February 11, 2005

Wayne State University host site for adult, community and continuing education conference

The Michigan Association for Adult and Continuing Education (MAACE) invites professionals working with adult learners to MAACE's annual conference March 17-18 at Wayne State University's Oakland Center in Farmington Hills, 33737 West 12 Mile Rd.

This year's conference, sponsored by Wayne State's department of interdisciplinary studies in the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs (CULMA), will feature presentations and speakers from all aspects of adult and continuing education as well as a research-to-practice session.

The purpose of the two-day event titled "MAACE: Celebrating Tradition, Valuing Innovation," is to bring together those who work with and meet the challenges and opportunities of educating adults. It offers an opportunity to share information, ideas and experiences by celebrating tradition and valuing educational innovation.

Diane Duthie, state director of adult education, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, will serve as the opening speaker.

Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor, Wayne County Community College District, will be the keynote speaker during the luncheon segment on March 17. A noted columnist and commentator, Ivery will share his expertise as an urban community leader and educator. The author of more than 400 articles for metropolitan newspapers and magazines, he holds a bachelor's degree in journalism; master's degree in psychology and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arkansas.

Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan-Criminal Division will be the featured luncheon speaker on March 18. Hathaway received her bachelor's degree from Wayne State University, a master's degree from the University of Detroit and juris doctorate degree from the Detroit College of Law. She is involved in many civic and community organizations.

The conference marks the 51st anniversary of MAACE, an organization dedicated to serving the professional needs of adult educators in Michigan; promoting the practice of adult education as a vital contribution to the lifelong educational development of individuals; and fostering cooperation among all persons and groups concerned with adult education.

For more detailed information on the conference and registration forms and procedures, visit the MAACE Web site at www.maace.org.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.