Base Education Fair opens opportunities

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Retired Chief Master Sgt. Dan Roby summed up the value of an education this way: "In the end, someone can take away your stripes, take away your pay, but they will never be able to take away your education," said the American Military University education coordinator. 

The 2009 Eglin Education Fair April 9, at the Eglin Base Library, was a one-stop shop for anyone with base access to gain new insight about continuing their education. 

The Base Education Center hosted the event which brought together eight different colleges that set up booths providing informational pamphlets about their programs. 

"This [event] gives us the opportunity to help people make the decision on how to pursue a higher learning," said Matthey Hollern, Saint Leo University director. "Choosing a college is a decision not to be taken lightly." 

Representatives described their college's degree programs, offered assistance filling out college applications and answered questions. 

For many Airmen, a higher education means an easier transition into the civilian workforce. This event was an opportunity to speak to someone personally about questions or concerns they may have with pursuing a higher education. 

"To be able to talk to someone firsthand rather than online is very refreshing," said 2nd Lt. Frank Clark, 40th Flight Test Squadron flight test engineer. "The face-to-face forum makes it less nerve racking to get answers." 

The colleges offer broad programs from engineering and information technology, to specialized programs like criminal justice, digital media/multimedia technology and space operations structure and design. 

"With the economy in the state it's in, people have to reinvent themselves," said Amy Semenov, an Air Force dependant. "They're coming out to find what options are available." 

Deborah Cluff, Eglin Education Center coordinator, said that furthering one's education is the best stepping stone to increasing their lifetime earnings. 

"A person with a bachelor's degree will earn almost twice as much as someone with a high school diploma over their lifetime, ($2.1 million compared to $1.2 million)" she said. "With on-base schools and a wide variety of online opportunities, higher earnings are within reach." 

Colleges and universities offered on base include: 

University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
Troy University
Southern Illinois University
University of West Florida (UWF)
Northwest Florida State College

For more information about education opportunities, contact the base education center at (850) 882-8141 or via e-mail Eglin.educationoffice@eglin.af.mil.