Dr. Steve DiPietro, Vice Provost for University Assessment, Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness talks about last week's Assessment Conference:
"By all accounts last week's 5th annual conference, “Leading A Collaborative Revolution for Change” was a ringing success. We hosted 420-+ attendees from 30 states and several foreign countries. We had 155 panelists and presenters and offered 56 concurrent sessions, 2 blocks of snapshot sessions and 2 very well received plenary speakers [Todd Zakrajsek and Jillian Kinzie]. We also offered 5 pre-conference half-day workshops attended by over 80+ registrants, and for the first time aligned with AALHE to offer a sold out Institute for people new to our profession. We also treated our guests to an ice cream social [replete with Mario the Drexel Dragon], a Betsy Ross House Courtyard reception, entertainment by a Jazz Ensemble, special guests President George Washington and Betsy herself, traditional "Philly" snacks [you all now know how to keep the icing on the butterscotch krimpet and not the cellophane], two breakfasts and a very well received plenary luncheon panel in Behrakis Grand Hall showcasing the Presidents of four major Philadelphia institutions, Colleen M. Hancyz, President of La Salle University, President Mark Reed of Saint Joseph’s University, President Donald Generals of the Community College of Philadelphia, and moderated by Drexel’s president, John A. Fry.
Like any great task, it takes so very many people working in concert with a team orientation to bring this project to a quality conclusion - and that is where our folks come into play. As I have previously indicated, I feel so blessed for this event to consistently be the recipient of my colleagues’ talents, humor and generosity. I think you will agree with me that we are fortunate indeed to have such a dedicated cadre of volunteers, including two recent retirees!. Much gratitude must also be extended to those behind the scenes such as event services, facilities, maintenance, catering, instructional media services, IT, graphic design, web development, protocol, transportation and printing, and the countless faculty and staff pulling together."