ST. LAWRENCE DEANERY — The College of Mount St. Joseph is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Cooperative Education Program this year.

Since 1982 the Mount has offered its students the opportunity for real work experience through cooperative education positions with companies and organizations throughout the tri-state area, such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Milacron, Procter & Gamble, Eldermount, Messer Construction, Validex, and RHC Corporation. The Mount was honored in 2004 by the Ohio Cooperative Education Association with the Sam E. Sovilla Award of Excellence.

Under the leadership of former Mount President Sister of Charity Jean Patrice Harrington, the Cooperative Education Program was implemented with Pat Murdoch at the helm as the first director. With the support of Ursuline Sister Francis Marie Thrailkill, who retired as president of the Mount in June, and Judi Heile, second director, the program grew from the initial placement of three students to a regular roster of students each semester that continues to grow each year. A Co-op Advisory Board, made up of employer partners, helps to ensure the program’s success.

"The Mount was definitely ahead of the curve, especially for a college of its size," said Maggie Davis, current director of the Career and Experiential Education Center. "Colleges and universities today realize that students need the chance to use their skills in a real-time situation, applying the theory that they are learning. Co-op provides that opportunity, and the Mount has provided 25 years of an exemplary program. Our employers are our partners, and we couldn’t do it without their support of the students, offering them wonderful employment opportunities that allow them to learn and grow professionally."

Over the past 25 years, the Mount has facilitated 6,042 placements. The college offers co-op in every baccalaureate major, from liberal arts, to business, to nursing, giving students the chance to earn college credit while gaining experience in a real-world business setting. Faculty advisors visit students at their co-op each semester to check on their learning progress.

"The program allows our students to transition to a career seamlessly, meeting needs of both employer and students. Co-op is absolutely a win-win partnership. Our students earned over $1,000,000 in wages last year alone. This makes college more affordable as well as giving them an advantage in the job market after graduation," said Davis.

The Co-op Recognition Dinner is a yearly event that honors those students who are involved in the wide variety of cooperative education positions. This year’s gathering was held on April 9 and included special recognition of the anniversary.

For more information about the program, contact the Mount’s Office of Career and Experiential Education at 513-244-4888.