Make higher education affordable to all

Someone very wise once said that the key to the present is the past. Well, 2016 marks the college's 50th anniversary and a lot has happened over the past half-century. While the buildings and their occupants have changed over time, the goal of providing the area with quality, accessible education remains the same.

Kirkwood has always been the community's college. Our graduates impact the Corridor community and workforce. We communicate with business and corridor leaders to make sure the right programs are in place for the area. By understanding what employers are looking for, we can give our students the exact tools they need to thrive.

However, one of the components of an education that every student must consider is cost. When the community college system was founded, financial support from the state of Iowa made it so that the price of getting a degree wasn't a barrier. Over time that support has dwindled so much that today the cost of an education is almost squarely on the backs of students. Even though the cost at Kirkwood is relatively low, it can now be a barrier to a good number of those trying to get an education. In addition, the rising cost associated with college is directly related to the student debt and default rate crisis that is happening nationwide. The numbers are concerning, but there are ways we can combat them.

The Kirkwood Foundation's goal is to raise money for scholarships to help ease the student financial burden. If you are able, I encourage you to contact the Kirkwood Foundation about helping students on their path to success. They will leave with less debt, and on the path to achieving great things in 2016 and beyond. Think of it as reinvesting in the community.

Step onto any one of Kirkwood's campuses and it won't take you long to see what an amazing institution the Corridor has in its backyard. The college is recognized nationwide as a premier institution and it's not difficult to see why. Kirkwood has the number one two-year agriculture program in the country. Our nursing program has a 100 percent pass rate for the NCLEX, a nationwide exam for the licensing of nurses. The Hotel at Kirkwood Center is a AAA Four Diamond hotel that doubles as a real-world teaching laboratory. Kirkwood also has been named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for being environmentally conscious. These are just a few great things, and more will be coming in 2016.

The reason that Kirkwood has been such an asset to the community over the years is because of its people. Everyone from the board of trustees to the faculty and employees has made the college what it is today. Our employees live the mission and vision of the college. Everyone makes student success the number one goal. Everyone is invested.

In closing, I would like you to consider a few things. Kirkwood is the community's college. Most graduates stay in the area after graduation. The college has always worked with Corridor leaders to fill workforce needs. In addition, Kirkwood itself is one of the larger employers in the area. All of our successes are tied together and have been for the past 50 years. That's the key to our present success. It's the key to our future as well.

' Mick Starcevich, Ed.D. is president of Kirkwood Community College. More information: kirkwood.edu