Governor Martin O'Malley has declared February 12, 2009 "Maryland Independent Higher Education Day" in recognition of the vital role Maryland's independent colleges serve in the state, which boasts one of the best educated workforces in the nation.
Capitol College and other institutions that make up the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) will bring more than 150 college students, executives and presidents from across the state to Annapolis for a day of briefings and special activities at the Historic Inn of Annapolis, Calvert House. Attendees from Capitol will include Dr. Michael Wood, President, Dr. Michael G. Gibbs, Vice President for College Advancement, Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne, Dean of Student Life and Retention and several undergraduate students.
"Maryland Independent Higher Education Day provides an excellent opportunity for students, faculty and staff to interact with our elected officials at the state level and share with them the importance of continued state support for independent colleges and universities in our state, such as Capitol College," commented Dr. Gibbs.
Student activities will begin with a briefing hosted by MICUA at 10:15 a.m. in the Calvert House. Following the briefing, students will visit with state legislators and public officials. The students will reconvene for a luncheon at 1 p.m., and guest of honor Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., President of the Senate in Maryland, will give the keynote address.
Capitol College and MICUA's 17 other colleges and universities have been educating young men and women in Maryland for 226 years, and Governor O'Malley has commended the independent institutions for their significant contributions to higher education and recognized the broad public benefits these institutions provide by contributing to social mobility, economic prosperity, workforce development, scientific discoveries, global competitiveness, civic participation and service to community.
"Especially with our economy in recession, continued support from the state government and business communities is important for the growth and development of our workforce and citizens, and for the ability of our public and independent colleges and universities to educate them," says Dr. Wood. "We appreciate the relationship of mutual support that we enjoy with Maryland's executive and legislative leaders."
Twenty-first century jobs require high-level skills and education. Furthermore, the educational attainment of a population is directly linked to the economic prosperity of a state. Maryland is one of the most highly competitive states in the nation, ranking second in bachelor's degree attainment and third in its preparedness to support a global, knowledge-based economy. With an average household income of more than $65,000, Maryland ranks second nationally.
Maryland's institutions of higher education, public and private, produce the knowledge and conduct the research underpinning the State's economy. Every year, MICUA colleges and universities serve 52,000 students, confer one-quarter of all degrees awarded in the State, and attract almost $1.6 billion in research grants. These activities contribute to Maryland's quality of life and standard of living.
For more information about Maryland's Independent Higher Education Day, visit www.micua.org.