Thanks to the efforts of Jennifer Williams, continuing education students at Aquinas have a new resource on campus - the Aquinas Club for Continuing Education Students, or, as it’s known, A.C.E.

One of the newest Senate-recognized organizations on campus, A.C.E. seeks to support and connect continuing education students at Aquinas, offering special events, speakers and social opportunities designed to make life easier for non-traditional aged students.

Williams, a continuing education student who will graduate this year with a degree in political science, says that when she approached Director of Adult Student Recruitment Brenda Hennink about A.C.E., she envisioned a group to help “every CE student feel like there’s a place for them on campus.” With Hennink’s support, Williams sent out a survey and found “overwhelming support” among CE students for such an organization. Soon after, the club was born.

Since its first meeting on Aug. 26, A.C.E. has been exactly what it’s acronym implies - a hole-in-one. The group meets Tuesday nights every third week, featuring guest speakers on a variety of academic and social topics especially important to CE students. On Sept. 9, Assistant Professor of Theology Stephan Davis led a writing workshop attended by roughly 20 students. A.C.E. plans to host a professional talent recruiter at its Dec. 2 meeting. The meetings are open to all CE students and consistent attendance is not mandatory.

“I’ve met a ton of new people,” says Williams. “This filled a void and a lot of people have said to me it’s helped them realize all of what Aquinas has to offer.”

A.C.E. is advised by Molly Patterson, assistant professor of political science, and has received significant support from various departments on campus. In early Oct., the Office of Adult Student Recruitment, the College’s three academic deans and A.C.E. sponsored “Deans on the Deck” - a social gathering for CE students that featured an Oktoberfest-style dinner, refreshments and a chance to meet Aquinas deans and professors. Nearly 100 students and their guests attended.

“Students are so busy with their family and work lives that it’s rare for them to be able to slow down enough to take the time to socialize with people here at the College,” said Hennink. Regarding the presence of the students’ friends and relatives, Hennink said, “It’s important for us to recognize those that support our students as they go through the program.”

Although Williams will graduate in May, she is proud of what A.C.E. has accomplished and believes it will continue to grow.

“Aquinas has a great [continuing education] program,” she said. “It would be great if we could make A.C.E. a drawing factor for prospective students.”

 For more information on A.C.E., please contact Jennifer Williams at willije3@aquinas.edu.