By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Demario Chandler, who volunteers with the men's basketball team, is among the Beyond Academics students who will graduate May 2.
Contact: 336-334-4314
Posted 4-20-11
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Six students in Beyond Academics at UNCG, a four-year certification for young adults with developmental disabilities, will become the program’s first graduates on May 2.
The ceremony, 9:30 a.m. in Elliott University Center Auditorium, marks a milestone for both Beyond Academics, which has grown to 30 students, and the graduates, who will receive certificates in integrative community studies through UNCG’s Office of Undergraduate Studies. The public and media are invited to attend.
“These students have really been pioneers,” said Joan Johnson, executive director of Beyond Academics.
“Four years ago they came to this campus, where they’ve made friends and learned skills that will last a lifetime. It’s been incredibly exciting to see them taking control of their lives and contributing to their community. It just doesn’t get much better than that.”
The students have taken Beyond Academics classes in nutrition, healthy lifestyles, building personal relationships, conflict resolution, advocacy, home management, budgeting, transportation, community inclusion and career development. They have earned 120 credit hours and at least a 2.0 GPA.
The keynote speaker at the ceremony will be Celia Sims, senior policy advisor for U.S. Sen. Richard Burr. Other speakers include Dr. Michael Mayer of the Community Resource Alliance; Holly Riddle of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities; and Duncan Munn and Bailey Liipfert of Beyond Academics. Steve Jordan, director of the N.C. Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services, will attend the event.
Beyond Academics has been generously supported by the N.C. Council on Developmental Disabilities, the N.C. Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services, the N.C. Division of Medical Assistance and CenterPoint Human Services in Winston-Salem.
