College and universities around the state are ready for students to start hitting the books as fall semester rolls around once again. This summer, campuses everywhere have been gearing up for the arrival of fall with new programs, campus additions and new student activities.

Georgia's institutions of higher education are all prepared with a diverse group of programs designed to meet the varied academic goals of their students. Also impressive are the amazing students that find the time to generously give back to their communities on top of their rigorous course schedules.

Gwinnett's own higher education facilities have a lot to brag about, too. Georgia Gwinnett College recently graduated its first class – among them a student heading to Harvard University this fall. Gwinnett Technical College, offering leading-edge education for the area's fastest growing careers, continues to experience significant enrollment increases and program expansion.

While you are perusing the pages on higher education, don't forget to check out our annual College Wire for a comprehensive look at many of Georgia's post-secondary education options. From two-year colleges to four-year universities, you can catch the latest news on campus in our report – each campus is just buzzing with exciting information to share. Take a look!

Rhodes Scholar Looks for Broader Perspectives
This fall, Deep Shah, who was named a Rhodes Scholar, will have an opportunity to take his education across the pond and study at the University of Oxford.

"Studying at the University of Oxford and receiving a Rhodes Scholarship are both great privileges. Collectively, I hope they offer me a broadened worldview and an understanding of how policymakers from across the world approach the most persistent challenges in society. The United States can learn much from healthcare leaders in other industrialized nations," Shah says.

Shah grew up in Gwinnett and attended Greater Atlanta Christian School before continuing his studies at The University of Georgia, where he graduated with majors in international affairs and biology.

The busy student found time to give back to his community by helping at hospitals and at a children's clinic in Costa Rica where, in 2005, he had the opportunity to shadow local physicians and help educate children about their health. "Volunteering at this clinic broadened my perspective on the role a physician plays as a community leader and how the need for good health transcends socioeconomic barriers," he says.

Shah plans to earn a master's degree at Oxford in comparative social policy. "Healthcare has social, financial and legal dimensions... I want to serve as a physician policymaker in the future, helping all these elements converge in the examination room. A degree in CSP will allow me to understand these health issues from a number of relevant perspectives…" he says.

Upon completion of his studies at Oxford, the scholar plans to attend Harvard Medical School.

GOAL Winner Named at Gwinnett Technical College
Ruben Basulto, a radiologic technology student at Gwinnett Tech, was recently named the 2008 Gwinnett Tech winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

The award honors excellence in academics and leadership. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) sponsors the statewide GOAL program, which recognizes outstanding technical college students.

When asked how he felt about being selected as a GOAL winner, Basulto responded, "Frankly, I'm extremely humbled. I felt appreciative when my program director initially nominated me for GOAL... I'm honored."

In addition to his fulltime, 40-hours per week class schedule, his part-time job, his family life and playing competitive tennis, Basulto is a Gwinnett Tech Student Ambassador. "I'm ready to serve GTC as an ambassador both now and in the years to follow," Basulto says.

Jim Sass, radiologic technology program director at Gwinnett Tech, says, "Ruben Basulto has had other college experience and was an excellent student in that environment, but he realizes that Gwinnett Tech will open doors to a career path with many more opportunities waiting."

Ruben also exhibits both great technical and patient care skills while learning radiologic technology, Sass adds. "He will be an excellent representative for technical education."

College Break Lifetime Impact

Several years from now when Meredith Stewart, a student at the University of Georgia, looks back at her college experience, she won't remember spending college breaks getting a tan at the beach. But, the Lilburn resident will remember the lives she touched and the people that touched her heart.

During her sophomore year of college, Stewart became involved with Alternative Spring Break – a program designed to give students an affordable, substance-free experience that encourages them to gain an understanding of social issues. Her first experience with the program involved helping to raise awareness about AIDS. "After I was a participant, I knew I was hooked," she says.

Stewart prepared for her second trip to help others by becoming a site leader where she led a group to Orlando to work with Give Kids the World – an organization that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at a non-profit village resort in Central Florida. On her last night of the trip, Stewart drove a little girl through the village on the train, gave her the conductor's hat and told her she could blow the whistle.

"I will never forget her face and the huge smile that appeared as we rode around." Later that night, Stewart realized the direct impact of her actions. "I found out that little girl was what Give Kids the World describes as a ‘rush wish'... The little girl had probably been rushed there to enjoy one of her last weeks with us."

Stewart, who became the executive coordinator of the program, spent her 2008 Spring Break working in New Orleans, helping to repaint the outside of a three-story home for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Before summer ends, Stewart wants to go back to New Orleans to help rebuild houses. This month, Stewart will also be working at a summer camp.

Continuing Your Education
Lifelong Learning Options Flourish
Continuing education can be a great way to enhance your current career or start a new one. Whether you're ready to tackle the challenge of an advanced degree or want to master ever-advancing technology with certification credentials, Gwinnett has plenty of options to help you continue your education. You'll also find a host of business training seminars and even personal enrichment courses. Here are just a few options:

• Brenau University – 770-534-6299
  Offers online, evening and weekend courses for baccalaureate, master's and educational specialist degrees. www.brenau.edu
• DeVry University – 404-292-7900
  Offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. www.devry.edu
• Gainesville State College – 678-717-3605
  Offers four-year degrees and continuing education options. www.gsc.edu
• Gwinnett Community School Program – 678-301-6000
  Offers enrichment and educational classes. www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us
• Gwinnett Technical College – 770-995-9697
  Offers associate's degrees, diplomas and certificate programs, continuing education seminars, corporate training programs and specialized training. www.gwinnetttech.edu
• Leadership Gwinnett – 770-232-8803
  Offers a nine-month program that includes a series of seven, one-day sessions, two retreats and more. www.gwinnettchamber.org
• University of Georgia – Gwinnett – 678-985-6800
  Offers professional development opportunities, master's degrees, advanced degrees and other non-credit courses. www.uga.edu/gwinnett

• Terry College of Business 678-985-6811
• College of Education 678-985-6771
• School of Social Work 678-985-6790
• College of Pharmacy 678-985-6809
• Georgia Center for Continuing Education 678-985-6774
• Small Business Development Center 678-985-6820
• Educational Technology Training Center 678-985-6797

One of GGC's first grads heads to Harvard

Andrea Ide, a member of Georgia Gwinnett College's charter graduating class, will be packing her bags and heading for Harvard this fall.

"I decided to go to Harvard…well, because it's Harvard," Ide exclaims. "Actually, one of my professors at GGC went there and told me about the program. It sounded so interesting and a really good mix of education and psychology. Of course, I never really thought that I would get in, so this is all still kind of surreal for me."

Ide plans to pursue a Master's of Education in human development and psychology. She may continue her education beyond Harvard, but her overall goal is to teach at the high school level.

"I want to teach psychology because it was my favorite class in high school. I had a great teacher who loved the subject, and that made it fun for all of us. I want to teach at the high school level because I think that students at that age need teachers who make learning fun and show a true love for education," she adds.

Ide originally choose to attend GGC because it was convenient, but she believes her studies at GGC have prepared her well for the courses she will be taking at Harvard.