Rendell , Laura Bush honored at Drexel
Janhavi Purohit
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: News
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The awards are meant to highlight individuals who have made outstanding achievements in the field of online learning.
According to Papadakis, there has been a 'staggering growth' of online learning in classrooms across the nation, making the focus on education all the more important.
Distance learning has become a part of our business model at Drexel, and as many of you know, we have set up Drexel Online, Drexel e-Learning, inc. as a dedicated marketing strategy to increase that learning," Papadakis said.
Papadakis said that Drexel online programs are now among the 10 largest in both nursing and library sciences, as well as in other programs such as education.
"We are very proud of Drexel Online," Papadakis said. "Our satisfaction with it has continued to grow since 2002, when Drexel e-Learning, inc. was implemented."
Papadakis added that the program has been growing almost 20 percent a year.
Rendell was honored at the event as a "great friend of Drexel for many years," according to Papadakis, and was the keynote speaker.
"He has been a supporter not only of education in Philadelphia, but throughout Pennsylvania," Papadakis said.
Rendell in his speech emphasized the importance of a statewide focus, especially in terms of the budget, on education.
According to Rendell, online learning programs are crucial in supporting many aspects of earlier education schools and students in homeschooling and in rural schools.
"We have to invest in an education now," Rendell said. "We have to support education in a way that produces talented individuals."
Rendell added that on a national level as well, the government needs to invest in education.
"It's important to invest in our human infrastructure, which is education," Rendell said. "We need accountability and standards."
Arthur Zamkoff, president and CEO of Drexel e-Learning, Inc., read a letter sent to Drexel by First Lady Laura Bush, who was also honored with an award for her contribution to online learning, as well as for her 21st Century Librarian Program.
"I commend the educators, business leaders and community organizations that support distance learning programs in the Philadelphia area. Your efforts have set an example to communities around the country," Zamkoff read.
Jeremiah Strapoli, a graduate of Drexels online learning programs and the president of the Thompson Institute, also spoke to the effectiveness of Drexel's online programs.
"Drexel delivered to me the presidency my students deserve," Strapoli said. "They delivered to me, online, my life."
The awards to the instructors for each college were given by Interim Provost Mark Greenberg.
Awards were presented to Alison Lewis for the iSchool, Jeremy Johnson for the College of Engineering, Bill Tobia for the College of Medicine, Raymond Lum for the School of Public Health, Stacey Kline for the LeBow College of Business, Cheryl Portwood for the College of Nursing and Health Professionals, Amy Giddings for the Goodwin College of Professional Studies, Marlin Killen for the College of Arts and Sciences and Sunda Dierkis for the School of Education.
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