Purdue News

May 14, 2004

Astronaut to address Science Bound parents at Purdue retreat

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Approximately 30 parents of Indianapolis Public Schools students who participate in Purdue University's Science Bound program will learn how to prepare their students for college during a weekend parent retreat on May 22-23.

The Science Bound parents will attend a presentation by astronaut Guy Gardner at 11 a.m. Sunday (May 23) in the East Faculty Lounge of the Purdue Memorial Union. Chemistry professor Michael Lipshutz and biological sciences professor Isidore Julian will conduct workshops.

Recreational opportunities include a movie and bowling. Parents also will tour campus.

Wesley Campbell, Science Bound director, said parents will gain valuable insight on what their children will need to succeed at Purdue.

"The science, engineering and technology programs at Purdue consistently rank among the highest in the nation," Campbell said. "This retreat gives parents an idea of the amazing array of opportunities available to their children and what it will take to flourish in their chosen fields."

George Okantey, Science Bound parent program director, said parents also appreciate the opportunity to interact with other parents who are committed to advancing their children's education.

"Through after-school programs, workshops and field trips, Science Bound parents have worked very hard to enrich their children's education and prepare them for college," Okantey said. "The parents are looking forward to this retreat as both a productive and fun way to finish the school year."

Science Bound, a program initiated by Purdue President Martin C. Jischke in 2002, mentors eighth-grade to 12th-grade Indianapolis Public Schools students and encourages them to take classes in preparation for future careers in science, engineering, technology, agriculture and math-science education. Upon acceptance, Science Bound students receive an opportunity to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Purdue to study in an approved technical field.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Wesley Campbell, (765) 494-0018, wesleyl@purdue.edu

George Okantey, (317) 275-9305, okantey@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: The media can cover any of the retreat events. For a complete itinerary, contact Science Bound administrative assistant Angela Champion at (765) 494-0018, aachanpi@purdue.edu

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