UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 09.24.21

Dear Team:

Classes are a top priority for most college students. What classes to take, who is the professor, is it a required class, will it be easy or hard?  What many may fail to realize is that education doesn't just occur in a classroom. In fact, some of life's greatest lessons are learned through experience.  I had to remind myself of that last week, when my youngest son, who decided to take a "gap" year (i.e., taking a year off from school), got on a train with only a backpack. His plan is to explore and visit friends for three months. I suspect he will indeed learn a few things along the way.

Knowledge comes in a variety of ways for all of us. Sometimes it is a formal classroom education; other times, it comes via the school of hard knocks; and sometimes, it's simply being in the right place at the right time. As we head into October, I would like to challenge us all to be mindful of constantly working to learn, professionally and personally, in whatever form that takes. Maybe it's a class, but it just as easily could be trying something new or visiting a place we have never been before, even if it's just nearby. In any case, we must never stop learning. 

Whatever the method, there are an infinite number of opportunities and experiences available. One of those opportunities is the UIF Online website. Human Resources is continually adding to its educational offerings. Visit the Learn and Grow page on UIF Online for more information. Another learning opportunity for some may be the CASE Academy, a leadership program for Rising Advancement Stars. The second cohort is being formed and open for registration. For more information check out the following link: https://www.case.org/conferences-training/case-academy-2021.

Speaking of learning and growing, congratulations to the UIS Class of 2020, which had the opportunity to come back to Springfield for an in-person graduation ceremony last weekend. 

Finally, whether it's reading, watching, or doing, here's to learning something new while you enjoy your weekend.

Best,

Jim