Unlocking Potential: How Lifelong Learning Drives Success at UND – University Letter

By Ishir Agarwal, Cindy Gregg, and Julie Zikmund

In a speech back in 1910, Frank McVey, the president of the University of North Dakota (UND), said, “Education neither begins nor ends with the four years of a college course. It is consistent with life itself.” His words still resonate today, showing that learning is a lifelong journey.

UND has embraced this idea for over a century, offering programs that reach far beyond traditional education. The mission began with the Extension Division, which aimed to bring the University to the people. This goal remains central to UND’s approach. Today, it’s part of the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, focusing on service and community engagement.

UND aims to connect with people of all ages, using the University’s resources to serve the community. This commitment allows students to give back and learn through their experiences, which will be showcased in this special edition of UND Today.

The Office of Extended Learning is a key part of this mission. As Socrates famously said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Here’s how they make that spark happen:

• **Events and Conferences**: The office helps plan various events, making it easy for organizers to manage registrations and payments.
• **Nutrition Training**: For over 50 years, this program has equipped people to manage nutritional needs in healthcare settings, helping professionals stay certified and comply with regulations.
• **Professional Development**: With over 600 online courses, UND offers training for personal growth and career advancement.
• **Educator Support**: Programs tailored for teachers ensure they have opportunities for additional training and learning.
• **Community Classes**: Monthly, free classes invite learners of all ages to explore new interests and connect with others.

UND fosters leadership in students through community service. For example, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1342 brings aviation to young learners. This chapter organized ten workshops for over 100 kids in Grand Forks, focusing on various themes like Drone Day and Airport Day. Students learned through hands-on activities like flying drones and engaging with professionals from the field.

Another highlight is the UND Summer Reading Camp, a community service program that has been active for more than 40 years. This camp invites school children to participate in engaging reading activities designed to build confidence and improve their skills. Graduate and undergraduate students serve as instructors, applying best teaching practices to help young readers succeed.

In the words of another UND president, Tom Clifford, North Dakotans have a strong connection to the University. “People like to feel they’re part of the enterprise,” he said. This spirit of inclusion fuels UND’s mission to inspire curiosity and keep the community moving forward together.

As the world continues to evolve, the importance of lifelong learning becomes even clearer. According to a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics, about 35% of adults in the U.S. engage in some form of continued education. This trend reveals a societal shift towards valuing knowledge at every age. It reinforces UND’s commitment to serving those eager to learn and grow, fostering a culture of curiosity that benefits everyone.

For more insights on the importance of lifelong learning, you can visit [National Center for Education Statistics](https://nces.ed.gov/) and explore the findings that highlight this growing trend.

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