May 22, 2008

Córdova addresses graduates at Westville Correctional Facility

President France A. Córdova spoke to a graduating class of 45 men from the Westville Correctional Facility when they received degrees or certificates from Purdue North Central yesterday (Wednesday, May 21).

Together, the graduates received one bachelor's degree, 26 associate degrees and 45 certificates in front of their families and friends in the facility's gymnasium.

Wednesday marked the 22nd annual commencement ceremony for Purdue North Central's correctional education program. The university first offered the program at Westville Correctional Facility in 1986. Since its inception, men serving sentences there have earned 86 bachelor's degrees, 443 associate degrees and 536 certificates, said David Crum, director of correctional education at Purdue North Central.

The PNC program offers bachelor's degrees in liberal studies and organizational leadership and supervision. It also offers associate degrees and certificates in organizational leadership and supervision through the College of Business.

During the month of May, Córdova has spoken at nine Purdue commencement ceremonies in her first spring as the University's president.