Fourteen students in the ICE program celebrated a year of achievement at a ceremony held in the Campus Center ballroom.
The state-funded Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment program offers public high school students, aged 18-22, with cognitive difficulties the opportunity to participate in inclusive college courses (credit or non-credit) to increase their school and work success.
Addressing the students and their friends and family was BSU President Dana Mohler-Faria, who told the students how much they mean to the campus. “We also get the opportunity to learn from you,” he said.
“We at the university feel it’s a joy to be able to support this program,” the president added.
BSU’s involvement in the ICE program began in 2011 with 17 students. In addition to being part of the campus community, the participants also benefit from job and educational coaching, thanks to staff members Christina Raeke and Zachary Chipman.
The program, according to President Mohler-Faria, speaks to BSU’s commitment to being an institution that values inclusiveness. Having earlier examined the students’ portfolios, he told them, “Your work has been phenomenal.”
Of the 14 students, many had also participated in internships, working on campus in the mailroom, the dining halls and radio station, and beyond.
A participant named George used the skills he’d learned in a public speaking class to address the crowd. He’d participated in an internship at the Wareham-based company Smithers Viscient.
“Whatever disability you have, you can push through…because you are strong,” he told his classmates.
The year-end celebration also included two videos created by the students, one featuring animation, the other puppetry.
“It’s been an incredible journey this year,” said Mary Price, director of the ICE program.
President Mohler-Faria joined Ms. Price and Raeke, and Mr. Chipman in handing out certificates to the participants. (Story and photos by John Winters, G’11, University News)
