St. Norbert College Hosts College Affordability Forum
Kellie Herson
Issue date: 3/9/09 Section: News
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The forum, entitled "Access and Affordability of Higher Education in a Down Economy," was held at the Fort Howard Theater on March 2.
In her address, "State Funding Commitment to Affordable Higher Education," Lawton stated the purpose of the forum: that it is important "to realize why we can't turn away from higher education and that it is more affordable than one might expect."
Many of the speakers referenced President Barack Obama's plan for higher education and economic stimulus plan, including St. Norbert College President Thomas Kunkel.
In his opening welcome remarks, Kunkel reminded the audience of Obama's goal for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by the year 2020.
Kunkel also reiterated that three-fourths of the fastest growing occupations require more than a high school diploma, and yet only one-half of adults in the United States have a post-secondary degree.
Lawton, who spoke first at the forum, also mentioned the social importance of post-secondary education on the national and state level, stating that post-secondary degrees are "an entry ticket into our 21st century global economy."
Nationwide, the quality of education is declining, not just in comparison to other nations but also in absolute terms.
Wisconsin has a particularly interesting economic and educational situation that would be remedied by an increase in residents who hold post-secondary degrees, as Lawton explained in her speech.
The state has an above average proportion of "baby boomers" that will soon be retiring, coupled with a small population of young adults and a declining birth rate, which Lawton described as "a tremendous economic challenge."
"Children of this generation must be determined to drive the future," said Lawton.
The state currently has one of the lowest education attainment rates nationwide, as well as being ranked in the bottom third of all states in terms of income and worker productivity.
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