Le Moyne program helps students with credits and tuition
By Claudia Mathis
SUN staff writer
SUN photo Paul Finch
Le Moyne College has developed a unique plan to allow students at Bishop Ludden Junior/Senior High School, Bishop Grimes Junior/Senior High School and Christian Brothers Academy to experience the benefits of a Jesuit education, earn 12 college credits and up to $58,000 in college savings through the Loyola Institute Program.
The idea for a way to enhance diocesan education began with a discussion between Father Charles Vavonese, diocesan assistant superintendent for Catholic school advancement, and retiring superintendent of Catholic schools, Michael Colabufo, at the beginning of the year. They formed a committee to investigate the possibilities. The group met with a committee from Le Moyne College which included Dennis DePerro, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management at Le Moyne. “We wanted to create a pathway for the students to attend Le Moyne,” said DePerro.
DePerro said he is excited about the program because he feels it will enhance the relationship between Le Moyne College and the Syracuse Diocese. “Le Moyne has had a wonderful partnership with the diocese,” said DePerro. “We’re also hoping that through the program, the students will recognize and appreciate the quality Jesuit education that is offered right here in our own backyard.”
Father Vavonese said Le Moyne College president, Fred Pestello, Ph.D., has been very cooperative. “He put it in motion — we are most grateful,” said Father Vavonese.
Designed exclusively for students enrolled at Syracuse’s three Catholic high schools, the Loyola Institute requires that a student have completed the ninth grade, have at least a B average and be a contributing member of his or her school or community. Students must complete a brief application process and be accepted into the program.
To complete the Loyola Institute Program, students are required to complete successfully one of two non-credit study skills courses during the summer prior to 10th grade and four three-credit undergraduate courses at Le Moyne College between the end of ninth grade and their high school graduation.
The curriculum requires that students pass one Le Moyne undergraduate course of his or her choice during the summer prior to 11th and 12th grade and then complete two undergraduate courses during the 12th grade.
Upon successful completion of the Loyola Institute’s required curriculum, the high school student will have earned one semester’s worth of college credits — an approximate $12,500 value — by the time he or she is ready to begin college.
The students are able to take Le Moyne undergraduate courses at a highly discounted rate of $450 per course. The non-credit study skills course costs $250. The cost is $2,050 for the program.
Students who are accepted for admission to Le Moyne College after completing the courses will receive an additional $10,000 per year in free tuition. Over a four-period, it amounts to $58,000 in savings.
If a student chooses to attend another college or university, the course work completed through the Loyola Institute will still offer great value. Not only will the student be able to show college admission officers his or her proven ability to succeed academically at the college level, but also the student will be able to transfer the 12 earned course credits to most colleges or universities. He or she will save one semester’s worth of college tuition and room and board for an investment of only $2,050.
In addition, each year one exceptional student from each of the three high schools will be awarded a full tuition scholarship to Le Moyne College through The Loyola Institute.
“It’s a very attractive value for our students,” said Father Vavonese. “Not only does it help financially, but it gives students the experience of doing college work. When they go on to college, the transition won’t be so hard for them. Also, when they graduate from high school, it will position them so that they can get into more competitive colleges. It’s really a great enhancement — their college applications will stand out because they will be able to include college transcripts.”
The program will begin this summer. The study skills course, Success Skills for Critical Reading and Writing, will be held July 6-23 and the second study skills course, Success Skills for Mathematics, will be held Aug. 3-20.
For more information about the Loyola Institute, contact Le Moyne College’s Office of Continuing Education at (315) 445-4141 or visit the Web site.
