Annual SCSU Leadership Breakfast discusses the importance of lifelong learning

 

St. Cloud State University hosted its annual Leadership Breakfast on Thursday, June 6 at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. This year’s event included a panel discussion on the benefits of and the need for lifelong learning.

The panel — moderated by SCSU Vice President for Advancement & Alumni Engagement Nic Katona — was comprised of SCSU President Dr. Robbyn Wacker, SCSU Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Executive Director Abe Hedtke, St. Cloud Area School District 742 Superintendent Dr. Laurie Putnam ’19, and SCSU Foundation Board member Chris Thiebaut ’05.

For President Wacker, lifelong learning is accessing formal learning opportunities throughout people’s lives in order to foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for employment and personal fulfillment. As more previously non-traditional college students enroll at SCSU, it’s important to meet the needs of today’s workforce and to set up students and alumni for continued success in the future as well.

“One of the things we saw early on as demographics started to change was that we have a significant number of individuals — even in the state of Minnesota — with some college credits, but no degree,” she said. “So if you think about the university of the future and what we need to do, the notion of lifelong learning — whether you’re coming back and completing a degree that you never finished, whether you want to complete other kinds of pathways, we are moving to provide for Minnesotans in that way.”

The benefits to lifelong learning are numerous, according to Dr. Putnam.

 

 

“It really enhances our quality of life by developing some of those emotional skills that we have, and also by giving us some new things to try out. I think with our world — which is changing so rapidly — we owe it to ourselves and to the future to be continuing to learn and grow, especially in the age of generative AI that is emerging so very quickly,” she said. “We can’t sleep on some of the new technologies that are coming out, especially as an educator. I think being able to develop those critical thinking skills, being willing to have the courage to try new things, I think grows that skill and benefits us as individuals and our entire community as we learn.”

Hedtke echoed Putnam’s sentiments, and said it’s important to consider the mental health aspect of lifelong learning as well within the bigger picture of one’s professional journey.

“I think thinking about how we can continue to keep ourselves mentally active — not just physically and socially active, but mental activity — helps no matter where you are in any stage of your life,” he said. “How do we advance along the way? I think all of us are in that situation where we want to demonstrate to our employer or perhaps a prospective employer what we’re doing. It’s finding those small bites and steps wherever you can to take on the next chapter of your career or the next little piece.”

For Thiebaut, who works in the financial sector, lifelong learning is needed in today’s workforce and makes for more dynamic employees.

“Lifelong learning is essential for success in finance. One of our key core principles is being a student of the market, which means keeping up with the latest market trends, world events and policy changes. It’s not just about doing our jobs and doing our jobs better,” he said. “As a manager at a very competitive firm in a very competitive industry, I’ve come to recognize one of the most significant hurdles we face is not just achieving a work-life balance, but helping my team achieve balance between work, life and continuous education. The pursuit of knowledge is a journey that doesn’t end at graduation. It’s an ongoing process that enriches both our personal and professional lives.”

A video discussing the benefits of lifelong learning through St. Cloud State was shown during the breakfast, showcasing alumni and certificate course participants who have advanced professionally thanks to continuing their education. 

Explore lifelong learning options that work for you through SCSU’s graduate program and PACE offerings. To share your lifelong learning story and to hear from others, visit the #OurSCSU website.