Fort Collins Law Makers Hold Issues Forum on Higher Education
Wednesday, November 4 2009
Educator Panel to Address: Why Higher Education is Critical to Colorado’s Economy and Future
FORT COLLINS – A critical issue on the minds of many local residents is that of ensuring a quality, affordable college education while state support for public colleges and universities is challenged. Fort Collins lawmakers will host a community issues forum on the topic, “Why Higher Education is Critical to Colorado’s Economy and Future,” on Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Fort Collins Coloradoan Community Room, 1300 Riverside Avenue.
Representatives John Kefalas and Randy Fischer, and Senator Bob Bacon will host a panel of college administrators to include: Dr.. Tony Frank, Colorado State University President, Joe Blake, Colorado State University System Chancellor, Dr. James Butzek, Front Range Community College Larimer Campus Vice-President and Dr. Kris Binard, Front Range Community College Larimer Campus, Dean of Student Services.
This public forum will focus on the value that higher education provides to our communities, state and the world. The panelists will speak to the achievements and successes of higher education despite budgetary challenges. Performance measurements to be addressed include: improving quality and access; expanding economic opportunity and reducing poverty, training a skilled workforce to meet business and industry needs, contributing to a diverse and sustainable economy, applying research and development that stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship while solving state, national and global problems. Panelists will also have the opportunity to address issues of transparency and accountability and their ideas on improving public and private support.
Rep. Fischer said, “There is no single more important economic driver for our community than our world-class land-grant university, CSU, and our tremendous community college, Front Range. At this time in our state’s history, it is more important than ever that we renew our commitment to building a high-performing higher-education system and that we meet today’s challenges facing higher education head on.”
Rep. Kefalas said, “Access to a quality and affordable college education is vital for building a fair economy that serves the people, creates opportunities for shared prosperity and protects our world for future generations.”
"Higher education is the foundation of a strong, resilient economy. Our colleges and universities provide Coloradans with the knowledge and skills they have used to make our state strong. Now, more than ever, we must ensure every Coloradan has access to the opportunity that comes with a college education." said Sen. Bacon.
This event is free, and there will be time for questions and answers and community dialogue. The Coloradoan Community Room is wheelchair accessible.
WHAT: Issues Forum on Higher Education
Why Higher Education is Critical to Colorado’s Economy and Future
WHEN: Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
WHERE: Fort Collins Coloradoan Community Room,
1300 Riverside Avenue,
Fort Collins, CO 80304
WHO: State Representative John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins)
State Representative Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins)
State Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins)
Dr. Tony Frank, Colorado State University President
Joe Blake, Colorado State University System Chancellor
Dr. James Butzek, Front Range Community College Larimer Campus
Vice- President,
Dr. Kris Binard, Front Range Community College Larimer Campus,
Student Services
