The downward trajectory of the nation’s economy is challenging all of us. Consumer debt is at an all-time high, with bailouts, layoffs, and a confirmed recession. At a time of year traditionally devoted to celebrations with family and friends, our holiday spirit is being challenged by shrinking retirement savings, the ability to send a child to college, job security, debt, or just being able to make ends meet.

Not since 1929 have we as a nation faced such a crisis or had the potential to join together to rise above it. I believe we all have the power to contribute to the solution. While there are many things beyond our individual control, each of us can be a better steward of the resources we are given.

Our college is in a unique position to directly and indirectly help consumers during these difficult economic times. With experts in financial planning and management and a network of Extension specialists in every Indiana county, we have the responsibility to provide the financial resources, programs, and information to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Later this month, we will be launching a new CFS Extension Web site with a large section devoted to helping consumers with money matters — from meeting their daily needs to achieving long-term financial goals and avoiding financial fraud. We hope it will prove useful, and I encourage your feedback.

Have a warm and wonderful holiday!
Dennis Savaiano
Dean

Abbott Nutrition is partnering with two student organizations, Foods and Nutrition Society and Pi Sigma Epsilon, to host the first Abbott Nutrition Sales Competition at Purdue on February 9. The competition involves interdisciplinary teams of students developing presentations on clinical breakthroughs in nutrition science to a panel of experts. Interested students in Foods and Nutrition, Selling and Sales Management, and Agricultural Economics are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at either 1:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. in Pfendler Hall, Room 241. For more information, contact Sally Harmon at sharmon@purdue.edu or Janelle Kennedy at jkenned@purdue.edu.

The nationally accredited preschools within the Department of Child Development and Family Studies have limited openings for children during the spring semester 2009. Purdue students, employees, and non-Purdue community families are eligible to apply. Read more.

With the holidays approaching and the economy struggling, it’s important for consumers to budget their money, monitor spending, and avoid getting in too deep with credit card debt. Elizabeth Kiss, CFS Extension specialist in family resource management, offers advice on planning and sticking to a holiday budget. Parents especially may be looking for ways to do more with less. Judy Myers-Walls, associate professor and CFS Extension specialist in human development, has suggestions for parents who want to give their children nice presents without overspending.

The popularity of gift cards continues to rise with holiday sales forecast to hit $35 billion to $40 billion this year, says Richard Feinberg, a professor in the Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing and researcher with the Purdue Retail Institute. Feinberg expects gift card sales for grocery stores, gas stations, and superstores to see significant increases. Read more.

Foods and Nutrition
Carol Boushey, associate professor, received a $2,000 service-learning faculty development grant to design a course in which students use the skills they learn in the classroom to complete community service projects.

Hospitality and Tourism Management
Howard Adler was named the C.B. Smith Professor of Hotel Management. A member of the Purdue faculty since 1982, he is director of the Center for the Study of Lodging Operations.

December 21: Commencement
February 10­–11: CSR Career Conference
February 18: CFS Study Abroad Fair

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