Presentation Showcases Student Contributions to Appalachia Ohio

Contact: Lesli Johnson, Institute for Local Government and Rural Development, (740) 593-9739

ATHENS, Ohio (March 28, 2001) -- Ohio University students working with the Institute for Local Government and Rural Development (ILGARD) have been applying their education and are ready to show how they've made a difference in Appalachia Ohio.

ILGARD invites the Athens community and Ohio University students, faculty and staff to I Can Do That!, an ILGARD 20th Anniversary celebration held at Baker Center in the 1804 room, Apr 11, noon to 3 p.m. Visitors will see what contributions these students have made to our region.

For the past 20 years, students earning degrees in political science, social work, journalism, geography, visual communication, public administration and many other disciplines have gained valuable experience working with ILGARD.

"Many students spend hundreds of hours working at ILGARD on projects that are related to their degree work at OU," says Mark Weinberg, director of ILGARD and Ohio University political science professor. "As part of an ILGARD project team, they have the opportunity to apply theories and concepts they learn in the classroom. The communities gain tangible benefits, and the students get professional experience that gives them an advantage when they embark on their careers."

More than 60 students are working with ILGARD this year as interns, graduate assistants, student employees and Voinovich Scholars to provide technical assistance and carry out applied research for the region and state.

I Can Do That! showcases student work on the Raccoon Creek watershed conservation initiative, Pre-kindergarten Education Assessment, ILGARD's work with the Governor's Office of Appalachia, the Appalachian Project for Welfare Reform, various Ohio University/ILGARD alumni profiles and more.

Students in honors programs can take the opportunity to vie for internship positions in the next academic year. "In honor of this event, the application deadline for the Voinovich Scholars program has been extended to April 15 to accommodate departmental honors and Honors Tutorial College students who attend the celebration," says Terry Murphy, assistant to the director for the Voinovich Center.

Application information will be available to students interested in being considered for the program.

Student presenters will be available to discuss projects with the public during the celebration.

Refreshments will be provided.

The Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development is a part of the Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.