Cook County Higher Education Director Paula Sundet Wolf was delighted to welcome community members to Higher Ed’s 20th anniversary celebration on May 18.
“How many of you have done something with Higher Ed?” asked Paula Sundet Wolf of the crowd gathered at Voyageur Brewing Wednesday evening, May 18. With much laughter, hands filled the air. Nearly everyone in the room had somehow benefited from the services provided by Cook County Higher Education. It was no surprise since the small crowd filling the room had gathered to celebrate Higher Ed’s 20 years serving both Cook County and beyond.
Taking a moment to recognize those who have made Higher Ed possible, Wolf invited two former board members, Rita Plourde and Mike Carlson up to the microphone to share some of their experiences developing this service.
“It seemed like insanity when we were trying to do this program. We had no space. We had almost no money,” Mike Carlson told the crowd before adding, “It is wonderful to see how many people have benefited from this wonderful program.”
Kelsey Kennedy, the current program coordinator for Higher Ed, also took a few moments to talk about how they have been able to serve the community over the years.
Above: Another former board member, Rita Plourde, shared some history of Higher Ed from its beginning 20 years ago. Left: Former Board Member Mike Carlson said it is wonderful to see how many people have benefitted from Higher Ed services.
“Working at Higher Ed for roughly four years, I have been able to see the community come through our doors and be served in a variety of ways,” Kennedy began. “It’s really been wonderful to see the people that show up, and then the events that happen, and the services that they are provided when that happens.”
She went on to talk briefly about one of Higher Ed’s recent events, three mental health trainings. After taking the classes, many of the attendees were then able to support the community as professionals or simply as locals with more experience in the field.
“The opportunities on the training side of things means lots of people have better wages, and are allowed to be more life-long learning prepared,” Kennedy concluded.
The remainder of the evening was spent enjoying some anniversary ice cream cake and celebrating Higher Ed with other folks who had come to appreciate its many contributions to the community.
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