedian also made it a point to demonstrate that life was not fair. For example, he noted that while the students worked tirelessly to achieve their degrees for four years, he simply got the same one for "interviewing the fourth lead in Twilight. Deal with it."

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
9
Jun 11

The cost of personal growth increases at UMass

Many people believe in the power of education in terms of personal development, but some may find that there is a price that comes with it. Still, as there are a number of scholarship and financial aid programs available, there are ways to make college affordable for those who need a little assistance.

The Worcester Telegram and Gazette reports that students attending the University of Massachusetts (UMass) will see that the cost is slightly higher, as the school's board of trustees voted to increase fees by 7.5 percent.

The fees will affect students attending all of the UMass campuses, including Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell. Pupils will see the 7.5 percent hike starting this fall.

According to The Boston Globe, the board voted on raising fees in an effort to help deal with the school's budget gap.

"Our challenge is to preserve quality for our students, while at the same time doing everything we can to maintain access and affordability," UMass president Jack M. Wilson said in a statement. "Addressing the budget shortfall with equal amounts of new fee revenue and budget cuts is a balanced and responsible approach."

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
6
Jun 11

UMass Worcester provides honorary degree to woman who has achieved great personal growth

Many people seeking personal development may try to pursue a higher education in order to stretch their minds. However, some individuals may not have earned a degree from a certain institution, but they are still recognized for their values.

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Worcester Medical School recently awarded an honorary degree to the former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Donna E. Shalala, for her prominent career in the public health industry, according to the school's news provider.

Shalala has had an extensive career while in the healthcare industry, which she has been a part of for more than 25 years. The school recognized that Shalala's extensive experience working as a scholar, administrator and public health advocate was tied with the kind of message education officials were trying to instill in UMass students.

Shalala may not be a part of UMass, but she's still heavily involved in the education system. She's currently the president of the University of Miami, a position she has held since 2001.

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
1
Jun 11

New grant will help volunteer firefighters achieve personal growth

Keeping the public safe is important for a number of industries, and individuals in certain professions need to continue their personal growth in order to better serve their communities. However, some programs do not have the funds necessary to keep people as trained as they should be, which is why some organizations step in to offer financial support.

The Massachusetts Call Volunteer Firefighters Association (MCVFA) recently received a $1.7 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security in order to expand its volunteer recruitment and retention program.

The MCVFA will be using the money to help educate volunteers with the tools they require to help save the lives of the public.

"Recruitment of new firefighters and EMTs and the retention of experienced personnel are the most critical challenges facing the national volunteer fire service, and Massachusetts shares in that challenge," said Joseph Maruca, co-chair of the MCVFA Recruitment and Retention Committee. "The MCVFA's goal is to strengthen the response capabilities of local fire and EMS departments by promoting and maintaining adequate staffing of volunteer departments."

Related items

Lifelong Learning — No Comments
26
Apr 11

Online degrees could lead to personal development

Many people are looking to increase their knowledge in a variety of fields in an effort to lead to personal development. As a result, a number of universities have increased their degree program offerings to fit a larger audience.

However, some students are faced with the reality that they cannot attend school full-time, which is why online education is growing in popularity.

Pupils who are attending Springfield College of Human Services will now have the option to take online classes offered through Capella University at a reduced rate, as the two universities announced a partnership.

The deal was created as a way for students and faculty at Springfield College to increase their education through online programs.

"Capella is pleased to form this educational alliance with an institution as well respected as Springfield College School of Human Services," said Deb Bushway, the interim president at Capella. "We are honored to support graduates, faculty and staff of Springfield College School of Human Services as they continue their pursuit of an advanced degree."

Dahn Yoga Boston, MassachussettsBoston MA Dahn Yoga Community Blog