When you think about a college education, classroom learning is what traditionally comes to mind. But a student's education is increasingly about learning experiences that take place outside the classroom. Study abroad, service learning, and internships provide students with a life-changing, real-world perspective and opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom.

Service learning has another important outcome. Students learn to "give back" while they learn, setting up a pattern of giving that will hopefully last a lifetime. Last month, we highlighted the service learning opportunities in CFS to President Martin C. Jischke. Students talked with the president about their experiences. A few examples of service learning in CFS include:

• Students from the CFS Multicultural Society for Excellence traveled to Guatemala to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity over Spring Break.

• With the relocation of US 231 in West Lafayette in our future, hospitality and tourism management students explored possible locations from social, environmental, and business perspectives.

• Child development and family studies students regularly complete needs assessments and/or program evaluations for not-for-profit community programs or agencies.

• Students taking foods and nutrition communication get hands-on experience teaching nutrition to 'real' audiences in the Lafayette community.

• CFS education students team with Family Services of Lafayette to support the Families and Schools Together program by assisting with meals, child care, and family activities to promote family time.

Hail Purdue!
Dennis Savaiano
Dean

Connie Weaver, distinguished professor and head, Department of Foods and Nutrition, participated on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee charged with compiling science-based advice for the new national Dietary Guidelines that were released January 12. Weaver will speak about her experience on the committee and the new guidelines at the CFS Boiler Mixer alumni event on March 3 in Indianapolis.

CFS is accepting nominations for the 2005 Inspiring Families and Building Communities Award. The deadline to apply is March 23, 2005. The award honors a program or collaboration that has improved the well being of Indiana families. Award nomination information.

The annual Midwest Career Conference, hosted by the Purdue Retail Institute, is an opportunity for undergraduates in retail management, selling and sales management, apparel design and technology, and financial counseling and planning to meet and interview with industry representatives. This year, more than 40 companies are participating in the event. Visit Midwest Career Conference Web site.

In an effort to connect foods and nutrition alumni and graduating seniors with potential jobs, the department has created a Web site of job opportunities. The site is password protected and can only be accessed by the department's alumni and current students. If you are in the market for a new job opportunity within foods and nutrition, check out the new Web site!

Robert Egger, president and founder of D.C. Central Kitchen will be the keynote speaker at the 2005 Felker Leadership Conference on April 15. Egger, who has been featured on Nightline, 48 Hours, and Oprah, heads the Washington D.C.-based organization that collects donated food from local restaurants, caterers, and hotels and produces 4,000 meals a day. Egger also founded Campus Kitchens Project, which operates similar programs in college cafeterias across the country. Registration is required for this event. Read more.

Ray Kavanaugh, professor and head, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, was elected to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Executive Committee at the organization's January meeting in Sarasota, Florida. In May, Kavanaugh will begin a one-year term as association treasurer. The following year, he will be vice chairman. Kavanaugh will assume the board chair position in May 2007.

Sharon DeVaney, professor, Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing, and graduate student Sophia Chiremba, had their paper "Comparing the Retirement Savings of the Baby Boomers and Other Cohorts" published in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Compensation and Working Conditions Online.

February 8-9: 2005 Midwest Career Conference

February 19: CFS Alumni Board of Directors Meeting

March 3: Central Indiana Boiler Mixer

April 9: HTM Black Tie Dinner

April 15: Felker Leadership Conference

April 15: CFS Awards Celebration Dinner

April 16: Gala Weekend

April 16-17: SpringFest

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